A Serene Self-Retreat at De Vere Latimer Estate

In the second week of January, I took a much-needed solo break from the hectic pace of work, group travel business, family, city life and found tranquillity at the De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, this estate provided the perfect environment for relaxation, reflection and planning.

To get best value prices, offers and updates do sign up to the Devere  Hotels applause rewards programme for up to 20% off your uk staycation. https://www.devere.co.uk/applause

Devere was voted one of the best companies to work for and their  staff  are absolutely amazing. The whole team from Front staff, restaurant, bar and not  forgetting housekeeping (special mention to House-keeping manager Dorothy) were very welcoming, friendly, helpful and were a joy to interact and accommodated my move request from this https://youtube.com/shorts/D4exYpcwCjI?feature=share Cosy room  in Mansion house to the Mews as i wanted more space to lay out my vision boards and video work. my own error  at initial booking.

Each morning i took a long walk around the estate inhaling the pure fresh air birds chirping and although the weather was cold it was crisp and fresh so definitely recommend a scarf, coat, walking shoes https://amzn.to/467twvx if you visit in January like i did. One of the highlights for me was the warm hospitality. The staff went above and beyond, even leaving an extra heater in our rooms on a particularly chilly night to ensure we stayed cozy. This attention to detail truly made the stay special.

My first evening I had dinner in their site restaurant 1838 and opted for the scampi and chips and a pint. The ambience is beautiful and relaxed, service was fast and smooth, loved the chips, menu not plentiful but enjoyable fresh food. The waitress kindly arranged my afternoon tea for the next afternoon despite the published  24 hour notice limit for next day tea has passed just to accommodate my stay.

During my solo afternoon tea i spent quiet moments reading I Am Doing Me: Kiki’s Journey by Nomathemba Ndlovu, although a fiction the book that truly spoke to self-worth, healing, and choosing yourself unapologetic ally against cultural expectations and norms.

The smile on my face in well lets just say its definitely not a pg version  —  but has some life lessons and relatable, secrets and an unexpected ending to be continued in the next series and if you’re on your own journey of growth and reflection and want some light hearted reading I highly recommend it, and you can find it here: https://amzn.to/4r60pB1

The estate, though rated as a three-star hotel, boasts some lovely amenities, is wheelchair accessible , dog friendly with rooms with cute dog-beds to accommodate your pet. It has meeting rooms, conference centre, bbq and patio areas , own parking and their own site Huntley Bar and Restaurant. In their leisure centre which houses their Gym and pool is conveniently open from 6 am to 10 pm.

I enjoyed the peaceful pool, the relaxing sauna, and the steam room, all perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. I loved the toiletry around the estate and rooms all featuring luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries that added a touch of elegance.I  have  added this scent to my must have perfume collection.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my retreat was the chance to map out my year and create a vision board, shoot a couple of content videos hence the request for extra space. I deliberately chose not to have my room cleaned on the second day, so I could keep my planning materials out and stay focused and yes the clothes wardrobe was part of my vision board. This made the retreat not just relaxing, but also productive and meaningful.

While the estate has a historic charm with its creaky floorboards and rich history, it’s also conveniently located near the main town. This allowed me to easily grab essentials and explore a bit more and i went out for dinner at a local turkish the second night.

This experience reinforced the importance of taking time for oneself, and I encourage everyone to consider local retreats as a way to recharge. I’m already planning to return in six months for a half-year review, and I’m excited to explore other De Vere estates in the future.

If you’re curious about what to pack for a similar getaway, I’ve included some recommended items like comfortable walking shoes, vision board planner, which you can find through my affiliate links. These little details can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Vision board kit: https://amzn.to/4bItv4L

Happy travelling.