Nature & Nurture
(Ad-press trip)
Nestled in the heart of a centuries-old temperate rainforest, Cabilla Cornwall is a sanctuary for those yearning to connect with nature and rediscover a sense of peace and wellness. A destination that offers up more than just your quick staycation Instagram post. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the hum of the nature around you, where each step seems to synchronise with the pulse of this magical place. Here, where moss-laden branches cradle crisp, glistening leaves, and the air is tinged with the scent of earth and rain, a retreat becomes a deeply enriching journey in more ways than one.
The UK has rainforests ???
Few people realise that temperate rainforests aren’t confined to far-off lands; they thrive right here in Cornwall. Cabilla’s ancient woodland is a pristine example, filled with towering oaks, delicate ferns, and a diverse biosphere. This ecosystem flourishes in the moist, cool climate, creating a lush environment where ancient trees stand tall, and mushrooms and mosses blanket the forest floor, bursting with the emerald greens of life and growth. Being here reminds you that this is more than just a landscape; it’s an intricate community of plants, animals, and microbes, all working in harmony to sustain each other. Every plant, from the smallest fern to the grandest oak, plays a vital role in sustaining a delicate balance. It all feels almost mythical in its beauty.
As you move through these trees, the sounds of rustling autumn leaves and chirping birds remind you that this isn’t just a forest — it’s a living, breathing entity. Spending time in such a natural space has profound effects on our well-being. Studies have shown that spending time in environments like Cabilla’s rainforest can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood. Here, I was invited to disconnect from the world and retune to the rhythms of nature, finding a kind of wellness that goes far beyond the physical. I didn’t actually find the environment too dissimilar to my home: the Peak District. It felt oddly familiar and wonderfully new at the same time.
Grounding
At Cabilla Cornwall, wellness isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about intentional reconnection. The venue has thoughtfully crafted spaces that foster reflection and self-care, from meditation areas that overlook the forest to trails winding through breathtaking scenery and guiding you up tors. Cabilla embraces an ethos of sustainability, deeply rooted in protecting the environment and honouring the natural beauty that surrounds it. Staying here, you’ll feel the dedication to preserving this rare landscape and encouraging guests to leave lighter footprints on our Earth.
Whether you’re doing yoga with a backdrop of ancient trees or simply unwinding by a campfire after a day of forest bathing, every experience at Cabilla has a way of grounding you, making you feel both calm and alive. This is the kind of wellness that lasts — the kind that lingers in your bones and breathes life into your everyday routines. They are rituals that are yours to take, use, and pass along.
A marriage of values
As if the enchantment of Cabilla weren’t enough, this trip with Lucy & Yak really brings a fresh dimension to the experience. Known for their vibrant, comfortable clothing, Lucy & Yak is a brand that has woven sustainability into every fibre of its mission. Their commitment to ethical production, using eco-friendly materials and ensuring fair wages, makes them a natural fit for a place like Cabilla, where respect for people and planet is paramount.
Lucy & Yak doesn’t just make clothes; they make statements. Their pieces, known for bold colours and joyful, dopamine-inducing patterns, encourage self-expression while respecting the planet. When you wear Lucy & Yak, you’re not just wearing a garment; you’re carrying a message that values the well-being of the Earth and everyone who lives on it. In a world where fast fashion reigns, Lucy & Yak reminds us that clothing can be both stylish and sustainable; a blend of self-care and eco-consciousness that perfectly complements a retreat focused on wellness. The relationship here feels harmonious.
At Cabilla, every effort has been made to create a low-impact environment, from energy-efficient practices to sourcing local products. Lucy & Yak’s thoughtful, ethical production and their focus on sustainable materials bring this amity to life, creating a bridge between personal wellness and ecological responsibility.
Being on a retreat at Cabilla, wrapped in the comfort of my Harper fleece, knowing each choice I’ve made here is perfectly aligned with protecting and celebrating nature. As I breathe in the forest air, feeling the Earth beneath me, there’s a sense of completeness, an understanding that wellness extends beyond our own bodies. It’s a recognition that when we take care of our world, our world takes care of us. I think this is what grounding feels like: gratefulness and contentment.
Organised wellness
In sync with Cabilla’s ethos, The Wild Times Co. brings a unique approach to wellness that’s deeply inspired by nature and connection. By blending mindfulness practices, outdoor adventures, and a sustainable mindset, The Wild Times Co. empowers you to reconnect with yourself and the Earth. With a philosophy that champions curiosity, creativity, and community, their retreats encourage meaningful, restorative experiences in nature that resonate long after you’ve returned home.
Pledging more than a temporary escape — it offers a lasting shift, a gentle reminder of the beauty of coexistence with nature. It’s an invitation to breathe, to listen, and to live in a way that esteems both our Earth and ourselves. Together with Lucy & Yak, Cabilla Cornwall creates a unique experience where sustainability and wellness merge seamlessly. Here, in the embrace of an ancient rainforest, you’ll find a new rhythm, one that is gentler, more intentional, and infinitely nourishing. Whether you leave with a deeper understanding of the natural world or simply a renewed sense of peace, Cabilla Cornwall offers more than just a retreat; it offers a way to live with intention, to care for yourself, and to respect the delicate balance that sustains us all.
A big shoutout to our retreat chef, Beth, who cooked up the most soulful vegan food. I’m missing her cooking every single day.