THE LOWDOWN

book, wine in the sunshine, Words & Wellness Retreat

If you were to describe your perfect weekend, chances are it would sound a lot like a Words & Wellness Retreat. I’m talking peaceful downtime, less screen time, more green time, and stunning Norfolk scenery. Add in nourishing food (that you haven’t had to prepare!), gentle movement, wholesome activities, and easy conversation with like-minded souls – not to mention plenty of cosy nooks to curl up uninterrupted with a good book (or sneak in a well-earned nap!).

The brainchild of sisters Helen Quinn and Anna Driscoll, Words & Wellness is the result of their shared passions – Pilates, reading, and travel – lovingly combined to create seasonal retreats at different Norfolk locations, that are focused on slowing down, switching off, and simply spending a weekend doing lovely things. Amen to that.

Helen Quinn and Anna Driscoll co founders of Words & Wellness Retreats — Sisters Helen and Anna, the brains behind Words & Wellness Retreats

A new kid on the block when it comes to wellness retreats in Norfolk, but definitely one to watch if this debut is anything to go by. Everything was meticulously thought out and deeply intentional, from the deliberately small group sizes and thoughtfully curated activities, to the handpicked locations chosen to showcase the best of the season. I joined them for a morning Pilates session and some book chat at West Lexham, the location du jour for this summer’s retreat, and it was every bit the dream weekend I anticipated.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure, West Lexham is a 22-acre estate on the outskirts of King’s Lynn, complete with a lake for wild swims, paddleboard and boating, a naturally filtered outdoor pool, fire pit, a sanctuary garden for meditation and unwinding, even an onsite library (all vaulted ceilings, reclaimed wood and cosy book nooks). There’s nature and green space in abundance, plus an on-site restaurant serving dishes made with produce from its very own Kitchen Garden. As you can probably imagine, it’s a hard place to leave.

THE VIBE

The Lake House West Lexham — The Lake House at West Lexham

Not all retreats get the balance right, but Words and Wellness manages to feel both spacious and intimate, social and serene, busy and blissful. I arrived and was gently swept into a lakeside Pilates class with the group, followed by tea, cake, and a chance to get to know everyone. The group was a lovely mix of women from across the UK, all attending solo – which was especially nice to see. You’d never have guessed it though, judging by the way everyone was chatting and getting on like old friends.

From there, the afternoon unfolded at its own pace – hello in-room massages, paddleboarding, reading, walking – whatever your body or mind fancied. And this was the vibe of the whole weekend, a loose schedule of activities which guests could join if they wanted, and plenty of “you” time.

THE PILATES

lakeside Pilates class at West Lexham, Words & Wellness Retreat — Lakeside Pilates

Pilates by the lake was every bit as idyllic as it sounds. With birdsong in the background and a soft breeze drifting in, it felt like the ultimate outdoor studio. The skies were overcast (thankfully) as we still managed to build up some heat and work up a proper sweat.

Helen Quinn teaching a Pilates class at Words & Wellness Retreats — Helen heading up the lakeside Pilates class

Helen, who leads the Pilates portion of the retreat, brings over 20 years of experience to the mat, and it shows (and I’m not just talking about her teaching an hours class on a slope down to the lake!). Her teaching style is inclusive and intuitive. Each movement comes with plenty of options, making her classes suitable for all levels so, whether you’re a Pilates regular or have no idea what a Corkscrew is, you’re in very good hands. All equipment is provided (I’m talking mats, bolsters, bricks and balls) leaving you to just bring yourself, some comfy clothes (and maybe some SPF if the sun’s out).

Pilates class in The Village Hall at West Lexham — Pilates set up in the Village Hall

This lakeside session was one of several scheduled across the weekend. Things kicked off on Friday evening with a slower, cosier class in the Village Hall – the perfect way to arrive, stretch out the week, and ease into retreat mode. Then, before everyone packed up and said their goodbyes on the Sunday, a final farewell stretch brought the weekend to a gentle close.

