Retreats hosted by Loretta Lupi-Lawrence
Retreats are amazing, for so many reasons.
I have attended four hosted retreats now and went on two DIY retreats alone. I have enjoyed every single one in their own way.
I met Loretta through an online writing group. When she announced that she was hosting a retreat for writers, I was so excited. I had been craving a retreat that enabled me to go at my own pace. I knew mentally I wasn’t up for a fast pace, packed full of activities kind of retreat.
They are the perfect length, 4 nights, which means 3 full days being immersed in writing and self-care.
Loretta puts an incredible amount of thought and effort into providing nourishing food throughout the day. Her cooking is amazing, the smell in the house and the flavours are incredible. The meals are a chance to sit as a group and discuss our writing, which can lead to excellent discussions and lots of giggles.
All food has been carefully chosen by Loretta. Locally sourced where possible, especially the fruit and veg, baked goods and fresh breads. Most of the fruit and veg are provided by a local shop Coles Yard Wincanton.
The first night we set our intentions for the week, and then over breakfast on the final day we discuss how we got on, what we achieved and what our plans are for when we get back home.
She ensures the accommodation is fit to purpose and that there is ample space to escape to write, read or in my case on the first retreat nap.
Both retreats I attended with her had a pool. For the first retreat I was still very self-conscious and worried about how I looked. I hadn’t shaved my legs (because it wasn’t a priority at the time for keeping my head above water). After spending a couple hours with everyone I felt so comfortable I said to myself who cares, and I donned my bathing suit and swam, hairy legs and all.
The activities she arranges are thoughtful to being restorative and encourage creativity. All activities are optional, no-one makes you feel bad for not joining in.
One of the best things about Loretta’s retreats… no cliques, everyone is incredibly supportive and kind. We are all there for the same purpose.
Loretta’s retreats have structure, but the structure is focused on you and doing what is best for you, if you want to be together with others you can, equally if you want to be on your own, each bedroom has the perfect set up for you to be able to sit and write in solitude and quiet should you choose.
Alternatively, you can sit with everyone else at a large table and write together. It is so inspiring to see everyone working away at their projects.
Being in a room with others that have the same objectives as me helped my focus.
My first retreat with Loretta
SELF – a writer’s retreat
The first writer’s retreat I attended with Loretta I was broken, exhausted, couldn’t think straight. I wanted to document the heck out of it with photos but I just couldn’t do it! The photos I did take didn’t do it justice.
The theme for her first retreat was SELF. It was all about focusing on what YOU needed. For me that included lots of naps!
She had a loose schedule. One thing we all did after breakfast was journaling. Mentally I was still in such a fog that I could hardly journal, I didn’t know what I was going to write every day.
Outside of writing she also scheduled and booked in…
- Pilates
- Sound Bath
- Storyteller walk
It was hard for me to participate, and my mind fought it every step of the way, but I forced myself to join in. I was still in survival mode and my self-care was very limited at this point, I walked away from each activity proud of myself for participating. I was far out of my comfort zone, and I was paranoid about my body and how unfit I was, especially on the walk.
I am so happy that I chose not to let that stop me from joining in. The benefits mentally of that mindset shift was huge. It was the start of me being able to be comfortable in my body, and accepting it for what it is, and I started to see the benefits of what loving my body did for my mental health.
During the planned writing sessions, I napped, because it is what I needed. By the end of the retreat, I could feel myself starting to heal and the other participants said I looked different!
Loretta provides what you need to keep you nourished, focused and full. Breakfast is always fresh, as everyone wakes at different times, it’s serve yourself, although if you want eggs Loretta will cook them for you.
Lunch, she made the most amazing beans on toast and a fresh baked tart. There is always a delish sweet treat with tea/coffee in the afternoon. Every dinner was so full of flavour and variety! The perfect way to end a day.
This retreat helped me move to the next stage of my healing. I was rested and truly spoiled by Loretta’s cooking. I still dream of the dressing on the avocado, tomato and mozzarella salad.
My second retreat with Loretta
Balance – a writer’s retreat
When Loretta announced she was doing another retreat, I booked on straight away. I was not going to miss out!
What can I say about the accommodation…
I mean look at it!! My room was like a little sanctuary, the roll top bath with a view as the cherry on the top. Loretta really thought about the attendees when choosing this venue, the pool and sauna, the easy access to the grounds and surrounding countryside.
Those gorgeous flowers were grown on a local flower farm. Having seasonal fresh cut flowers was just another of the thoughtful touches Loretta put into making the retreat relaxing.
For this retreat she also scheduled and booked in…
- Yoga
- Holistic Massages (which we could have every day)
- Felting
- Vision boarding
Having the holistic treatments daily were next level and I felt well and truly pampered. We were even given a gift after the first treatment. Claudia was incredible, day 1 I had reflexology, day 2 was a facial and day 3 was back, facial and reflexology.
Food Glorious Food!!
The meals that Loretta planned were like being hugged, it was perfect for the time of year. I couldn’t even tell you my favourite meal because they were all so deliciously satisfying. When you book, she asks for your dietary requirements, and she makes sure she caters to everyone’s needs. Cakes and snacks were provided throughout the day.
Lunch at the retreat was a treat!
The lunches on the first full day was charcuterie style food, loads of different cheeses and cured meats and fresh bread.
Day 2 lunch was freshly cooked from scratch corn chowder, I have tasted some excellent corn chowder, but this blew all of them out of the water!
Day 3 was Dhal with a lemon salsa. I have never had a dhal in my life, Loretta has set a pretty high standard!
I mean corn chowder for lunch, with fresh bread on a rainy autumnal day, could you get any better than that!? I think not!
Dinner was food for the soul!
The first night there we enjoyed a yummy spaghetti bolognaise, which was perfect after a long drive. Her spaghetti reminded me of my grandma’s.
The second dinner was a crispy shrimp and rice bake, served with broccolini topped with hazelnuts, so full of flavours. The dinner on the third night was a one pot rosemary roast chicken, served with salad and fresh bread.
The last dinner of the retreat was an incredible red wine beef stew with cheddar dumplings and cavolo nero.
After a busy summer and getting the kids settled back into school, towards the end of September is the perfect time to focus on me and my writing.
I will be going on Loretta’s retreat annually and I will do them as long as she offers them.
If you want to get on the waitlist for Loretta’s next retreat NOURISH follow her on Instagram, or Substack
