You’ve booked the flights, cleared the time off work and now all that’s left to sort is the empty suitcase before you. We’re sure you know to pack a swimsuit, workout gear, joggers and general comfy clothes, but if you’re heading to a fitness or wellness retreat this spring or summer, here’s some of our favourite essential accessories to bring along for the feel-good adventure:
1. La Pochette’s Whenever Wherever Workout Mat
There’s no doubt that your retreat of choice will supply yoga mats. However, there is nothing like the comfortable feel of rolling out your own - and it makes an excellent hygienic top layer too. Our workout mat boasts lightweight, washable, and foldable benefits too - making it easy to pack in your suitcase or day-to-day gym bag.
Shop Whenever Wherever Workout Mat, £60, La Pochette
2. Travel Candle
Small and lightweight, a travel candle is a simple but effective way to enhance your wellness retreat experience. Whether you use it for relaxation, mindfulness, or to create a more comfortable environment, it can help you feel more centered, grounded, and relaxed during your retreat. Nothing conjures a feeling of ooh la la quite like this fragrant travel candle. Inspired by the Indian Ocean, this stylish, sunshine scent has been curated to drench rooms in a fresh, joyful ambience and bring adventure to your mood.
Shop Travel Candle, £25, Urban Apothecary
3. La Pochette’s Wet Bag - Large
Calling all water babies. Unless you’re headed for the desert, most retreats will involve water activities at some point. Whether you’re going full Wim Hof or just heading for the spa lounger, our Wet Bag makes an ideal aquatic companion.
Shop Large Wet Bag, £70, La Pochette
4. This Works’ Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
If you struggle to get your usual beauty sleep in new surroundings, this handy This Works deep sleep pillow spray uses Lavender, Camomile & Vetivert to help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling more refreshed. Even better, it’s made with 99% natural ingredients and small enough to squeeze into hand luggage too.
Shop Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £21, This Works
5. La Pochette’s Large Anywhere Everywhere
If your retreat involves a jam-packed itinerary of non-stop activities and action, don’t forget to pack our handy Large Anywhere Everywhere. Ideal for anyone with a busy schedule, the Large Anywhere Everywhere can fit all the essentials (and more) - whether that’s your sunscreen, sunnies or simple beauty items. Easy on the eye and far trendier than the traditional kitchen sink, take it to the pool and safely store your kindle, latest read and airpods in style.
Shop Large Anywhere Everywhere, £55, La Pochette
6. Saltee’s SPF30 Body Active Sun Lotion
With a light and velvety texture, this SPF30 Body Active Sun Lotion puts the thick smeary sunscreen days of the past far behind us. Protect and nourish your skin with the ultra-high UVA and UVB sun care, whilst natural essential oils work to soothe and calm tired aching muscles - perfect for those long days of hiking and sun salutations.
Shop SPF30 Body Active Sun Lotion, £35, Saltee
7. La Pochette’s Shoe Carry
Mud in a facemask, yes. Mud in your suitcase? It’s a no from us. Whether you’re using it for your very worn trainers, walking boots, or even a pair of sandy flip flops, use our Shoe Carry to ensure the contents of your suitcase stay clean and fresh.
Shop the Shoe Carry, £45, La Pochette
8. Weighted Eye Mask
Take time on the retreat to completely switch off and relax. A weighted eye provides comforting pressure around the eye area, helping you to fully unwind by relieving facial tension and calming the mind.
9. de Mamiel’s Altitude Mist
The ultimate multi-tasking reset remedy, carry this inhalation essence with you to keep a clear head and energise your mind when feeling a little overwhelmed. We love it on long flights but it’s excellent on the ground too. Think of Altitude Oil as a do-it-all tonic to simultaneously soothe, revive and thrive.
Shop Altitude Mist, £35, de Mamiel
10. Headphones
Whether you’re tuning in to an episode of your favourite podcast, tuning out with guided meditation, or listening to an album for the 500th time, headphones are a must have. However, remember if you're going on a retreat to unplug and disconnect from technology, maybe you should leave them at home.
11. A Journal
A retreat is a great time for self-reflection and mindfulness, or a perfect opportunity to set yourself goals. Grab a pen and scribble away to your heart’s content.
