THE LOCATION

If we haven’t crowed about it enough already, you need to know about Green Farm. An unique rural retreat boutique spa nestled in the Kent countryside set on a farm estate in the idyllic Shadoxhurst conservation area, surrounded by 12,500 acres of ancient woodland and traditional pastures. I mean, you are relaxed just at the very thought of it, even before the therapists have worked their magic.

Yet it is just 37 minutes by train from London St Pancras, so it attracts those DFLs who want a slice of our mighty fine Kent countryside. After a mere 10-minute drive from Ashford International Station, you can be contemplating wild swims in their swimming pond, dips in one of two hot tubs scattered around or a soothing session in their new Sauna pod overlooking the fields beyond.

THE VIBE

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing hot tub

From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in the soothing embrace of nature. Listen out for the birdsong as you sink into the hot tub or admire the lambs frolicking around in the field in front of you for that picture perfect scene.

It did help that we were there on a sunny day but equally it would feel cosy if it was windy outside whilst you are safely cocooned in your treatment room or sauna. There’s plenty of indoor space with wide windows so you can easily snuggle up with a book and admire the view from a comfy chair if the elements are against you.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing treatment rooms

Surrounded by open farmland, Green Farm manages to feel wonderfully secluded yet welcoming. The estate itself is steeped in history, with a beautifully restored 15th-century farmhouse at its heart with husband-and-wife team, MaryAnn and Martin at the helm, so there is an extra homely feel to the place. You will find that it is normally Martin that cooks your food with ingredients mainly sourced from the farm, so everything feels (quite literally) homegrown and that contributes to the nurturing vibe.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing drink

The therapists tell us that they are treated to free treatments by Maryann and Martin throughout the year so there is a community feel to the place as everyone is looked after as well as the clients. Green Farm also regularly host ECOKids events which inspire a love of nature and care for the environment in young people and families.

But don’t worry, it isn’t too earnest. We were delighted when our host recommended we enjoy a chilled glass of Woodchurch sparkling wine to have outside by the swimming pond before we started our lunch.

THE EXPERIENCE

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing outdoor pool

Well hello Rebalance Ritual which has been designed to balance the body, calm the nervous system, and improve circulation using Bramley products which were created by their founder, Chloë, in 2000. Created because Chloë could not find bath and body products for her guests staying at the family’s inn in rural Wiltshire without synthetic ingredients or single use plastic, so she decided to develop her own.

The result are beautifully fragranced products using the finest essential oils, utilizing their unique apple ingredient, and natural botanicals which capture the essence of nature. Fifteen years later, the range has grown beyond bath and body products, with natural home, skincare and children’s ranges, all inspired by the beauty and therapeutic properties of plants.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing yoga studio

You can find Bramley in lots of beautiful and boutique places across the UK, but it is not a mass-market product, so it is a real coup that Green Farm are working with Bramley and is testament to Green Farm’s sustainable approach that Bramley chose them to be one of their selected spa partners.

It’s the perfect treatment to book as we think about emerging from our winter chrysalis in a few weeks time. The first part of the treatment was hugely needed as it started with a combination of body brushing and exfoliation followed by an invigorating shower to reveal brighter and renewed skin.

This is a proper head to toe service as the 90-minute treatment also included a facial featuring a cryotherapy crystal. If you are not in the know, these crystals can help to target hormonal or compromised complexions, so it felt that there was some constructive support along the way too, as well as the feel-good stuff.

To top it all off, my lovely therapist, Vicky finished off with a rebalancing, nutrient-rich body massage with a replenishing mask, leaving your skin deeply nourished and your mind at peace. I was asked if I wanted my head included in the massage which is always helpful to ask so you don’t emerge with an unwanted bed head – I said screw the hair, and the result was well worth it.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing treatment

As part of the Bramley Rebalance Ritual experience, there is plenty of down time along the way. I took one of my favourite people in the world and we managed to catch up on life whilst hot tubbing (choice of two outdoor hot-tubs – one in a secluded walled garden and one overlooking the fields and natural pond – it’s a hard life) or in the new sauna pod.

It was hard not to say no to a dip in the Green Farm pond, free of chemicals and planted with greenery to help keep the water clean. The benefits of cold-water immersion is not just a passing phase as a chilly dip can bring about a sense of elation and relaxation, soothe aching muscles and boost the immune system. If you’ve been toying with the idea of giving it a try – this is your perfect opportunity.

We didn’t have time amidst the dunking and the tubbing, but you can also sign up for guided woodland and farm walks, borrowing their wellies. Or hire bikes, plus there is an opportunity to meet the farm animals and learn about regenerative farming. This really is a chance to totally switch off and throw your phone away. Part of the magic of this unique spa and wellness destination is that it offers an experience that feels both grounding and indulgent at the same time.

