Starboy Fitness & Massage

🌳✨ YOUR NEXT ESCAPE STARTS HERE! 2026 & 2027 RETREAT DATES IN FULL! 💙

One little business. So many different experiences! ❤️

From peaceful woodland evenings and beach soundbaths to castle wellness nights, overnight retreats, women's empowerment, Zumba, firewalking and luxury countryside escapes! 🌅🔥🏰

📸 Here's a little glimpse of what we've been creating over the past eight years!

And below you'll find our remaining 2026 events and our 2027 retreat dates in full, including prices, times and availability.

Come alone, with a friend or as part of a group. New faces are always welcome! 💙

🌟 2026 — REMAINING EVENTS

🍂 OCTOBER

🌊 THURS 22 OCT | SOUTH SHIELDS

6pm — Beach Soundbath & Massage

Beach or studio if wet

💷 £29pp

🌲 24–25 OCT | BARNARD CASTLE

Overnight Wellness Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 3 SPACES LEFT!

🔥 FRI 30 OCT | CONGBURN WOODS

Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet

💷 £59pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT!

🍁 NOVEMBER

🐴 SUN 1 NOV | WAGTAIL EQUINE CIC

Craghead | 4pm

Equine Therapy & Soundbath

💷 £29pp

🌳 FRI 6 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS

6pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet

💷 £59pp

🌲 SUN 8 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS

5pm — Woodland Soundbath & Meditation

💷 £29pp

🔥 FRI 13 NOV | CHRISTON BANK, NEAR ALNWICK

6:30pm — Firewalking & Arrow-Breaking Experience

💷 £49pp

🏰 SUN 15 NOV | LUMLEY CASTLE

Soundbath & Massage Evening

💷 £49pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT!

🌟 21–22 NOV | BARNARD CASTLE

Overnight Wellness Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 4 SPACES LEFT!

🔥 FRI 27 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS

6pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet

💷 £59pp — 🔥 JUST 6 SPACES LEFT!

🏰 SUN 29 NOV | LUMLEY CASTLE

7:30pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy & Reiki Experience

💷 £49pp — 🔥 JUST 8 SPACES LEFT!

❄️ DECEMBER

🌟 5–6 DEC | BARNARD CASTLE

Overnight Wellness Retreat

💷 £99pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT!

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🌟🌳 2027 — RETREAT & WELLBEING PROGRAMME

❄️ JANUARY

🌲 SAT 16–SUN 17 JAN | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Overnight Soundbath, Meditation & Massage Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 7 SPACES LEFT!

🏰 SUN 24 JAN | LUMLEY CASTLE

5pm–9pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy, Meditation & Massage or Reiki

💷 £49pp — 25 PLACES

💗 FEBRUARY

🏰 SUN 21 FEB | LUMLEY CASTLE

5pm–9pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy, Meditation & Massage or Reiki

💷 £49pp — 25 PLACES

🌷 MARCH

🌳 FRI 5 MAR | CONGBURN WOODS

6pm–10pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet

💷 £59pp

🌲 SAT 6–SUN 7 MAR | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Mother's Day Overnight Wellness Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 14 SPACES LEFT!

💃 SAT 13–SUN 14 MAR | BARNARD CASTLE

4pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Zumba Lift x Starboy Fitness Overnight Retreat

Zumba, Woodland Workout, Yoga, Massage & Stone-Baked Pizzas

💷 £109pp — Shared Accommodation Included

🏰 SUN 21 MAR | LUMLEY CASTLE

5pm–9pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy, Meditation & Massage or Reiki

💷 £49pp — 25 PLACES

🌼 APRIL

🌳 FRI 2 APR | CONGBURN WOODS

6pm–10pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet

💷 £59pp

🌲 SAT 17–SUN 18 APR | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Overnight Soundbath, Massage & Wellbeing Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 13 SPACES LEFT!

💪 SAT 24–SUN 25 APR | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Women's Empowerment & Wellbeing Overnight Retreat

Personal Safety, Self-Defence, Yoga, Massage & Stone-Baked Pizzas

💷 £109pp — 30 PLACES

🌸 MAY

🌲 SAT 15–SUN 16 MAY | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Overnight Soundbath & Massage Retreat

💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 14 SPACES LEFT!

