The Detox Barn - England
Suffolk, England
Gentle, plant-based detoxes in a rural setting to energise and motivate
Sisters Sharon and Lauretta Gavin host weekend retreats that blend health and humour. Based at an elegantly converted barn near Stowmarket in rural Suffolk, their gentle plant-based detox breaks are a refreshing, down-to-earth introduction to healthy eating. Whether your goal is to boost your energy levels, shed some extra pounds, or simply rejuvenate your mind and body, they’ve got you covered. Expect food sessions and demos, yoga, meditation, country walks and lots of laughs.
our Reviewer EMMA DOUGLAS says:
‘The Detox Barn is the direct result of personal struggle and triumph, and there is no danger of dogmatism. It helps that the Gavin sisters are also a professional comedy act. They prove that even vegans can laugh, especially at themselves’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Prepare to be energised, entertained and inspired by Gavin and Gavin! They have experienced seriously transformative results from wholefoods, plant-based eating and are passionate advocates. You’ll be encouraged to properly switch off and that means digital devices too. Be sure to book the amazing relexology! Pia, the retreat dog, is around for cuddles and pet therapy’
Experiences
Weekend retreats run from Friday to Sunday and include two gentle Kundalini-inspired yoga classes and a magical Saturday evening sound bath with fairylights and tea lights.
There’s an optional guided hour-long walk of about three miles, an opportunity to appreciate the Suffolk countryside while working up an appetite - add extra solo walks if you so choose.
Your schedule of healthy plant-based meals enables ‘intermittent fasting’, in the break of 15 hours between dinner and breakfast, which can have powerful benefits for body and brain.
Highly rated local therapists provide a wide range of holistic and beauty treatments including massages, facials (using Tropic products), reiki and reflexology. There are books on plant-based diets to read.
After your retreat you’ll receive a follow-up email with impressive recipes, tips, recommendations and links.
Spaces
On warmer days sessions take place in the beautiful, well-tended two-acre garden, which has quiet spots to relax in, treatment rooms in the garden and a lovely swing seat, and meals are eaten on a charming patio.
On cooler days the spacious games room serves as a yoga studio, meditation space and treatment room, while the snug living room has open fires. There's also a comfy chill-out room and meals are in the cosy family dining room.
Guests can venture out of the back gate into the countryside for more ‘alone time’. A short walk up the lane leads to a small, picturesque village church.
There are five spacious bedrooms, one with twin beds, the rest with doubles. Décor is simple, elegant and cosy, with white, cream or warm pastel walls and a mix of wooden flooring and carpets. Expect traditional exposed beams, brass and wooden bed frames, antique style chairs and reminders to ‘Love your Life’.
Three have private bathrooms and two are en-suite. Robes and organic detoxifying shampoos and conditioners are provided. Take your own shower gel. There is also an option to stay off-site in a gorgeous local farmhouse or a period home, a 10-minute drive away.
Sustenance
Lauretta is a natural vegan chef who uses plenty of fresh organic produce to produce tasty, plant-based dishes without meat, fish, dairy or sugar.
Breakfasts include oats with berries, or banana pancakes topped with fresh fruits. Lunches might be fresh tomato courgetti or beetroot and pear soup.
Dinners include Thai or Indian style curries of vegetables and pulses with wholegrain rice or sweet potato noodles.
You’ll be served smoothies and juices with meals. Green and fresh herbal teas, and their own organic mushroom coffee, Funki Coffee, are available.
Try to cut down in advance on all processed foods to make the most of the retreat. There is strictly no alcohol.
Prospects, Nedging Tye, Suffolk, IP7 7HJ
The Detox Barn
The Detox Barn offers friendly, down-to-earth retreats on set dates to help you create new healthy lifestyle habits. An established comedy double act - Gavin and Gavin - Sharon and Lauretta Gavin are serious about plant-based, wholefoods eating without fasting or deprivation. They offer retreats at a converted barn near Stowmarket in Suffolk in the UK and at a country house in the village of Castro Marim in the Algarve in Portugal.