A cozy bar with a wooden shelf filled with various bottles of alcohol, pendant lights hanging above, and a sofa with pillows in the foreground.
Stone building with a wooden door and a Christmas tree decorated with lights inside, illuminated warmly during early evening or dusk.
A gravel pathway curves between well-kept lawn and trees with rounded foliage, leading to a stone house with a slate roof and small windows. The scene is captured on a cloudy day.
Two champagne flutes filled with sparkling wine on a wooden table in front of a lit fireplace.
Warmly lit brick building at night with illuminated trees and outdoor seating area.
A cozy, warmly lit living room decorated for Christmas with a tree adorned with white lights. There is a marble dining table set with napkins, glasses, and cutlery in the foreground.

Overview‍ ‍ Hotel‍ ‍Itinerary‍ ‍What’s Included‍ ‍Pricing‍ ‍Your Host‍ ‍Gallery‍ ‍FAQ‍ ‍Kind Words‍ ‍Book Now

A cozy living room with a bar in the background, decorated with small Christmas trees with fairy lights, lamps, a sofa, and a small flower arrangement.

The Art of Entertaining Edition

This six-night winter retreat is a thoughtful celebration of the season, centered on the art of gathering well. We begin with a sparkling introduction to London — two elegant nights in Mayfair filled with holiday lights, cocktails, and intimate dining — before retreating to the Cotswolds for four cozy nights in the English countryside.

There, days unfold at a gentler pace with optional yoga, fireside rest, and spa time, alongside hands-on experiences in holiday cooking, tablescaping, seasonal cocktails, and festive gifting. Evenings are warm and candlelit, shared around beautifully set tables and lingering conversations.

You'll return home not only with practical entertaining skills and inspired traditions, but with a full heart — having truly enjoyed each experience as a guest, not just a host.

A peaceful rural scene with stone houses, a gravel driveway, and neatly trimmed trees and bushes.

Where We’ll Stay

Our retreat unfolds across two exceptional five-star properties, pairing the festive elegance of London with the timeless charm of the English countryside.

We begin with two nights in London's iconic Mayfair, just steps from Bond Street and the city's most beloved holiday sights — an elegant introduction to the season. From there, we settle into four nights in the Cotswolds at a celebrated five-star hotel and spa, known for its beautiful grounds, thoughtful design, restorative spa treatments, and exceptional restaurants, and recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the UK's standout country retreats — an inviting winter setting made for gathering, slowing down, and savoring the art of entertaining.

  • A large stone house covered in snow, with lit street lamps and snow-laden bushes and trees in the front yard, during winter.

    Cotswolds

  • A festive Christmas table decorated with red berries, cookies, and glasses of champagne, set against a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments and lights.

    Cotswolds

  • A bedroom with a fully white quilted bed, a decorative floral pillow, and a green upholstered headboard against wallpaper with pink and green floral patterns. A white nightstand holds books and a lamp with a floral shade, beside a window with a potted plant.

    Cotswolds

  • A cozy living room scene with a lit fireplace in the foreground and a decorated Christmas tree with white ornaments and lights in the background.

    Cotswolds

  • A rustic stone barn decorated for Christmas with a small, lit Christmas tree in the open doorway, and additional Christmas lights on bush to the right.

    Cotswolds

  • A cozy bedroom with a four-poster bed featuring white bedding and green pillows. There is a vintage-style sofa with pillows in front of the bed. A nightstand with a lamp is beside the bed, and decorative woven circles hang on the patterned wallpaper. A large window with curtains lets in natural light, and the ceiling has exposed white beams and a hanging glass chandelier.

    Cotswolds

  • Cozy living room decorated for Christmas with a decorated mantel, a Christmas tree, and a fireplace with a fire burning, surrounded by vintage velvet chairs and pillows.

    Cotswolds

  • A cozy restaurant or cafe decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree, floral centerpiece, and dining tables set with glassware and napkins.

    Cotswolds

  • Outdoor scene of the Porch House, an English pub, with a stone exterior and hanging signs, a small picnic table with benches, and a large bush decorated with string lights, during twilight in a village setting.

