Devon
Massage Training Courses
Massage Training Retreat in Devon
I’ve teamed up with Oliver from “The Retreat People” to provide the ultimate, holistic, and intensive 7-day (all-inclusive) massage training retreat in the tranquil surroundings of Nastley Farm in Devon.
After completing the course, you’ll receive an official qualification in Raynor Massage and become eligible for full professional indemnity insurance. All this in just 7 days of intensive hands-on massage training!
Spaces are strictly limited and sell out fast, so check out upcoming dates and take your first step toward a rewarding massage therapy career by securing your place now!
About the Devon Massage Training Retreat
The course being taught at the residential massage retreat in Devon is the full Raynor Massage Diploma. Normally, this would be a 10-day course with the first 5 days being the Certificate training.
However, with the luxury of the longer days this retreat environment offers, we can compress the training to just seven action-packed, hands-on days of learning.
This qualification is fully accredited and will enable you to immediately get the necessary insurance required to work as a massage therapist.
After completing my Devon retreat, you’ll be proficient in all the techniques that make Raynor Massage so effective, including:
- Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage
- Assisted Stretching
- Spinal Manipulation
- Pregnancy Massage
- Introduction to Reflexology and Aromatherapy
- Plus guidance from Dave on how to get your business launched!
Learn Raynor Massage in an All-Inclusive Setting for One Low Price!
The massage training is held in Natsley Farm, a working farmhouse set within Exmoor National Park in Devon. The accommodation is fully equipped and finished to a high standard in a warm and homely way. Oliver from “The Retreat People” will be your chef, preparing all the meals fresh and offering an exciting, nutritious menu. The bedrooms are both comfortable and spacious, and there are no more than two students per room. After a day of learning, you can take full advantage of the farmhouse’s facilities, maybe taking a leisurely dip in the outdoor pool, relaxing in the log-fueled hot tub or playing pool.
Included in the Price
Accommodation: Shared same-sex rooms sleep up to 2 students.
Arrival: Accommodation is also included for the night before the course commences date.
Food: All meals, including nutritious snacks & drinks.
Tuition: Raynor Massage Certificate & Diploma Course
Travelling to Devon
There are different transport options to get to Natsley Farm. The National Express Coach stops at the neighbouring town, South Molton. You can also get the train to Barnstaple, which is a short taxi ride away. There are also plenty of parking spaces if you prefer to drive.
Upcoming Devon Course Dates
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Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – March – Devon
19 March 2025 - 25 March 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, March 18th
3 places left -
Level 3 – Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – March – Devon
19 March 2025 - 25 March 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, March 18th
3 places left -
Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – September – Devon
17 September 2025 - 23 September 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, September 16th
5 places left -
Level 3 – Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – September – Devon
17 September 2025 - 23 September 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, September 16th
5 places left -
Level 3 – Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – November – Devon
5 November 2025 - 11 November 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, November 4th
5 places left -
Diploma Massage Course – 7 Day Retreat – November – Devon
5 November 2025 - 11 November 2025
Devon
Students are encouraged to check-in from 1800 on Tuesday, November 4th
5 places left
Please note: Deposits are nonrefundable. For more information please see our terms & conditions.
Considering the Retreat Experience?
Before you commit, I want to make sure this retreat is the perfect fit for you. While the environment is truly stunning (and I mean it!), it’s important to remember this is a demanding seven-day programme.
Physical and Mental Readiness
Physical Fitness: Daily massage (both giving and receiving) is a key part of the training. Make sure you’re healthy and able to participate fully without any physical limitations.
Mental Toughness: Be prepared for an intensive retreat. Having a strong mental state will help you get the most out of the experience.
Sharing the Experience
This is a communal retreat! You’ll share a bathroom, bedroom, and dining area with other participants. Openness and a sense of humor are essential. If sharing a room with a snorer might be too much to cope with, it’s best to consider this before committing.
Dog-Friendly Environment
Just a heads-up, I bring my well-behaved doggie along to the farmhouse. Being comfortable around dogs is a must for this retreat.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of My Devon
Massage Training Course
Arrival at The Retreat
Day 1: Training begins
- The history of massage throughout the ages.
- The contraindications of massage. So this will cover the times when it’s safe to massage and all the occasions when massage should be adapted or avoided all together.
- How to take a full medical case history of your client.
- Hygiene – How to follow essential hygiene routines.
- Draping your client. The different methods used to cover your client correctly ensuring their privacy is protected at all times.
- The INTA Professional Code of Conduct & professional ethics of Raynor Massage Therapists.
After lunch Dave Taylor will then demonstrate the Raynor Massage Technique on a volunteer student. This allows you to get to see the massage for the first time.
Dave will then give a very specific demonstration of hands and arms.
