Retreats, Events & Team-Building in Unique North East Locations
Experience sound baths, gong therapy, massage, yoga, and wellness retreats in historic castles, woodlands and countryside venues.
- Overnight & evening retreats
- Corporate team-building & wellbeing days
- PT, Massage and bootcamp available
£279pp
Only until 1 December 2026
★ Starboy Exclusive
Booking: Open
Places remaining: 9
Luxury Woodland Yogalates & Massage Retreat
Marystone House, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth, Northumberland
- Friday 11 to Saturday 12 June 2027. 4:00pm–10:00am
- Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 June 2027. 4:00pm–10:00am
A luxurious overnight wellness retreat set in six acres of private Northumberland woodland, blending Yogalates, massage, meditation, nature and great food for a deeply relaxing escape.
- 2 Yogalates sessions (morning and evening) with Helen Beeson
- Guided meditation
- Luxury massage from the Starboy therapy team
- 2 outdoor hottubs under the stars
- DIY stone-fired pizzas + relaxed group dining
- Optional gentle movement and fun games
- Limited to 10 en-suite bedrooms for a personal, high quality experience
Gift Vouchers
Now Available
Give someone the chance to slow down, reset and enjoy a Starboy experience, from woodland retreats and soundbaths to massage, yoga and wellbeing sessions out in the open air.
Choose your gift amount in £10 increments: Give just £10 or £100 or more, it's up to you. A £100 voucher could buy an overnight retreat or £30 would buy a woodland retreat at Congburn.
✨ Just message Starboy to Order
Our Regular Retreat Locations 🌿
Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for wellbeing, connection and transfromation.
£29pp
Woodland Wellness Evenings at Congburn Woods: Soundbath + Massage
Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
The home of Starboy since 2018. A private woodland setting beside the Congburn stream with a handcrafted wellness zone.
- Keep an eye out for one off yoga, body movement & connection around the fire nights too
- Nature immmersion and connection
The Hub: Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
A 33-bed accomodation with lake and countryside views, a fire pit, commercial kitchen and wheelchair accessibility.
- Soundbath, gong therapy and massage
- Yoga, self defence and wellness
- DIY stonefired pizzas
- Relaxation under the stars
£49pp
+ Yoga £69pp (from Sept 2026)
Lumley Castle Retreats
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
Dating back to 1389, overlooking the River Wear. ancient stone walls and historic rooms create a deeply atmospheric setting.
- Evening retreats around once per month
- £49pp Soundbacth, massage and meditation
- Plus Yoga for £69pp (from Sept 2026)
- 4 hour immersive experience
£29pp
Coastal Beach Retreats
North East coastal locations
Soundbath and massage beach evenings every 2-3 weeks through March-November along the North East coasline. The main location is South Shields with extra Northumberland retreats including Alnmouth and Druridge Bay.
- Connection aound the fire
- Optional sharing circle and storytelling
- Soundbath, gong therapy, massage and guided meditation
From £29pp
One-Off Starboy Retreats
Other North East locations
Throughout the year, we create one-off wellbeing retreats in beautiful and unusual locations across the North East and beyond. Experiences can include soundbath and gong therapy, massage, guided meditation, yoga, Pilates and even art and creative wellbeing sessions.
For a small additional charge, some events also include a freshly prepared buffet, giving guests the chance to relax, connect and enjoy good food together.
