Wellness means different things to different people. For me, nothing makes me feel more like myself than stepping away from the daily grind and giving myself permission to reset. As a mum of two boys, both now at school age, our days are a blur of packed lunches, misplaced coats, and endless cries of “put your socks on – for the love of God!” Evenings are spent navigating the slow-motion triathlon that is the bath–bed–story, clinging to the hope of an hour’s peace before doing it all again tomorrow.

It’s a familiar story for so many of us, which is perhaps why, when I suggested a yoga retreat in Ibiza to a few of my fellow mums, it didn’t take much convincing. Word spread quickly, enthusiasm grew, and before long I found myself thinking: why not create our own private retreat? Same idyllic island, same favourite yoga teacher and retreat host but entirely our own. And somehow, between after-school pickups, grandparent negotiations, and exhaustive ‘husband instructions’, we made it happen. One Sunday morning, we found ourselves boarding a flight to Ibiza, giddy with anticipation.

Waiting at the airport was Charlotte Townend, founder of Wylder Retreats – her glowing skin and effortlessly tousled hair giving off that unmistakable “Ibiza wellness” energy. She whisked the eight of us away in an impossibly huge Land Rover Defender (which she somehow manoeuvred with ease) to our home for the next four days: a minimalist, glass-wrapped villa with panoramic views of Es Vedrà, the mythical rock said to hum with spiritual energy. It felt like the perfect setting for a reset.

Each of our ensuite rooms came with thoughtful touches, including a basket of handpicked goodies and a fully stocked kitchen filled with our requests (from oat milk to kale crisps) and a generous supply of De Lean, a longevity-focused brand known for its nourishing dishes. Within an hour of arrival, we gathered for our first session: a restorative sound bath with Ricci, the perfect way to exhale after the flight and collectively drop into retreat mode.

Over the following days, mornings began with dynamic yoga led by Charlotte, followed by nourishing smoothies and time to swim, read, or simply lie still in the sun. The rhythm was beautifully balanced – structured but never rigid. Breathwork sessions left us with a new perspective; paddleboarding was shelved thanks to strong winds and a movie night complete with popcorn machine helped us to slip deeper into relaxation mode.

The food was another highlight, vibrant, colourful, and deeply nourishing. A Mexican-themed dinner prepared by a local chef was a standout moment, as were long, lazy meals shared at island favourites. Because this was our own private retreat, we could shape the itinerary to suit our mood. That meant an indulgent lunch at Jondal, complete with champagne, cocktails, and a lot of laughter, a far cry from the no-alcohol policy of most yoga getaways, but entirely in tune with what we all needed.

And that’s the beauty of it. On a private retreat, there’s space for everyone to get exactly what they came for. For me, it was about slowing down, moving my body, and nourishing myself from the inside out. For others, it was about reconnecting, with themselves, with each other, with a side of freedom often left at home.

Private retreats strike the perfect balance between a wellness escape and a sun-soaked holiday, tailored entirely to the group’s energy. After four days with Wylder, I came home feeling lighter, calmer, and quietly sure that this blend of mindful movement, friendship, and freedom is the future of wellness travel.

words by Sadie Reid