A new wellbeing space has opened in Wigan, offering residents a place to slow down, switch off and focus on their mental and physical health.
The Retreat Wellbeing Sanctuary, based within Fitness First at Robin Park, officially opened on Wednesday 4 December 2025. The centre brings together holistic treatments, therapies, classes and workshops, alongside a spa circuit that uses modern technology to support relaxation and recovery.
Behind the new venture are co-founders Kathy Heath and Julie Green, who both previously worked in the finance sector before deciding to take their careers in a very different direction.
For Kathy, the change came after experiencing burnout while working in finance. She has spoken about struggling with stress and poor mental health, which eventually led her to step away from that world altogether. From there, she began dedicating her time to learning more about wellbeing, resilience and holistic approaches to health.
Julie had also reached a point where she wanted a change from the corporate environment. Through their shared interest in wellness, the pair met and discovered they had followed similar path, and, importantly, shared the same long-term dream of opening a wellbeing centre.
That shared idea has now become a reality with The Retreat.
The sanctuary offers a range of treatments and experiences designed to address stress and overall wellbeing, alongside workshops and group sessions. The focus, the founders say, is on creating a supportive environment where people can explore what works for them, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
After years in high-pressure careers, Kathy and Julie say opening the centre together feels like a natural step, and a way to offer something they both wished had been available during their own experiences with burnout.
Some of the treatments and experiences available include:
Sound baths – Guided sessions where participants lie down and listen to calming sounds created by instruments such as singing bowls and gongs. The focus is on relaxation and switching off, rather than active meditation.
Infrared sauna – A heat-based experience that uses infrared technology to gently warm the body. It’s designed to be a quieter, lower-temperature alternative to traditional saunas and is often used as part of a relaxation routine.
Zero-gravity massage chairs – Fully reclining chairs that use programmed movements and pressure to help release tension in the back, shoulders and legs, allowing the body to rest without hands-on treatment.
Meditation pods – Enclosed spaces intended for quiet time, guided meditation or mindfulness exercises, offering a calm environment away from outside distractions.
Holistic therapies – One-to-one treatments such as massage and energy-based therapies, tailored to individual needs.
Workshops and group sessions – Including breathwork, mindfulness and wellbeing-focused classes that run at scheduled times.
The Retreat Wellbeing Sanctuary
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