Charlotte Church halts her Welsh wellness retreat after 3 years

Charlotte Church, the 40-year-old singer known as the Voice of an Angel, has announced her wellness retreat, The Dreaming, will enter hibernation from December 2026 after just three years of operation ^[1]. The retreat, based at Rhydoldog House in the Elan Valley, Wales—once home to fashion designer Laura Ashley—was purchased by Church and her husband Jonathan Powell for around £1.5 million in 2021.

The Dreaming, which opened in 2023 after overcoming planning hurdles and building delays, offered immersive nature-based experiences including yoga, sound healing, and a 'pay what you can' scheme allowing stays from just £1 per night ^[1]. NHS workers were among those who stayed free of charge.

In a poetic statement shared on social media, the retreat team said it was time to 'compost, mulch, go fallow, listen deeply to the earth' in order to 'germinate new dreams for the future' ^[1]. They cited the 'exponentially complexifying crises' and a 'different world' compared to when the project began as reasons for the pause.

The property, spanning 47 acres, features a hydro mill for power, a water source heat pump, and a 'womb room' with a pink, vagina-shaped shower made of tadelakt plaster ^[1]. Other amenities included a Japanese Tea House, Healing Room, and a waterfall shower.

Despite receiving top reviews from Conde Nast Traveller and The Times and Sunday Times, the retreat's business model struggled under current economic conditions ^[1]. Planning concerns had previously included waste disposal from proposed log cabins and safety risks to drivers.

Church, who rose to fame at age 11 singing on This Morning in 1997, has long championed environmental activism and sustainable living ^[1]. Her decision to pause the retreat comes after she publicly criticised Ed Sheeran as a 'greedy capitalist' earlier this month.

The team confirmed they will return 'from the dream realm' but gave no timeline for reopening ^[1]. The story was first reported by Daily Mail Showbiz and Daily Mail.