Charlotte Church Shuts Down ‘The Dreaming’ Wellness Retreat Amid Global Uncertainties

POLICY WIRE — Wales, UK — Singer and television personality Charlotte Church has announced the closure of her wellness retreat, The Dreaming, citing a need to navigate what she described as exponentially complexifying crises that have been spreading out ahead of us all like cracking ice.

Located at the historic Rhydoldog House in Wales—the former residence of designer Laura Ashley—the retreat opened in April 2023. Church, 40, acquired the expansive property in 2021, with the subsequent renovation process featured in a Discovery Channel documentary series.

The facility is entering a period of hibernation to allow the team to reassess what it is we should be offering. A social media statement from the organization noted that while the retreat provided life-changing experiences for many, including NHS staff and activists, the world has shifted significantly over the last five years.

The announcement emphasized the necessity of a fallow period, stating that the team needs to compost, mulch, and listen deeply to the earth to germinate new dreams for the future. While the exact timeline for a potential return remains uncertain, the retreat will continue to host scheduled sessions for the remainder of the year.

This closure follows recent challenges for Church’s other ventures, including The Awen Project. The forest school, which launched in Wenvoe near Cardiff in 2024, was forced to relocate after the Vale of Glamorgan Council rejected a retrospective planning application due to concerns regarding noise pollution and transport safety.

In recent years, Church has shifted her focus toward community-oriented projects, telling The Independent earlier this year that her work was a direct response to the pressures of modern life. She noted that society is currently struggling with the excesses of capitalist values, which often leave little room for care, community, and nature.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)