According to Aristotle, ‘All men by nature desire knowledge’. Perhaps with this in mind, The Lakes by Yoo has announced a series of appealing celeb and expert guest speakers over the coming months. The deluxe retreat in the British Cotswolds is only one of a succession of luxury hotels granting their guests access to inspirational figures, who offer up innumerable pearls of wisdom by sharing their stories.
A journey to the Cotswolds, and more specifically to the exclusive estate of second family homes and rental residences that is The Lakes of Yoo, certainly has the potential to steal your heart away. This 787-square-mile expanse of pristine countryside spread across several English counties (chiefly Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire), is dotted with rolling hills, quaint villages, market towns, and captivating castles. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as early as 1966.
The region arguably makes for an ideal setting for the inaugural event programme ‘Lakes Talks’, an innovative and immersive agenda set to feature leading lights from culture, finance, politics and wellness, with the initial orator being self-development coach Roxie Nafousi. Born in Saudi Arabia, the inspirational speaker has been handpicked to kick off proceedings on 7 September by delivering one of her famed ‘7-step guide to manifestation’ workshops. The emphasis of the intimate masterclass taking place at The Lakes by Yoo’s Bar & Kitchen is to help attendees tap into the good things in life – contentedness, success, and abundance amongst others. Afterwards, the self-actualisation exponent, who’s also a multiple Sunday Times Bestselling author, will be available for a special Q&A session, fostering a deeper understanding of her unique manifestation methods. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a hotel offer exclusive access to notable guest speakers, whether they’re celebrities or connoisseurs from varying fields… In fact, it’s a concept that’s quickly found a firm place across the luxury hospitality sector.
We predict the notion of high-end vacation haunts having acclaimed invitee speakers to be a trend that’s only going to grow, bearing in mind several have already done so. Case in point, the 18th-century-built Hampshire hideaway Heckfield Place hosted historian Peter Frankopan with scientist Dr. Adam Rutherford to talk about ‘The Changing World’, as well as Joel Coen and Frances McDormand – last October, the celluloid power couple curated a 72-hour cultural exchange focusing on the magic of the Silver Screen. While this fall, holistic-oriented outfit Travelgems is preparing to host a Longevity Retreat led by new age guru and alternative medicine advocate, Deepak Chopra, and family therapist and spiritual teacher, Dené Logan.
In our view, these exclusive access opportunities not only offer a chance to meet and greet experts who are renowned in their respective fields, but a rare opportunity that might have a profound impact on guests’ lives: knowledge, insight and wisdom are arguably never better conveyed than when shared by those who inspire us. At The Lakes by Yoo, ‘Lakes Talks’ is far from the only exciting news for guests. The hotel has also announced an exclusive partnership with Auto Vivendi, giving guests who are members of the supercar club the opportunity to have its iconic vehicles – from Ferraris to Aston Martins – delivered straight to their lakeside abode, ideal for a joyride around what’s arguably one of Britain’s most stunningly beautiful landscapes.
Guests or speakers partaking in the event programme of The Lakes by Yoo may well want to extend their welcome because the forward-looking retreat promises to make for a countryside getaway that’s both relaxing and riveting. Holidaymakers can choose from a range of upscale and differently sized accommodation options (ranging from one to six bedrooms), including cabins, lodges and apartments. All have stylish interiors containing eclectic artworks and vintage finds. What’s more, many of the accommodations are situated right on the shores of Bowmoor, Longdoles and Marley lakes. A fascinating array of flora and fauna is hence quite literally on one’s doorstep: hedgehogs tiptoe through the undergrowth; swans glide across translucent green depths; and red foxes are on the prowl for rabbits. Besides revelling in the wildlife, guests – and speakers alike – can indulge in exciting pursuits including bushcraft, kayaking, farm excursions, tennis, and zip-wiring. Who’s to say those who inspire can’t be inspired in return?
Photography courtesy of The Lakes by Yoo
