Charlotte Church’s Powys wellbeing retreat named among best spas in the UK

The Dreaming in Rhayader, run by singer Charlotte Church from a property that was once the home of famed fashion designer Laura Ashley, has been included in a list by The Times that selected 50 of the UK’s best spa’s for 20244.

The full list, published on September 30, judged resorts and retreats from across the UK based on quality of treatments, knowledgeable therapists and results-driven skincare ranges, thoughtful design, comprehensive facilities and inventive health-focused cuisine.

Describing The Dreaming retreat in their review, The Times said: “A three-night getaway with a group of strangers might not sound relaxing, but give it a go at the Dreaming and you’ll come away feeling thoroughly refreshed.

“This wellness retreat, in the Nant Caethon Valley, near Rhayader, offers twice-weekly itineraries featuring everything from yoga and sound baths to silent discos and movie nights (no, this isn’t your standard massages-and-facials sort of place).

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“It’s run by the singer turned hospitality entrepreneur Charlotte Church, who’s ploughed her savings into doing up the property and its 47 acres of grounds, all terraced lawns, spruce forests and dramatic waterfalls. Poor phone signal and no wi-fi mean you can properly switch off — and maybe even make some new pals.”

The review gave the resort an overall score of 8/10, judging it based on the facilities and treatments, rooms and suites as well as the food and drink.

Describing the treatments, which they scored 9/10, The Times added: “Many activities draw on the epic surroundings, including group hikes, stargazing and den-building. Others, journalling, meditation, sound-healing, take place in the vast, light-filled Healing Room, offering guests space to rest and reflect, along with the opportunity to share their thoughts.

“You can dip in and out of the schedule as you please, with every session included, but one you definitely shouldn’t miss is “celestial blessings”, a silent disco on the lawns.”

Describing the suites, they added: “Each of the seven en suite bedrooms is done out individually, striking a good balance between comfort (the super-size pillows are a highlight) and style.”

They also scored the food and drink 8/10, saying: “Not having to choose what you eat is surprisingly freeing, and of course it helps that the dishes, think zingy cauliflower salads, nourishing lentil soups and courgette borek you won’t forget in a hurry, are so moreish.”

The full list can be found here.