Our visit co-incided with a group of four women and it was admirable how the Green Farm team managed the schedule so tightly that there was no crossover in our use of the hot tub, swimming pond and sauna. Whilst they looked very pleasant, it is the kind of the place where you want to soak up the countryside around you and not indulge in small talk.

Alongside the Reblance Ritual, there is a Bramley Mum-to-be version which includes a soothing foot cleanse, gentle back, hand, arm, and leg massage, plus an optional abdominal massage and a scalp massage completes your relaxation, leaving you refreshed and connected followed by a 25-minute Mani or Pedi.

Yoga classes take place at Green Farm on Wednesday (9.30am), Thursday (6.30pm), Friday (9.00am) and Saturday (8.45am), so if your treatment co-incides with that time, you can add a yoga session for £12 pp should you so wish. It was quite the wrench to leave Green Farm and return to normal life.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing freshly prepared food

Food is an important part of life at Green Farm. The focus is on home-grown, freshly prepared non-processed food, and they have a healthy wine list with local award-winning local wine and gin too which comes in handy if you want to push the boat out.

We enjoyed a butternut squash soup, sourced from the garden, alongside warm homemade bread followed by a medley of salads including beetroot and quinoa topped with goats’ cheese, mushrooms mingled with lentils, a walnut and mixed leaf salad and a very more-ish hummus.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing meals

Meat-lovers will want to try their lamb kofte from the farm of course, with garlic aioli. Healthy, delicious and satisfying especially after a dip in the swimming pond.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing accommodation

Keep an eye out for Green Farm’s Weekend Retreats which involve two nights luxury accommodation in the beautiful 15th century Farmhouse – arrival is usually from from 3 or 5 pm and departure Sunday after lunch. You’ll enjoy Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast – all freshly cooked, using mostly home-grown ingredients.

The popular Spa & Yoga Retreat focuses on pure relaxation and rejuvenation, with all the Yoga being designed to add to your experience of a restful yet energising weekend.

Green Farm Kent spa and retreat Shadoxhurst Ashford farm and wellbeing yoga

Classes take place in the indoor Yoga Studio and are suitable for everyone, whether you are a complete beginner or regular practitioner – adaptations and modifications are always offered for every level. Click here for upcoming Spa & Yoga Weekend Retreat dates.

Spend the weekend in one of individually-designed bedrooms in the 15th century farmhouse, or if you’re part of a larger group, the beautifully restored listed barn offers luxury self-catering accommodation for 12-14 people.

UPCOMING RETREATS

Coming every Thurs, Fri & Sat from Sat 2 Jan is Spa & Stay Escape. A blissfully private one-night retreat combining Green Farm’s signature spa experience with a peaceful countryside stay. Expect an 80-minute ESPA or Bramley treatment, full access to the sauna, hot tubs and swimming pond, a seasonal farm-to-table lunch, and an overnight stay in the secluded Orchard Cottage, followed by a generous farmhouse breakfast hamper.

Don’t miss the Winter Reset Weekend Retreat on Fri 16 – Sun Jan. A deeply restorative two-night January escape designed to reset body and mind after the festive season. This immersive retreat includes luxury farmhouse accommodation, restorative yoga, ESPA and Bramley treatments, seasonal farm-to-table dining and heat–cold rituals, from sunrise sauna sessions to invigorating cold dips.

Green Farm’s Spa & Yoga Retreats are all about slowing down. Gentle yoga sits alongside deeply restorative spa treatments, nourishing seasonal food and plenty of time to unwind in the sauna, hot tubs and wild swimming pond. Available as both weekend and day retreats throughout the year. These Weekend Retreats (with optional Day Retreats!) run from Feb to Nov 2026.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR? If you really want to switch off, this is pure escapism – sometimes it could just be you and the sheep for company. Or go with a small group of friends and unwind together. Whether you’re breaking free from the city for a weekend of calm or looking for a wellness getaway with heart and soul, Green Farm is a rare find that delivers peace, charm, and authenticity in every detail.

NOT FOR? Those who like the flash Spa experience with high gloss and hard marble where everyone looks the same, nor will it suit you if you want the à la carte foodie experience. Whilst they ask if you have any food allergies etc, there is a set menu for all guests.

THE DAMAGE

It’s £160 for a 90-minute Bramley treatment plus the two-course Green Farm lunch and full-use of the Hot Tub, Sauna and Swimming pond within a four-hour time period so money very well spent

Green Farm, Church Lane, Shadoxhurst, Kent TN26 1LS, Tel: 01233 733 997, greenfarmkent.co.uk

Review: Green Farm, Kent’s best-kept secret spa & retreat

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