Whether your dream retreat is chewing spelt at the Mayr clinic in Tyrol, a master detox at TheLifeCo in Turkey, or a head-to-toe diagnostic-led overhaul at Palace Merano in Italy, preparedness is key. You need to pack well to undergo the rigours of any reset health regime, because often the tough gets going before the benefits emerge and comfort is key. But what does comfort look like in the burgeoning sphere of wellness retreats? How much do you want to express your innate style when you have a packed daily schedule of colonics, vitamin injections, hiking, Pilates and hydrotherapy? Or is stealth-wealth anonymity the goal? These are conundrums worth investigating ahead of investing thousands in self-care with the end ambition of feeling rejuvenated and, well, swell. Those old Covid-era sweatpants don’t really make the grade – and who wants to be reminded of that tragic time?
For Paris-based creative consultant and curator Carmen Haid, founder of vintage site atelier-mayer.com, cosy is the goal. ‘I like to feel cocooned, practical and far away from fashion, make-up and high heels. Most retreats have bathrobes – but I check beforehand, as if not, I bring my own. I pack long kaftans by Marrakshi Life and New Tangier, a cashmere tracksuit (old Celine) and cashmere socks from The White Company, tank tops, T-shirts, a swimsuit by Eau, yoga kit, sunglasses, hoodie, comfy boots, and trousers for outdoors – plus hat, gloves, sunglasses, oil-free sunscreen, sleep mask and AirPods,’ says Haid of her typical packing list for her annual detox at TheLifeCo on the Turkish Riviera. ‘And I always bring my own slippers and a water flask!
Going on a retreat is not dress to impress, it is comfort and utility above all: a chance to explore my inner – rather than the outer – world, and not giving a toss about other people’s outfits,’ she adds. Yet, somehow, not dressing to impress can be just as demanding as the sartorial opposite. You need to think about activities and environment, not to mention your fellow wellness-seekers – shouty, logo-laden fabulousness is not going to go down well when everyone’s into the aching-limb, headache drudge of day three of a master detox.
‘Dress codes depend on where you are going, whether that’s a cleanse or a sports retreat, and remember – there will be different phases of how you are going to feel,’ says fashion editor and creative consultant Claire Thomson-Jonville. ‘As a general rule, I bring logoless things – a full black sports look by Nike, which has great new seamless sports bras and flattering leggings, a cool Champion hoodie, white tube socks, Birkenstocks and sneakers. As the day progresses into early evening, I like a cosy, chic vibe with knit joggers and Loro Piana cashmere,’ she adds.
Thomson-Jonville channelled her own experience of detox holidays into developing retreats around the world with her company, Out of State. Four or five times a year, she runs a silent retreat from a château in the Loire Valley. At the last edition, she welcomed 22 guests from 18 different countries to embark on five days of silence, a total digital detox and a juice cleanse. The thinking behind the retreat is the opportunity to reconnect with self and with nature. ‘People generally experience an emotional breakthrough, and the silent aspect is an opportunity to connect with spirit, soul, and one’s own intuition, which we don’t tend to listen to. Without talking, new connections are made, and that can be transformational,’ she explains, adding that a great Moleskine notebook is a good idea for journalling, along with an Anya Hindmarch zipper pouch and a tote bag for carrying your things around between activities.
Little personal elements can make a big difference. ‘I recently shopped for a client heading to SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain,’ says Sukeena Rao, co-founder of personal shopping/styling service Luminaireco. ‘I chose Alo bodywear, a wonderfully soft fleecy cashmere zipper sweater by Brunello Cucinelli, an all-climate Beta AR Arc’teryx jacket, a pack of three pairs of Raey silk ribbed socks (you always need more than you think), bodywear by The Esthe (the fine-mesh layering pieces are so gentle on the skin) and Olivia von Halle silk pyjamas. And I secretly added Vyrao scent sticks, because you want your room to smell gorgeous.’
In the process of transformation, whether physical or mental, one might also seek aspects of semi disguise. Lara Mead, the co-founder and CCO of Varley, a lifestyle brand with a recently opened store on London’s King’s Road, opts for headwear. ‘Comfort is key, but I also like to feel considered. A DoubleSoftTM tracksuit, which is elegant and laid-back, and an oversized Varley knit are my go-to, and I never travel without a baseball cap – it finishes off a look and hides a multitude of sins. For workouts, it’s plain black leggings – the Always High from Varley are a favourite,’ says Mead, who has the Lanserhof in Sylt on her escape list for 2024. DoubleSoftTM (a mix of viscose, polyester and elastane) is lightweight and breathable, and the signature zipper funnel necks are also handy if you’re leaning towards incognito.
When working hard to rejuvenate from the inside out, choose fabrics that work equally hard for you. Anna Laub, founder of activewear and eyewear brand Prism London (prismlondon.com), with a store on Chiltern Street, spent years developing a seriously stretchy knit fabric for her multi-use Prism2 range that includes bralettes, T-shirts, swimsuits and leggings in gorgeous colours such as olive, apricot and rusty pink. The fabric is quick-drying, sweat-wicking and chlorine-resistant, the swimwear doubles up as bodywear and the leggings are chic enough to wear as everyday runarounds. ‘Prism2 is sustainably made in Italy using a 3D knitting technique that minimises waste, and an eco-dye technique that is Greenpeace-certified. The pieces are all multi-fit too,’ says Laub.
One might experience weight loss on a retreat, so by the end of the stay, a crisp cotton oversized shirt (try With Nothing Underneath or Charvet) and a swimsuit will suit the big feel-good reveal. Think of yourself as a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Pack well and pack light – because, after all, you are worth it.