The students will then pair up and begin practising what they have been shown so far on each other, then swapping over. This means that all students will both give and receive massage. Dave will be on hand to guide you through this process.
Day 2: Back of the body
- How important breath is when used with Raynor Massage.
- The different therapeutic effects that massage can have.
- A group focussed breathing exercise.
- The Healing Crisis – How to prepare your client and yourself for this.
- Dave will also discuss the Bands of Tension and the students will have a chance to explore these bands on each other.
After lunch there will be a further massage demonstration. Dave will go over everything from Day One and will also include new areas including the sacrum, back of legs, hips and gluteus.
Day 3: Front of the body
- What is the duration of a Raynor Massage, how long should it last?
- The different therapeutic effects that massage can have.
- A group focussed breathing exercise.
- What are the qualities that a massage therapist should have?
- Abdominal massage and how this affects the digestive system.
There will be a group workshop showing how to massage the neck, face, jaw and scalp.
After lunch the main massage demonstration by Dave will include the front of the legs, stomach and also include the neck and head areas.
Then the students will pair up again and practise.
Day 4: Side of the body and pregnancy
- How to deal with negative energy from clients
- Different oils that can be used for massage and the qualities to look for when choosing a massage table.
- We discuss pregnancy massage and how the techniques you have been taught can be adapted to safely massage someone through their pregnancy. We cover in great detail all the contraindications associated with pregnancy massage.
The morning workshop will be Pregnancy Massage and working the side of the body including a detailed hip release.
In the afternoon there will also be a longer one-way massage swap (so 4 students giving the massage whilst the other 4 receive without massaging that day)
Day 5: Practise, Practise, Practise!
This will be followed by a massage demonstration.
In the afternoon the students will get the opportunity to massage Dave where he can help you improve your technique.
In the evening there will be a discussion about how to market your new Massage Therapy business and get it up and running without delay.
Day 6: Reflexology, stretching and aromatherapy
We will also discuss reflexology and the theories behind it. You will then be given a demonstration of reflexology and chance to work on each other.
The afternoon is all about aromatherapy, You will be introduced to a range of essential oils, learn about their individual properties and how to blend them correctly.
This evening it’s possible that some students will be invited to massage a member of the public as their final assessment, We call this .Student Clinic’ and there is more description on Day 7.
Day 7: Student clinic
Student Clinic Day
On this last day of class you will be asked to give a complete massage whilst being assessed. This could be a fellow student or it could be a member of the public that you will be massaging. You will be assessed based on how well you understand:
Empathy
(unspoken communication, making a client feel comfortable, developing trust)
Focus and Attention (practitioner maintained focus throughout the treatment, acknowledged and addressed concerns of the client)
Professionalism
(client-centred care, confidentiality, proper draping, dress code, no inappropriate jokes or comments)
Hygiene
(short nails, appropriate washing of hands, clean towels and table, being aware of own body parts & perspiration/odour)
Pressure
(worked within the client’s breathing/pain threshold, appropriate pressure for the client while still being effective, did not overwork an area)
Techniques
(applied Raynor Naturopathic Massage correctly)
Rhythm and Flow
(consistent and predictable movements, treatment was well integrated, did not feel rushed, finished massage on time)
Breathing
(explained the importance of the breath in massage, ensured client was deep breathing throughout the treatment)
Verbal Communication
(courteous, appropriate questions, informative explanation of what the practitioner is trying to achieve, limited unnecessary talk)
Overall Effect
(the massage provided benefit or relief to client)
We will be finished no later than 2pm on the last day and after passing your assessment, you will receive your Raynor Massage Therapy Diploma.
Meet The Retreat People
Oliver Walker from “The Retreat People” will be your host and chef throughout your stay.
Oliver Walker is a fabulous half-and-head chef at The Retreat People. He and his wife, Lucy B, run pop-up dining and wellness events, retreats, and Airbnb experiences throughout Europe, the U.K., the USA, and Australia.
Oliver returns to the U.K. 3 times a year to run our Devon-based Raynor Massage Retreat. Oliver’s creations will surprise, tantalise and nourish your tastebuds and soul, taking you on an unexpected journey through the culinary possibilities of a plant-based diet. Taking an occasional week off of meat is good for the body + planet; a little reset.
Students find it works so well with the daily yoga, meditations and deep dive into health and well-being that comes naturally with this retreat environment.
Oliver and Lucy now reside in the French countryside with their family at their beautiful B&B, Maison Des Figuiers. Here, you can expect the same amazing service, a restful stay, locally sourced inspiring food, massage, nature, and yoga.
Click here to find out more about ‘The Retreat People’
Take the next step in your massage therapy journey & run your own business!
Your message therapy career is only one step away – contact me today to learn more about my Devon retreat and book your spot!
If you have any questions
about the course
Contact us!