Award Winning Getaways
A getaway is a great way to look after yourself or your people, so that everyone can be their absolute best.
We have wellbeing retreats throughout the year and across the globe which you can book on to by yourself or with your team.
We also create bespoke networking and corporate events exclusively for your organisation.
Perfect for switching off, allowing you to refresh and re-group, returning with all the tools you need to be better and healthier.
We teach the science behind physical and mental health, for an interesting, effective and enjoyable wellbeing experience. We believe that this is what won us our last award!
Fully immersive events in beautiful surroundings, with nature based activities, making the most of the outdoors, delicious food, specialist positive psychology and nutrition coaching, inspiring talks, connecting with likeminded people, giving your mind and body a boost… sound good?
Take a look at what our guests say
Get in touch to design your getaway. Or join one of our upcoming events…
Spring 2023:
3 Day Getaway in the South West of England, UK
A beautiful hotel away from the city lights, the noise and the bustle of busy life. Join us to reset yourself and focus on ways to restore your productivity… find out more
Autumn 2023:
5 day Getaway at The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
Richard Branson’s exclusive resort in the Swiss Alps will be all ours. Relax in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs, detach with spa treatments and enjoy Michelin-star food… find out more
Winter 2023:
10 Day Ski Getaway, Colorado
Join us at this exquisite house in the Rocky Mountains, for a success and strategy focused ski holiday… find out more
Summer 2023:
5 day Getaway at Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Richard Branson’s wonderful resort in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. De-stress enjoy local cuisine and meet the friendly Berbers… find out more
More info on our Brain and Body Getaways…
South West England, UK
29 - 31st March 2023
Join us in creating your very own ‘wellbeing - toolbox’. Learn how to eat well, feel great and to find your path to mental and physical wellbeing. Be as restful or as active as you like and explore nature in the most beautiful surroundings...
The experience:
3 days to reset your body and mind – for increased performance, a calmer and more productive brain, a happier and healthier body! Learn about the best foods, how to train your brain for sustained energy and performance.
You will spend three days with a small group of likeminded people in peaceful North Devon – we have found a gem of a venue: Kentisbury Grange – choose from cosy and luxurious rooms in the main house or book a spacious lodge at the lake.
Get away from it all, relax, recover and retreat. This is your time.
Learn about Vikki’s scientific route to happiness with her talks on positive psychology.
Enjoy ‘Carola-inspired’ foods that support your physical health.
Join a wild swim or SUP, foraging, wilderness walking, yoga, star gazing, relaxing by the fire.
Join a guided journalling session and reflect on your learnings throughout your stay.
Get out of your head and take a break from the daily commitments of life, reduce stress and increase happiness. Leave with all you need to be the very best version of you, plus a goodie bag packed with information, your personal journal, a 4-day meal plan and other treats!
Itinerary:
Day 1
10:00: arrival and check in
11:00 Welcome, Introductions and what to expect from the retreat
11:30 Introduction to Journaling
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Vikki: How to be happy - how the science of positive
psychology helps us feel our best
14:30 Forest Bathing
16:00 Welcome Meditation
16:15 Free Time to spend outside and reflect on the Day
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Night walk / star gazing
Day 2
7:00 For the early risers: tea and coffee, River walk
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Carola: 360 degree Wellbeing
10:30 Yoga at the Stone Circle
12:00 Walk the grounds
13:00 lunch
14:00 relaxed fireplace conversations with Vikki and Carola
15:30 Take a dip in the pool / Free time to explore the grounds
17:30 return to the Castle
19:00 Dinner
20:30 After Dinner Meditation
Day 3
7:00 For the early risers: tea and coffee, River walk
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 check out
10:00 Carola and Vikki: The next steps and create your wellbeing tool box
12:00 Good-bye Meditation
12:30 lunch
13:30 Depart
Fees:
Main House – double room, sole occupancy: £1350.00
Early bird rate £1150.00 (SOLD OUT)
Cottage suite – double room, sole occupancy: £1550.00
Early bird rate: £1350.00
Main House – double or twin room, double occupancy: £1050.00 per person
Early bird rate: £850.00 per person (SOLD OUT)
Cottage suite – double / twin room, double occupancy: £1350.00 per person
Early bird rate: £1150.00 per person
Gift vouchers are available! Please contact us!
