Behind the scenes at The Bothy by Wildsmith

Heckfield Place in Hampshire has announced plans to unveil its much-anticipated Bothy by Wildsmith in early April.

The Bothy by Wildsmith at Heckfield Place is a space dedicated to responsible, holistic wellness, where guests can reconnect with nature’s slower pace.

Wildsmith Skin managing director Katherine Pye, who forms part of the team behind the wellness space, explains: “The Bothy will be healing space where guests can come and take a really deep breath.

“It’s evolution of Heckfield Place’s first wellbeing concept, The Little Bothy.

“We’ve instilled some very deliberate, uncompromising points of difference – no mobile phones, no under-16s, no alcohol – so that we can offer guests a full recharge and maximum healing effects.”

The Wildsmith philosophy

The 1,579sqm space is home to high performance skincare brand Wildsmith Skin, which was conceived at Heckfield Place.

The brand was inspired by 19th century horticulturist William Walker Wildsmith and by the way the trees on the Heckfield estate adapt, heal and renew.

The philosophy is one of continually communicating, intuitively supporting the wider community and offering protection, sustenance and support.

The full Wildsmith Skin range will be available in The Bothy Shop and incorporated into all experiences and treatments.

A wellness-first destination

When it opens its doors in April, the Bothy will feature six treatment rooms (two doubles), two fitness rooms and a movement studio, and the Oak Terrace – home to outdoor hydrotherapy and healing thermal experiences including a sauna, steam room, experiential shower and ice-cold bucket shower.

The waters will be a chlorine-free healing space that uses ionisation and natural mineral ions of copper, silver, zinc, aluminium and gold.

Lastly, The Sun Room will offer a plant-based menu from Heckfield’s culinary director Skye Gyngell.

Inspired by circadian rhythms

Nine full-time therapists and a group of master practitioners including a naturopath, an osteopath, specialists in reiki, bodywork and a TCM practitioner will offer a concise menu of treatment journeys.

The Bothy by Wildsmith will welcome guests for a recommended time of three hours per session with bookings centred around dawn, noon and dusk each day.

“This strong recommendation is so we can offer guests a whole recharge and so we can also look after our team of practitioners with no back to back treatments,” says Pye.

Wildsmith treatments are inspired by the universal principle of circadian rhythm. Every treatment will include a complimentary 15-minute consultation with a master practitioner, using kinesiology techniques to determine client’s needs.

“Our regenerative therapies will include everything from Woodland Motion, Farm Fit – functional human body movements using traditional farm tools, milk churns, hay bales and loaded wheelbarrows – and Forest Bathing, to guided cold water immersion therapy in the Lower Lake,” continues Pye.

“The Bothy is a place for guests to get back to themselves.”

Reknitting the estate

Each curated treatment journey will be intrinsically linked to the estate. The menu has been designed to empower therapists to connect with each guest so they can align treatments to their emotions and needs.

Bothy director Reka Seres-Erdei, adds: “The Bothy is the reknitting of all parts of the estate – it represents the vision of accepting and living by the natural cycles of seasons, appreciating simplicity and supporting the harmony in which it brings.

“Whether it be breathing in the scents of nature during a treatment or spending time in the Market Garden picking from the land’s bounty used to create Wildsmith Skin products these are the rituals of The Bothy.”