Within minutes, everyone had a drink in their hand. Rita stood nervously at the front. ‘Welcome to Seahaven Bay Farm and our very first Spring Awakening Retreat.’ She beamed. ‘I’m Rita Jory, in charge of this slightly chaotic little farm-turned-wellness joint. It’s full of animals who do whatever they like. You will meet goats with strong opinions, chickens that wander wherever they please, and an old Labrador called Henry, who is currently sleeping in the farmhouse.’
Laughter rippled through the group.
‘There’s a lot of land to explore, but don’t panic. Maps, leaflets, and my brilliant team, Teo and Zenya, are here to help.’ She gestured to them. ‘Teo will stretch you, tempt you into yoga poses you didn’t know existed, and maybe even a bracing dip in the sea.’
‘Oof,’ Davie said with a grin. Teo smirked. Odette rolled her eyes.
‘Our gorgeous Zenya here will guide you through breathwork, gong sessions, and moonlight mantras,’ Rita continued. ‘She swears they’re life-changing… though you may disagree at first.’
Cass raised an eyebrow. Priya let out a long, deliberate breath.
‘Breakfast can be eaten here or up in Yurt Avenue, where you will be sleeping. If you do want to stay up in the High Meadow, just tell Zenya the night before and she’ll pack something for you.’ She smiled at the appreciative nods. ‘Cornish goodies, hot drinks, something for everyone… even if kale isn’t your friend.’
‘Thank God,’ Davie muttered.
‘Why are you here, exactly?’ Odette piped up.
Davie’s face took on the expression of a scolded toddler.
Defusing the tension, Rita waved toward the grounds. ‘About half a mile that way are your yurts, with ocean views that might actually stop you in your tracks. The Orchard is perfect for reading or yoga if the weather behaves. The Serenity Barn is our peaceful sanctuary for sessions, workshops, and the occasional surprise gathering. Everything you need is in the resort guide in your yurt, but we’ll be around if you have questions, or just want a chat.’
‘How does lunch and dinner work?’ Priya’s voice was low and soft.
‘Lunch is a fresh salad, plus fruit salad in the fridge here for self-service. Dinner is at seven o’clock prompt. Zenya is a fantastic chef and will provide a hot vegetarian meal. There are also plentiful places to eat down the road in the harbour. Now we are in holiday season, the number seven bus goes past the gate at the end of the drive on the hour, every hour. We have a discount code for the Winking Pilchard pub, which I can highly recommend. So, if you do eat meat, you can get your fill of that down there.’
‘Genius name.’ Cass’s broad shoulders shook. ‘And alcohol, is it allowed on site?’
Odette sat up a little straighter, listening intently.
‘Thank you for asking, Cass and yes.’ Rita nodded. ‘I don’t provide it, but it’s your retreat to enjoy responsibly. No house parties in the yurts, though, please.’
Another ripple of laughter went around the room. Rita took a deep breath. ‘For those preferring quiet moments, we also have the Nook. Beanbags and low tables invite you to paint, knit, journal, or simply sit and sip a drink of your choice. Oh, and there’s a smaller vending machine in there, but treats on offer, all the same.’
Priya smiled. ‘That sounds wonderful.’
‘Oh, gosh, there is so much to tell.’ Rita laughed. ‘Before I forget, for those into Reformer Pilates, or those wishing to be, there’s a discount code for the studio at the harbour. And for sweet treat lovers, Betty’s Tearoom is a sugar-lover’s paradise.’ Rita clocked the ripple of fidgeting in the room. ‘Right, I’ll stop now, information overload, I know. Teo will take your luggage up to your yurts, or Zenya can lead you on a walk up there, if you prefer.’
Teo and Zenya took their places by the door ready for the exit party. Rita put her glass on the side. ‘Later, around six, we’ll do a little meet-and-greet under the Singing Tree.’ She clocked Imogen’s eye roll. ‘I promise you it will be short and sweet and you can start to enjoy your time here however you please.’
‘Singing Tree?’ Davie looked confused.
‘You’ll see.’ Zenya nodded. ‘When the sea breeze whips through the branches, it’s life-affirming.’
With the guests settled at High Meadow, Rita hunched over her laptop in the Cosy Café, muttering to herself as she tackled the online food order from the planning list Zenya had carefully prepared the day before.
Zenya appeared with a grin. ‘All right, boss.’
Rita looked up with a smile. ‘Is it just me, or does this group feel… kind of extra?’
‘In what way?’ Zenya popped a camomile tea bag into a mug.
Rita frowned. ‘I’m worried about Cass. He’s got the laddie, cool image, but he looks so sad behind the eyes. Odette is putting on the front of someone who’s had to be a survivor all her life, and Davie, well…’
‘Davieisjust extra, but I like him already.’ Zenya raised her eyebrows. ‘He just asked Teo if we could do an Instagram live meditation session.’
Rita shut her laptop. ‘He’ll calm down, I’m sure. And that’s why I love this place; it brings people back to ground level.’
‘Imogen is the only one whose energy I can’t grasp,’ Zenya said, frowning as she poured hot water into her mug. ‘But I will.’
