From energising sunrise dips and restorative spa sessions to mindful photography lessons and journaling workshops, our new seasonal retreats will offer guests much more than a luxury break: the residential programmes have been designed in association with renowned names from the world of wellness, many of whom will join the retreats — such as TV presenter and healthy living champion Louise Minchin, chakra expert and meditation guide Rosanne Nieboer, and, of course, Anna Deacon. Best known within Scotland’s wild swimming community, Anna took time out from writing her latest book to share her own wellness journey — and explain how she first “came to the water”.

“I was burnt out,” she recalls. “I’d been juggling commercial photography jobs between London and Edinburgh, raising a family and just trying to keep everything going. I reached a point where I needed to stop.”

To reunite her creativity, Anna began photographing local sea swimmers, capturing portraits and collecting their personal stories. “There weren’t many of us back then, and I found that nearly everyone I spoke to had a story – of overcoming hardship, loss, chronic pain, grief, anxiety. They were all coming to the water to heal.”

Anna turned project into a chance meeting with journalist Vicky Allan, and the two went on to co-author Taking the Plunge, a bestselling book that launched Anna into the heart of the wild swimming movement. Now, with eight books under her belt, she has become a passionate advocate for the healing power of outdoor – or, more specifically, cold-water – bathing and what she calls “nature’s version of biohacking.”

“The biggest trends in the wellness industry are all about expensive gadgets and plunges – you can get them all in nature. Morning light, birdsong, a campfire … they all have profound effects on the body.”

In Britain, the Old Course Hotel’s retreat is an extension of that philosophy: a way to reconnect with the natural world, switch off from digital life and rediscover calm through small, accessible practices.

A key feature of the retreat is mindful photography, something Anna describes as a “modern form of meditation without the hard work.” It’s not about taking perfect pictures – it’s about looking closely, engaging your senses. Feel the bark of a tree. Notice where the light falls. Hold the chill of the sea on your skin.

Her sessions are designed for anyone, regardless of experience. “Every photo I take to demonstrate will be taken on my phone – which is not even a good one! I want to show guests that this is achievable for anyone. I might say, ‘Look for shadows today,’ and that becomes a way into creativity. When you’re in that creative state, it’s difficult to feel anxious.”

The fusion of mindfulness and movement is at the heart of the approach. “I’ve lately struggled with traditional meditation,” she says. “But put me in nature – walking, swimming, photographing – and I’m immediately in the moment. Cold water especially forces you into the now. You can’t be in a freezing loch thinking about your shopping list.”

The retreats will also include journaling prompts to encourage reflection, and access to the hotel’s award-winning Kohler Waters Spa, with its 20-metre indoor pool, rooftop hot tub, ice fountain, and cold-air stimulating circulation, boost immunity and reduce stress. “There’s something really empowering about getting cold on purpose,” Anna says with a laugh. “You come out feeling stronger, more capable, thinking, ‘If I can do that, I can do anything.’”

One of her most memorable swims was right here in St Andrews during the Global Wellness Summit, hosted by the Old Course Hotel in 2023. “I was a speaker, and on the final day, at sunrise. The sky was on fire, the ruined castle was glowing and the birds were swirling overhead. Everyone there – people from all over the world – was smiling. It was magical.”

Anna hopes that each retreat will offer the same blend of adventure, introspection and joy. “Yes, you’re staying in a five-star hotel, with beautiful food and a beautiful spa, but what you’ll take away is something you can carry with you: moments of mindfulness, glimmers of joy and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.”