​​​​​​

My journey here
 

I've worked all my life in digital User Experience (UX) design. For over 20 years, I designed websites. I loved most of my career, but over the last few years I found myself spending more and more time working from home, in front of a screen, on Teams calls, and on projects that felt increasingly process-driven and less creative.

​

Maybe it was something to do with turning 50 but I was craving human connection, creativity and the chance to do something more 'meaningful'.

​

At the same time, I was helping a friend launch her wellbeing business and planning her very first retreat. I’ve always been 'slightly' obsessed with food - I love trying new recipes, creating my own recipes and, of course, eating! So when she asked if I’d cater for her retreat, I jumped at the chance (and quickly signed up for my Food Safety Certificate).

​

​

My approach to food

​

I’ve always been a foodie and I love rich, indulgent food, but I’ve also always been health-conscious. I lived in both France and Spain when I was younger and that gave me a real appreciation for the Mediterranean way of eating - simple, fresh, real food prepared well (and you can also enjoy something wicked now and again too without feeling guilty about it!)

​

I now love creating what I call 'healthy food that tastes indulgent'.

 

Food that’s balanced and nourishing (lots of protein and fibre) but also full of flavour, satisfying and hopefully joyful to eat. (No soggy salads!) I believe healthy food shouldn’t feel restrictive or complicated. And I definitely believe in actual indulgences sometimes too - life is about balance!

​

​

User experience for retreats

​

As we planned that first retreat, I realised I had more to offer than just the catering.

In many ways, creating a retreat experience isn’t as different from UX design as you might think. The two things that I loved about UX were aesthetic design and creating positive experiences for people. My work involved understanding how people feel, what they need, anticipating problems before they happen, and making sure every part of their online experience feels seamless.
 

And so I carry those things into my retreats. From the moment guests arrive to the moment they leave, it's about how they feel. I want people to feel relaxed, safe, nurtured and inspired.

 

That means not just lovely food and meaningful workshops, but also choosing the right venue, creating a schedule that flows, making sure guests have the right information, styling spaces beautifully, and adding thoughtful finishing touches that make the experience feel special for people.

​

​

meditation

​

Last year I also trained as a meditation coach. I've used meditation (on and off!) for years myself and I find it really helpful, so wanted to be able to share the practice with others.

​

​

Taking the leap

​

Our first retreat went really well and the feedback from guests was so lovely. (We learned a lot!)

When my UX contract came to an end, I decided to fully throw myself into co-hosting and catering retreats.

​

Now I work with practitioners to create memorable retreat experiences, serving delicious food, creating calm and welcoming spaces, and helping guests leave feeling nourished, restored and cared for. 

​

​

When I’m not planning retreats…

​

I’m busy with my two teenagers or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. And recently I've been getting my hands messy in my pottery studio. (I’m still new to pottery, but I’m hoping to be able to serve my big, hearty salads and colourful dishes on my own  creations soon!)

​

​

Planning a retreat?

​

I’d love to help you create something really special.
 

Drop me an email and arrange a free 15 minute call.
 

clairebraidwood1@gmail.com