London Jun 2026:
Newlyn Fermentary will return to Chapel House PZ in Penzance for a collaborative wellness retreat with acclaimed author and River Cottage regular Rachel de Thample. Taking place from Friday 19th March to Monday 22nd March this exclusive three-night experience is designed to nourish body and mind through fermentation, food, rest and connection with the outstanding natural landscape
Chapel House offers the feeling of staying in a private home while delivering the standards of a luxury boutique hotel. The Grade II listed Georgian property is celebrated for its art filled interiors, joyous walled gardens and warm hospitality, and was recently included in the 50 Top Boutique Hotels list. Overlooking the harbour and onwards across Mounts Bay, guests will enjoy unlimited access to the garden sauna, hot tub and cold plunge throughout the retreat.
During the weekend, as well as enjoying everything the house has to offer, you will also come away with ideas and inspiration, learning to make an array of health-giving ferments, as the Newlyn Fermentary team will be in residence for the full stay, delivering two bespoke fermentation workshop and preparing seven ferment inspired meals alongside Rachel de Thample.
Guests will learn how to make a range of health-giving ferments including sauerkraut, kimchi, brined vegetables, water kefir, kombucha and kvass, alongside practical guidance on how to integrate fermented foods into simple, delicious everyday meals.
Rachel Booth, founder of the Newlyn Fermentary said “This retreat is about slowing down and connecting with simple ancestral practices that support long term wellbeing. Fermentation is both nourishing and grounding, and when combined with beautiful food, wild swimming, heat and rest, it becomes a powerful way to care for ourselves. Collaborating with Rachel de Thample and the team at Chapel House allows us to share these practices in a setting that truly supports deeprestoration.”
The long weekend balances structured learning with generous time for rest and self-care. Complementary optional experiences include sunrise swims, herbal sauna sessions, wild coastal walks and breath-work, all thoughtfully woven through the schedule to create a deeply restorative experience. (Therapeutic massage treatments are also available with Chapel House’ in house therapist, Rachel Llorente).
Guests are invited to arrive from 3pm on Friday 19th March, with the sauna warmed and ready. Following a welcome drink and light supper there will be an informal introduction to the weekend’s fermentation and wellness programme.
Saturday begins with an optional (but highly recommended!) sunrise swim, sauna and gut health friendly breakfast. The day continues with a two-hour fermentation workshop, a light lunch and, in the evening, a four-course fermented tasting menu.
Sunday follows a similar rhythm, culminating in a generous sharing feast to close the final full day. Both afternoons allow ample time for personal restoration, whether through solitude, sleep, herbal sauna, breath-work, guided walks and wild swims.
All meals and soft drinks are included and being ferment inspired, ensure guests enjoy at least three ferments per day and a minimum of 30 diverse plant types, often within a single meal.
The learning and culinary experiences
This retreat offers an indulgent and nurturing opportunity to step away from daily life, immerse yourself in deep relaxation, personal and physic
ENDS
ENDS
Notes for Editors
High res images https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6wptwg8dr6avshbsdjqnb/AIP1Fk5P0iXEHw3tC_xlxlI?rlkey=udl79ggu03irzo109y7x4fxpe&st=40f77vxq&dl=0
To Book please visit
https://www.newlynfermentary.co.uk/shop/p/wellnessretreatchapelhouse
Wellness Retreat at Chapel House PZ www.chapelhousepz.co.uk
19-22 March 2026
Tickets from £1250 (single occupancy) or £1000 (dual occupancy) for 3 nights full lodging and includes all meals, accommodation, use of the spa garden (sauna, hot tub and plunge) and workshops.
About Newlyn Fermentary https://www.newlynfermentary.co.uk
Multi award winning small batch producer of artisan fermented foods, Newlyn Fermentary’s sauerkraut has been favourited by the country’s leading gut health expert professor, Tim Spector, as well as being awarded ‘Food Brand of the Year’ in 2025, the Fermentary’s house kimchi's both picked up 2 stars each at the Great Taste Awards. Founder Rachel Booth, an active member of the Guild Fermenters has been teaching for 5 years.
Media Contact
For further information please contact
Diana Massey @ The Massey Partnership
