Increasingly more and more of our clients are asking us for ways to incorporate wellbeing into their events.
And whilst there are plenty of creative ways we can help guests or delegates unwind, choosing a venue that compliments a healthy lifestyle is a great scene setter and encourages everyone to switch off from day to day pressures.
Luckily these days there are a number of specialist wellbeing venues for events. Here are a few of our favourite wellbeing venues; places where you can incorporate an active agenda, a healthy menu choice or simply somewhere to relax and enjoy the views. If you’re feeling inspired by these venues or would like some help in finding a venue or ideas on how to incorporate wellbeing into your events just give us a call and we’d be happy to help.
Amber Lakes
Amber Lakes is a tranquil landscape of 450 acres, just 40 minutes from London, and offers the perfect setting to slow down. Set between two picturesque lakes, the Lodge offers a gorgeous unique venue where the event possibilities are endless. When you arrive, the lakes are hidden from view but as the drive sweeps round, the venue and site reveals itself as a hidden oasis of calm. This is a venue where you will leave your worries behind and probably never want to leave.
There’s a distinct whiff of glamour about Amber Lakes which isn’t surprising when you discover that A View To A Kill was filmed here (remember the bit when James Bond’s Silver Rolls Royce gets lost to the lake?). This luxury feeling continues into the spacious Lodge which is made from cedar and oak with expansive windows framing the breath taking views. We loved the statement antler chandelier and chairs along with the soft furnishings including cowhide chairs and leather armchairs along the 10m marble topped bar, perfect for any soirée. The Lodge can host up to 120 guests for a seated dinner and 200 for a standing reception however the capacity of the site allows for up to 500 guests for a summer event.
The venue is perfect for a range of high end events and the team are open to working with you to make your vision come to life. We can picture some fabulous summer parties here – think marquees on the lawn, wandering entertainment, funfair stalls, food stations and you’ve got your own summer festival happening.
With such impressive grounds the venue is fabulous for team building activities: treasure hunts, activities on the water (zorbing, fishing, dragon boat racing spring to mind). The venue’s extensive terraces, lawns and gardens are particularly impressive during the summer months, when Amber Lakes can be hired for both corporate and private summer parties but also works well for winter – think Alpine Lodge with plenty of fur throws.
The Falcon, Castle Ashby
Set within the 10,500-acre Castle Ashby estate in rural Northamptonshire, The Falcon hotel is an idyllic countryside retreat for rest and renewal. With rejuvenating yoga classes, meditative sound and gong baths, invigorating open-water swimming and a variety of mindfulness activities, this is a great location to take a small team away. There are also a number of meeting spaces to accommodate up to 75 guests, making The Falcon is the ideal place to rest, play, stay and strategise with your team.
Six Senses
Residing in the former art deco department store Whiteleys, Bayswater (close to Hyde Park & Kensington Palace) and part of the regeneration programme for Queensway, this is the UK debut for the upmarket hotel and sustainable spa brand, Six Senses. Throughout the space, a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary art by British artists adds a layer of cultural richness, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Alongside the usual wellness and treatment rooms (and a 20 metre indoor swimming pool) look out for the social and wellness club in the style of an old fashioned London Underground station on the second floor featuring a central bar and lounge, co-working spaces and restaurant.
The Secret River Garden
Nestled among the banks of the river Thames is the Secret River Garden, a pop-up space for summer events. The romantic riverside location feels like a little slice of the countryside whilst being only a few miles from central London. During the summer months marquees are set up for summer events and it’s the perfect spot to get away from it all with late lunches and evening BBQs. The lush gardens are perfect for a game of croquet or fun fair stalls and later on guests can discover a hidden bar in the woods or gather round an open fire. A number of creative workshops are also available such as Life Drawing, Mask Making, Dragon Boat Racing and Mindful Yoga. Perfect for 150 – 200 guests.
