If you’re anything like me, you piled on the weight during lockdown. I know I’m not alone as my FB feed is telling me quite a few of my friends are having the same issue. We were all going to the fridge throughout the days. The first and second time we couldn’t seem to find anything we fancy and, by the third visit, miraculously we’d found something to snack on! The vodka bottle took a bit of a thrashing as well! Something had to be done!
I basically needed a fork-lift to suck me out of my sofa, and I literally prayed for the lockdown to end (even though I was walking a lot) so that I could book a week in my favourite detox retreat, Slimmeria, in the pretty seaside town of Ilfracombe.
Merlin Court is an impressive and imposing building resting on top of a hill with fabulous views overlooking the town of Ilfracombe. The building has been beautifully restored and renovated and comprises of boutique style en-suite rooms (some with baths). Imagine stripped wood floors, white walls and chandeliers. As this is a detox retreat, there are no TVs and no kettles or trays with teas, coffees and home-made shortbread biscuits! Or vodka.
Galia Grainger set up her first Slimmeria retreat in Sussex. She lost more than four stone herself by following her Russian grandmother’s rules, a mix of Russian orthodox fasting, folk medicine and stern Soviet willpower. She is firm but fair (with a bit more emphasis on the firm!).
I was lucky enough to visit this retreat a few years ago and, although I wasn’t as heavy as I am now, I managed to lose 5lbs. When you’re quite small, 5lbs makes a big difference in how you look. What I loved most about my stay was that not only did I lose those pounds, I learnt how to eat differently, and with the fantastic trainers Galia had on board (circuits, yoga, dance etc), my body also toned up – my cellulite was almost non-existent on my thighs – almost. Meh.
Whilst we all know the answer to losing weight is to eat less and move around more, it’s hard when you have to motivate yourself and contend with the working week, the house and the kids.
If you want to kick start your diet, drop those lockdown lbs, reset your head and your metabolism (and tone up in the process), then a trip to Slimmeria could be just the thing to get you ready for that summer holiday.
I just hope they’re not fully booked when I make the call!
Slimmeria Slimming Retreat
Ilfracombe EX34 8AY
01424 830153
info@slimmeria.com
www.slimmeria.com
Also in Sussex (01424 830153).
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What works for you?
I’d love to know.