“What keeps me coming back? Being treated like a queen”

A nurturing yoga and wild swimming retreat, Zest Life is perfectly placed for the recent rise in female solo travelers, with many of the retreat’s guests returning year after year. We asked them… what keeps them coming back?

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With all the festive indulgence and busyness behind us, it’s only natural for many of us to start looking towards healthier habits and moments of calm for the New Year.

Me? I’m looking at retreats for 2026. Something to take me away from the day-to-day stresses of modern life; to escape to somewhere rural and quiet with good food and a dose of luxury for a few days. Oh, and it must include wild swimming, of course.

Last spring I had the pleasure of joining a Zest Life retreat in the Lake District. It was a heavenly mix of yoga and swimming, interwoven with meditation, nutritious food and new faces to get to know over five glorious days. It was an experience I enjoyed so much I’m tempted to book another retreat, perhaps on one of their North Wales escapes, or their sun-kissed adventure in Ibiza.

I’m not alone in feeling compelled to seek a wonderful dose of comfort and nurture again on a Zest Life retreat. Many of the retreat’s guests return year after year. We asked them… what keeps them coming back?

Sharon Naughton enjoyed her 12th retreat with Zest Life in September:

“What keeps me coming back? Being treated like a queen by the attentive staff. Yoga that feeds body and soul. Fantastic swim coaches and swimming experiences in beautiful settings. Amazing food and wonderful women who come from different walks of life who share a common goal of self-care. Laura and her team have consistently over many years delivered a great experience.”

Lynn Michael has just booked her 11th retreat with Zest Life:

“Laura pours care, attention and expertise into every aspect of the retreat, but even more important is that it is all heartfelt and comes from Laura’s deep commitment to yoga and deep affinity with the natural world. The attention to detail shines through. The highest recommendation I can give is that I have already booked again for next year.”

Dani Novick loved her third Zest Life retreat last winter:

Having enjoyed many yoga retreats over the years, I have a wide field of comparison and the team at the Zest Life are amongst the best there is. The entire retreat is so well thought out and executed, the accommodation is luxurious, the food wholesome and very yummy. The yoga was challenging but also clearly adapted to all levels. I have no hesitation in recommending this retreat. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that we all had a blissful experience and I cannot wait to book again.

Zest Life’s upcoming escapes

Yoga & Cold Water, North Wales | 27 February (3 day) | 13 November (3 day):

This yoga, cold water immersion and breath work retreat was created to offer a transformative space for those seeking to release the buildup of stress and tension from daily life.

Yoga & Swimming, Lake District | 24 April (4 day) | 27 April (5 day) | 25 September (4 day) | 28 September (5 day)

This yoga and wild swimming retreat in the Lake District was created to help you reconnect with nature in one of the UK’s most stunning and serene location.

Yoga & Swimming, Anglesey | 7 August (4 day) | 10 August (5 day)

This yoga and wild swimming retreat on the Isle of Anglesey offers the perfect weekend escape, blending the healing powers of yoga, wild swimming, and nature.

Yoga & Adventure, Ibiza | 25 October (6 day)

This retreat captures Ibiza’s wilder, more soulful side. Away from the crowds, this retreat blends daily yoga with hiking, kayaking, and wild swimming in hidden coves and along scenic coastal trails.

Single, double and twin rooms are available. Prices start from £745pp and it’s just £250 deposit to hold a place.

Zest Life is offering Outdoor Swimmer readers £75 OFF their 2026 retreats with the code OUTDOORSWIMMER75. Book your retreat now to make the most of this fab offer while it lasts!