Taking Thyme: Our Yoga Retreat at Thyme England
By Abigail Pyke
All photos in this story were shot by Ben Stevens, unless otherwise specified. Debbie Le wears our Ilona Bodysuit and the Margaux Turtleneck for a stretch by the pool.
Brief bursts of sunshine between the skyscrapers in the city made us crave the serenity of the countryside, so we packed our best transitional pieces, and headed to the beauty of the Cotswolds for a yoga retreat at Thyme Spa with some of our friendsfor a few days of relaxation and exploration.
We arrived at Thyme in the afternoon, and quickly dropped off our luggage in the gorgeous estate so we could take in the fresh air and grounds on a farm tour and countryside walk. Thyme, located in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire is a truly unique country getaway, featuring sprawling greenery and dotted with amenities like its own little village –including a yoga studio, barn, restaurant and bar, cookery school, and tennis courts.
Brittany Bathgate relaxes in her room ahead of our countryside walk and farm tour in our Ilona Bodysuit. Photo from @brittanybathgate on Instagram.
After a leisurely walk with the brisk air on our faces, we slipped off our wellingtons and slipped on heels to head to The Baa, Thyme’s lambing shed turned chic cocktail bar for their signature drinks, appropriately named and mixed for the scenery of our retreat, including English Rose and Take Thyme.
Lolita Mas pauses for a photo in her spring-toned ensemble ahead of drinks at The Baa, including our ballet-pink Ines top.
After drinks, we headed to the Ox Barn, Thyme’s new destination restaurant for plant-based and farm-inspired dishes, straight from the gardens on-site. Situated in a former oxen house, we cosied into our meal in the dark and earthy space, with views on the kitchen preparing the food to come, giving a truly farm-to-table experience. The comfortable, rustic feel of the barn was the perfect setting to talk style among our down-to-earth, fashionable crowd.
Ashley Wilson showcases the beautiful amenities in her elegant room, wearing our Ilona Bodysuit. Photo from Ashley’s Instagram, @amothersedit.
Olivia Purvis is right at home with the Thyme color palette in our Isaure body in pink. Photo from @livpurvis on Olivia’s own Instagram
We rose early the next morning for yoga in Thyme’s gorgeous airy studio, bathed in sunlight overlooking the groundsand the swimming pool. The class was the perfect way to ease ourselves out of sleep and prepare for a day of fun countryside activities to come.
Waking up for a good stretch to the milky morning light in our Cara Crop Top and Corset Legging.
There’s no better activity after a hearty, plant-based breakfast at the Ox Barn than a bike ride to clear our minds and appreciate the scenery. Ahead of our trains back into the city, this was the perfect way to say goodbye to our mini getaway retreat, and reset before being back in the busy streets.
Adelaide, our head of marketing and communications, wear our Margaux Turtleneck and new leggings from our AW19 collection on the bicycle ride.
Before leaving, we stopped for a lunch at a quintessential Cotswolds haunt: The Swan Pub, a part of Thyme, housed in a 17th century coaching inn. A destination in itself, at the pub we reminisced over the lovely few days spent together, slipped away from the normal and busy lifestyle that the city is known for. A special thanks goes out to Thyme for welcoming us into their beautiful country haven during the first few signs of spring.
Visit Thyme’s website, Thyme.co.uk, to learn more about their beautiful offering.
Shop all of the looks worn by the ladies on our retreat above in our collection here.