Hello Summer!

Welcome to our Summer Wye Valley Wellness newsletter!

A personal note from Lucy, founder of Wye Valley Wellness

As summer unfolds, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for being part of the Wye Valley Wellness community. Whether you’ve joined us for a treatment, attended a workshop or a retreat, come along to our festival, or simply followed our journey online, you are helping create something really special.

Already, this summer has been full of meaningful moments. I’ve been reminded time and again that genuine connection, kindness and community are some of the most powerful forms of wellbeing we have. Watching people meet, share stories, support one another and leave feeling lighter is exactly why Wye Valley Wellness exists.

Like many small businesses, there are always challenges behind the scenes, including my own family emergencies which have meant my focus has had to shift is recent weeks. However, every smile, every conversation and each person who still chooses to believe in me, keeps me inspired to continue growing this beautiful community.

In August, I take my annual leave in New Quay, West Wales for a week away with my family. I’m so looking forward to slowing down and spending much of my time paddleboarding next to the dolphins, something that never tires!

Read on to find out more of what we’ve been up to since the spring and what else we have planned. Until then, I hope that you find time to rest, soak up the sunshine, and remember that looking after yourself isn’t selfish- it’s the foundation that allows you to show up for the people and communities we love.

Thank you for being here. It means a lot.

Lucy x

A little update from us at Wye Valley Wellness

Into The Wild Retreat in May

Our Into The Wild Retreat was a beautiful reminder of what happens when we step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with nature, ourselves and each other.

Across the weekend, guests enjoyed gentle yoga, breathwork, meditation, sauna, wild swimming, floating sound bath and nourishing food. There were meaningful conversations, laughter and moments of peaceful stillness. Surrounded by the beauty of the Forest of Dean, we created a space to slow down, breathe deeply and simply be.

It was a truly heart warming experience and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a special retreat. We can’t wait to return to the woods again for Barefoot & Free in September.

https://www.wyevalleywellness.uk/barefoot-free

Wye Valley Wellness Festival July 2026!

What a truly special weekend!

Our third Wye Valley Wellness Festival brought together an incredible community of therapists, practitioners, volunteers, local businesses and visitors, all united by a shared passion for health, wellbeing and genuine connection.

Across the weekend we welcomed people (and dogs) of all ages to enjoy inspiring talks, movement, classes, therapy taster sessions and food in a welcoming, inclusive space. It was wonderful to see so many conversations, new friendships and moments of kindness happening throughout the festival.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of everyone involved. Many of our practitioners volunteered their time and expertise, sharing knowledge with such warmth and passion.

To everyone who attended, supported and exhibited - thank you! Your enthusiasm and belief in what we are creating is what makes this festival so unique.

My heart is full of gratitude, and I am already planning for next year’s festival.

High Protein Cake! (GF)

Only yesterday I made this tasty protein rich cake. Not only is it gluten free, but it also uses natural sugars as an alternative. Why not give it a go?

Base

1 cup Oat Flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

1 cup full fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup Peanut Butter (smooth)

1tsp Vanilla Essence

1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup.

2 eggs whisked.

Topping

90g dark chocolate

1tsp coconut oil

Method (preheat oven to 180 deg)

1. Mix all wet ingredients until glossy finish

2. Line an 8inch by 8 inch cake tin.

3. Fold in dry ingredients until fully mixed.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20mins or fork is clean after poking.

5. Allow base to cool fully before adding topping.

6. For topping, melt chocolate and coconut oil.

7. Spread melted topping evening onto base and cool to set.

8. Once topping is hard, cut into even portions

9. Enjoy.

Upcoming events & courses

Barefoot & Free 4th to 6th September

Barefoot and Bower, Forest of Dean

Join us for a heart led weekend of rest, connection and community in the beautiful Forest of Dean. Barefoot & Free is a welcoming retreat created especially for our LGBTQIA+ community and allies, offering a safe, inclusive space to relax, reconnect and simply be yourself.

Enjoy two nights in a fully furnished bell tent, nourishing home cooked meals, gentle yoga, Qi Gong, breathwork, meditation, wild swimming, sauna and the famous floating sound bath. Enjoy meaningful conversation and plenty of time to slow down and recharge.

Whether you come alone or with friends. you’ll leave feeling refreshed, supported and connected.

More info below;

https://www.wyevalleywellness.uk/barefoot-free

Introduction to Massage Course

Curious about massage? This hands-on workshop is the perfect way to explore the basics in a supportive, friendly setting.

What You’ll Learn:

Simple techniques for relaxation

How to give (and receive!) a safe, effective massage

Understanding pressure, posture & body mechanics

Creating a calm, nurturing environment

Certificate of participation

Additional info:

Small groups, limited to 4 participants for extra attention and support

Ideal for anyone wanting to massage friends & family, build confidence with touch, or explore further massage training

Key info:

Saturday 26th September 2026

10:00AM–3:00PM

Location: Wye Valley Wellness Centre

Investment: £150 pp (includes all equipment and oils)

https://www.wyevalleywellness.uk/events/p/introduction-to-massage

For information on everything we offer, email hello@wyevalleywellness.uk

Learn more