In an era where stress, fatigue and emotional burnout are increasingly common, Goodwood Health & Wellbeing, based at West Sussex’s iconic Goodwood Estate is launching a powerful new retreat designed to help people reconnect with themselves from the inside out. The Mood Food Connection Retreat, launching this November, explores the profound relationship between food, mood and the gut-brain axis, offering guests a science-led, deeply restorative experience that supports emotional clarity, nervous system balance and long-term resilience. The retreat comprises three package options, which will soon be open for bookings.
Rooted in Goodwood’s long-standing heritage as a place of retreat and renewal, the Estate’s Gut Health Programmes draw on centuries-old principles of natural health and the restorative power of the land. Set within 11,000 acres of organic farmland, ancient woodland and open space, the retreats reflect a belief that true wellbeing comes from reconnecting with nature, eating with the seasons and supporting both body and mind through balance. At their core is the understanding that emotional and mental health are profoundly linked to the gut, a philosophy deeply embedded in Goodwood’s approach to food, farming and health.
The Mood Food Connection Retreat (£1,899) comprises a four-day, three-night retreat dedicated to unlocking happiness and building resilience. Guests will explore the biology of emotion through expert-led sessions like ‘The Biology of an Unhappy Brain’ and ‘Which is in Charge: Your Gut or Your Brain?’, revealing the intricate connection between nutrition and brain chemistry through a blend of science-backed insights and integrated wellness solutions. The retreat will be supported by a nourishing, anti-inflammatory menu designed to stabilise blood sugar, promote gut diversity and support mental wellbeing.
In addition to the expert talks, guests will benefit from a range of one-to-one consultations and calming treatments such as cranial osteopathy, abdominal massage and reflexology. Participants will also take part in mindful movement, guided breath walks and vagal tone sound experiences, all designed to regulate the nervous system and promote emotional balance.
For those seeking a shorter, contrast-driven reset, the Art & Ice Retreat (£890) offers a unique, two-night experience combining the transformative power of cold exposure with the meditative calm of nature and creativity. Guests will immerse in the Wim Hof Fundamentals Programme, followed by restorative sound baths, nature-based journalling and contemplative time within the new 70-acre Goodwood Art Foundation landscape, to enjoy the health benefits of nature and art.
Each of these retreat experiences can be booked individually or packaged together to form a five-night stay for deeper exploration and transformation.
Guests can book both experiences consecutively (£2,600) for a five day retreat that offers guests the physical and emotional restoration of both offerings, providing the space to reflect, recalibrate and create a personalised Happy Brain Action Plan to support wellbeing beyond their time at Goodwood.
During their stay, participants will have full access to the wellness facilities at The Goodwood Health Club, including a heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as a private gym. They will also enjoy nutrition-rich and delicious menu at Farmer, Butcher, Chef, the Estate’s flagship restaurant which celebrates organic, sustainable, farm-to-fork dining using Estate-reared produce from Goodwood Home Farm.
These immersive retreats reflect Goodwood’s commitment to long-term, science-led wellbeing. From gut health and nutrition to emotional stability and nervous system regulation, whichever package they choose, guests will leave with the tools to feel lighter, clearer and more connected, both mentally and physically.
“There has never been a more important time to care for our emotional and mental wellbeing and we now understand that this must begin in the gut. The science is clear, the connection between what we eat and how we feel is profound. At Goodwood, we offer a holistic approach to health, rooted in nature, supported by science and guided by centuries of thoughtful living. The Mood Food Retreat brings that philosophy to life, offering a deeply restorative experience that reflects our commitment to meaningful, lasting wellbeing.” – Her Grace, The Duchess of Richmond & Gordon
