Set within seven acres in the heart of Essex lies a small box of delights. When opened, it reveals the Glass House Wellness Retreat & Spa. I’d never visited a wellness, health, and fitness retreat before. As a bodybuilder, celebrity trainer, and someone with unwavering discipline around training, nutrition, and lifestyle, I was intrigued to explore this place, especially from a professional standpoint. I’ve spent almost my entire life in health clubs and gyms; it’s become an uncompromising way of life. For me, it’s an alien concept not to want to train and eat healthily. Yet, alarmingly, as data shows, health and wellbeing are no longer priorities for much of society.
Yet, alarmingly, as data shows, health and wellbeing are no longer priorities for much of society.
Despite endless publicity, far too many people still fail to train adequately and show little inclination to do so. Even more concerning is the rise of junk and processed foods, which have had a profoundly damaging impact on our society. Obesity is proliferating, particularly among the young, and now, disturbingly, fat-loss injections are being used as shortcuts, even for children.
Obesity is proliferating, particularly among the young, and now, disturbingly, fat-loss injections are being used as shortcuts, even for children.
As a man in his mid-fifties who still retains a youthful glow, strength, and possibly the best physique of his life, I feel compelled to champion the virtues of health: regular training, staying active, eating unprocessed foods, supplementing wisely, and nurturing all aspects of wellbeing. This is exactly what I found at the Glass House. And even for someone as seasoned as I am, this is my profession, after all, I still benefited from my time there. Here’s why.
Upon my late arrival, I was warmly greeted, and promptly offered an ice bath. Sounds ominous, yes, but in truth, it was incredible. After a stressful journey from West London, the moment I stepped through the retreat’s gates, a wave of relief washed over me. The reception staff were delightful, my case whisked off to my room, while I was escorted straight to be submerged into icy calmness. Ice baths are certainly not for everyone, but for those of us who push our bodies through intense training, inflammation becomes a familiar foe. Cold therapy is the perfect antidote, which is why athletes swear by it.
After a stressful journey from West London, the moment I stepped through the retreat’s gates, a wave of relief washed over me.
Personal trainer Justin supervised me in the lush garden beside the yoga studio, coaching me through deep diaphragmatic breathing as I lowered my shoulders beneath the water. There I remained, two long minutes. He encouraged gently, and gradually a unique sense of serenity took hold. Even my overactive mind fell quiet. Afterwards, despite frozen toes, my body felt pain-free and energised. I would happily do this daily.
My spacious room featured a YouTube-connected television, through which I played chakra music to sustain my newfound composure. Dinner followed shortly after. I’d pre-selected my meal, so I knew what to expect, and it did not disappoint. As someone who reviews restaurants for this magazine, I’m no stranger to quality cuisine. The chicken supreme was so delicious I ordered it again the following day. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring.
The chicken supreme was so delicious I ordered it again the following day. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring.
After dinner, we headed to the dome for a breathwork and meditation session. The dome resembled a miniature Eden Project and was a joy to be inside. We were guided through breathing paired with visualisation to deepen our sense of calm, the perfect prelude to sleep. And speaking of serenity, what struck me most about the retreat was its rare quietude. Hotels are often horribly noisy, but as I sank into my wonderfully forgiving mattress, I noticed the stillness, the peace I’d been seeking.
What struck me most about the retreat was its rare quietude.
Not being a morning person, I missed the early walk around the grounds and headed straight to breakfast, devouring my poached eggs eagerly. Next came one of my favourite treatments: a massage. Fortunately, the therapist applied the level of pressure my shoulders desperately needed; years of heavy lifting leave that area tight and knotted.
Then, the Strength and Conditioning workout. As a fitness professional, this was the element I expected to judge most critically, perhaps even cynically. Yet, to my surprise, I was thoroughly impressed. Once again led by Justin, the session was functional, practical, and challenging for all levels, from sedentary to advanced. We performed squat sequences and press-ups with extensions for full-range movement. I perspired profusely and genuinely felt I’d accomplished something. For those less accustomed to exercise, it will be eye-opening, and potentially life-changing.
For those less accustomed to exercise, it will be eye-opening, and potentially life-changing.
Finally, the retreat’s ultimate highlight: the Cryo Chamber. If the ice bath was the literal “ice breaker,” this was the grand finale. A Cryo Chamber exposes the body to extremely cold, dry air for a few minutes to trigger therapeutic benefits: reduced inflammation, pain relief, muscle recovery, improved circulation, and potential benefits for skin health. Wearing protective gloves, mask, and sliders, I stood listening to “Time to Say Goodbye” (my choice) while icy air enveloped me. I loved every second. Many will likely prefer this more subtle chill to the shock of the ice bath. Personally, I adore both and wish I could access them regularly. I’ll certainly be hunting for cryotherapy options in West London.
Finally, the retreat’s ultimate highlight: the Cryo Chamber.
After lunch, it was time to leave this treasure of a retreat. My final thoughts? It reminded me that I genuinely love my lifestyle. I already live in a world of gyms, sound baths, and meditation. For me, it wasn’t life-changing, but it was deeply enjoyable and affirming. It confirmed that I’m on the right path: I train, I meditate, I eat cleanly, I set goals, and I remain committed to wellbeing.
For others, this retreat teaches how to live this way, how to achieve goals that once felt unattainable. When it comes to health, fitness, and wellbeing, being shown the light can absolutely lead you out of the darkness and onto a path of empowered choices.
Wellbeing aspirations can be made real. Sometimes, all it takes is a couple of days at the Glass House Wellness Retreat & Spa.
What Modern Reset includes The programme draws on Glass House Retreat’s holistic ethos, combining physical training with restorative practices and nutritional balance. Guests can expect.
Goal setting & performance coaching with Glass House Retreat’s expert PTs
Cold water therapy & cryotherapy sessions to build resilience and aid recovery
Breathwork and meditation workshops to enhance focus and clarity
Strength & mobility training to support long-term fitness and injury prevention
Tailored nutrition plans designed to fuel energy and performance
Sleep optimisation techniques to improve rest and recovery
A typical ‘Modern Reset’ stay: 07:00 Rise and shine 07:30 Hot water and fresh lemon drink 07:45 Affirmation session and mindfulness walk 09:00 Nourishing breakfast 10:00 Strength & Conditioning 11:00 Cryotherapy 13:00 Light lunch 14:00 Deep Tissue Massage 16:00 Ice Bath 17:30 Goal Setting workshop 19:00 Dinner 20:15 Sound Bath to support restorative sleep and calming tea 21:00 Bedtime
For more information on ‘Modern Reset’ at Glass House Retreat, visit www.glasshouseretreat.co.uk or contact hello@glasshouseretreat.co.uk.
October
31
Heart London Magazine 