by Nadia Sinclair

As the last strains of a rainy melody fall around us, we’re picking up scattered pieces of plastic and lost oddities off a peaceful beach in North Devon. Suddenly, the bustling feel of our surroundings seems to shift into a dreamy haze. I follow the lead of renowned surfer, Laura Crane, as the sea’s glistening surface beckons us to jump in, its salty coolness immediately invigorating us.
Laura’s affinity for the ocean is no secret. After the refreshing dip, we wrap ourselves in cozy dry robes, a symbol of Laura’s newly launched wellness retreats, and amble barefoot back to our glamping site for a hearty round of pancakes. Having been an eager guest at her Devon-based wellness sanctuary, I can tell you, this is just the beginning of an enchanting journey.
The wellness retreat, designed by Laura herself, is an enchanting blend of surfing, yoga, and hiking that offers a peek into the coastal haven that nurtured Laura’s enduring love for the ocean. “I grew up almost right here, on this very beach, catching waves daily, before and after school,” she reflects nostalgically. Not surprisingly, we will be learning the art of surfing from the same renowned surfing school, Surf South West, where Laura first got onboard at the tender age of eight.
Her enduring passion for surfing isn’t limited to the lessons she provides at her retreat. A former British surfing champion, Laura has been in the limelight since she secured sponsorship from a renowned surfwear company at a young age. Despite retiring early from the sport at 21, Laura’s love for surfing never wavered. Her star-studded experience on a reality TV dating show launched her into the spotlight, a platform she now acknowledges with gratitude.

An Ocean of Healing

Laura’s retreat exemplifies a raw, laid-back vibe, far removed from the high-maintenance ethos we often associate with reality television stars. On returning to North Devon, the place she calls home, Laura realized how fortunate she was to grow up there. She’s now excited to share this lifestyle with as many visitors as possible – a facet that plays a huge role in her wellness retreats.
“I find healing in the ocean, whether it’s mental or physical,” she muses. However, there was a period when the ocean represented something quite different for her. Laura candidly talks about her struggles – an eating disorder that started at 16, coupled with other pressures had a profound impact on her mental health. She recounts a daunting memory of a breakdown on her surfboard which symbolized the loss of her sanctuary.
Akin to how one might recall a long-lost friend, Laura fondly talks about her renewed connection with the sea. “It’s emotional to think about it: I can’t lose this again. Just touching the water brings me so much joy.”

Your Typical Day at Laura’s Wellness Retreat

An average day under the soft shelter of a glamping bell tent starts with a calming round of morning yoga. Don your swimsuit under your leggings, as the pleasant day usually ends with a quick sea dip before heading back to camp. The artists behind the delicious and well-planned retreat meals, Alex and Gemma, ensures that every meal is nutritious, delighting your tastebuds while providing the energy for all the fun activities.
A prime feature of the retreat is the surfing lessons, skillfully guided by a team of professional surf coaches. The thrill of standing on the board, the shared cheers of success from the group, and the continual quest to perfect your surfing technique – all blend into a satisfying workout. The achievement of the day is toasted around a cozy campfire with a round of drinks, a moment as warm and fulfilling as the layers we’re swathed in.
The wellness retreats are planned from September 1-4, 2022, with packages starting from £350 per person for three nights.

Up-and-Coming Surfing Retreats of 2022 You Might Fancy:

• Re: Nou retreat, Mykonos offers a luxurious feel with prices starting at £1,600 for five nights. Enjoy Pilates, barre, sunset stretches, nutritious meals, 1-1 sessions, and a thrilling boat trip.
• The Retreater’s yoga and paddleboarding retreat, Cornwall charge a minimal £890 for a twin occupancy dome for three days of solar-powered showers, yoga sessions, delectable picnic feasts, paddleboarding around local coves, and a warm evening around a fire pit.
• Down to Flow Escapes’ Island Play, Sri Lanka, priced at £1,895 per person for six nights while indulging in surfing, yoga, local cuisine, and a ‘surprise treat’.

wellness retreat, surfing retreat, Laura Crane, mental health, yoga, surfing lessons, North Devon Beach, glamping