    Cotswolds

  • Modern minimalist living room with neutral tones, a small green plant on a white coffee table, and a wicker basket in the corner.

    Cotswolds

  • Cozy living room decorated for Christmas with small lit trees, lamps, bar area, and comfortable seating.

    Cotswolds

  • A backyard garden with a small central fountain, surrounded by a patterned stone and pebble pathway, bordered by bushes and trees, with a curved green gate in the background, and ambient lighting illuminating the scene.

    Cotswolds

  • A large, old stone house with a steep roof, multiple windows, and a chimney, framed by a massive tree with sprawling branches and dense foliage, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with trimmed bushes and a lawn.

    Cotswolds

  • Living room corner with a green velvet sofa, beige armchair, glass coffee table, vintage white side table, decorative mirror, framed botanical print, lamp, and potted plant on the side table, with exposed wooden ceiling beams.

    Cotswolds

Book Now

DAILY ITINERARY

 An English Dreamscape

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change based on the seasonality of experiences.

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    DAY 1

    December 1, 2027 - Wednesday

    Arrival in London & Welcome Reception

    Welcome to London! The city is at its most beautiful this week, lit up, garlanded, and smelling faintly of chestnuts. Settle in at Brown’s in Mayfair, then join us at The Donovan Bar for welcome cocktails and dinner just steps away at Il Gattopardo.

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    DAY 2

    December 2, 2027 - Thursday

    Wander, Shop & Festive Dinner

    Yoga, a long breakfast, then London is yours. The Christmas market at Hyde Park, the windows along New Bond Street, and the little streets of Marylebone. Join us for an optional lunch at Lita, in the heart of Marylebone’s fabulous shopping district. Dinner together in the evening at La Petite Maison.

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    Day 3

    December 3, 2027 - Friday

    Palace Traditions & Countryside Arrival

    We leave the city for Blenheim Palace, decked for Christmas on a scale that has to be seen, and the honey-stone village of Burford for lunch. By late afternoon we reach Thyme Hotel and Spa, and the first evening is a cozy one: cocktails, supper at the long table, a festive film by the fire.

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    DAY 4

    December 4, 2027 - Saturday

    Christmas Morning Baking & Seasonal Cocktails

    Yoga in the Tithe Barn, then the Christmas-morning pastry you will make every December from now on, with Bucks Fizz in hand and pajamas entirely welcome. Lunch in the village at your own expense, an afternoon to yourself, then a cocktail demonstration before dinner at The Swan.

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    DAY 5

    December 5, 2027 - Sunday

    Village Walks & Candlelight

    Morning yoga, then we pull on wellies and walk the fields to Eastleach for tea and lunch, at your own expense. Back at Thyme Hotel and Spa, an afternoon of festive gifting: holiday candle making, boxed and ribboned to give, then dinner at the long table in the Ox Barn.

  • Elegant dining table decorated with floral arrangements in green glass vases, naked candles, and glassware, set with plates, silverware, and a leafy-patterned napkin.

    Day 6

    December 6, 2027 - Monday

    Tablescaping, Holiday Cooking & Farewell Feast

    Our last full day, and everything comes together. The morning is spent styling the table. The flowers you arrange are the flowers you will sit down tonight. Later, a holiday cooking demonstration with every trick worth stealing for your own Christmas table, then candlelight, music, and the table we made together.

  • A large stone house with snow-covered roof and grounds, lit street lamps, several windows, and leafless tree branches overhead during winter.

    Day 7

    December 7, 2027 - Tuesday

    Homeward, With Holiday Hearts

    One last slow breakfast, one last look at the fields. You go home with candles you poured, recipes you will cook again, and the memory of a table you set with your own hands. That is what the week was for. Allow about three hours to Heathrow, and book an afternoon flight so the morning stays unhurried.