THE BOOKS

the goodie bag from the Words & Wellness Retreat — Goodie bag of dreams

It wouldn’t be a Words and Wellness retreat without a literary element – and bookworms will not be disappointed. From the moment you arrive, books are part of the experience, starting with a thoughtful and incredibly generous goodie bag (yes, there’s a shiny new book inside along with lots of wellness and Pilates kit) and continuing with plenty of cosy, considered bookish touches throughout the weekend.

Helen Quinn and Anna Driscoll co-founders of Words & Wellness Retreats with author Rachel Hore — Helen and Anna with the author Rachel Hore

One highlight was of course the exclusive author talk which was held alfresco on the Saturday evening. Best-selling author and Norfolk local, Rachel Hore, was the guest of honour discussing her new book, The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge, over a glass of fizz. Relaxed, informal, gorgeous.

Anna Driscoll co-founder of Words & Wellness Retreats Norfolk — Anna and her blind date with a book

There was also a “Blind Date with a Book” – a mini book swap with titles wrapped in pink paper and labelled only with a few cryptic clues. Plus each guest was asked to bring along a beloved book to swap with someone else – take it from me you’ll definitely come away with some lovely additions to the TBR pile.

SCOFF & QUAFF

All meals are included across the weekend, and the retreat does a brilliant job catering to dietary needs wherever possible. Much of the produce at West Lexham comes straight from the on-site Kitchen Garden, so everything felt fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully put together. There were also teas and cakes available throughout the day in the Garden Café – perfect for a post-Pilates treat or a mid-afternoon moment of calm.

fresh tomatoes from the Kitchen Garden at West Lexham — Fresh tomatoes from the Kitchen Garden

And yes, before you ask – wine, coffee, dessert and any other little vice you fancy are all very much on the table at this retreat. Balance, after all, is kind of the point.

PILLOW TALK

Guests staying at West Lexham could choose between single or shared self-contained dwellings, all thoughtfully designed with comfort and luxury in mind. Though each room offers everything you could possibly need for a relaxing stay, with the gorgeous surrounds and so many lovely things available to do, you won’t be spending much time in there!

WHAT ELSE?

The outdoor pool at West Lexham — The outdoor naturally filtered pool if wild swimming isn’t your thing

In between Pilates sessions, book chats, and long lunches, there was plenty of time to do your own thing, or nothing at all. For those in need of a little extra TLC, in-room massages were available, courtesy of Penny Groom, a holistic and remedial mobile therapist whose calming presence matched the mood of the weekend perfectly.

Boats at West Lexham — Boats and paddleboards were available for those who wanted to hit the water

For the more adventurous, the lake offered paddleboarding, wild swims, and boating – or you could simply dip your toes in and enjoy the view. Scattered around the estate were countless book nooks and quiet corners, ideal for curling up with your Blind Date Book or sneaking in a peaceful nap. Whether you were craving movement, stillness, solitude or a bit of connection, there was something – or somewhere – to suit everyone.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Everyone. Bookworms, wellness seekers, anyone in need of a bit of TLC, peace and quiet to finish a book, a weekend away whether it is alone, with the girls, your mum or daughter ever your other half.

Not for: If you are a seasoned retreater and prefer a structured, tightly scheduled itinerary, the fluid, freeform nature of this retreat – with plenty of unstructured “you” time – might not be your cup of tea. That said, there is more than enough to do during the weekend to keep you occupied.

The damage: Great value considering everything that is included. The cost is location and room dependent but prices start from around £790 for a shared room and up to £995 for a single.

WANNA BOOK?

The next Words & Wellness Retreat is Autumn goals. It will be held in Little Massingham Manor Fri 21 – Sun 23 Nov and will include access to the woodland spa and a wreath making workshop as well as Pilates classes, author talk from Sunday Times best-seller, Sophie Hannah, and plenty of wholesome seasonal fun – gorgeous or what?

Words & Wellness Retreats, Tel: 07493 353 231, Email: wordsandwellnessretreats@gmail.com

Review: Claire Hool

Pilates, page-turners & peaceful surroundings – this seasonal Norfolk retreat is the perfect pause

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