Food and Dietary Requirements on Our Retreats
Learn what may be included in your residential retreat, when to tell us about dietary needs and why allergies, intolerances and medical requirements must be discussed before booking.
Nourishing Food Is Part of the Retreat Experience
Shared meals give guests time to pause, relax and connect between wellbeing sessions. Depending on the particular retreat, the advertised package may include breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, snacks and refreshments.
Menus and catering arrangements vary between venues. Some retreats may feature vegetarian or plant-based food, while others may offer a different menu prepared by the venue or a private chef.
Always check the individual retreat description rather than assuming that the same menu or dietary options apply to every event.
What Retreat Catering May Include
The exact food package depends on the retreat, venue and advertised inclusions. Where meals are included, guests may receive a combination of:
- Breakfast during the residential stay
- Prepared lunches
- Shared evening meals
- Hot and cold drinks
- Refreshments between activities
- Snacks where stated
- Meals prepared by a venue team or private chef
Meal times often form a relaxed part of the programme and provide a natural opportunity to speak with other retreat guests.
Dietary Information We Need to Know
Different requirements carry different levels of risk and cannot all be handled in the same way.
Food Allergies
Tell us the exact allergen, the likely severity of a reaction and whether traces or cross-contact present a risk.
Food Intolerances
Explain which foods or ingredients need to be avoided and whether small quantities can cause symptoms.
Medical Diets
Requirements related to a diagnosed condition should be discussed clearly, including any advice you have been given by a qualified healthcare professional.
Vegetarian or Vegan
Confirm whether you follow a vegetarian, vegan or other plant-based diet rather than assuming the published menu will automatically meet your needs.
Religious or Ethical Diets
Explain any ingredients, preparation methods or food combinations that need to be avoided.
Preferences and Dislikes
Preferences are different from medical requirements. Caterers may consider them, but alternative meals cannot always be guaranteed.
How to Explain Your Requirements
Give specific information rather than using broad labels that may mean different things to different people.
Name the Ingredient
State exactly which food, allergen or ingredient must be avoided.
Explain the Severity
Tell us whether the requirement is a preference, intolerance, allergy or serious medical risk.
Mention Cross-Contact
Explain whether shared utensils, surfaces or preparation areas would create an unacceptable risk.
Obtain Confirmation
Do not assume your request has been accepted until the arrangement has been confirmed.
Allergies and Cross-Contact
Retreat meals may be prepared in kitchens that also handle common allergens. Separate dishes do not necessarily mean that a completely allergen-free environment is available.
Cross-contact can occur through shared surfaces, utensils, storage areas, cooking equipment or ingredients supplied by outside manufacturers.
- Explain whether traces present a risk
- Ask how food will be prepared
- Do not rely solely on a menu description
- Check labels where packaged products are involved
- Confirm the arrangement before paying a deposit
Severe or Life-Threatening Allergies
A venue or caterer may be unable to safely accommodate a serious allergy, particularly where complete separation cannot be guaranteed.
- Disclose the allergy before booking
- Carry prescribed emergency medication
- Tell the hosts where medication is kept
- Follow your personal emergency plan
- Do not attend until arrangements are confirmed
Retreat hosts cannot replace professional medical care or guarantee an allergen-free environment unless this has been specifically confirmed by the responsible caterer.
Requirements That May Be Available
Depending on the venue and catering team, it may be possible to provide alternatives for certain dietary needs.
- Vegetarian meals
- Vegan meals
- Gluten-free options
- Dairy-free options
- Alternatives for particular intolerances
- Adjusted dishes where ingredients permit
When a Request May Not Be Possible
Some combinations of requirements may be difficult to manage within a shared retreat kitchen or a pre-planned group menu.
- Very severe allergies requiring total separation
- Multiple complex exclusions
- Requests made shortly before arrival
- Specialised medical diets
- Requirements the venue is not equipped to manage
- Changes requested after catering has been ordered
Your Role in Managing Dietary Needs
Clear communication remains important throughout the retreat.
Provide Accurate Information
Give complete information when booking and update Michael or Stephanie if your needs change before the retreat.
Check Before Eating
Ask when you are uncertain about a dish or ingredient, particularly if an error could present a serious risk.
Bring Medication
Carry all prescribed medication and emergency treatments needed for the retreat and your journeys.
Do Not Share Unsafe Foods
Be mindful that food brought into shared areas could affect another guest with an allergy.
Speak Up Promptly
Tell a host or catering team member immediately if the meal served does not appear to match the agreed arrangement.
Follow Medical Advice
Continue to follow advice from your healthcare team. A retreat is not a substitute for medical dietary care.
Can I Bring My Own Food?
Do not assume that outside food can be stored, heated or prepared at the venue. Kitchens may have limited space, and bringing food into shared areas can create additional allergy and hygiene risks.
Guests who need particular packaged foods, snacks or supplements should discuss this before travelling. Any storage, refrigeration or preparation requirements must also be agreed.
- Ask before bringing food into shared areas
- Keep items clearly labelled
- Do not use kitchen equipment without permission
- Explain refrigeration or heating requirements
- Avoid bringing known allergens where requested
Dietary Requirements FAQs
Are meals included in every residential retreat?
Are your retreats vegetarian?
Can vegan meals be provided?
Can gluten-free meals be provided?
What should I do if I have a serious food allergy?
Can every dietary request be accommodated?
Can I bring my own meals or snacks?
When should I provide my dietary information?
Related Residential Retreat Guides
What to Expect
Learn about accommodation, guided sessions, shared meals and personal time.
Read the GuideTypical Itinerary
View an example schedule showing how retreat meals and activities may be arranged.
View ItineraryWhat to Pack
Prepare your clothing, medication, overnight essentials and practical outdoor items.
Packing GuideAttending Alone
Find practical reassurance for guests attending without a friend or partner.
Solo Guest GuideDiscuss Your Dietary Requirements
Contact Michael or Stephanie before booking to explain allergies, intolerances, medical diets or other important food requirements and obtain confirmation of what can be provided.