The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
Autumn 2023
Richard Branson’s exclusive resort is all ours for a mountain explore high in the Swiss Alps. Relax in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs, detach with spa treatments and enjoy Michelin-star food… details now confirmed!
After the success of last year’s retreats we are delighted to be heading to Verbier to visit Richard Branson’s lodge for our autumn retreat!
Are you ready for a special experience? What about wellbeing for body and mind in the crisp and clear air of the Swiss mountains? Escape into nature to focus on yourself!
Our retreats provide a complete immersion into wellness: We will combine expert coaching from clinical psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes and I, a specially designed ‘Carola-inspired’ menu throughout the 5 days, plus lots of outdoor experiences to make the most of the stunning location!
Verbier’s valleys will be bathed in autumn sunshine, sitting against a backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks – the perfect scenery for hiking, biking and exploring. From gentle to challenging, it’s your choice!
The retreat runs for 5 days from 12 – 16 September 2022 and it includes:
5 days/4 nights in one of the three beautiful room/suite categories
Nutrition and lifestyle workshops led by Carola
Psychology and mindset workshops led by Dr Vikki Barnes
Mountain yoga and meditation sessions
Early-morning wellbeing (if you wish!)
High-vibrational and nutritious meals, snacks, and drinks throughout, designed by Carola and created by our Michelin-trained chefs
A number of outdoor excursions
our own indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub
5 days of wellbeing and tools to continue your transformation at home
Goodie bag
We have loads of plans for our retreat, but most of all we want you to have as much time as you like in the mountains, enjoying the famous Swiss Alps to the max!
So the first thing to know is that our agenda is super-flexible! We’ll let the sunshine decide when it’s time to play or when to get cosy inside, where we’ll share our passions for food and positive psychology to help you making the most of this holiday for your health and wellbeing!
All our offerings are yours for the taking – from early morning yoga and meditation to fireside chats in the evening. It’s up to you if you’d like to join us. Here’s what we have planned (details tbc):
Day 1
Arrival during the day
Explore the surroundings
Meet & Greet in the afternoon
Dinner
After dinner meditation
Day 2
Early morning yoga
Breakfast at The Lodge
Mountain hike
Lunch at the Lodge
Afternoon talk with Vikki and Carola: Wellbeing and Performance go hand in hand
Free time to relax and reflectEarly evening meditation
Dinner at the Lodge
Fireplace chat with Carola and Vikki
Day 3
Early morning walk and active meditation
Breakfast at the Lodge
Morning talk with Vikki: How to bring positive psychology into your busy life
Lunch at the Lodge
Mountain Awe Walk or Yoga (depending on the weather)
Free time for a dip in the pool or the hot tub
Dinner at the Lodge
Fireplace chat with Carola and Vikki
Day 4
Early morning Yoga
Breakfast at the Lodge
Morning talk with Carola: Feed your resilient body and brain
Lunch at the Lodge
Free time to relax and reflect or join us for an outdoor experience
Maybe book a massage?
Dinner at the Lodge
After dinner meditation
Fireplace chat with Carola and Vikki
Time for goodie bags!
Day 5
Breakfast at the Lodge
Departure and transfer to Geneva Airport
Room categories and prices:
We have 3 room categories available for single or double occupancy. Most beds can be twinned, please contact us to discuss.
Classic room: slightly smaller bedroom, with a king size bed and ensuite £7,120.00 (single occupancy)
Early bird price: £6,293.00 (sold out)
Two people sharing (twin or double): £5,465.00
Early bird: £4,490.00 (sold out)
Spacious executive bedroom: king size bed, balcony, ensuite with shower and bath
£8,225.00 (single occupancy)
Early bird: £7,699.00 (1 left)
Two people sharing (twin/double): £6,845.00 (1 left)
Early bird: £6,090.00 (sold out)
Magnificent Master Suites: biggest suites with amazing views, king size beds, balcony, sitting area, centrepiece fireplace, ensuite
£9,592.00 (single occupancy)
Early bird: £8,846.00
Two people sharing (twin/double): £8,225.00
Early bird: £7,135.00 (sold out)
All prices are per person and include:
VAT
accommodation for 5 days/4 nights
all meals and drinks consumed at the lodge
all activities run by Dr Vikki Barnes and Carola Becker
Keystone, Colorado
Winter 2023
This is our most luxurious health and wellbeing retreat yet! The aim is to teach you what we know as experts in the field of nutrition and psychology, in order to kickstart your transformation to success. And it just so happens to be on the ski slopes!
