What’s your go-to chill-out routine? Perhaps it’s a luxurious soak in the tub, treating yourself to a massage or simply kicking back with a Netflix binge – we all have our unique ways of decompressing from the daily grind. However, there’s one spiritual wellness activity that’s gaining traction for its relaxation and mind-calming benefits – and rumour has it even Meghan Markle is a fan. Sound baths are emerging as the ultimate self-care indulgence and, being a regular reiki enthusiast myself and always game for exploring new healing therapies, I jumped at the opportunity to experience it first-hand at a wellness sound bath weekend retreat at Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate in Essex. For those not in the know, sound baths don’t involve any water. Instead, participants lie back and immerse themselves in the sound waves produced by the instructor playing special singing bowls, gongs and chimes. According to mental health app Calm, these sounds are played in a way that ‘encourages the mind to relax and the body to release tension’, reports the Mirror.
A blissful experience
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
The reported health benefits of sound bathing are numerous, including stress relief, promoting calmness through endorphin release, pain alleviation, improved sleep quality, mood enhancement and anxiety reduction. Eager to dive into this experience ourselves, my sister and I took a break from London’s hustle and bustle and headed to Down Hall for a wholesome wellness weekend filled with ample self-care moments. What to expect at Down Hall’s Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat Those who sign up for the Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat are in for a soul-stirring schedule. We were treated to a 25-minute full-body massage in the hotel’s spa, followed by sunset yoga and then a sensory sound bath experience guided by Down Hall’s phenomenal wellness and holistic consultant Camilla Sheeley. Snuggled under blankets with our heads resting on plush pillows, we were lulled into a deep meditative state by the sound waves and frequency vibrations. Upon awakening, we felt profoundly relaxed and serene – pure heaven!
We tried sound bathing at Down Hall Hotel
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
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Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
This 19th-century mansion in Essex sits on 110 acres and offers a peaceful retreat for couples, friends and dog owners. After recently completing a £1.5 million renovation project, it provide the perfect mix of comfort and style.
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We rounded off the evening with a gourmet dinner in the hotel’s two-AA Rosette restaurant, Garden Room. The next morning brought another yoga session, this one more invigorating, followed by a delicious breakfast of freshly cooked eggs and pastries in The Potting Shed. Before the retreat, neither my sister nor I had ever tried yoga. I was nervous; what if everyone else was a yoga expert? What if I couldn’t pull off the plank or the downward dog without face-planting? My initial apprehensions melted away thanks to Camilla, who reassured us that her sessions were designed for absolutely everyone. In our group, there was a mix of yoga newbies, flexible pros, and even older ladies managing arthritis. Camilla’s guidance throughout the session highlighted the weekend’s inclusive vibe, as she shared that “regular stretching and breathing exercises can hugely benefit the body and mind”. So, if you’re dipping your toes into wellness for the first time, don’t hesitate to book this serene escape.
We also tried yoga for the first time
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
About the hotel If what you’re after is a dreamy weekend break, Down Hall is the epitome of elegance and allure. Nestled within 110 acres, this 19th-century estate provides a tranquil haven for couples, pals and dog owners alike. Fresh from a £1.5 million refurb, the Grand Hall and stylish bedrooms strike a delightful balance between luxe and homely – just the ticket for a chic staycation. Decked out with sumptuous velvet couches, eclectic art displays and a lively colour scheme, the boutique decor offers a contemporary twist against the backdrop of the property’s age-old charm. In the moments between yoga, we savoured a cuppa by the crackling fire and embarked on a soul-soothing forest stroll led by Camilla – yet another activity touted for its mental health perks. While we skipped it this time, the afternoon tea service also seemed utterly tempting and is evidently a crowd-pleaser.
Down Hall is a grand 19th century country house
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
The stylish rooms at Down Hall
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
The spa The hotel’s Eden Spa is a haven of relaxation. As someone with dry, sensitive skin, I was on the hunt for a treatment to revive my lacklustre winter complexion so I opted for the Active Nutrients Glow From Within facial (£70), which utilised a mix of specific products to cleanse and nourish my skin, along with an ice-cold gua sha crystal massage to boost firmness and circulation. Guests can also select from a variety of massages and body treatments including exfoliating skin polishes and pedicures.
Make time to enjoy the spa
(Image: Down Hall Hotel)
How much does it cost? Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate’s Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat costs £225 per person including an overnight stay in a double or twin room. The next retreat takes place on Friday 28 March. Down Hall also runs Breathwork Weekend Retreats at £225 per person and next available on Friday 4 April. For further room rates and to book your stay, visit Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England. You can also check out upcoming events here.
