The country house spa hotel South Lodge in West Sussex is introducing a series of one-day wellness retreats that embrace the evolving energy of the seasons. Guests can switch off from the every day and switch on their senses to recharge and reconnect in the Sussex countryside with forest-bathing expert Helena Skoog for personal transformation in synchronicity with nature.

The one-day Nature Immersion Spa Experiences harness the power of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese awareness meditation of forest bathing, proven to be a profound antidote to anxiety, depression, fear, and tension.

Led by Helena Skoog (below), who has lived off-grid for five years amongst ancient forestry, guests will embark on a simple nature walk, whereby the forest languages of renewal, growth and change will become experiential second nature.

Guests will also experience a well-being session of Qigong and breath work to balance parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, calming the mind and reducing the stress of everyday life.

Nature Immersion Spa Experience dates include:

Springtime – Saturday, 16 March 2024
Spring is the season of new life. The trees bud, and the green shoots of growth poke through the grounds of the hotel and beyond. Guests will notice light returning each day, the spring flowers bringing bursts of colour, insects waking, bird songs becoming louder, and the British wildlife emerging. It’s the ideal time for individuals to move forward and set their own course.

Summertime – Saturday, 15 June 2024
Guests are invited to immerse and embrace the fullness of greenery everywhere, admire the hotel’s beautiful summer blooms bursting with colour, and connect to nature and the season’s warmth with longer, lighter days, bringing more energy and abundance to the natural world.

Autumn – Saturday 19 October 2024
Guests are encouraged to notice the differing varieties of fungi bursting into life, the damp and comforting smell of composting leaves and the lowering gaze of the sun, as days start to shorten.

The transformational experiences connect guests to the power of the mind and the natural world while enjoying the comforts of the country house spa hotel. Participants will have access to the extensive 44,000 sq. ft spa overlooking the South Downs, designed to complement the natural landscape and help guests be themselves naturally.

With a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor infinity pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool, thermal suites, a whole range of spa treatments, as well as the Ridgeview Beauty Bar, where manicures and pedicures can be enjoyed with a glass of Ridgeview’s sparkling wine on tap.

South Lodge’s health-focused Botanica restaurant serves a Mediterranean menu overseen by Head Chef Jonathan Spiers. Drawing on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients, Botanica offers a dairy-free and zero-waste menu with a plethora of plant-based dishes.

  • For the day – The Nature Immersion Spa Day Experience begins at 10 am, with refreshments, morning wellness activity, lunch, afternoon wellness activity and use of the spa until close. The price is £210 per person.
  • For overnight stays – Nature Immersion Spa Experiences includes overnight accommodation and breakfast. Single occupancy from £615 per room. Double and twin occupancy from £815 per room.

For more information on the facilities at South Lodge, visit www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge.

Read more wellness features and guides here.