Why? One starry night, Carola and I were sitting around the fire pit, contemplating the events of the past year and how we’d like to support our clients through the next. We pondered:
How can we help people through the fatigue and stress following recent events, back to peak performance?
How can we help banish isolation, facilitate better connections and networking in fun ways?
How can we increase people’s mental and physical wellbeing and have a great time?
How? Well… we’ve created the most wonderful event yet - an exclusive, award-winning, health and wellbeing retreat with skiing and international networking, in the beautiful Colorado mountains! Sound good?
It should sound good, it’s going to be life changing, life affirming and everything you need to perform at your best and reach the successful heights you know you can reach.
What is it?
Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, you’ll be treated to 10 days of dedicated hospitality in an exquisite venue, together with a select group of likeminded people. The perfect opportunity to create positive change in your life and expand your international network.
Upon arrival, everything is organised for you. From ground transportation to ski passes, from outdoor activities to yoga sessions. All you need to do is enjoy yourself and we will have your health and wellbeing in hand.
Our private chef has been creating a bespoke menu, focused on sports nutrition, planned by Carola. Our food will be super healthy and help your body perform at its best. Whilst Carola’s talks will about how food and nutrients increase your performance, you’ll balance all this with peak mental fitness too, exploring with Vikki how to embed positive psychology into your life, cultivate a positive attitude, growth mindset and increase your happiness hormones!
You’ll leave armed with a wellbeing toolbox, which you can take home and into your work, reaping the benefits long after the event. We’ll even send you away with a goodie bag packed with useful ideas and fun surprises!
Our agenda is flexible so that we can make the most of the snow. We’ll let nature guide us and give you the options for fun and wellness each day. Then it’s your choice. It might be ski school, yoga, star gazing, cooking classes, meditation, snow hiking, journaling, relaxing in our waterfall hot tub, time in the cinema room, a gym session, a massage, fireside chats, making friends, expanding your network… it’s all there for the taking. We want people to enjoy and learn and be better for it, for the long run.
Let’s not forget the most unique part of this trip - you’ll have access to your dedicated experts, Carola and Vikki, for any physical and mental health related questions and advice throughout your stay.
Are you ready for the time of your life?
To transform your work?
For tip top mental and physical health?
To ‘press the reset-button’, regain your energy and feel rejuvenated?
To create your wellbeing toolbox ?
Learn how to eat well, boost your happy hormones and be your best?
Then come and join Vikki and Carola at the ski retreat of a lifetime!
What’s included?
Luxurious, dream accommodation
Yoga, star gazing, hiking, fireside chats, meditation, networking, expert talks about nutrition and positive psychology
Ground transportation (accommodation to slopes)
Airport transfers (we’ll just need you to get yourselves to the nearest airport)
7 out of 10 day ski pass
What’s not included?
Massage treatments (please book in advance)
Equipment rental (we can help you if you don’t plan to bring your own)
Flights and travel between your home and the airport
Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
Summer 2023
Nestled in the Atlas Mountains at yet another of Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive resorts - and we’re inviting you to join us for the experience of a lifetime.
Have you ever wondered…
How can we help people through the fatigue and stress following recent events, back to peak performance?
How can we help banish isolation, facilitate better connections and networking in fun ways?
How can we increase people’s mental and physical wellbeing and have a great time?
How? Well… we’ve created the most wonderful event yet - an exclusive, award-winning, health and wellbeing retreat with skiing and international networking, in the beautiful Colorado mountains! Sound good?
It should sound good, it’s going to be life changing, life affirming and everything you need to perform at your best and reach the successful heights you know you can reach.
What is it?
Surrounded by the stunning Atlas Mountains, you’ll be treated to 5 days of dedicated hospitality in an exquisite venue, together with a select group of likeminded people. The perfect opportunity to create positive change in your life and expand your international network.
Upon arrival, everything is organised for you. From ground transportation to outdoor activities and learning sessions. All you need to do is enjoy yourself and we will have your health and wellbeing in hand.