Upcoming Retreats ✨
Message Starboy to book your unique wellness getaway retreat. We have limited spaces on each retreat so be quick 🏃
£29pp
Thursday 22 October 2026
Beach Soundbath & Massage
South Shields Beach
- Soundbath
- Massage
- Meditation
24 - 25 October 2026
Soundbath & Massage Overnight
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
£49pp
Friday 30 October 2026
Massage & Meditation Evening
Congburn Woods, Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
- Meditation
- Massage evening
£29pp
1st November 2026
Soundbath & Horse Therapy
Wagtail Equine Centre
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Horse therapy
£29pp
Sunday 8 November 2026
Woodland Soundbath & Massage
Congburn Woods, Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
£49pp
13th November 2026
Fire Walk
Christon Bank, Alnwick Northumberland
- Meditation
- Fire Walk
£49pp
Sunday 15 November 2026
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
21-22 November 2026
Overnight Soundbath, Massage & Meditation
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
£59pp
Friday 27 November 2026
Massage & Meditation Evening
Congburn Woods, Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
- Last woodland event of 2026
- Meditation
- TWO massages
- Dellicious fresh buffet
£49pp
Sun 29 November 2026
Soundbath & Gong Therapy Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional sharing circle
- Full Soundbath & Gong Therapy
- Meditation
- Chills, connection & relaxation
- Reiki drumming
- Herbal teas & chats
5-6 December 2026
Overnight Soundbath & Massage
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
16-17 January 2027
Overnight Soundbath & Massage
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
£49pp
Sunday 24th January 2027
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional Sharing Circle
- Guided Meditation
- Immersive Sound Bath
- Gong Therapy
- Massage or Reiki
- Connection & Relaxation
£49pp
Sunday 21st February 2027
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional Sharing Circle
- Guided Meditation
- Immersive Sound Bath
- Gong Therapy
- Massage or Reiki
- Connection & Relaxation
£59pp
Friday 5 March 2027
Massage & Meditation Evening
Congburn Woods, Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
- Meditation
- TWO massages
- Dellicious fresh buffet
6-7 March 2027
Mother's Day Overnight Wellness Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
£109pp
Sat 13 to Sun 14 March 2027
Zumba, Yoga, Fitness, Massage & Wellbeing Overnight Wellness Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Zuba with Riccardo Cultera
- Yoga, Mindfulness & Relaxation
- Evenign Massage or Reiki
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
- Optional Sunday morning Starboy workout!
£49pp
Sunday 21st March 2027
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional Sharing Circle
- Guided Meditation
- Immersive Sound Bath
- Gong Therapy
- Massage or Reiki
- Connection & Relaxation
£59pp
Friday 2 April 2027
Massage & Meditation Evening
Congburn Woods, Edmondsley. DH7 6DY
- Meditation
- TWO massages
- Dellicious fresh buffet
17-18 April 2027
Overnight Wellness Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
24-25 April 2027
Women’s Empowerment Overnight Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Yoga
- Self-defence
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
15-16 May 2027
NEW Soundbath & Massage Overnight Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Soundbath
- Meditation
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
22-23 May 2027
NEW Arts & Crafts, Yoga, Massage Overnight Retreat
Barnard Castle. DL12 8TD
- Yoga
- Arts + Crafts
- Massage
- DIY Stone Fired Pizza
£49pp
Sunday 18th July 2027
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional Sharing Circle
- Guided Meditation
- Immersive Sound Bath
- Gong Therapy
- Massage or Reiki
- Yoga
- Connection & Relaxation
£49pp
Sunday 15th August 2027
Soundbath & Massage Castle Evening
Lumley Castle. DH3 4NX
- Optional Sharing Circle
- Guided Meditation
- Immersive Sound Bath
- Gong Therapy
- Massage or Reiki
- Yoga
- Connection & Relaxation
What (some of) Our Clients Say 😀
100% Recommended on Facebook
★★★★★
Set in the beautiful Lumley Castle, Attended a yoga, sounbath and massage retreat. Enjoyed every minute of the afternoon/evening. My 1st Soundbath experience was amazing. I had Reiki instead of a massage and again an amazing experience. My daughter had a massage which she really enjoyed. Can't wait to book our next one. Thanks for a great chilled evening 😀
Julie Gillespie
★★★★★
Regular massage client, always feel lovely & relaxed nice setting 5 🌟
Pauline Charlton-Flynn
★★★★★
Fabulous experience thank you all so much ❤️
Joanne Jopling
★★★★★
I have attended an overnight retreat. It was really good value for money. I really enjoyed the sound bath and the massage treatment. The other attendees were friendly and welcoming. The optional exercise the next morning was good fun.
Nicola Marquis
★★★★★
I have attended my first wellness retreat and it won’t be my last can’t wait for next one.
What can I say sound bath amazing, pizza making by the fire , massage . Five 🌟 for me Thanks Steve, Lisa and Atusa xx
Kathleen Rowell
★★★★★
Highly recommended these sessions, totally rejuvenated. Five star ⭐ x
Robinson Sue Phil
★★★★★
I attended a beautiful retreat with Starboy Fitness and Massage at Barnard Castle. We had a sound bath under the stars with the sounds of nature all around. Met like minded people, had a massage by the fire, made our own pizzas and enjoyed outdoor Bootcamp the next day. All staff were friendly and welcoming.
