Leeds-born wellness enthusiast Laura Bartlett swapped the bustling city life for a weekend of pure indulgence at the newly launched Bescapes retreat.
As a self-confessed wellness enthusiast who religiously prioritises ‘me time,’ I was beyond excited to experience Bescapes, an opportunity to delve deeper into a world I already adore. Sometimes, a girl needs more than a bubble bath and a box of chocolates.
As a Leeds lass through and through, the opportunity to escape to the heart of Yorkshire was an absolute dream. Bescapes isn’t your average yoga-and-kale-smoothies retreat (although they’ve got that covered too, if that’s your vibe). Instead, it focuses on creating a safe space for women to truly disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and each other.
It was a sanctuary for women seeking to nourish their minds, bodies, and souls. The brainchild of the inspiring Claire Banfield, the retreat is a testament to the power of female connection and the importance of prioritising self-care.
Bescapes Is the Yorkshire Retreat That Understands What Women Actually Need
Not every retreat is designed with the same person in mind, and the better ones know exactly who they are for. Bescapes, the Yorkshire women’s retreat founded by Claire Banfield, is built around a specific idea: that real restoration requires more than a session of yoga and an early night. The programming at Bescapes runs from wild swimming and invigorating hikes through to sound bath ceremonies, creative workshops in painting and pottery, and calming meditation sessions, all designed to let women choose their own pace and depth of engagement. Meals use locally sourced ingredients and gourmet cuisine, the evenings offer outdoor cinema and fireside connection, and the whole experience is held together by a genuine commitment to female community rather than just proximity.
Why Is a Dedicated Women’s Retreat Different from a Standard Spa Break?
The answer is in what happens between the scheduled activities. A spa break offers treatments and quiet; Bescapes offers those things alongside a curated environment where women can be honest about what they actually need, whether that is a spa treatment on their own or an afternoon of creative workshops with strangers who quickly stop feeling like strangers. It is the kind of self-care that goes beyond the physical, into the territory of reconnection and shared experience, and it is set in the heart of Yorkshire, which means the landscape does its own quiet work too. For Laura Bartlett, Leeds-born and wellness-invested, it landed as exactly the kind of escape that is harder to find than it should be.
But Bescapes is more than just a fancy place to stay. It’s a curated experience designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul. They offer a diverse range of activities and workshops that cater to every woman’s interests, from invigorating hikes and wild swimming sessions to calming meditation and sound bath ceremonies. Feeling a bit rusty on your downward-facing dog? No worries, there are yoga classes for all levels. Want to unleash your inner artist? Bescapes offers creative workshops like painting and pottery making.
And because true wellness goes beyond physical activity, Bescapes also focuses on fostering meaningful connections. Whether it’s sharing stories and laughter over delicious meals (think locally sourced ingredients and gourmet cuisine) or cozying up by the fireplace with a new group of girlfriends, Bescapes provides a nurturing environment where women can support and empower each other.
Imagine swapping stressful commutes and endless to-do lists for stargazing at their outdoor cinema, or indulging in a pampering spa treatment (because you deserve it, queen!). Bescapes is all about creating lasting memories and returning home feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to conquer the world.
Forget the guilt, it’s time to indulge. Bescapes is a haven for the discerning woman seeking an escape that pampers the body and nourishes the soul. Self-care shouldn’t be a chore; it’s a luxury you deserve.

Bescapes offers a variety of retreat packages to suit your needs and budget. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or a longer immersion experience, they have something for you. Plus, their dedicated concierge team is there to help you plan every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free escape.
Ready to book your Bescapes adventure? Head over to www.bescapes.co.uk.