The food is divine, prepared by the resident local chef with the input of Carola. Our food will be super healthy and help your body perform at its best. Whilst Carola’s talks will about how food and nutrients increase your performance, you’ll balance all this with peak mental fitness too, exploring with Vikki how to embed positive psychology into your life, cultivate a positive attitude, growth mindset and increase your happiness hormones!
You’ll leave armed with a wellbeing toolbox, which you can take home and into your work, reaping the benefits long after the event. We’ll even send you away with a goodie bag packed with useful ideas and fun surprises!
Our agenda is flexible so that we can make the most of the time. We’ll let nature guide us and give you the options for fun and wellness each day. Then it’s your choice. It might be learning sessions, yoga, star gazing, cooking classes, meditation, journaling, relaxing in our waterfall hot tub, a gym session, a massage, fireside chats, making friends, expanding your network… it’s all there for the taking. We want people to enjoy and learn and be better for it, for the long run.
Let’s not forget the most unique part of this trip - you’ll have access to your dedicated experts, Carola and Vikki, for any physical and mental health related questions and advice throughout your stay.
Are you ready for the time of your life?
To transform your work?
For tip top mental and physical health?
To ‘press the reset-button’, regain your energy and feel rejuvenated?
To create your wellbeing toolbox ?
Learn how to eat well, boost your happy hormones and be your best?
Then come and join Vikki and Carola at the ski retreat of a lifetime!
What’s included?
Luxurious, dream accommodation
Yoga, star gazing, hiking, fireside chats, meditation, networking, expert talks about nutrition and positive psychology
Ground transportation (accommodation to the Kasbah and return)
Airport transfers (we’ll just need you to get yourselves to the nearest airport)
What’s not included?
Massage treatments (please book in advance)
Equipment rental (we can help you if you don’t plan to bring your own)
Flights and travel between your home and the airport
Here's what our guests say:
"I had the great pleasure of joining Vikki and Carola at their wellbeing retreat at Pentillie Castle. I had high expectations of what the retreat would be like, and I can honestly say the retreat delivered so much more than I expected. The activities were well considered for both fun and reflection. Vikki and Carola were generous sharing their ideas and expertise, and also managed to create a safe environment for all the participants to feel welcomed and included. I would highly recommend their retreat and would look forward to participating in another on in the future." - Eric
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to you both. I had such a wonderful time at the retreat. It was great to take time to nurture myself and spend time with some really special people. Feeling very grateful for the time. Keep doing what you both do - the world needs more of this.
- E. Moeller
Huge thanks for a fabulous time. Every time I see you, I learn something new!
- Margaret
'As a business owner and single Dad, it was a precious opportunity to relax in
stunning surroundings and focus on my own health and wellbeing.
Spending 3-days with you both, I learned a huge amount about how to invest in my physical and mental wellbeing which I fully expect will help me be more inspiring leader and father. You both have so much expertise and passion for what you do and the insights you have shared with me will be priceless.'
- Andy
‘I have learned so much which will impact my work life, health and attitudes.
Thank you!’ - Lesley
Terms and conditions:
A 50% deposit must be paid to secure your booking.
The remainder balance must be received 3 weeks in advance.
Bookings made after this date must be paid in full.
If we need to cancel the event, you will receive a full refund, no admin fee will apply.
If you wish to cancel, you must confirm this in writing to hello@brainandbodygetaways.com.
If you cancel giving at least 60 days notice, you will receive a full refund minus a 15% admin charge.
If you cancel between 30 and 15 days prior, a 50% refund will be provided.
If you cancel less than 15 days prior, no refund is provided.
We advise you take out cancellation insurance, which will help cover any cancellation fees. If you fail to join the event, arrive after commencement, or leave prior to its completion, no refund will be made.
A note on Covid-19:
Be assured that we will do all we can to ensure all our guests are safe and take the necessary measures, which we will advise. We will, of course, align our plans according to government guidelines. If you have any specific concerns or questions about this, we recommend that you ask us before booking your place.
We have taster days too…
West Country Landrover Experience
Various dates on request
Join us as we share our tried and tested strategies for increased performance and wellbeing - for yourself and your teams!
Plus, some time to play with Range Rovers!
