Escape to Excellence: My Transformative Stay at The Tawny Hotel
- Jordan Maguire
- Jul 4
- 3 min read

There's something magical about stepping into a space that instantly makes you exhale - really exhale - for the first time in months. That's exactly what happened when I walked into my Lookout Room at The Tawny Hotel last month. After weeks of back-to-back content creation, meetings, and the general chaos of modern life, I knew I needed more than just a weekend away. I needed a proper reset, and this place delivered in ways I hadn't even imagined.
As I stood on my private terrace, looking out at the incredible greenery that seemed to stretch endlessly, I realised this wasn't just going to be a stay - it was going to be a transformation.
Travel: Maximising Your Retreat Experience
Pack light but smart: Bring comfortable loungewear for those hot tub sessionsand outdoor shower moments. I lived in linen shirts and comfortable shorts during the day.
Embrace the digital detox: The scenery here is so captivating that you'll naturally want to put your phone down. Use this as an opportunity to truly disconnect.
Make the most of communal spaces: Even if you're travelling with a group, spend time exploring the walking areas solo - it's incredible for mental clarity.
Lifestyle: Creating Your Personal Sanctuary
Morning routine elevation: That buffet breakfast isn't just food - it's fuel for your day. I made it a ritual to wake up early, enjoy the fresh offerings, and plan my day mindfully.
Outdoor shower philosophy: There's something primal and refreshing about showering under the open sky. It became my daily reset moment.
Hot tub meditation: Use those evening soaks as active meditation time - no phones, just you and your thoughts.
Overcoming Challenges
The biggest challenge I faced was actually allowing myself to slow down. As someone who's constantly creating content and staying busy, the idea of four full days without a packed schedule felt almost uncomfortable at first. I kept reaching for my phone to check messages or plan the next day's activities.
The breakthrough came on day two when I realised the staff had everything handled - they were incredibly helpful and friendly, anticipating needs before I even realised I had them. This freed me up to actually be present. I learned that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing productive at all.
The walking paths became my therapy sessions, and those quiet moments in the hot tub became my planning sessions - not for work, but for life.
Community & Inspiration
Traveling with a big group to The Tawny was one of the best decisions we made. Everyone stayed in different rooms across the complex, but we'd reconvene for meals and share our individual experiences. It was fascinating how the same environment affected each of us differently - some found energy in the morning walks, others in the evening hot tub sessions.
The beauty of a place like this is that it creates natural conversation starters. We found ourselves having deeper discussions about life, goals, and personal growth - conversations that might never have happened in our usual environments. There's something about being surrounded by natural beauty that makes you want to share more authentically.
The other guests we met were equally inspiring - people from all walks of life who had chosen to invest in themselves and their wellbeing. It reinforced my belief that taking time for yourself isn't selfish; it's essential.
Conclusion
The Tawny Hotel gave me something I didn't even know I was missing: permission to just be. In a world that constantly demands more - more content, more productivity, more everything - this place offers the radical luxury of enough.
Whether you're looking for a solo retreat to reconnect with yourself, or a group getaway that actually brings people together rather than just occupying the same space, The Tawny delivers. The combination of incredible amenities (that outdoor shower will change your life), stunning natural beauty, and genuinely caring staff creates an environment where transformation feels inevitable.
Don't wait for the "perfect time" to invest in yourself like this. The perfect time is now, and places like The Tawny remind us that sometimes the best thing we can do for our productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing is to step away from it all and remember who we are beneath all the noise.
Book the retreat. Take the time. Your future self will thank you.
Have you taken a transformative retreat recently? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
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