Structured resets of diet, sleep and movement, from a day to a week
Detox programmes are structured periods, from a single day to a week or more, built around simpler eating, no alcohol or caffeine, more movement, more sleep and treatments such as massage, saunas and yoga. They are run by wellness centres as day programmes and, more often, by retreats as residential stays. The best are led by qualified nutritionists or dietitians and focus on habits you can keep afterwards.
It is worth being clear: the body detoxifies itself through the liver, kidneys, gut and skin, and no juice, tea, wrap or supplement improves on that. A good programme is honest about this and sells what it can deliver — a break from routine, better sleep, reduced alcohol and sugar, and time to reset. Programmes based on very low-calorie juice fasting are not suitable for everyone and are best avoided without medical advice.
A one-day programme costs around £100 to £250; residential retreats of three to seven days range from £600 to £3,000 or more depending on accommodation and treatments. Anyone who is pregnant, diabetic, has or has had an eating disorder, or takes regular medication should speak to their GP before any restrictive programme.
Also known as: detox retreat, detox spa, wellness reset programme.
Elite
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West Bridgford, Nottingham
Weekend yoga and mindfulness retreats on the edge of Sherwood Forest
5.0 · 1 review
Prime
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Ecclesall, Sheffield
Peak District retreats for walking, yoga and digital detox
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Clifton, Bristol
Acupuncture, salt therapy and reiki above Whiteladies Road
Residential programmes of three to seven days cost roughly £600 to £3,000 or more, depending on accommodation and the treatments included. Day programmes cost £100 to £250.
No. Your liver and kidneys already do that. What a good programme offers is a reset of habits: less alcohol and sugar, more sleep, movement and rest, which many people find valuable.
Short juice-only programmes are low in protein and calories and can cause dizziness and fatigue. They are not suitable in pregnancy, with diabetes or a history of eating disorders, and anyone on medication should ask their GP first.