Katie Longstaffe
★★★★★
Had a wonderful massage today from Lisa and my mam had a wonderful one from Starboy. Feel very relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed it ⭐️
Nikki Morgan
Team Building & Corporate Wellbeing 💪
Bespoke wellbeing programmes for organisations, councils and teams across the North East.
Build connection, reduce stress and boost morale.
What We Offer
- Half day and full day wellbeing experiences
- Soundbath and gong therapy sessions
- Yoga, movement and mindfulness
- Massage and relaxation treatments
- Sharing circles and group connection
- Woodland and nature based activities
Community Wellbeing Programmes ❤️
Starboy has extensive experience delivering community, workplace and specialist wellbeing programmes across the North East, working with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Clients and organisations I have worked with include:
- BBC TV
- New College Durham
- The Wear Rivers Trust
- SEN groups and schools
- Recovery and addiction services
- Suicide support and bereaved parent groups
I also have ongoing relationships with local councils and organisations, delivering both one-off events and regular weekly and monthly wellbeing programmes.
For South Tyneside Council, this includes ongoing employee wellbeing programmes.
I have delivered Fun & Food Programme wellness events on behalf of Durham County Council for five consecutive years, providing engaging fitness, outdoor and wellbeing activities for children and young people.
During 2026, I have also created and delivered several woodland wellness events for TT2 (Tyne Tunnels).
I work extensively with Darlington Association on Disability, an organisation supporting around 2,000 people. I have worked with the association for over five years, delivering group wellbeing projects across its services — from activities for young children through to programmes for people in their 60s and beyond.
My approach is always adaptable. Programmes can incorporate fitness and movement, nature-based wellbeing, massage, mindfulness, relaxation, team building and social connection, with activities tailored to the needs and abilities of each individual group.
From children and SEN groups to workplace teams, disability organisations and people experiencing bereavement, recovery or challenging periods in their lives, the focus remains the same:
Accessible, inclusive and enjoyable wellbeing that brings people together.
Personal Training, Group Fitness & Massage 🔥
One-to-One & Duo Massages Also Available
Just 4 miles north of Durham, experience fitness and wellbeing a little differently — surrounded by the therapeutic setting of Congburn Woods.
From £30
Personal Training
Congburn Woods
- £35 - 1 hour
- Block of 10 sessions – £300
One-to-One Outdoor Training
Whether your goal is to build muscle, lose body fat, improve fitness or performance, boost confidence, or simply feel healthier and stronger, I'll work with you to get there.
Training outdoors adds another dimension. The sights and sounds of nature, fresh air and green surroundings combine with experienced personal training, positive motivation and support to create an environment designed to help you feel good physically and mentally.
£7pp
Group Fitness
Congburn Woods
- Monday and Wednesday 6pm
Fitness That Focuses on Ability
Friendly, motivating outdoor sessions in Congburn Woods, combining exercise, nature, positivity and plenty of encouragement.
My approach isn't about comparing yourself with anyone else. It's about discovering what your body can do, progressing at your own pace and becoming stronger, fitter and more confident.
Fitness That Focuses on Ability
If you have an impairment, disability, reduced mobility or other additional needs, please don't assume fitness isn't for you.
Over the years I've worked with people with a wide range of abilities and circumstances, including significant disabilities, joint replacements, chronic conditions and reduced mobility.
My philosophy is simple:
We don't focus on what you can't do. We look at what you CAN do — your ability, not your disability.
Every session can be adapted around the individual.
Massage
💆 Special Offer in Memory of Ben ❤️
60 Minutes £29
From 1st September until 18th October, I'm offering my 60-minute massage for just £29 instead of the usual £58.
This special half-price period is in memory of my son, Ben, and forms part of my commitment to making health and wellbeing more affordable and accessible. ❤️
Add a Kaeso Facial for £20
One-to-one appointments are available, with duo massages also available.
Whether it's alongside your fitness programme, to help tired muscles recover, or simply an hour to slow down, relax and put yourself first, you're very welcome.
If you fancy a combination of fitness, positivity, nature, motivation and experienced support, get in touch.
I'll help you take things one step at a time towards feeling stronger, healthier, happier and more confident — inside and out.
Starboy Fitness & Massage
📍 Congburn Woods, County Durham
🌳 Established 2018
🎥 As seen on BBC TV's Robson Green's Weekend Escapes
Meet Me and the Team 🥰
A small team bringing together experience in wellness, massage, movement, creativity and connection to make every Starboy Retreat a little different.
