Packing for a wellness retreat is different from packing for a normal holiday. You will need fewer outfits and less make-up, and you will spend more time in a robe than you expect. What matters is comfort, sleep and a few things that make your own routine feel easy wherever you are.
Here are the ten we would take.
1. A silk eye mask. Retreat rooms are usually dark, but not always. A silk mask blocks out early light and feels kind on the skin. Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask.
2. Earplugs you can sleep in. For thin walls, a snoring partner or the dawn chorus. Loop Dream earplugs are soft enough for side sleepers.
3. A pillow mist. A familiar scent on an unfamiliar pillow can help you settle on the first night. Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist.
4. A face mist. For the flight and for after a long day in the sauna or steam room. Curél Deep Moisture Spray.
5. A rich all-purpose cream. For dry patches, cuticles, lips and skin after a day in the sun or the pool. Weleda Skin Food, which comes in a travel size.
6. A light, high-protection sunscreen. Most retreats involve time outdoors, even in winter. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+.
7. A refillable water bottle. You will be drinking more water than usual, and many retreats are cutting out plastic. Chilly’s Series 2.
8. A travel yoga mat. Retreats provide mats, but having your own is nice for practising in your room. The Manduka eKO SuperLite folds small and weighs very little.
9. Slides for the spa. Light, waterproof and easy to slip on between the pool, sauna and treatment room. Birkenstock Arizona EVA.
10. A notebook. Retreats tend to bring up thoughts and ideas, and it is nice to write them down rather than reach for your phone.
What to leave at home
Most of your make-up. A full wardrobe; comfortable layers, a swimsuit and good walking shoes cover most retreats. Heavy fragrances, since many treatment rooms are scent-free. And, if you can manage it, your laptop.
Where to buy
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask: slip.com
Loop Dream earplugs: loopearplugs.com
Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist: neomwellbeing.com
Curél Deep Moisture Spray: hollandandbarrett.com
Weleda Skin Food: weleda.co.uk
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+: laroche-posay.co.uk
Chilly’s Series 2: chillys.com
Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Yoga Mat: manduka.com
Birkenstock Arizona EVA: birkenstock.com
