The healing power of holidays

Before half term I spent a great couple of days at the West Country Tourism Conference in Exeter. Not only did I get to enjoy some fabulous Devon pasties for lunch courtesy of Chunk, I also heard from some very inspirational speakers from within the hospitality industry and related sectors.

​The first speaker (Amanda Winwood, founder of Cornwall-based skincare brand Made for Life Organics) was so inspirational and really got me thinking about holidays, wellness and inclusivity. She talked about the importance of our “mental wealth” - a combination of our mental health and our mental wellness. In today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions, taking time for oneself has become more crucial than ever. One avenue to achieve this balance is through holidays. We need to keep that mental wealth topped up. 

Did you know that the words hospital, hospitality, hostel, hotel and hospice all have the same route word in Latin? Me neither until the question and answer session following Amanda's talk where one of the other conference participants pointed that out. As a fan of etymology I just had to look that up. They all arise from the Latin word 'hospes' - meaning guest or visitor and curiously also meaning the one who provides lodging for a guest or visitor i.e. a host. For more on this check out this post from Merriam-Webster dictionary which explores the origins of these words further.

​Holidays are somewhere you go to feel well - to have a break from your normal routine, to relax in beautiful, restful surroundings, to allow you to recuperate, perhaps from an illness or a bereavement or a stressful time at work - to regenerate one's self. 

Thinking back through history it makes sense that hospitality and hospitals are related - in the past patients would be recommended to stay by the sea or go to the mountains for the clean fresh air or to visit a spa for the healing waters. It's not really any different today - people still go on pilgrimage to beach resorts and the countryside, and to spa hotels for the life-enhancing benefits they bring through the effect of natural beauty on our minds and the opportunity for a nice rest or for healthy exercise for our bodies or both.

​Hospitality is not merely about providing accommodation; it's about creating experiences that nurture the mind, body, and soul of guests. Self-catering cottages offer an environment where guests can personalise their stay to suit their well-being needs. From cooking nutritious meals with locally sourced ingredients (or indeed enjoying a delicious meal out nearby) to practicing yoga on the patio, going for a rejuvenating walk in nature, or stopping to read for a while with a coffee or herbal tea in the conservatory or on the balcony overlooking the pond. Our cottages can become sanctuaries for holistic rejuvenation your way.

​Accessibility and inclusivity

One of the hallmarks of hospitality is inclusivity and at Halsbeer Farm inclusivity and accessibility is a top priority for us. Our accommodation is designed to welcome guests of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges, disabilities and illnesses. Our three largest cottages have ground floor bedrooms with ensuite shower wet rooms suitable for those guests unable to climb the stairs to the first floor. For more information about the accessibility of our cottages and facilities see our Accessibility page. And if you have specific needs, for example you might need equipment delivered to assist you during your stay, for example oxygen or mobility aids, then that's not a problem, we've taken delivery for guests in the past, please just ask. 

While at the conference I also learned about an organisation called  Countryside Mobility. They provide off-road mobility scooters, also called trampers, for anyone who has difficulty walking to be able to safely enjoy some of the most scenic locations in the South West. It's run by the charity Living Options which is based in Exeter.

​The closest places to Halsbeer Farm where trampers are available along with accessible toilets and parking are Killerton National Trust (pictured with thanks to Living Options/Countryside Mobility for the image), Powderham Castle, Haldon Forest Park, Hestercombe Gardens and Seaton Wetlands. Slightly further afield are the National Trust's Castle Drogo and Parke and Stover Country Park.

Plus I sat with the lady who runs Exmouth Beach Wheelchairs. They have increased the number of chairs they have available and have also recently installed a hoist. They are hoping to source funding for a Changing Places toilet on the beachfront at Exmouth to make their offering even better than it is already. ​

THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE

Devon's lush countryside, breathtaking coastline, and tranquil moors provide the perfect backdrop for a healing retreat. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Guests staying in self-catering cottages have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Devon, whether it's hiking or cycling through wooded trails, walking part of the coast path or enjoying time on the beach, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset from the comfort of their cottage's patio. Nature becomes a therapeutic companion, offering solace and serenity to weary souls. Spending time in green and blue environments has been shown to be really good for us.

In today's hyper-connected world, true relaxation has become a luxury. Here guests can disconnect from the digital noise (although we do have good WiFi and Smart TVs if you need to stay connected for work or to stream your favourite box set) and reconnect with themselves. Curl up with a good book by the fireplace in the conservatory, unwind with a swim in our heated indoor pool with beautiful views of the countryside, listen to the beauty of the birdsong or gaze at the starlit sky.

Halsbeer Farm provides ample opportunities for mindful relaxation. And if you need a little extra help why not book a therapeutic massage or facial with my friend Sarah at The Cedar Room in Kentisbeare. If there are more than a few of you she may set up her spa room here for the day to do multiple treatments. ​

Our self-catering cottages embody the perfect marriage of hospitality and wellness. Here, guests can escape the stresses of everyday life and embark on a journey of renewal. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, nature, mindful relaxation, and self-catering convenience, our cottages offer a holistic approach to holidaying that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. So why wait? Treat yourself to a transformative experience at Halsbeer Farm and embrace the healing power of holidays.