Download The Itinerary Here

  • ⟡  2 nights at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

    ⟡  4 nights at Thyme Hotel and Spa, in the Cotswolds

    ⟡  Yoga most mornings

    ⟡  All breakfasts

    ⟡  All dinners with drinks

    ⟡  Some lunches

    ⟡  All planned activities:

    • Blenheim Palace, dressed for the holidays

    • Festive breakfast cookery demonstration

    • Festive gifting, holiday candle making

    • Festive cocktail demonstration

    • Tablescaping and floral arranging workshop

    • Holiday cooking demonstration and farewell feast

    • Guided village walk to Eastleach

    • Festive film night

    ⟡  All group transportation for excursions

  • ⟡  International airfare

    ⟡  Airport transfers

    ⟡  Some lunches, including lunch at the village pub on the walk day

    ⟡  Some alcohol

    ⟡  Spa treatments and personal purchases

    ⟡  Travel insurance, required to join the trip

    ⟡  Gratuities for guides and drivers

 
 
A stone building with a steep shingled roof decorated for Christmas, featuring a small lit Christmas tree at the entrance, surrounded by greenery with additional Christmas lights.
Interior of a cozy restaurant decorated for Christmas with a lit Christmas tree, wooden beams, a large floral arrangement, and tables set with glasses and napkins.
Front view of a historic brick house with multiple windows and dormer windows on the roof, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with shrubs and gravel pathway.

A Nearly All-Inclusive, Five-Star Holiday Experience

This retreat is crafted to feel effortless and indulgent — a nearly all-inclusive experience across two iconic 5-star hotels in London and the Cotswolds, with exceptional excursions and thoughtful details handled for you.

From beautiful accommodations and elevated dining to private tours, workshops, transportation during the retreat, and daily moments of movement and connection, everything is designed so you can simply arrive and enjoy.

For full transparency, please refer to the What's Included and What's Not Included sections for additional details.

A 50% deposit is required at sign-up and is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Final payment is due by September 2, 2027 (90 days before the retreat begins).

Single Occupancy

£10,500 GBP Per Guest

Double Occupancy

£9,000 GBP Per Guest

For Returning & Referred Guests

Book Now

For New Guests

Apply Here
A cozy bedroom with a four-poster bed, a vintage loveseat, a window with green curtains, a bedside table with a lamp, and decorative wall mirrors.
Festively decorated living room with a fireplace, Christmas ornaments, and a Christmas tree.
Interior view of a living room with a brick wall, a red velvet sofa with floral cushions, a white bed with patterned bedding, a window with green blinds, and wall-mounted lights.
A woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a black coat, black turtleneck, red pants, and black boots, standing outdoors in front of a decorative building with a display of colorful flowers and plants.

Meet Your Host

After 15 years in corporate leadership—while teaching yoga, coaching speakers, and building community-rooted nonprofits—I felt called to bring it all together. That’s how LDW Coaching & Retreats began.

These retreats are thoughtfully designed to offer more than just a beautiful escape—they’re a return to what matters most. Rooted in presence, beauty, and connection, they create space for rest, growth, and meaningful community.

Whether we’re flowing on a yoga mat, sharing a meal, or watching the sun set over the Mediterranean, my hope is simple: that you leave feeling more grounded, more connected, and more yourself.

LINDSAY WHEELER

“TRAVEL IS NOT REWARD FOR WORKING, IT IS EDUCATION FOR LIVING.”

- ANTHONY BOURDAIN

THE FAQS

  • Please plan to fly into London Heathrow Airport (LHR). From the airport, transfer to the London hotel in Mayfair can be done by:

    • Taxi

    • Train — fastest and cheapest. Tickets are available at the agent right outside baggage claim; take the train straight to Bond Street, then a 5-minute walk to the hotel.

    • Private transfer — email the hotel concierge directly to arrange.

    At the end of the retreat, we depart from the Cotswolds. Please plan for approximately a 3-hour drive from Broadway to London Heathrow Airport, and we recommend booking afternoon or early-evening flights on December 7 to allow for a relaxed departure.

  • The first week of December in London and the Cotswolds typically sees temperatures between 39 and 43°F, 4 to 6°C. Skies are often overcast with a chance of light rain, which only adds to the cozy winter atmosphere.

    Daylight is short at this time of year. It is dark by around four in the afternoon, which is part of why the evenings feel so festive. Pack a warm coat and layers, and something waterproof for the village walk.

