Song of the River Retreat Sanctuary is a spiritual and meditation retreat center, a place of uniquely profound energy vortexes and the perfect escape haven.

Holidays (2)

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Instructors (1)

Barbara Allen

Reviews (21)

Michelle Jiva

from Great Britain, October 2022

"Enjoyed my stay very much!"

My time spent at the retreat was brilliant Barbara and Nick catered for all my needs.

As promised they were attentive and went out of their way to support my stay with them on a personal level. The treatments were brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed all the home-cooked food they prepared for me. Thank you once again to you all

Andrew Doyle

from Great Britain, August 2022

"Song of the river review"

Barbara was amazing. She helped me move on from an issue that I had been stuck on for years. She is a good listener and you can tell she really cares about people and loves what she does. The location was incredible, so peaceful and calming.

Susan Massie

from Great Britain, July 2022

Barbara and Nick warmly welcomed me and treated me so kindly. Barbara is a good listener with a perceptive understanding. Her treatments are soothing and effective, helping me to fully relax, clear my head and feel ready to move on in my life. Their home is in the most beautiful natural setting with a river running alongside, hence the name of their sanctuary—Song of the river. My bedroom was appealing, with a comfortable bed, books and other artefacts of interest and my own bathroom. I enjoyed my meals and I have returned home very much refreshed.

Linda Plummer

from Great Britain, November 2021

"A very memorable experience"

I came across this lovely retreat several years ago knowing that one day I would be making a visit. So glad I finally made it as my time here in these beautiful peaceful surroundings ticked all the boxes and so much more mentally, physically and spiritually.

A perfect retreat to relax and recharge in the company of amazing hosts Barbara and Nick who were both generous with their time and made me feel very comfortable throughout my stay. The meals were excellent and the thoughtfulness to my dietary requirements were very much appreciated. The room and facilities were excellent and the bed was so comfortable.

Barbara is an excellent and very knowledgeable holistic therapist offering a variety of treatments, I was excited to learn about the different healing tools she also had available. I enjoyed her healing energy with a lovely hot stone massage and beautiful facial treatment with Bulgarian Rose Oil leaving me more relaxed than I’ve felt for a very long time.

The guided meditations led by Nick in their wonderful log cabin situated right by the river in the evenings a thoroughly relaxing yet powerful experience.

Highly recommend this retreat if you need a peaceful and relaxing break. I will definitely be returning here again soon and feel very blessed to have found a true friendship with Barbara and Nick xx

Alpha Prichard-shaw

from Great Britain, August 2021

"The perfect getaway to relax, unwind, connect & be pampered"

Myself and my friend chose this retreat as we liked the holistic approach Barbara had on offer, and were looking forward to a weekend of pampering, meditating and hopefully learning some new spiritual techniques. We were given so much more than that.

Recently pregnant, Barbara took every care to make sure I was comfortable, eating well, and made sure all treatments worked well within the first trimester. I am really grateful for her level of care over my pregnancy…

We spent lots of time meditating, learning how to use Egyptian rods, singing bowls, and various types of healing frequencies… it was great to come away from the weekend having expanded our knowledge learning new spiritual tools… Barbara is what makes the retreat so special. She gives her whole mind and energy to the user experience, where you leaving feeling totally cared for and nurtured. Her husband Nick was a great host, full of stories and good humour. As a couple they not only let you into their home but also their hearts… i feel honoured to have spent time getting to know Barbara & Nick.

Their company throughout our experience is really what made it for me. We had some lovely experiences with a fascinating couple, and left the retreat feeling totally relaxed and full of positivity.

I would highly recommend this retreat for anyone looking to connect with a healer for a total mind, body and spirit experience.

Jean Marshall

from Great Britain, May 2021

"Peace"

Wonderful, peaceful location for this, my first trip since covid began. Delivered everything it promised - warm welcome, friendly and professional hosts, fabulous treatments including hot stones and beautiful Bulgarian rose facial treatment . Learning about and experiencing the energy of the Egyptian wands was wonderful and very informative. Lovely , nutritious food eaten with the hosts which felt really comfortable. Barbara is a very intuitive person and works together with you so that you get the best out of your time with her. The newly added log cabin is a special place to be with a great ambience, the peaceful sound of water and wonderful views from the huge round window to the river and the fields beyond. The guided meditations led by Nick in the cabin both were powerful and relaxing at the same time. It was also great to be picked up and dropped off at the train station - an added bonus! For me the one to one aspect was really what I wanted at his stage of my life and development .On the whole a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend Song of the River.

Mary Day

from Great Britain, August 2020

It was a very warm and friendly atmosphere. Both Barbara and Nick were very welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with them and Barbara helped me relax and leave my stress behind. Time just stood still and I was able to enjoy the countryside as well as lovely meditations, and any massages that were on offer. I loved the sound of the river close by and this really helped to relax me and make me feel at peace.

Anonymous

from Great Britain, July 2020

"Mind refreshing escape"

I first saw Song of the river a year ago and had considered this for some time before booking, So glad I did.

It was a complete reboot for my mind and body, five days after leaving I still feel fantatsic and have developed a new fresher outlook on life. It done for me everything I could have hoped for and more.

