There are some experiences that stay with you long after they are over.
Our very first Natamiri Retreat, The Autumn Reset, was one of those experiences for me.
From the moment our Natamiri ladies arrived at the beautiful manor house in Wiltshire, there was a feeling of stepping away from everyday life and into a few days where there was time to breathe, connect, laugh and simply be.
I had imagined what our first retreat might feel like, but experiencing it was something quite different.
A place to pause
The setting was a huge part of the experience.
Surrounded by the countryside, the stunning manor house gave us space to slow down and settle into a different rhythm. There was no need to rush from one thing to the next. There was time for a cup of tea, a walk, a conversation, a little quiet time or simply sitting and enjoying where we were.
And I think that's one of the things I wanted Natamiri to offer from the very beginning — space.
Space away from the usual demands of everyday life. Space to think. Space to reconnect with yourself. And space to connect with other people.
Mind, body and a little bit of magic
The retreat was built around the MMY Method™ — Manifestation, Mindfulness and Yoga.
We began with gentle yoga, giving everyone the opportunity to move, breathe and arrive in the moment.
Our sessions with Zofie brought a different kind of reflection, exploring mindset, manifestation and the things we sometimes need to pause and look at more closely.
There were also quieter moments of meditation and reflection, including our Wish Tree, where everyone had the opportunity to put their own thoughts and intentions into words.
It was lovely to see how differently everyone approached these moments.
The moments in between
A retreat isn't only about what's written on the itinerary.
Some of my favourite memories were the moments in between.
The laughter.
The conversations over meals.
Country walks.
Games and a little friendly competition.
Exploring the house and grounds.
Finding apples in the garden.
Seeing the horses.
Climbing trees.
And those completely spontaneous moments when everyone was simply enjoying being together.
There was plenty of silliness too — because I don't think wellness should ever mean taking yourself too seriously.
Food, little touches and feeling looked after
I wanted the retreat to feel special without feeling formal.
From the food we shared to the little touches around the house and the goodie bags waiting for everyone, I wanted our guests to feel welcomed and looked after.
There is something lovely about sitting around a table together and sharing a meal when nobody has anywhere else they need to be.
It's these simple things that can create some of the strongest memories.
The final day
As our few days together came to an end, we left the manor and headed towards Stockbridge, where we had a little time to wander and enjoy a drink before everyone went their separate ways.
Some of the ladies then continued on to enjoy the Fallen Willow sauna and time by and in the lake, while the retreat came to a gentle close.
It felt strange to say goodbye after such an intense few days together.
I think that's one of the signs that something has meant something — when you aren't quite ready for it to end.
What I've taken away
Hosting the first Natamiri Retreat has taught me so much.
About creating an experience rather than simply an itinerary.
About the importance of leaving room for spontaneity.
About how powerful connection can be.
And about how much we all need moments where we can step away from the noise of everyday life.
Most importantly, it has reminded me why I created Natamiri in the first place.
I wanted to create a space where women could pause, reconnect and leave feeling a little more like themselves.
Watching that happen for the first time was incredibly special.
The Autumn Reset was just the beginning.
I can't wait to see where Natamiri takes us next.
A moment to reflect
As you think about your own life, when was the last time you gave yourself permission to step away from the everyday and simply be?
What might you discover if you created a little more space for yourself?
“Sometimes we don't need to find more time; we simply need to make space for the moments that matter.”
Natamiri Journal 🤍