We’re building a retreat
In the Sri Lankan jungle
What
We are very excited & I want to share our news with you about this project. My husband & I date our conversations about this topic to 2012 & earlier. We didn't exactly intend to build it from scratch though. But somewhere along the way that entered into the equation & it all ramped up. Nope we have absolutely no building skills whatsoever! But I do have some solid well-being skills. We also both have endless hospitality skills between us. My husband is a Michelin-trained chef. My parents used to own a hotel by the sea and I was born into that so it all merges rather beautifully. And I love the idea of nurturing people for a full stay rather than an hour appointment. However we won't be moving there. More on that lower down.
Why
I would like to expand on all things wellness. And this country really has it covered. From everywhere offering sunrise yoga, to the simple living & naturally clean diet, grounding & a heavy dose of Vitamin D. I've already bought two of every fruit tree that naturally grows there, and there are a lot.
We won't be moving there so face to face reflexology treatments will remain a fixture here in London! What we will be doing is hiring it out for complete retreat packages for life changing experiences. Imagine a week of reflexology combined with a week of breathwork or inner child work. Whoa. That really would be life changing! I'd also like to offer it to all sorts of practitioners without being physically involved in treatments but instead orchestrating the dream wellness package! Meaning I can be based in the UK. We will also be offering whole house rentals as a family villa.
Our Jungle plot in the middle of our cinnamon plantation, before the build started.
Where
In 2018 we decided that Sri Lanka would be our long haul destination. It has to be in the southern hemisphere for obvious sunny reasons. In Jan 2020 I found a piece of land. Annoyingly this was the day before I would hear the word Covid for the first time. Anyway 2 years older but no wiser, we started the whole process again with a new piece of land.
When
We bought land in March 2022. This felt like it took another lifetime and a lot more grey hairs. The last year & 1/2 has also been pretty slow to get going due to funds & various difficulties. However we finally started building 3 months ago and hoping to be open in another 12 months & by next years high season, which as it happens is when the uk is all the shades of grey. Hmmm handy.
Follow the ups & downs
I created another instagram account last night dedicated to it..Yup I think I'm at my limit now. So if you are interested in this journey of highs & lows this is where you'll find us.
@greenescapes.srilanka
https://www.instagram.com/greenescapes.srilanka/