Travel
The Tempus Rural Recharge Retreat: ‘I was left feeling empowered’
Our Head of Digital, Amy Moore, shares her review of the Rural Recharge Retreat at The Tempus, in Northumberland.
When it comes to exercise, I tend to lean towards activities that are low impact. I’m the definition of a ‘yoga, swimming and long walks’ type of person, dabbling occasionally with running and a bit of HIIT, but without it ever sticking.
So, when I was invited to a women’s retreat at The Tempus in Northumberland, I was curious to see if it could finally inspire me to get my sweat on.
With a mix of yoga, meditation, spin and HIIT on the schedule, there was ample opportunity to test the boundaries of my comfort zone. Here’s how I got on.
Retreats at The Tempus: our honest review
Arriving at The Tempus
It can be a daunting prospect to commit to a retreat. So often they’re based in private accommodation with only a small group of strangers for company. The Rural Recharge Retreat at The Tempus, therefore, is a great entry-level stay for those looking to dip their toe into the world of retreats. A short weekend (Friday to Sunday) trialling a range of exercise classes, while still having the facilities and atmosphere of a hotel to enjoy.
The Tempus is located just off the A1 in Northumberland, 12 miles from the nearest train station in Alnmouth. It sits within Charlton Hall Estate – home to an impressive 150 acres of sweeping grounds and countryside views. City slickers will immediately feel a world away from home.
There are 33 rooms in total, each uniquely designed with quirky furnishings that blend seamlessly with the design of the surrounding hotel. My room is generously sized, with a comfortable king-sized bed and spacious ensuite bathroom.
Despite being mere metres from the main hotel lobby and bar area, the room feels peaceful and quiet – ideal for recharging after a busy day on retreat. Plus, tea and coffee making facilities (complete with a few sweet treats) instantly add a homely feel.
The activity schedule
We hit the ground running at the retreat (quite literally). After a quick welcome meeting, we’re straight into a HIIT class (spinning included).
While I was perhaps one of the less enthusiastic participants, the class actually made me realise that HIIT is a lot more achievable than the six-packed, Instagram gym bunnies would have me believe.
Our trainer, Hesus, quickly gets the group bonding with an ice-breaking warmup, before outlining some exercises for us to try. We up our heart rate on the spin bike, before hitting the mat to do some squats and planks. We finish with dumbbell exercises to tone our arms. With plenty of breaks in between and the ability to work at our own pace, I feel empowered to recreate something similar at home.
A slower pace
The rest of the weekend is much more my pace; a brisk walk the following morning kickstarts the day, with a two-hour wander around the dramatic coastline. It’s a great opportunity to chat with fellow retreat goers and forge new friendships. We breath in sea air, take in the morning light and weave our way through herds of friendly sheep and inquisitive cows. It’s not long before we arrive at a local pub for a well-earned cappuccino, rosy cheeked and bright eyed.
We make our way back to the hotel for a light lunch before heading to the hotel’s own private tipi for a Forrest yoga class. Here, in our secluded space under twinkling fairy lights, we’re guided through strengthening poses, designed to switch on even the laziest of muscles.
The schedule concludes on Sunday morning with a flowing vinyasa yoga class – the teacher providing plenty of options throughout to cater for all abilities.
By the end of the weekend, I can already feel the positive effects of upping my activity, feeling inspired to continue my newly-found good habits.
What we ate
Food is provided in the hotel’s main restaurant, with a menu that caters for all tastes. There are lighter options for those keen to kickstart a healthy routine. My highlights included a starter of melt-in-the-mouth scallops followed by a sea bass main, served with samphire and a bed of seasonal veg.
Breakfast is in the Orangery – an airy space with views looking out over the tipi and surrounding grounds. There’s the option to order something hot from the menu (protein-rich eggs and smoked salmon for me), or enjoy cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and pastries from the buffet.
Unlike some retreats with set meal times and plans, you’re given free rein at The Tempus. If you’re looking for a healthy stay, bear in mind that you will need willpower. There’s temptation aplenty in the form of hearty pub grub and stone-baked pizzas. There’s afternoon tea to consider, too.
We receive an allowance for food each night as part of the retreat. This more or less covers the cost of a starter and a main, but do be prepared to pay a little more. Drinks are an added extra, too.
The verdict
I’d recommend this stay to anyone looking to try a retreat for the first time, with the option to do as much or as little as you like in a relaxed hotel setting. The exercise classes were ideal for all levels, with the skilled trainers creating practices that catered for all. True wellness enthusiasts or those looking for something a little stricter may wish to seek something more specialised elsewhere.
Find out more about The Tempus