  • Yes. US citizens need an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling.

    ⟡  Apply at gov.uk/eta, the official site. Never a third-party site.

    ⟡  GBP 20 per person, including children

    ⟡  Valid two years, or until your passport expires

    ⟡  Airlines check before boarding, so apply as soon as your flights are booked

    ⟡  Usually approved in minutes, but allow up to 72 hours

    Full details and any changes: gov.uk/eta

  • A rain jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking in London. A couple of casual, festive outfits for our dinners in the city. Then cozy clothes for the countryside, because we spend a good deal of the week on the property and being cozy is very much the plan. Thick socks are worth packing; wellington boots are provided for the village walk. Bring something festive for the final night, and a swimsuit if you plan to use the spa.

  • The UK uses three-pin Type G sockets and runs at 230 volts. Bring an adapter, and check that anything with a motor or a heating element is dual voltage. Most phone and laptop chargers are.

  • The UK runs almost entirely on cards, and contactless is accepted nearly everywhere, including village shops and taxis. You will not need much cash. Tips are usually included as a service charge on restaurant bills.

  • The walk to Eastleach is a few kilometres each way across fields, at an easy pace, stopping for tea and lunch at the village pub. Lunch there is at your own expense. Wellington boots are provided. If you would rather sit it out, the morning is entirely yours.

  • The spa books up, particularly in December. Treatments are not included and are best reserved well ahead. We will send the booking details once your place is confirmed.

  • Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Just let us know when you book, and again on the final travel form, and we will work with the kitchens ahead of the retreat.

  • If you would like to add nights at either hotel before or after the retreat, let us know and we will pass your request on. Rates and availability are handled directly by the hotel.

  • For the comfort and peace of mind of all guests, travel insurance is required to attend this retreat. Your policy should include coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel delays. Life is unpredictable, and having travel insurance helps protect your investment should unforeseen circumstances arise. We highly recommend purchasing your policy at the time of booking to ensure full coverage.

    For assistance with booking your travel insurance, you may contact our trusted agent:


    Sharon Creast, Elevation Travel
     📧 sharon@elevationstvl.com
    📞 404-626-4997

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WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT OUR RETREATS

“One of the best vacations ever.” "What made it truly exceptional was the incredible group—an inspiring mix of familiar faces and new friends. The food, wine, lodging, and scenery were all amazing, but what elevated the experience was the thought

“One of the best vacations ever.”

"What made it truly exceptional was the incredible group—an inspiring mix of familiar faces and new friends. The food, wine, lodging, and scenery were all amazing, but what elevated the experience was the thoughtful leadership at the heart of it all.”

- Ron Farmer

“It’s rare to see something come together with such kindness, grace, and inspiration.” "Every detail felt intentional, and the energy was uplifting from start to finish. Communication was flawless, and the value far exceeded expectations—it hones

“It’s rare to see something come together with such kindness, grace, and inspiration.”

"Every detail felt intentional, and the energy was uplifting from start to finish. Communication was flawless, and the value far exceeded expectations—it honestly felt underpriced for the quality of the experience. A truly exceptional trip in every way."

- Allyson Watkins

“Everything was perfect.” "This experience ranked among the very best, even compared to some truly incredible past travels. The vibe, the attention to detail, and the sense of connection—it all came together seamlessly. A flawless, unforgettable

“Everything was perfect.”

"This experience ranked among the very best, even compared to some truly incredible past travels. The vibe, the attention to detail, and the sense of connection—it all came together seamlessly. A flawless, unforgettable vacation."

- Patrick Lennon

Large tree in front of a historic stone house with a garden and trimmed bushes.
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RETURNING GUEST

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Book Your Spot Now
A rustic stone and wood barn decorated with a lit Christmas tree at the entrance and surrounded by holiday lights, in a peaceful rural setting during dusk.
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NEW GUEST

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Living room with holiday decor, including two small decorated Christmas trees with string lights, two table lamps with fabric shades, a sofa, four velvet chairs, and a bar area in the background with bottles and plants, illuminated by pendant lights.
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