Belvoir Castle expands its wellbeing vision for the future
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Belvoir Castle expands its wellbeing vision for the future
In an exclusive interview, the Duchess of Rutland discusses her search for the right operating partner to help expand Belvoir Castle’s wellness offering
By Sarah Camilleri
17 August 2026
www.belvoircastle.com/
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Located in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle is home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland
Guardian of the estate’s wellbeing, Duchess Emma Manners is a passionate wellness advocate. She is working to ensure that the magic of Belvoir’s 16,000-acre estate can be fully utilised as a wellness retreat
The Duchess’s long-term vision is for Belvoir Lodge to become a world-class wellness destination. Her aim is to offer immersive, medically-informed programmes rooted in ancient practice and set within one of England’s most extraordinary historic settings
We meet to find out more about Her Grace’s mission to find a wellbeing partner to ensure a flourishing future for the Lodge
What first sparked your interest in the world of wellness?
After my breast cancer diagnosis, I began a deep journey of self-healing – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well
While I’ve always been interested in Ayurvedic and wellness practices, this experience truly highlighted the importance of looking inward and supporting our bodies in a more holistic way
It helped me realise that healing isn’t only found in western medicine, but also in nurturing the mind, body and spirit through more natural, intentional approaches
You frequently travel to India – how has that helped to develop your spiritual awareness?
My visits to India have deepened my journey, teaching me the importance of going inward and truly understanding myself
Through this, I’ve been able to explore my Ayurvedic body type and gain a greater awareness of how to support my balance and wellbeing in a more intuitive and holistic way
“What’s most meaningful about retreats is seeing people’s transformations: many arrive feeling overwhelmed but leave empowered, re-centred and reset. Our previous retreats have shown us the importance of creating not just a beautiful setting, but a thoughtful, supportive experience where people feel cared for and truly able to reconnect with themselves.”
Emma Manners
Duchess of Rutland
Why do you believe Belvoir Castle is such a special setting for retreats?
Belvoir offers a true sense of peace and tranquillity, whether experiencing wellbeing within our beautiful ballroom or outside throughout our stunning grounds
Recently, our energy worker, the Rev Dr Calen Rayne, has been carefully resetting and harmonising the energy across the estate, further enhancing the restorative atmosphere
We have already hosted a number of retreats and learned that people deeply value having a dedicated space to step away and recharge
Guests consistently say they love the Belvoir Castle environment and how quickly it helps them to relax and feel present
What qualities are you looking for in an operating partner?
A positive, can-do attitude is at the heart of everything for me. It’s about building a strong, uplifting team with the right energy and mindset – a team who believe in the vision and can work together to bring it to life
I want to establish Belvoir Castle as the number one Ayurvedic wellness retreat in the UK. A place known for its authenticity and transformative experiences
I want it to become a sanctuary where people can reconnect with themselves, restore balance and experience the profound benefits of Ayurveda in a truly unique setting
A storied past and an open future
In her 2022 memoir, The Accidental Duchess, Emma Manners recalls her journey to becoming Duchess of Belvoir. Here she outlines the creative and healing possibilities of the estate as she plans its wellbeing elevation
Belvoir Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Rutland for over 1,000 years. The current castle was largely rebuilt in the early 19th century following a fire, and remains a privately occupied family home as well as a visitor destination
Belvoir has already hosted some retreats, consistently drawing feedback that guests arrive feeling overwhelmed and leave feeling recentred, empowered and restored. The estate has a natural, restorative energy that guests often remark upon. There are plans to develop a regular programme of wellness events and experiences that draw on and complement that atmosphere
The Duchess’s long-term vision is for Belvoir Lodge to become a world-class wellness estate offering immersive, medically informed programmes rooted in ancient practice and set within one of England’s most extraordinary historic settings
What would you say to businesses who would like to be part of this next exciting chapter?
Any potential partner needs to have a genuine love for wellness and a real passion for helping others – something that truly comes from the heart
This is about more than just business; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that can positively impact people’s lives
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