Well Travelled | Wylder
Words CAMILLA HEWITT
Well Located
Hosted by Ibiza-based yoga instructor Charlotte Townend, Wylder retreats take place across the Balearics throughout the Spring and Autumn months. For my first Wylder experience, I travelled to Ibiza to join a group of eleven other guests looking to recharge their batteries.
Well Rested
Gone are the days of rustic retreats; the supply and demand in this thriving sector have resulted in a surge of elevated escapes taking place in upmarket hotels and wow factor self-catered accommodation. The latter is exactly what Charlotte has opted for in Ibiza. Can Terra is a six-bedroom luxury villa set amidst seven acres of olive, pine, lemon, and orange trees. Rooms are bright and airy, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The living space is open-plan, with the option to eat outside on balmy nights or inside if the breeze picks up. Between classes and workshops, the large saltwater pool, surrounded by cushioned day beds, easily accommodates all twelve guests. Can Terra’s pièce de résistance is the yoga platform. A short stroll through the pine woods brings you to a clearing that provides the perfect space to reconnect with yourself and with nature. Practicing Shavasana here is truly special. As you lie on the mat, the gentle sway of the branches overhead lets glimmers of sunlight dance across your skin, while a chorus of birdsong embellishes Charlotte’s already soothing soundtrack. Several weeks later I can still picture the scene; it’s become the place I transport my mind back to to find calm. I don't think you can ask for much more from a retreat than that.
Well Being
As you would expect, this four-night escape is dedicated to wellness. Having said that, what Charlotte delivered exceeded any expectations I had. Being local to the island, she has brought in a collective of local instructors to provide top-notch teaching that easily rivals the most elite London classes. The itinerary begins with yoga with Charlotte, whose sessions throughout the retreat focus on strengthening and mobilising each part of the body, from hips to shoulders. The teaching style suits all levels, with plenty of modifications along the way. Day two starts with Pilates with Pilar. I expected to be stronger at Pilates than yoga, but boy does Pilar put you through your paces. The good news is that masseur Kim is on hand to soothe aching muscles. Adding a creative element to her retreats, Charlotte invited jeweller Sylvie Gianella to teach a workshop in the afternoon. I firmly believe in the positive influence of creative activities on our wellbeing, and jewellery making, like painting or drawing, requires a level of concentration that momentarily distracts from everyday thoughts. For the more spiritually minded, there’s also the chance to have your cards read by tarot intuitive Emily Halil. Day three kicks off with paddleboarding, before returning to the house to make more progress with Pilar and Charlotte. In the evening, if you can keep your eyes open, Cinema Paradiso sets up an open-air movie night out on the lawn. Day four begins back on the mat with Charlotte, followed by a coastal hike with local guides The Other Face. Back at Can Terra, breath work coach Sapphire Leena has prepared an intimate setting for her class. Over the years, I’ve begun to understand how powerful breath work can be, and Sapphire’s class was as cathartic as they come. I understand why Charlotte saves this session for the end of the retreat, once guests know each other a little better. On the last morning, there is one final hour of yoga followed by brunch, leaving you to head to the airport feeling as well as you can be.
Well Nourished
I recently heard someone say that the absence of toxicity can be as beneficial as accelerated detoxification, and this made perfect sense after a few days of eating the Wylder way. There’s nothing restrictive about what’s on offer—just freshly prepared whole foods free from refined sugar. Charlotte has teamed up with chef Valentina, who sources produce from her sister's farm. The result is an ever-changing menu of nutritious, plant-based meals that include fennel and miso soup, sweet potato mil hojas, and coconut and cacao raw cake. Charlotte does mix things up during the course of a retreat; there’s a farm lunch at Terra Masia and a visit from the chefs at Chidas, who put on a Mexican spread of tacos and ceviche. As with all things Wylder, mealtimes are seamless, and sitting down to healthy plates of food for five days on a trot felt like such a treat.
Well Rated
Wylder stands out as one of the best wellness escapes I’ve experienced, and I’m not just waxing lyrical because it’s my job. For years, I’ve steered clear of yoga retreats; having never been a yogi, I was sceptical whether this type of break was right for me. The community and my lack of ability intimidated me. As it turns out, it is exactly the right break for me. I’m a creature of habit, rarely mixing up my exercise routine or experimenting with recipes, but Wylder provided the shakeup I needed. I left feeling stronger, both physically and mentally, and motivated to make positive changes to my routine. Many of the guests on the retreat were there for the second or third time, and I completely understand why—it's the perfect reset, a pause that would never happen at home. I must also mention the cost. I shouldn't shout it out loud because she might put her prices up, but what Charlotte offers is exceptional value for money. While wellness travel can come with an inflated price tag, Wylder is accessible to most, making it that much easier to recommend. So if you like the sound of getting into a healthy mindset, making new friends, and seeing Ibiza through the eyes of a local, visit wylder.net/.
5 retreats have been announced for Autumn:
Wylder Formentera 14th-18th September
Wylder Ibiza 5th-9th October
Wylder Ibiza 9th-13th October
Wylder Menorca 18th-22nd October
Wylder Menorca- 22nd-26th October
Prices start from £1,650pp (shared occupancy).