Sometimes, the simplest moments are the ones we remember most.
There is something rather lovely about sitting outside with a cup of tea, a slice of homemade cake and good company. No elaborate plans, no rushing off to the next activity, just time to enjoy where you are and the people around you.
One of my favourite memories from our first Natamiri Retreat was our afternoon tea by the pool. It wasn't something that needed to be perfectly organised or carefully orchestrated. We simply gathered outside, brought out the tea and cakes, and let the afternoon unfold.
A little afternoon tea magic
We were lucky enough to have two wonderful homemade cakes to enjoy. One of our guests had made cupcakes, while another had baked a coffee cake. Both were delicious, and there was plenty of tea to go around thanks to Dorset Tea, who generously provided the tea for our retreat.
We tried a selection of blends, including the strawberries and cream tea, which we enjoyed cold with lemonade. It was delicious and such a refreshing change from the usual cup of hot tea. Naturally, there was plenty of traditional hot tea being enjoyed too.
There was lots of chatting and laughter as we sat outside together. Some of us went for a swim, followed by a relaxing soak in the hot tub, while others enjoyed a game of tennis. Everyone could do as much or as little as they fancied.
We even discovered a new way to eat a cupcake! Break off the bottom, turn it upside down and place it on top of the icing, creating a little cupcake sandwich. It was one of those small, silly discoveries that had us smiling. Who knew there was a different way to eat a cupcake?
These are the moments I love most about bringing people together. You start with a group of women who may not all know one another, and before long, you're sharing stories, swapping ideas and laughing about the smallest things.
The luxury of a little time outside
Of course, we were incredibly fortunate to be enjoying all of this in such a beautiful setting. Our manor house had a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, so we could move between afternoon tea, a swim and a little time to relax in the warm water.
Not everyone has a heated pool and hot tub in their garden, so there were certainly some special perks to being on retreat!
Even so, I think the real luxury was having the time to enjoy it all. There was no need to rush back to work, think about what needed doing at home or fit everything into a busy afternoon. We could simply be there.
As we wandered back towards the manor house, we passed beautiful horses in the surrounding countryside. It was another lovely reminder of where we were and how good it feels to spend time outdoors, away from the usual routines.
Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to make time together special. We think we need to book somewhere wonderful, plan an activity or organise something memorable. Yet often, it is the simplest things that bring us the most pleasure.
A cup of tea in the sunshine. A homemade cake. A conversation that lasts longer than expected. A swim when you feel like it. The freedom to sit and do nothing at all.
The setting certainly helped, but the company was just as important.
Supporting a local favourite: Dorset Tea
We were delighted to have Dorset Tea join us at The Autumn Reset, generously providing the tea we enjoyed throughout our retreat. Supporting local brands is something I love, and it felt particularly fitting to share a brand with such strong roots in the area.
Founded by Keith Spicer in Bournemouth in 1934, Dorset Tea offers a smooth, golden blend inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of Dorset. It was lovely to have their tea as part of our time together, from our hot cups of tea to that rather delicious strawberries and cream blend served cold with lemonade.
It's also good to know a little more about the choices behind the brand. Dorset Tea's tea bags are made from 100% plant-based materials, using wood pulp and corn starch, and are biodegradable. The boxes are recyclable, and the brand partners with the Rainforest Alliance.
A big thank you to Dorset Tea for supporting our first Natamiri Retreat and helping to make our afternoon tea such a lovely part of the experience.
Making space for what matters
Looking back, it wasn't just the cakes, the tea or the lovely surroundings that made that afternoon memorable. It was having the time and space to enjoy them together.
We often talk about needing a holiday or a break to recharge, yet we can sometimes overlook the smaller opportunities to slow down in everyday life. We don't always need a grand plan. We might simply invite a friend for tea, take our lunch outside, go for a walk or put the kettle on and give someone our full attention.
There is something special about sharing these moments with other people, particularly when you're meeting new friends. You learn little things about one another, discover shared interests and create memories you wouldn't have made if you'd stayed in your usual routine.
At Natamiri, that's a big part of what we hope to create: time away from the everyday, in a beautiful setting, where connection can happen naturally and nobody feels they have to fill every moment.
The afternoon tea was just one small part of The Autumn Reset, yet it reminded me that wellbeing doesn't always have to involve a class, a workshop or a carefully planned activity. Sometimes, it's as simple as sitting outside with a cup of tea, eating homemade cake and laughing with people who were strangers only a short time before.
Pause & Reflect
When did you last make an ordinary moment feel special?
Think about the simple things that bring you joy. A cup of tea in the sunshine, a conversation with a friend, time spent outdoors or a little laughter over something unexpected.
What could you make more time for this week?
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At Natamiri, we believe wellbeing isn't just about taking time away. It's about creating space to reconnect with yourself, with others and with the things that matter.
Our retreats bring together Manifestation • Mindfulness • Yoga, nature, connection and the freedom to enjoy the moment.
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Make space for what matters.