Tara’s Travel Review: Combe Grove Estate Wellness Retreat in Bath

Location and design

One of the UK's leading wellness retreats, Combe Grove is fittingly positioned on the outskirts of Bath city, the historical epicentre of hot springs and thermal spas, and about a two-hour train or car ride from London. 
The set up and purpose of Combe Grove is heartfelt and so integral to wellbeing that it’s hard not to be impressed when you arrive. The ‘main house’, as they refer to it, is a Grade II Georgian country house set on an estate of 70 acres. From the moment you step inside you are greeted by chandeliers and pop art but not only that, vast sprawling views of the luscious valleys and countryside — it’s gorgeous. With each corner and space providing a delightful connection to nature outdoors, it makes for a nice space to cosy up indoors.

The team

As you would imagine, the service provided at the Centre of Metabolic Health is expertly given and I pay homage to Dr Rebecca Hiscutt, the Practice Manager who delivered workshops around the 5 Roots of Wellness based on nutrition, movement, sleep, mindset and environment. I was taught all manner of things metabolic-health related, even what to eat for optimal health and how to prepare a metabolic-friendly meal. Dr Rebecca and the team play a particularly important role for those who aren't sure where to start with their health journey. I felt from the very start of my visit that I had been given a great right level of access to the centre, and it was clear by the expertise and guidance that a year-long programme would offer participants effective, long-lasting change.

The food

I ate such scrumptious food — not surprising with a team of dedicated nutritionists, cookery demonstrations and the organic produce grown on-site. In learning the importance of nutrition to metabolic health early on, it made the dining experiences all the more connected and purposeful, which was enjoyable to experience. Generally speaking, there’s a lot that comes from garden to plate at Combe Grove and these kitchen gardens are spaces guests in residence can visit and see. The kind of ingredients I saw plucked straight from the grounds were the wild garlic, mint, raspberries, sage, dill, cucumbers, and camomile. All food here is sustainable, local, and seasonal.

Wellness facilities and activities

The offering here is built around guests who are staying on the six-night retreat, part of a 12-month programme, and those with a rolling membership who can book themselves access to the facilities for the day. There are some beautiful nooks to relax in as well as the charming indoor pool with valley views, and an outdoor pool that's heated so you can swim throughout the seasons. There is also a yoga deck, hydrotherapy bed, steam room, sauna, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a fully equipped gym and an exercise studio.

My wellness experience

My experience was very much about grasping the fundamentals of metabolic health. From the meals I shared, receiving osteopathy, and experiencing structural integration therapy. I learnt a lot and I came away with DIY tools for everything from meals to my own myofascial release. I have to say, Combe Grove successfully opened me up to a new school of thought, and a new world where metabolic health is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing.

Personal highlights

• The natural beauty of the hotel and its surrounds. The harvested goods from the garden kitchen were a delight to the culinary senses.
• The meals. I didn’t realise the importance of protein, especially not for breakfast, but I was inspired by what was on offer and importantly why certain foods make it easier for our body to find balance.
• Having hands-on guidance from the medical professionals! I loved receiving 1:1 nutritional therapy as well getting to have a health check that could inform my day-to-day living.

Who's it for?

• Couples who want to kick-start their health journey and encourage each other towards positive life change.
• Single travellers who want to stay close to home but not compromise on the standard of medical care offered further afield.

Insider info

• The outdoor pool is heated and less frequented than the indoor pool.
• Goats visit the property on occasion, in effort to help diversity and encourage the growth of wild plants. You can pet them!

Tara visited in June 2024.

We have a wide range of UK wellness retreats with beautiful grounds and cutting-edge facilities — click here to read all about the stays and programmes on offer.