The Glass House
Expect lots of yoga and meditation variety as well as dreamy spa treatments at The Glass House, a new retreat centre just outside London
A new yoga room has recently opened at The Glass House, a high-end spa and wellness retreat centre in rural Essex, just outside London, that only launched just as the lockdowns were shuttering the UK economy.
Now things are open once again and it’s time to get out and discover this amazing spa sanctuary for yourself.
It’s one that holds plenty of depth and diversity for yoga and meditation enthusiasts.
The opening of the new yoga studio actually reflects a commitment to offer much more than just the generic ‘yoga class’ that you’ll see at most spa centres. You’ll get a sense of that from the aerial swings hanging from the ceiling — but don’t worry, you don’t need to be an acrobat, there are plenty of gentle and restorative classes on offer as well.
In fact, the whole retreat centre is custom-built for wellness, with eight treatment rooms, a separate Himalayan salt block sauna and steam room, cryo chamber, and a heated leisure pool — all you need to recover from the mental and physical intensities of the last few years.
The purpose-built yoga studio is the latest addition, but you’ll also find a separate space for a whole range of other classes, including general fitness work, and a well-stocked gym, while outside, you’ll also find a natural
swimming pond if that’s your thing.
In the zen-like gardens outside there’s also a very cool glass meditation dome (it is called The Glass House, after all). Like the yoga sessions, you’ll find a wide array of meditation choices on offer too from a group of talented and experienced teachers. The dome looks out onto the gorgeous gardens and greenery but feels very private and intimate inside, where you’ll find some comfy beanbags to nestle into as you are guided on your meditation journey.
When you’re not seeking solitude or rolling out your yoga mat, there are plenty of other daily activities to get involved in as well, from gentle country walks to board games, cooking demonstrations and motivational talks, as well as the indulgent spa.
Food is another top priority at The Glass House. In the restaurant, you can expect to be served cuisine that complements your wellness break — from healthy juices to sumptuous vegan suppers — whether you’re there for a single day at the spa or a weeklong wellness escape. There’s no junk food here, just seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, all fresh, locally sourced and delivered daily.
Bedrooms are super comfortable and clean (and very new, given that the centre has only been open fully for a short time). You’ll also find a variety of organic herbal teas in your room (the Banana Shake blend from Twist Teas is pretty awesome).
For Londoners, it’s like having a retreat on your doorstep, one that’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The nearest tube station is Upminster on the District Line — from there, it’s just a 15-minute cab ride through remote country lanes that will begin to melt the stress away. The Glass House awaits!
Spa Therapy
The treatments at The Glass House make any trip extra special. Germaine de Capuccini (germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk) body therapies all commence with aroma inhalations and warm touch pindas to enhance relaxation and soothe body and soul. Treatments conclude with neck stretches and signature aromas of orange blossom and vanilla hops. Baobab Seed Exfoliation (£49) — which can be combined with a body treatment — is a 25-minute luxurious exfoliation to nourish and protect the skin which uses the powerful superfood seed of the baobab fruit and the addition of nourishing oil to gently exfoliate and hydrate skin. Or go for the 55-minute Firming Radiance C+ Body Wrap (£75), a body envelopment with Vitamin C and Ume extract. An energising treatment which begins with an enzyme exfoliation enriched with Vitamin C, lemon and papaya extract. A collagen-boosting, vitamin-enriched body wrap is then applied. Utilising the benefits of Ume extract and Vitamin C, this treatment fights against damaged elastin and collagen fibres working to firm the skin, whilst anti-oxidising the skin to provide a radiant, fresh and healthy glow.
A wide range of spa days and breaks available to book starting from £100pp. Visit: glasshouseretreat.co.uk or connect on Instagram @glasshouseretreat
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
