Sarah Corbett-Winder’s Visit to Euphoria Retreat: Learning to Be Present

In this Q&A, fashion stylist, Sarah Corbett-Winder, talks to Wellbeing Escapes about her transformative stay at Euphoria Retreat in Greece. 

How was your consultation call with Stella?

The dream was being able to speak to someone about what I wanted to get out of my trip. It can be overwhelming when deciding where to go, so it was amazing to have someone listen to your needs and guide you. Also to be able to check in with Stella after my trip — allowing me to talk about my experiences and what I had achieved/was working on to keep achieving was very special. You feel very looked after and that your needs are cared for.

Why did she recommend Euphoria Retreat?

In a nutshell I wanted to focus on being able to be in the moment, I could never sit still, focus on the present, I always felt that I needed to be into the next thing/doing more. It was absolutely exhausting! So, Euphoria Retreat was the perfect tonic to try and work out why this was always happening, and have a total reset in its beautiful surroundings.

Did your Euphoria wellness escape meet your expectations?

It really did, it’s a very special place and the perfect place to go for a retreat. The beauty of the place was mind blowing. Mountains that go on forever! The family feel was so cosy, and made you feel really well looked after. Everyone was a real expert in their field and had such extensive knowledge, I learnt a lot.

The spa is next level — like I’ve never seen anything like it before. Clearly designed by a magical woman! The attention to detail is fabulous — can you tell I want to go back?!

Did you achieve your goal?

Not only did I achieve my goal but I also worked out why I was constantly darting around and not being able to be in the moment. I was harbouring baggage from my past (some toad of an ex said cruel words to me when I was a teenager), and all I was doing was putting constant pressure on myself as I was reacting against these words. To say it was exhausting was an understatement. I was never doing enough in my eyes.

I had an initial consultation with Mary (who has incredible spiritual power — she guided me through my journey at Euphoria) and learnt that all this — I hate the word — but ‘stress’ was putting pressure on my liver, which one day could catch up with me. To hear this was quite alarming, as it was me putting that constant pressure on myself. But why?!

We did some chatting (some to my body in a meditative state) so we could understand why. It all made total sense. Then, the real cherry on top was releasing all these negative emotions and I cannot tell you what that felt like. At the time it was a huge relief — like a huge weight off my shoulders. Instant. Goodbye negative thoughts!

I knew/know that I need to keep working on it but I am being so much kinder to myself, I think being able to understand why I was doing it really helped. Gosh one’s mind is powerful! So strong! I can’t express how important I think it is to look after our mental health — it should be like getting a haircut or having your nails done. I can’t tell you how much of a more peaceful place my mind feels. I feel like I have had a proper (much needed) spring clean! I can now also concentrate so much better and am thus so much more productive with my time! 

What were the highlights of your stay?

It made me laugh when I was due to go on a morning hike, up through the beautiful mountains and I arrived all ready for a vigorous workout. The guy taking me said, "Wow you’re busy and obviously live a fast life!", as I was marching next to him. I was soon to find out that we were actually going on a meditative walk — so a slow walk, where we focused on our feet walking and the birds around it. My gosh it was hard but it was magical.

I have always tried to meditate, but never been able to — too busy, but on this trip I was able to properly zone out. Mary explained that I had nothing to think about. Wow! Loved this! It was like a proper holiday.

The highlight of my trip has to be letting go of my past, I didn’t realise how much I had harboured it. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders and I can now be present, enjoy the moment and I have more of a f*ck it attitude. It’s up to us to decide all this! Thank you, thank you for the most special and helpful trip. I’ll be back!

Sarah travelled in May 2024.

If you want to follow in Sarah's footsteps and have your own transformative experience, you can read more about Euphoria and the wellness programmes on offer here.