Illuminate Science Museum
Opened in 2019, Illuminate is a purpose-built event space with expansive views across the capital. This event destination has been designed to ‘mimic natural daylight’ with all profits being returned to the museum to help educate and inspire the innovators, thinkers and problem solvers of tomorrow. A panoramic window brings in city views and natural light and ensures all meetings and conferences will be productive experiences. The blank canvas venue is suitable for up to 400 for conferences and dinners and 450 for receptions. For added stimulation, why not hire it in conjunction with Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery where guests can get hands-on with real scientific experiences.
Soho Farm
With a range of spaces suitable for a variety of events, from creative workshops to intimate dinners, castings to country wedding, you might be surprised to learn that many of the spaces in the Soho House group aren’t just for members and are available for private hire.
The Farmhouse gives out pedal bikes to its guests, or delegates can take part in a variety of active team building activities including tennis and football and in the Soho House group there are now three cinemas in the group available to non-members for press launches, screenings, presentations or conferences.
The Ned
There are 250 guest rooms to choose from but this hotel is about much more than just where to sleep: with nine restaurants, private rooms, two terraces, a rooftop pool and bars all over the place, this is one lifestyle hotel where the action takes place out of the bedroom.
Formerly home to the headquarters of Midland Bank the Ned is a Grade I-listed Art Deco masterpiece, designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924. Left empty for five years, its modernisation is down to Soho House and Sydell Group who have collaborated on the design, pouring £200 million into the makeover and it has all the attention to detail that you would expect in a boutique hotel but executed on a grand scale.
The designers have incorporated many of the original features into the design with stand-out elements including The Vault Bar, a former gold bullion hold complete with 20-tonne safe door which is now transformed into a stunning members bar complete with the old safe-deposit boxes. Our eye however was drawn to the pamper bars by the pool which would be brilliant for away days or break out activities; with grooming including nails, hair, beard trimming and massages, it’s spa-heaven.
Porchester Hall & Spa
The Porchester Hall, near Hyde Park, is a majestic and elegant 1920s grade II listed, art deco building. A truly a timeless venue, guaranteed to impress your guests and perfect for award ceremonies, conferences and celebrations. The grand entrance is ideal for reception drinks and leads guests up the elegant staircase with its ornamental bronze and wrought iron banisters, striking marble walls and crystal chandelier, providing a stunning backdrop. From the stairway, guests are led through to the Main Hall, handsomely panelled in English oak and walnut, with luxurious rich crimson velvet curtains. Fascinating figurines and motifs support the main beams, while ten magnificent crystal chandeliers, adorned in gold leaf effect, hang from the superbly engraved ceiling. The oak panelled stage provides a perfect setting for bands or other entertainers and features a fantastic art deco skylight. The opulent Main Hall can accommodate up to 600 guests. In addition to the Hall, it also houses a library as well as two swimming pools and a spa. The spa features authentic traditional Turkish baths and retains many period features.
Wellbeing Farm
The Wellbeing Farm, in Lancashire, is predominantly a wedding venue but if you get organised and book in advance (well in advance!) you can still book it on a key day for events or try your luck on a week day when there is much more availability. What started off as a neglected farm has been transformed into a magical venue with gorgeous views of the countryside. The main Barn has a stunning ceiling lined with silky parachutes and decorated with 4000 fairy lights in star formations, creating a stunning first impression for your guests. The Barn is an amazing blank canvas on which you can create the party of your dreams. The venue can cater for up to 170 guests when they are all sat down or 250 guests standing and they can create a variety of table plans using trestle tables alongside straw bale seating or vintage wooden chairs. Open until 1 am for music and dancing this is your perfect party area with an Indian Tipi providing the perfect chill out and chat area. Blankets and cushions accompany seating and a Kadai fire bowl for the ultimate in relaxed events.
Here at Evolve Events we work with some of the most prestigious, unusual and new venues available and offer a venue finding service.
If you’d like to know more about the best venues in London for wellbeing events, venue hire options and arrange a viewing or would like our help finding another perfect venue for your event just get in touch with the team. Our event services including venue finding, set design, styling and build, AV and lighting, stage management and sourcing entertainment and quality catering. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you produce and style your event then please get in touch and we can chat through your requirements.
TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : info@evolve-events.com
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