🌳 Starboy (Steven)
Owner, founder & retreat facilitator. Beauty & massage therapist, personal trainer and group fitness instructor, with 16 years' experience in events. From leading activities and massages to preparing food and bringing the whole retreat together, Steven is at the heart of the Starboy experience.
🌳 Different skills. Different personalities. One team.
Together, we create retreats centred around wellbeing, nature, movement, creativity, relaxation and human connection — with plenty of fun along the way.
#StarboyRetreats | Low Prices – High Vibes ✨
Lisa
💆♀️ Massage, Indian Head Massage & Reiki
Lisa brings a calm, caring energy to the team, offering massage, Indian Head Massage and Reiki across our retreats. Away from Starboy, Lisa works full-time in family law, bringing a wealth of life experience and people skills too.
Atusa
🎵 Sound Healer & Reiki Master
The woman behind many of our beautiful soundbath experiences. Atusa combines gongs, sound healing and Reiki to create deeply relaxing sessions designed to help guests slow down, switch off and reconnect.
Beth
🧘♀️ Yoga Instructor
Beth brings yoga into our retreats with an accessible, welcoming approach. Her sessions complement the massage, meditation and nature-based elements beautifully, helping guests move, breathe and unwind.
Donna
🧘♀️ Yoga Instructor
Donna brings warmth, positivity and a relaxed approach to yoga, helping make movement enjoyable and accessible. She joins Starboy for some of our woodland wellness experiences, combining yoga, grounding and connection with nature.
Helen Beeson
🌿 Pilates & Yoga
Helen combines elements of Pilates and yoga to create balanced sessions focusing on movement, mobility, strength and relaxation. You'll find Helen leading our Yogalates experiences, including our luxury woodland retreats.
Chrissie Morgan
🎨 Durham Artist and Arts & Crafts Teacher
Durham-based artist Chrissie brings the creative side of wellbeing to Starboy. Through painting, crafts and hands-on creative activities, she encourages guests to slow down, experiment and enjoy creating without pressure — whether they're experienced artists or haven't picked up a paintbrush in years.
My Story & The Heart Behind Starboy 🥰
I'm a lover of nature, the universe, and the beautiful mystery of life itself.
I've had the honour (and challenge) of raising my children largely on my own from a young age. During one of the toughest periods of my life, I made a promise under the stars: to transform all the negativity around me into something powerful and positive — for myself and for others. ✨
What followed was a long period of strange, beautiful and often mystical experiences, many shared with others. That's when a spark was lit and "Starboy" (or Starman, as some liked to call me!) was born.
Piece by piece, everything started to align.
In 2018, I created Starboy Fitness & Massage and Starboy Retreats — both built around helping people find strength, peace and empowerment through movement, connection and nature.
As we all know, life brings both incredible highs and devastating lows.
In the summer of 2024, I faced the unimaginable and lost my eldest son, Ben, to suicide. There are no words for that kind of loss — only heartbreak.
Yet somehow, I feel stronger, more focused and more driven than ever. I know Ben walks beside me and the crew every day, and I'm committed to living my truth and honouring his memory.
Low Prices – High Vibes ✨
One of the biggest principles behind Starboy has always been accessibility and affordability.
I believe wellbeing shouldn't be something reserved for people with large disposable incomes. Whether it's massage, fitness, a few hours around a fire in the woods or a full overnight retreat, I continually work to keep prices as accessible as realistically possible.
For me, low price should never mean low quality.
It's about creating memorable experiences in beautiful places, working with great people and offering something genuine, welcoming and inclusive. People arrive from all kinds of backgrounds, ages and abilities — some simply wanting a fun experience, others looking for connection, confidence or a little breathing space from life.
That's the community Starboy has gradually become.
As Seen on BBC TV
In 2024, I featured on BBC TV's Robson Green's Weekend Escapes alongside Robson Green and Lee Ingleby.
It was an amazing, fun experience at my forest retreat — but what I particularly loved was how the programme captured the true essence of what Starboy is about.
Nature. Movement. Laughter. Connection. Wellbeing.
Nothing overly complicated and nothing pretentious — simply getting outdoors, bringing people together and showing how powerful the combination of nature, movement and human connection can be.
That's what I've been building since 2018, and it's what I intend to keep making as affordable, accessible and inclusive as possible.