Plantation Villa at Ruxton Farm - Hereford

EstherLawrence B.

My friend and I had the most incredible experience here. The two Dr’s were so knowledgeable and welcoming. We booked in just for a full body massage and both agreed it was, without doubt one of the best massages we have had. It’s a beautiful environment and calming space - the treatments on offer are great and varied, it’s really a hidden gem. Highly recommend for a day to yourself and time away in a lovely area. The treatments really are worth it.

N N.

Visited this place last month for what was supposed to be a 3 day retreat. On the morning of the second day I was informed I was the only person staying for the next two days and that there would be building works taking place, which I had not previously been informed about. The building works involved removing the main doors and windows to the back of the building and the bedrooms and lots of drilling, hammering and shouting by the builders. The house was also freezing due to this, and the entire building was unusable. Quite the opposite of relaxing! I was told I cannot access my bedroom for the rest of the trip during working hours. I explained I would not have booked if I had have known this was going to happen.

The team suggested I go and sit in the yoga hall after my treatment and served me a dinner of kidney beans and cabbage with rice for lunch, which I ate on my lap as the dining table was out of use, while freezing cold and while the extremely loud drilling was happening around me. I then went and sat in the also freezing cold yoga hall for the next two hours, waiting the afternoon activity which would have been a walk. As I sat on the floor (the yoga hall has no chairs/cushions) shivering I felt quite upset, so I made the decision to leave. I felt so relieved when I made it home.

I had expected the retreat would show understanding and apologise for not informing me beforehand about the building work. They refused to refund me and made out I was in the wrong for having left! I explained I had mentioned it to staff a number of times that I was unhappy about the building work. They tried to say initially they hadn't known about the building work happening. Then they claimed they'd offered me a private bedroom in a a separate building - they had not. They admitted eventually they'd known about it but booked me anyway - I suppose they didn't want to turn down the money! After two weeks of emailing they agreed to refund half the money, and then the day before they refunded it said they were deducting £15 for the lunch of rice and kidney beans. I complained again and managed to get half the money back.

I would avoid this place, they are very focussed on the money and much less on the actual experience, which I found to be extremely stressful. They push all the very expensive treatments, consultations and extras very hard, and there is quite a bit of free time throughout the day when you are otherwise doing nothing that most people end up paying extra to book things in. The yoga is only twice a day for an hour each time. I cannot recommend anyone stays here.

Nick D.

Lovely experience as my first yoga and meditation retreat. Would recommend and would like to come back. Only downside was the food serving sizes and lack of snacks in between meals.

arthi M.

Had a really two peaceful days of my life. The yoga and meditation were so good,peaceful and more importantly enjoyable.Special mention to Yiyang who taught me mindfulness and for a very enjoyable yoga experience ❤️❤️❤️

Tania B.

Absolutely amazing. I am so glad that I chose Plantation Villa. My experience was truly life changing and I would highly recommend to everyone.
The accommodation was so comfortable and peaceful. The staff were all lovely and welcoming. The chanting to start the day was beautiful and something that I have and will continue to practise at home. The yoga was great and the food was amazing! I
I had a massage which was fantastic and I also had a private counselling with the Monk which was inspirational and again life changing.
My friends and family have said that they see and hear a difference in me since I have returned. I am definitely booking to return later this year and my friend is going to join me to share this incredible experience.
I am so thankful to all at Plantation Villa.

Natalie M.

The location was beautiful and the staff were very polite and knowledgeable I did enjoy my time. I booked for two days but really only got a day and a half as you don't check in till the afternoon then you do activities the afternoon of your arrival which can be a bit much after the drive also the food is vegan and you don't have any other choices other than what you're served so I was quite hungry as not all the food was too much liking but that's personal choice. I did love the treatments too they offer and had lovely weather it was nice for my first experience

RD P.

We visited this retreat to find out more about the Ayurvedic philosophy and particularly the food and Buddhist principles. We found the staff to be very hospitable and in particular our yoga teacher who was excellent. We also joined discussions with Bernardo which were both interesting and enlightening. We thought that the standard of accommodation was basic, a clean two star might describe it, as was the food. Our two night stay was not inexpensive at almost £800 and we at least expected well cooked authentic Sri Lankan food. What we got was an unimaginative selection of odd dishes that didn’t seem to follow any tradition and weren’t very good. We accept that the main focus of the retreat is restorative contemplation, but didn’t expect to be hungry and uncomfortable. The beds are small and very soft, giving us backache during our stay as commented by other guests. No guest toiletries in the room or bathroom was also unexpected considering the price charged, along with towels that were very old and hard. Lovely people but let down by the hospitality element which belongs at a much lower price point in our opinion.

Elisangela C.

The retreat changed my life. Grateful for my 3 days experience, on the Stress Relief program. I still chant and meditate every day. I now attend yoga classes at my local gym. I try to eat alkaline foods, as much as possible. I made body massage a must, in my intimate life with my partner. Gained calmness and clarity in my life.