In need of a full-blown mind, body and spirit reset? Rosanna Rothery immersed herself in a transformational detox in the wild of north Devon
More than a retreat
After you’ve eaten a sumptuous breakfast and are enjoying a brisk yomp through the jagged peaks, secluded beaches and bucolic pastures of north Devon you might just pinch yourself: Can this really be a detox? Shouldn’t I be sipping celery juice and sweating it out in a gym?
However, just like the many celebrities and those‑in‑the‑know who’ve done the Yeotox before you, you’ll be delighted to discover that at this Devon hideaway, exertion and effort are punctuated with pleasure: delicious food, massage, saunas and lush countryside.
Rustic rejuvenation
Tucked into a valley, 15 minutes from the sea, Yeotown comprises a cosy and characterful 17th‑century farmhouse and a collection of barn rooms and lodges. These offer the simple pleasures of a rustic escape: a sweeping lawn leading to a burbling river, a tranquil courtyard and gardens, a roaring log fire and a kitchen humming with the warmth of an Aga.
It’s in this bucolic setting that your health reset takes place. Rest assured this isn’t a juice, colonics and tongue‑scraper type of detox, nor is it the kind of gruelling bootcamp where you’re screamed at to work – and sweat – harder. On the other hand, you definitely won’t be lounging by a pool, post mindfulness class, sipping cocktails.
Instead, Yeotown owners Mercedes and Simon Sieff have curated a thoughtful programme that reignites your motivation to become more energised, fit and healthy.
Outdoor gym
From cold‑river immersion and wild swimming to surfing and coastal hikes, the Yeotown secret to de‑stressing, recentering and recharging lies in you tuning in to your innate ability to connect with nature.
Daily hikes are designed to get you fit while leaving you high on fresh air and phenomenal views. Routes weave in and out of the South West Coast Path, providing an opportunity to clamber over towering granite boulders to gawp at panoramic ocean vistas. A bunch of super fit pros (ranging from ex‑soldier to gym instructor and ultra-fit mountain trekker) lead the hikes, which are always (thankfully) tailored to individual fitness levels.
The Yeotox mantra of ‘strong in body, clear in mind’ is played out in the yoga classes too. A session with Mercedes (who, as well as being one of the UK’s leading vinyasa flow yoga teachers is also a positive psychology coach) is as much a workout for your mental attitude as your body.
Devotees love her yoga for the contagious energy she brings to the mat – not to mention a fair few playful curveballs (no spoilers here), which challenge both beginner and advanced yogis to increase their physical and mental resilience.
Make no mistake, you’ll do a ton of exercise when you visit Yeotown. However, for every exertion and endeavour, there’s a deep‑tissue massage, open‑air hot tub or restorative yoga class.
Conscious cuisine
Yeotown menus are centred around gut‑healing dishes designed to increase energy, while omitting the culprits that can cause problems. However, if the mere thought of forgoing coffee, refined sugar, gluten, wheat, dairy, alcohol and meat all at the same time brings on a mild state of panic, you need to know about Yeotown’s goddess of gut health: chef Louise Johnson. Despite eschewing crowd‑pleasers like wheat and dairy, Louise rustles up sumptuous and delicious dishes.
Throughout the experience, there’s a focus on getting sufficient protein and boosting the plant diversity and fibre in your diet. Fabulous ferments – the key to a healthy gut microbiome and sterling immune system ‑ include Yeotown’s own sauerkraut, kimchi, orchard‑pressed apple cider vinegar and a host of zingy kefir waters.
Digital detox
Should you arrive suffering from decision fatigue and burnout, don’t worry: the Yeotox is also designed to deliver mental restoration. In fact, you won’t need to plan, organise or problem-solve a single thing during your stay.
Each day’s schedule is a closely guarded secret ‑ known only to the enigmatic staff ‑ so all you have to do is relinquish control and go with the flow.
You’ll also be invited to take part in a smattering of quirky activities (again, I won’t ruin the fun) that’ll have you thinking in rather more unorthodox ways about your physical and mental wellness journey.
Rural cool
Simon and Mercedes have created a portfolio of swoonworthy guestrooms, which draw on Simon’s interior design background and former life as an art and antiques dealer.
The newer eco lodges are the epitome of ruralcool, decked out with unique artwork, luxe features and a host of thoughtful touches (Dryrobe, outdoor blankets, Yeotown toiletries and homemade bath salts) to leave you feeling cosseted.
Healthy feedback
Yeotown may be something of an insider’s secret, but it’s won some high-profile accolades, including the Tatler Award for Life‑Changing Spa, the Condé Nast Traveller Award for Best Spa Retreat UK and The Times’ Best Southwest England Spa. The 50‑acre estate is nothing short of idyllic, the staff truly lovely, and watching your fellow guests (up to 12) bravely conquer their fears and go for broke in each challenge is inspiring. You’d be pretty hard-pressed to leave without feeling closer to nature, more energised, mentally and physically stronger and pumped with enthusiasm. Plus, you’ll be armed with a blueprint for maintaining fitness, gut health and overall vitality. And when you inevitably fall off the wagon and overdo the cocktails and carbs back home, think of it as an excuse to book a week at the couple’s boho‑chic retreat in the subtropical paradise of Madeira.
Need to know
The five‑day signature programme, the Yeotox, runs from Wednesday to Sunday, and follows a seasonally led schedule. All‑inclusive prices begin at £2,650 (low season) which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided hikes, activities and massage on each full day of the retreat. There is an opportunity to add bodywork treatments such as Thai massage and facials, plus diagnostic testing such as microbiome gut tests and glucose monitoring with result analysis.
