What the Day Feels Like
A day to slow down, reset your energy, and step out of the noise.
Set in the beautiful Sussex countryside at Westerlands, you’ll be surrounded by nature, quiet, and space — the kind that lets your whole system exhale.
A day to move, rest, reset, and be looked after.
We’ll work gently with the body using acupuncture, Qi Gong, and simple seasonal practices to help settle your nervous system and support your energy as we move into summer.
By the end of the day, things often feel clearer. Lighter. More like you again.
Summer Transition - What's Included
Seasonal Sussex Immersive Summer Day Retreat
Move from growth into expansion as we step into summer.
Join me on Sunday 26th April for a nourishing day retreat designed to help you feel steady, clear and well as the energy of the season begins to build.
As spring gives way to summer, everything starts to open outward — more movement, more energy, more expression. In Chinese medicine, this seasonal shift can influence how we feel physically and emotionally. This day is designed to help you meet that change with more ease.
Set at Westerlands in Petworth, Sussex immersed in the Sussex countryside, this beautiful new retreat space offers the perfect setting for a day of slowing down and coming back to yourself. Surrounded by nature, with views across the Downs, a peaceful practice space, and the added treat of a sauna and plunge pool, it’s the kind of place that helps your whole system start to soften the moment you arrive.
We’ll work gently with the body through seasonal acupuncture, meditative Qi Gong, and simple Chinese medicine self-care practices. There’ll be time to rest, reflect, and step away from the pace of everyday life.
The day includes a seasonal two-course lunch, snacks, and tea throughout, so everything is taken care of for you.
Sunday 26th April
Time: 10am–4pm
Location: Westerlands, Petworth, Sussex
Price: £159
Includes: acupuncture, Qi Gong, sauna, plunge pool, self-care guidance for summer, a seasonal two-course lunch, snacks, and tea throughout the day.
Come and reconnect with yourself, with nature, and step into summer feeling calm, clear and well.
Sussex Day Retreat, Spring 2025
Jo gently weaved her knowledge to create a truly special day of self care in a beautiful. rural setting. It was spot on in every way. From the learning to the experiencing and the glorious sauna and lake plunge overlooking the South Downs. So glad I took the day as we come to the end of a long winter.
Liz
Email Feb '25
What's Included In The Day?
* Qi Gong - simple, meditative movement suitable for any level, beginners welcome
*Seasonal acupuncture in a group setting using acupuncture points to help shift your Spring energy into Summer
* Delicious, home cooked 2 course seasonal lunch. Drinks and snacks
* Private sauna overlooking the Sussex countryside
* Cold plunge to cool down
Your Host Jo Darling
Jo has been helping people live happier, healthier
lives for almost 20 years. She has a degree in Acupuncture and years of extensive study and practice utilising the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine.
Through her retreats and Acupuncture practice she
has witnessed the profound impact that self-knowledge coupled with bespoke, natural self-care practices can have on people’s lives. She has curated her retreats to give you the rare opportunity to do just that.
Limited Space - Book Your Spot
This is a small group day retreat due to limited space. The total cost for the day is £159, non refundable but you are able to transfer to another person.
Testimonials
Jo is a great teacher, extremely talented and so much fun. She held the space for us all to be safe and open and flawlessly had the balance to be on the same level as everyone else.
Her healing talents are in her listening, understanding and communication as much as in her teaching and treatment sessions
Jayne
Molino Del Rey 2023
"The retreat at Tigmi with Jo was out of this world. If you want some time to refocus on yourself and nourish your soul then Jo’s expertise will surpass your expectations. I’ve come away having fuelled my mind and body in the most positive way, with wonderful people in stunning location"
Gina
Tigmi, Morocco 2025
I had never been on a retreat before so I didn’t really know what to expect - it was the most incredible experience! It was a week to step away from daily life into a bubble of self care and laughter with a wonderfully supportive group of ladies.
Jo’s knowledge, empathy and skill in leading the retreat gave us the
perfect balance of learning, guided practice and also time for ourselves.
Vanessa
Molino Del Rey, October 2024
Molino del Rey is a beautiful centre lovingly and sympathetically created in the stunning Andalusian mountains, the food was perfect, freshly homemade and nourishing and the massages were a real treat! Thank you Jo
Vanessa
Molino Del Rey October 2024
Vendor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is group acupuncture
Group acupuncture is acupuncture treatment in a group setting. Usually up to 6 people receive treatment simultaneously.
Before treatment Jo takes your full health history via an online form. On the day she'll ask about any current issues such as if you have your period.
Jo then treats you for relaxation and points to help your energy flow from one season to the next.
Treatment is of the same high standard as 1-2-1 sessions following heatlh and safety guidelines as set out by the British Acupuncture council.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
Jo teaches very simple Dao Yin Qi gong. Slow meditative movements suitable for complete beginners to seasonal Qi Gongers.
Everyone will get something from the session no matter how experienced they are.
Dao Yin is self healing and non prescriptive with the breath. You can go at your pace and enjoy the gentle movement surrounded in nature.
Do I have to sauna or use the plunge pool?
Not at all. Everything is optional. You’re welcome to take part in the parts of the day that feel right for you.
What food is included?
The day includes a seasonal two-course lunch, along with tea and snacks.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, please let me know any dietary requirements before you book and to ensure I can accommodate your needs.
Food is vegetarian, gluten and dairy free.
Is this a women only retreat?
Yes, this is a small group, women-only retreat.
Payment
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes you can either pay in instalments via Klarna or facebook. If you would prefer to pay direct via installments message Jo directly hello@jodarling.co.uk
Can I pay by Klarna
Yes you can choose to pay in instalments via Klarna - simply choose that option at payment.
What payment methods do you take?
Shop pay, Google pay, Apple Pay. Visa, Mastercard and Amex
Terms and Conditions
Location
Where is Westerlands
Westerlands is a beautiful retreat space in Petworth, immersed in the Sussex countryside. Full address details and arrival information will be sent after booking.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available on site.