Barabara and Nick ensure you are welcomed and quickly at ease and relaxed so you enjoy every minute of your stay. If and when I need to get another reboot I would go here without hesitation.

If your considering it like I did, just book it you will not regret it, whatever you are dealing with.

Jackie Partridge

from Czechia, February 2020

"Fantastic experience!"

Set in a breathtaking and tranquil setting. Thoroughly peaceful and relaxing.

Wonderful, warm and friendly hosts. Made me feel very welcome and a fountain of knowledge.

Anonymous

from Great Britain, February 2020

"Wonderful. "

Barbara was so intuitive and kind. The treatments were lovely. A wonderful place to stay.

Anonymous

from Great Britain, November 2019

"First retreat"

Everything about this retreat was great. It is a perfect location off the beaten track to relax and recharge the batteries. I was welcomed from the moment I arrived and made to feel well cared for. Barbara is wonderful all therapies and treatments were fully explained and extremely beneficial. I would fully recommend this place and hope to return again.

Sam Nolan

from Great Britain, September 2019

"Spirit, mind and body - it was all catered for here. "

My sister and I had a wonderful time. We loved the location, it had a magical and relaxing vibe from the moment we pulled up in the drive. Both Barbara and Nick were amazing hosts. Very kind and generous with their time and hospitality. The treatments and meditations and facilities were just excellent and both my sister and I came away feeling truly refreshed, energized and positive about life. The food was plentiful and delicious and the accommodation/bedrooms were super comfortable and beautiful. We loved the way Barbara manages to link up spirit, mind and body ensuring you get a full holistic retreat. The outdoor grounds were also just beautiful with a blissful little sanctuary right on the river housing a pyramid for quiet meditations. Both Barbara and Nick are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, we both feel we learned so much about spirituality and mindfulness. Barbara took the time in getting to know us and our individual needs and catered bespoke treatments for the both of us. We’re so grateful to have found this wonderful retreat and can’t recommend it enough. We will be returning soon that’s for sure!

Ryan Graham

from Great Britain, August 2019

"Absolutely amazing "

Lovely surroundings, gorgeous host and hostess, treatments amazing. Overall one of the best experience I’ve ever had. I was within nature and breathing it all in. Barbara was a lovely woman with a lot of knowledge and understanding, gorgeous experience from start to finish ,would highly recommend ❤️❤️

Astrid Nathan

from Great Britain, May 2019

"Best relaxing break"

Everything, from the the instructor undivided attention to a beautiful location. The effort put into accommodating the client's dietary requirements and general welcoming approach to the the retreat.

Helen Sawyer

from France, May 2019

"A lovely treat "

Rooms were lovely, well decorated and equipped. The house is in a tranquil setting and tastefully done, with a lot of thought given to the spiritual side too. Barbara is a very honest and perceptive person who made our stay very rewarding and to meet Nick her husband in the evenings was great too. Barbara's history and interests made it a fascinating stay

Ross Mcfarlane

from Great Britain, April 2019

"A place for healing"

A man of 32 I have been in a rut for almost 4 years and knew something had to give. I booked this retreat not knowing what i would find and although i didn't expect it to be as it was. It was exactly what i required. Barbara kindly came and got me in the as the sat nav didn't get me to the house. Which gives you an idea of how secluded you are in the retreat. A wonderful home amongst fantastic country side.

Barbara's gift's to listen, tune in and tailor your stay is exemplary. Her treatments resonated with me and i felt incredibly emotional however very routed during day 1.

This allowed us to build throughout day 2 and has given me a platform to move forward in my life.

Both Nick and Barbara catered to my fussy needs and we had some great conversation where Nick shared his knowledge within the business world and gave me not only ideas but proven methods to take away and apply in my own adventures. I am so glad i went and met this wonderful couple and would highly recommend to anyone wherever you are on your journey.

Ross

Jackie Mellor

from Great Britain, November 2018

"Lovely break"

Barbara and Nick were so welcoming and great hosts. Everything was all we could have hoped for, accommodation, meals, treatments, meditations, and company. Lovely area for walking, very quiet and relaxing. Barbara is an excellent therapist , very knowledgable, and I highly recommend her. I was there with a friend, but would be just as suitable for someone on their own. Overall, a lovely break, time flew by and we enjoyed every minute.

Patricia Scully

from Great Britain, October 2018

" over all it was very good"

the place was very quiet and had some lovely walks after an evening meal we sat and chatted with her husband it was relaxing

Frances Mcclatchie

from Great Britain, October 2018

"Inner peace"

From the moment I arrived I was treated with love and kindness. I felt really peaceful and the treatments were amazing. For the first time in my adult life it feels not only ok but good to be me. I feel at peace with myself and am ready for this next stage in my life. I will never be able to thank Barbara and Nick enough x

Anonymous

from Great Britain, September 2018

"A life changing experience"

Everything about this retreat was exactly what I needed. The location is stunning and so peaceful. Barbara and Nick were the perfect hosts and couldn't have done more for me. Barbara has such a fantastic knowledge and range of treatments which she specifically tailored to my needs. A great listener which gave me the opportunity to discuss my issues and explore them in a gentle manner. I couldn't have asked for more. Quite literally this may have changed the whole way I think about life.