KENTSTAYCATION
The Sound of Silence cont ...
North Downs Way Lookout Bubble
Brandshatch Place Hotel footpaths , walkers can embrace a section of the Downs with clarity and confidence . As well as picturesque scenery , the area is full of historical sites to marvel at including the prehistoric long barrow on the Coldrum Trail . Following the North Downs Way and the historic Pilgrims ’ Way , once well-trod by pilgrims between Winchester and Canterbury , you ’ ll discover Trosley Country Park , a thriving habitat for flora , fauna and resident wildlife including tawny owls , badgers and teeny dormice . Passing through a combination of farmland and woodland , eventually you ’ ll reach the wonderful setting of the Coldrum Stones , a 6,000-year-old burial site dating from around 4000 BC ( the best example of its type in Kent ) and be rewarded with magnificent views across the countryside .
Brandshatch Place Natural Wellness Retreat handpickedhotels . co . uk
Hand Picked Hotels is hosting an exclusive retreat that offers an escape from the demands of everyday life , a chance to slow down and focus inwards , and the option to socialise with like-minded guests as you learn about and practice wellness techniques led by experienced teachers . Taking place on July 17 at the exquisite Brandshatch Place Hotel , where guests can enjoy time for themselves to relax , reflect and recharge , the magnificent grounds of Brandshatch Place provide the ideal location to nourish mind , body , and soul amidst the serene Kent countryside . The retreat consists of a nutritious spa breakfast and seasonal Atrium lunch followed by a woodland wellness walk and a guided meditation and breathwork session . Guests will also be treated to healthy smoothies , fruit platters and flapjacks before an immersive yoga session on the green . At the end of the retreat , guests will have complete access to the hotel ’ s spa and health club facilities whether taking a swim in the pool , working out in our functional training zone , or drifting off in the relaxation room . Bliss .
Stargazing at Port Lympne ’ s Lookout Bubble aspinallfoundation . org
Space has spoken ! Astronomers have predicted that 2024 will be the best year to view the Northern Lights in over 20 years thanks to the sun reaching solar maximum . Unsurprisingly , interest in locations where guests can gaze upwards and watch in awe as the galaxy unfolds above them has reached fever pitch and us lucky Kentish folk can do that – surrounded by nothing but the night sky – at Port Lympne ’ s ‘ Lookout Bubble ’. A brilliant option for entrylevel astronomers and those seeking staycation solace , this brand-new addition to The Aspinall Foundation ’ s 600-acre endangered animal reserve is tucked away in a secluded corner of the grounds – not too far from the lion enclosure – and is a transparent cluster of ‘ rooms ’ with a cosy observation area adjoining a bedroom with a big freestanding bath , so guests can sleep and bathe beneath the stars . With a cool , illustrated Stargazers Guide provided , outlining handy tips for exploring the skies , fun facts and scannable QR codes to help budding star-spotters know their planets from their constellations , on a clear , cloudless night it ’ s possible to see The Plough , The Big Bear , The Seated Queen and The Swan as they twinkle directly overhead .
Wild Woodland Retreat , Canterbury wildwoodlandretreat . co . uk
A true escape for those wanting a complete digital detox , Wild Woodland Retreat is set in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of the historic village of Elham . With two shepherd ’ s huts and a few camping pitches scattered across 10 acres of ancient woodland and 60 acres of rewilded valley , this is an ideal spot to immerse yourself fully in nature with nothing but the birdsong of nightingales , skylarks and yellow hammers while buzzards soar above . Should you wish to spent time – in silence – with others , the option is there to join a session of gentle mindfulness martial art , qigong ( or indeed qigong with goats if that tickles your fancy !) to energise your body and bring a sense of peace to your mind . You can also heal your chakras with moving mediation in a ‘ chakradance ’ session , or take on-site goats Custard , Mustard , Carrot , Parsnip , Yin and Yang out for a walk amongst the bucolic grounds .
Brenchley Glamping , Brenchley brenchleyglamping . co . uk
Build within the grounds of Latters Toll Farm in Brenchley , this six-sleeper traditional Mongolian yurt is surrounded by three acres of beautiful bright green space , all of which is essentially your own back garden when you stay . Yes , all of it . A space that ’ s maintained by the owners of the farm , but that ’ s for exclusive use of the glampers staying in the yurt , it is a private oasis of calm that comes with a charming wooden bridge and a heart-shaped pathway which is perfect for strolling round at sunset with a glass of wine in hand . The authentic , handmade structure which was built - in situ - by a team of Mongolian craftspeople and is equipped with water and electricity , a kitchen area for washing up , a chill-out space with a comfy sofa in front of a log burner , a dining table that seats six and three double bedrooms . In a nod to the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolians that first crafted yurts , everything about this piece of glamping paradise is close to nature , whether you ’ re watching the stars from your luxurious bed under the glassdomed roof or sitting outside in the peaceful stillness of the surroundings .
Transcendental Meditation Retreat , Tonbridge meditationtrust . com / retreats
Transcendental Meditation ( TM ) is not concentration or visualisation , nor is it control or even mindfulness – it is simply learning to settle effortlessly into silence in a bid to unlock your inner potential for self-healing and personal growth . Simple , natural and accessible for everyone , these ‘ profound , transformative and highly inspirational ’ three-day retreats – held at northwest Kent ’ s staggeringly beautiful Oxon Hoath Country Estate – teach guests all about TM by way of a mantra upon which to gently rest their attention and allow the mind to follow its natural tendency towards happiness while settling spontaneously into silence . A combination of enlightening ancient Vedic wisdom , deep meditation and a tranquil , stunning countryside environment teamed with delicious vegetarian cuisine make these retreats a very special experience for both absolute beginners wanting to learn TM , as well as experienced TM meditators . www . insidekent . co . uk • 67