Earlier this year, I visited the Soul Wellness Retreat for the first time and immediately knew it would be the ideal spot for a recovery retreat. The tranquil atmosphere, thoughtful design, and overall vibe made it feel like a haven for healing and connection. The only challenge? Coordinating with Lily, the founder of PeachyAF, to come see it herself!
Lily’s schedule is jam-packed, but by the end of September, I managed to get her to visit the venue. The moment she stepped inside, she was just as captivated as I had been. Every corner of the Soul wellness Hub seemed to exude calmness and possibility. It didn’t take long for us to agree: this was the perfect place for our Restart Retreat. Without hesitation, we secured our date and began designing a day to remember for our sober community.
Lovingly Crafting the Perfect Retreat
Planning the retreat was an exciting challenge. There was so much we wanted to include, but we also had to balance that with giving our guests enough time to soak in the magic of the Soul Wellness Hub.
Countless brainstorming sessions later, we finalized a thoughtfully designed retreat workbook. This wasn’t just any workbook—it was a curated collection of activities that fostered connection among our guests while encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.
In addition to the workbook, we carefully planned uplifting and empowering sessions to leave our guests feeling refreshed, motivated, and truly supported on their sobriety journeys. Each activity was crafted with intention, ensuring it resonated with everyone, no matter where they were in their recovery. We pride ourselves for meeting you exactly where you are!
A Day of Connection and Growth
When the day finally arrived, our excitement was through the roof! Seeing the venue come alive with our sober community was beyond rewarding. Guests explored the beautiful spaces of the Soul Wellness Hub, engaged in meaningful conversations, and took part in activities that allowed them to grow and connect on a deeper level. We wanted to encourage a sense of empowerment, finding joy in the journey, and most importantly, reminding everyone that they are not alone.
The Day’s highlights are hard to summarise but here gos;
The morning began with warm welcomes as our guests arrived, gathering in the cozy café area of the retreat space. Understandably, there was a bit of nervous energy—after all, many of these individuals were meeting for the first time. But we knew that by the end of the day, these strangers would leave as friends, united by shared experiences and a common purpose.
Finding Connection Through Shared Experiences
Our first activity was designed to break the ice and emphasize something powerful: while we all come from different backgrounds, with unique stories and personalities, we are deeply connected by one common goal— Our struggles with Alcohol and the desire to live a sober life.
To highlight this, we used a ball of string and invited our guests to answer some questions and share some of their past experiences. Where the answers were the same, or similar, we connected those people together with string!! The room quickly filled with nods of understanding and laughter as people realized they weren’t alone. We ended up with an impressive web of connection! The stories of drunken missteps and regrettable antics, once sources of personal shame, were met with empathy and recognition.
For many, this was a turning point. They saw that their struggles and moments of imperfection weren’t unique—they were part of a shared journey. This exercise not only fostered connection but also began to dissolve the isolation and stigma so often associated with problem drinking.
By starting the day this way, we set a foundation of belonging and understanding that would grow stronger as the retreat progressed. It was a powerful reminder that while recovery is personal, it doesn’t have to be lonely—and that’s a message worth sharing.
Have you ever experienced a moment where you realized you weren’t alone in your journey? Let us know in the comments below!
Drumming Circle in the Vibrant Eden Garden
One of the highlights of our day was the drumming circle, held in the lush and peaceful Eden Garden space. We were joined by Amelia, a radiant and talented soul who graciously led the session. With her guidance, we explored the incredible power of rhythm to foster connection, dispel negativity, and set positive intentions.
At first, there was a hint of nervousness in the air as guests hesitated to dive in. But Amelia’s warm energy and encouraging approach quickly put everyone at ease. Before we knew it, the garden was alive with the collective beats of our drums, creating a rhythmic harmony that was both grounding and uplifting.
The session wasn’t just about drumming; it became a space for expression and fun. At one point, we even had a mini solo gig and a sing-along that had everyone smiling and laughing. And while I can’t quite explain it, I found myself in my element with a cowbell—it brought me an unexpected joy that added to the magic of the moment.
The drumming circle was a truly beautiful experience, leaving everyone feeling more connected to themselves, to each other, and to the positive energy we were creating together.
Relaxation and Invigoration
After a delicious lunch in the café, we headed back to the garden for some well-deserved relaxation. Guests enjoyed the soothing warmth of the hot tub and the infrared sauna, their laughter and chatter filling the air. For those feeling extra adventurous, the ice bath was a thrilling challenge. Watching these brave souls take the plunge was inspiring—it was clear they left the experience feeling invigorated and proud of stepping out of their comfort zones. Well done, ladies!
Would you have taken the ice bath challenge, Let us know your favourite way to step out of your comfort zone in the comments!
The Grand Finale in the Temple with Manifestation, and Celebration
As the day drew to a close, we gathered in the stunning, tranquil Temple—a favourite spot at the Soul Wellness Hub for its serene atmosphere and uplifting energy. This expansive space, perfect for meditation, visualization, and manifestation, set the tone for a truly transformative session.
Led by Lily, we began with each guest choosing an affirmation card. Taking a quiet moment, they reflected on their chosen affirmation, exploring its meaning and how it resonated in their lives. From there, Lily guided us on a powerful journey of visualization. Guests imagined their future selves—their best, most positive versions—embracing their potential and manifesting the life they desired.
The session transitioned into something even more energizing: shaking and dancing! Initially, a few were hesitant, but before long, the entire room was alive with movement and joy. Everyone let go, dancing freely and fully embracing their feminine energy. The energy in the room was electric, and by the end, it felt like we were all ready to take on the world!
Would you dare to dance as if no one is watching?
Parting Gifts and Reflections
As a heartfelt token of the day, each guest received a beautifully curated gift bag. Inside were personal mementos from the retreat, including handmade crystal jewellery crafted by Lily herself—a thoughtful reminder of their experience.
As the retreat wound down, the feedback started pouring in. Guests shared their gratitude and excitement, with many commenting on how uplifted and empowered they felt. Secretly, I think no one really wanted to leave—and honestly, I couldn’t blame them.
Have you been to a recovery retreat before? Let us know your favourite moments or what you’d hope to experience at a retreat like this!
This Restart Retreat was everything we dreamed it would be and more, and we can’t wait to plan the next one. We will most definitely be visiting Soul Wellness Hub again, as well as researching similar venues throughout the UK. Let us know if you know a secret hide away that we could consider. Here’s to creating more spaces where our sober community can thrive, connect, and feel supported every step of the way! Until next time!