The Nest
cornwall, england
Nurturing, restorative retreats for women in sumptuous Cornish hideaways
Set on a World Heritage site on Cornwall’s north coast, The Nest retreats are breaks curated for women by women. Based a short drive from Porthtowan beach, you’ll stay in a luxury woodland cabin or at a beautiful house overlooking the beach, where you can take part in programmes designed to help you relax, heal and live fully again, in a way that’s right for you. Walk in nature, swim in the sea, engage in artistic activities and relish coaching, qigong, yoga, massage and mindfulness. Most retreats are private, while others are for groups of up to four women.
our Reviewer caroline sylge says:
‘Am I, I think, dreaming? I feel privileged to be attended to by what feels like three talented pixies, here to tend to my needs and gently guide me in the right direction’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘The team behind these gorgeous retreats will make you feel truly cosseted and cared for, whether you’re staying in your own vibrantly decorated woodland cabin, or at the luxurious house overlooking the beach. These are special retreats worth carving out time for and their benefits are tangible and long-lasting’
Experiences
Four private programmes are available at The Hyde. Artist’s Awakening is for anyone who wants to uncover their artistic self and develop self-expression. On the Wild Heart programme, you’ll learn slow, conscious living as you embrace the sensual, healing power of the ocean and trust Mother Nature to awaken your senses. The Sacred Heart programme is a gentle retreat for anyone dealing with exhaustion, the loss of a relationship or losing their way in life. The Second Spring Retreat is for peri-menopausal and menopausal women.
Each of the four programmes encourages self-enquiry and a deep connection to nature, and follows a bespoke schedule put together after a consultation with you. Activities can include beautiful clifftop and beach walks, qigong, sea swimming, surf coaching, yoga, meditation, mindfulness and breathwork. You’ll also have access to intuitive coaching, art sessions and creative journaling. A massage specially curated for your programme is always included.
Practitioners on these four include founder Moya Slade, who’s a yoga teacher, intuitive life coach and women’s circle facilitator. Erin Hale is a yoga and qigong teacher, a mentor and massage therapist, with a background in eastern philosophy. They are joined by Susie Asli, a mindfulness instructor, psychotherapist and musician, and Dominique Kent, a surf instructor and mentor.
There’s also the option to create your own retreat at The Hyde. With Moya’s help, you can combine her intuitive coaching with somatic awareness, energy work, mindfulness and the power of the sea. Consider adding in restorative yoga, qigong, holistic bodywork or homeopathy, for example.
Reset to Rise retreats at Ocean Skies are for women who lead teams, run businesses and manage households, who want aligned growth, not burnout. These retreats for high-achieving women offer nervous-system restoration, clarity and deep support. Activities include coaching and group workshops with Moya Slade and Anna Allerton, as well as movement sessions and nature activities.
Spaces
Most retreats take place at a luxury cabin called The Hyde, a secluded getaway near Porthtowan set in its own woodland with a small, verdant garden and distant views out to sea from a covered deck. Relax at a wooden table and benches, or in hammocks and on wicker loungers in the garden.
Every inch of the cabin, from the shell to the interior, has been masterfully crafted by hand by Surfers Against Sewage founder Johnny Manetta, who lives nearby. Wallow in cosy Bohemian interiors, enjoy luxurious appliances like a Heston Blumenthal barbecue and a Bose sound system, and cosy up with Tielle Love Luxury towels and linens.
The cabin has a fully fitted luxury bathroom decorated with blue and white Portuguese tiles. There’s a toilet, vanity unit and wash basin, a heated towel rail and a rainfall shower with a constant supply of hot and cold water from a bore hole. Towelling robes are provided, and the bed has an electric blanket for chilly evenings.
Reset to Rise retreats take place at the gorgeous Ocean Skies, an elegant house perched high above the cliffs at Porthtowan. The beach is a short stroll away and there are coastal trails from your door.
Expect understated elegance with open-plan living, rich leather sofas, quality furniture and curated artwork. Three bedrooms have ensuite shower rooms, and one has an adjacent bathroom. Outside, there’s a sun terrace and a hot tub.
Sustenance
Each meal is cooked by resident chef Sian Reid, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are tender, fresh, tasty as can be and served with the most delicious vegetables. All food intolerances can be catered for.
Breakfast might be chia pudding with nuts, seeds and compote with a freshly blended smoothie and sourdough bread, while for lunch you could be served a Buddha Bowl, meze or soup. Dinner could be vegetable or lamb tagine, seabass or Korean pork, with quinoa and roasted vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or a small dessert such as sugar-free lemon mousse.
Fresh coffee, tea and herbal are offered, along with fresh drinking water which comes from the bore hole on the property. Snacks such as power balls, home-made date cake and mixed nuts are also available. Alcohol is not included.
On Create Your Own Retreats breakfast is provided each morning. You can then self-cater, hire the retreat chef or order in a food package.
