Mending Hearts Retreat - London

Marcus A.

Guys, when you are hurting from the pain of bereavement you need to be around people that understand you. Mending Hearts Retreat is a safe place if you want to bare your soul or even just to kick back and enjoy a holiday amongst new friends, who will just really get where you are right now on your life journey.

They usually meet up a couple of days before hand and explore the destination, and get to know each other before the work begins.

The retreat experience itself can be emotionally challenging but at the same time always fun, yoga in the mornings, lunch, amazing group therapy, time round the pool, a day trip ( a good group bonding moment), and every night, dinner which is always a real social affair, a chance to dress up and yes there is wine..🍷

Gilly is an amazing host and the location in Sesimbra, just 20km from Lisbon was absolutely stunning, 5 star accommodation, good food, friendly staff and really relaxing, with a great pool and yoga studio.

I have come back from Lisbon, rejuvenated, looking forward to life and along the way have made really special, lifelong friends.

Honestly as a Widower, I would thoroughly recommend this Grief retreat to other men in my position.

kathy K.

I've just returned from the a fabulous Mending Hearts Retreat in Marrakesh staying in a stunning villa set in the most picturesque of settings. Our group were looked after by caring, attentive staff hosted by Gilly with delicious food, yoga and counselling every day with alternative therapies such as Reiki and holistic facials available on request. I joined a wonderful group of ladies who were strangers when I arrived but we came away as friends. We all listened to our individual painful stories, supported and held each other's broken hearts with compassion and love. Would highly recommend as these retreats set you on a new journey of healing and hope. Kathy x

Shona W.

Gilly puts her heart and soul into making sure that all her guests feel comfortable and welcomed and Morocco has been a fantastic experience as a result. Yoga, spa treatments, therapy, amazing food and really lovely, genuine company has made this a trip to remember. If you’re reading this and hesitating, I urge you to take the leap and book your place 💗

Sandra M.

Such an amazing experience. No pressure to do anything and by the end of the week I made friends for life. Gilly’s priority was us - such a perfect, caring and empathetic hostess. Morocco was brilliant - lovely, kind people.

Liz B.

Fabulous retreat meeting a whole host of fellow people dealing with grief, loss, trauma and divorce. Arrived very nervous of never been to a retreat of this type before and left feeling I’ve made some genuine lonely connections and advice that will stay with my whilst I continue my journey. #support#friends#grateful#healing. Gilly hosts a unique retreat arrive as strangers leave as friends.

Cathy P.

When I read Gilly's article in the press a few months ago, it resonated with me. Like most people, I thought I was strong enough to battle through on my own. I was not. I therefore signed up for the Mending Hearts Retreat. It was a life changing decision for me. I met so many amazing people, both other guests as well as the incredible list of professionals Gilly had assembled to support us. What an incredible team - professionals, amazing food from our wonderful cook Hayley all weekend, the incredible team who support Gilly complemented by an incredible group of people who, although recovering or still in the middle of, emotional trauma, were brave enough to attend a place they had never been to before and meet complete strangers. By the end of the weekend, as a group we had forged an incredible bond. I have made some lifelong friends. Thank you Gilly and your incredible team. Well done and keep up the great work!

Sue M.

The Mending Hearts Retreat does exactly what it says. A fabulous weekend in a beautiful location. We were greeted by Gilly the host who was so attentive and made us feel very relaxed and welcome. We had no expectations of what the weekend would hold.. But what a treat.. painting with Prosecco was a great ice breaker. The group and individual counselling and therapy sessions were just so empowering the therapists very experienced and I cannot say how grateful I am to them for their advice and ongoing support. The most important part was the new friends I met.. like minded people all with our own stories but a great support to one another and definitely new friendships formed. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. I would like to thank Gilly and all her team including lovely Anita and not forgetting Hayley the incredible chef.. your attention to detail and our needs was second to none. Thank you. ButtercupSoo xx

Annick K.

I attended the first ever mending hearts retreat last weekend. I went not knowing what to expect. I left feeling uplifted, reenergised and with the courage to reach out and embrace all the positives in my life. From the moment I was warmly welcomed by Gilly I felt part of something very special. Gilly managed to pull together a wonderful team of therapists, life coaches and councillors to guide us through the three day retreat. We had communal therapy, meditation and yoga classes. Every single other attendee was warm and friendly, we all learnt from each other whilst supporting each other every step of the way! There was also time for delicious food, wine and dancing in an incredibly nurturing environment.
I have come away with a positive attitude, deep healing and a new set of wonderful friends. Thank you Gilly and all the team of Mending Hearts for a life changing and life enhancing experience!!!