Do you need to press the 'reset and refocus' button in Spring?
Do you want to get your body and mind into a peak state again?
Do you want to help your body prepare better for stress and recover quicker?
Let's do this!
Dr Vikki Barnes, clinical psychologist, and Carola Becker, nutritionist and fitness instructor, will be at the Land Rover Experience Centre near Honiton to host a small group of people - enjoy nutritious food and conversations about how nutrition and the science of positive psychology impact your brain performance and wellbeing!
The best part for us with these events is not just the inner work, that of course will be profound, but the network and connections that happen. You may meet some valuable contacts!
This intimate group day will be focused on helping you develop your very own way of living and thinking - to increase your brain performance, focus, and overall wellbeing. You will walk away with lots of ideas to take away and implement immediately.
Last but not least, if you buy the 'Experience Ticket' you will have some time at the end of the day to play with a Land Rover at Wessington Farm*
If you can't join us at Land Rover Experience on the day, there are discounted tickets available to follow our talks live via zoom. We are looking very much forward to seeing you!
Agenda:
10:00 arrival, healthy snacks, and networking
10:30 Dr Vikki Barnes: Positive Leadership and how to support the promotion of happier, healthier and more productive workforces
11:30 Carola Becker: From Fluffball to Pragmatism - feed your body and brain for best performance
12:30 delicious lunch and conversations
13:30 Dr Vikki Barnes, Carola Becker: Practical tools that enhance mental agility, connection, and productivity
14:30 Q&A, Wrap up and Goodie Bags :)
15:00 Teas, coffees, and networking
15:30 End of official programme - You may join us for a walk and explore the grounds of Wessington Farm or go for a drive in the cars!
*two people will share a car and the driving - an instructor will be present at all times
Get your inner adventurer out and book an off road experience with an instructor as part of the day!
All for £149 (admission) or £199 (including the driving experience) per person.
The Pig at Combe, Devon, UK
Various dates on request
Increase your lateral thinking, expand your mindset and perform better at work! Join two experts for a day, where they share their tried and tested strategies for increased performance and wellbeing!
Dr Vikki Barnes, clinical psychologist, and Carola Becker, nutritionist and fitness instructor, will be at the beautiful Pig Hotel at Combe near Honiton to host a small group of leaders - enjoy nutritious food and conversations about how nutrition and the science of positive psychology impact your brain performance and wellbeing!
'Reminded this week that to be the best leader I can be for my people, that taking some time to reflect, recharge and recalibrate is not an investment in me but them too. Great day of learning about nutrition for performance, positive psychology and the joy of learning, often forgotten as we are so busy being busy. Thank you, Carola and Vikki, for a great day absorbing your knowledge and wisdom in beautiful surroundings' – Alison North, Director Internal Operations, Somerset West and Taunton Council
The best part for us with these retreats is not just the inner work, that of course will be profound, but the network and connections that happen. You may meet some valuable contacts!
This intimate group day will be focused on helping you develop your very own way of living and thinking - with lots of ideas to take away and implement immediately.
If you can't join us at The Pig Hotel on the day, there are discounted tickets available to follow our talks live via zoom. We are looking very much forward to seeing you!
Agenda for the day:
10:00 arrival and networking
10:30 Dr Vikki Barnes: Positive Leadership and how to support the promotion of happier, healthier and more productive workforces
11:30 Carola Becker: From Fluffball to Pragmatism - feed your body and brain for best performance
12:30 lunch and conversations
13:30 Join us and explore the kitchen garden at The Pig At Combe
14:30 Dr Vikki Barnes, Carola Becker : Practical tools that enhance mental agility, connection, and productivity
15:00 Wrap up and Goodie Bags
15:30 Teas, coffees and networking
16:00 End of official programme - or, if you like, come with us for a walk and explore the grounds of The Pig!
All of this for £129 per person, which includes your lunch and snacks too.
All our Brain and Body Getaways are brought to you by #TeamCaroVik
Carola Becker, founder of The Nutrition Coach, Nutrition Coach and Fitness Instructor &
Dr Vikki Barnes, founder of Positive Wellbeing, Clinical Psychologist and Happiness Consultant
Both are passionate and experienced in their fields, well-known speakers with an unconventional style and instinctive enthusiasm about wellbeing.