Sophie Zadeh
Retreat Facilitator, Sophie — Mindfulness, Breathing & Creative Workshop Leader
MSc (Dist) Communication, Behaviour & Credibility Analysis
BDes (Hons), Former Professional Artist (Ceramics & Wood Carving, 15+ years)
As the key facilitator, Sophie brings creative energy and design to every retreat aspect.
A professional artist and art education consultant for over 15 years in the UK, she’s the creative mind behind the accommodation’s eclectic, arty interiors.
Sophie’s career began as a professional artist, spending 15+ years specialising in ceramics and wood carving.
She created commissions for museums and galleries, ran workshops, received multiple awards, and has sculptures in Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s permanent collection.
She then transitioned into nonverbal communication, earning a master’s degree and becoming a specialist in body language, embodied cognition, and behaviour analysis.
Blending artistic sensibility with scientific understanding, Sophie explores how the body influences mental and emotional states — helping guests harness mindfulness for greater focus and well-being.
Her approach breaks from traditional meditation stereotypes, offering accessible techniques suited to busy lives and active minds.
Sophie’s breathing sessions draw on neuroscience, showing how intentional breathwork activates neural pathways to regulate stress, sharpen focus, or boost energy.
With her warm teaching style and dual expertise in creativity and body-mind connection, she equips everyone — beginners to experienced practitioners — with practical well-being tools.
She has a particular passion for women’s empowerment, bringing extensive experience, training and coaching women and girls.
Vegan & Whole Food, Plant-Based Cooking Retreats
After experiencing the health benefits themselves, Sophie and Lee serve delicious, nutritious plant-based meals to all retreat guests for a full-circle, holistic experience.
Some retreats teach vegan, whole food, plant-based (non-processed) cooking. Sophie had been vegetarian from a young age; Lee was a lifelong meat eater.
That changed post-wedding in 2018 when — motivated by health, environmental, and ethical reasons — they switched together.
Within weeks, they saw weight loss and renewed well-being; blood tests confirmed impressive health improvements, including exceptional heart health for Lee’s age.
Their transition sparked learning, creativity, and the discovery of flavour.
Today, they’re passionate about sharing this — helping guests cook confidently, prepare healthy meals quickly, and enjoy plant-based food as rich and exciting as traditional fare.
Upcoming Programs by Sophie Zadeh
Walking & Wellness Retreat: "Villages and Vistas" in South West France
Also With Lee Halliday
Scenic Medieval Village Walking Retreat in South West France, Where Every Walk is a Step Back in Time Join our walking and wellness retreat in South West France and experience daily guided walks through some of France's most spectacular medieval villages, officially recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Explore picturesque hilltop settings, tranquil […]
Running Retreat: "5ks, Five Days" Medieval Hilltop Villages, South West France Copy
Also With Lee Halliday
Scenic Medieval Village Running Retreat in South West France 2026 Join our hill running retreat in South West France and experience daily 5K runs through some of France's most spectacular medieval villages, officially recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Explore dramatic hills, panoramic valley views, and winding cobblestone streets on scenic trail running […]
Plant-Based Cooking Retreat, South West France
Medieval Village & Whole Food Plant-Based Cooking Retreat–Whole Food Nutrition, Health & Culinary Creativity Join our whole food plant-based cooking retreat in South West France for a week of flavour, health and inspiration, surrounded by stunning Occitanie countryside charm. Designed for those seeking simple, nourishing recipes and practical nutrition skills, this retreat helps you create […]
Vegan Cooking Retreat, South West France
Medieval Village & Vegan Cooking Retreat–Taste, Confidence & Creative Vegan Cuisine Join our immersive vegan cooking retreat in the heart of South West France and transform the way you cook, eat and experience plant-based food. Blending hands-on vegan cooking workshops with an authentic French cultural experience, you’ll learn to create nutritious and flavourful dishes from […]