🎨 SAT 22–SUN 23 MAY | BARNARD CASTLE

5pm Saturday – 1pm Sunday

Arts, Crafts, Yoga & Massage Overnight Retreat

💷 £109pp

☀️ JUNE

🌳 FRI 11–SAT 12 JUN | MARYSTONE HOUSE, TRANWELL WOODS, MORPETH

4pm Friday – 10am Saturday

Luxury Woodland Yogalates & Massage Overnight Retreat

Hot Tubs, Guided Meditation, Luxury Massage & Stone-Baked Pizzas

💷 £279pp — 🔥 JUST 9 PLACES LEFT!

🌳 SAT 12–SUN 13 JUN | MARYSTONE HOUSE, TRANWELL WOODS, MORPETH

4pm Saturday – 10am Sunday

Luxury Woodland Yogalates & Massage Overnight Retreat

Hot Tubs, Guided Meditation, Luxury Massage & Stone-Baked Pizzas

💷 £279pp — 🔥 JUST 7 PLACES LEFT!

☀️ JULY

🏰 SUN 18 JUL | LUMLEY CASTLE

5pm–9pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy, Meditation & Massage or Reiki

💷 £49pp — 25 PLACES

🌻 AUGUST

🏰 SUN 15 AUG | LUMLEY CASTLE

5pm–9pm — Soundbath, Gong Therapy, Meditation & Massage or Reiki

💷 £49pp — 25 PLACES

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💙 EIGHT YEARS OF STARBOY — SMALL BUSINESS, BIG HEART!

From £29 evenings in nature to luxury overnight experiences, I've always tried to keep wellbeing affordable, welcoming and accessible to as many people as possible.

You don't need to be fit, flexible, spiritual or experienced in anything.

You don't even need to bring anyone!

Some people come to relax. Others come to reconnect, make new friendships, build confidence or simply escape the noise of everyday life.

And some come without knowing quite what they need, but leave feeling they've gained something special. ❤️

🌳 No experience necessary.

💙 Come alone, with friends or as a group.

✨ No pressure to share or join every activity.

💷 Instalment payments available.

Overnight retreat prices include shared accommodation and the advertised activities.

💌 TO BOOK: Message Starboy Fitness & Massage on Facebook. All places must be booked and paid for in advance.

🌐 Full details and further information at starboyretreats— website

💸🎁GIFT VOUCHERS AVAIL ON EVERYTHING !

❤️ ONE LITTLE FAVOUR!

If you've joined us before, I'd absolutely love you to share a little of your experience in the comments. Your words might give somebody else the confidence to come along for the first time.

And if you know somebody who could benefit from a little time away from everyday life, please tag them or share this post with them.

Which experience catches your eye for 2027? 🌳✨

Thank you for supporting eight years of Starboy. Here's to many more moments, memories and connections! 💙

🚨 NEW FOR 2027 — WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT & WELLBEING RETREAT! 💜🔥

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY WAS THREATENED?

Walking home alone. A confrontation in the street. An uncomfortable situation on a night out. A difficult encounter at work. Or perhaps a controlling or abusive relationship, past or present.

Situations we hope never to face, but situations that many women know only too well.

What if one weekend could give you practical skills, greater confidence and a completely different perspective on your own personal safety? 💪

🌿 SATURDAY 24TH – SUNDAY 25TH APRIL 2027
📍 TCR The Hub, Barnard Castle, County Durham

💜 WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT & WELLBEING OVERNIGHT RETREAT

🌟 JUST 30 SPACES AVAILABLE!

This isn't just another relaxing wellness weekend.

It's about combining personal safety, empowerment, confidence, connection and self-care in one supportive experience.

We're bringing together the very best of both worlds.

🥊 PERSONAL SAFETY & SELF-DEFENCE

Working with Alex from Valkyrie Protect, we'll explore real-life situations, including:

🔹 Recognising warning signs and potentially dangerous situations.

🔹 Personal safety when walking alone, travelling or enjoying a night out.

🔹 Handling confrontation, intimidation and difficult encounters.

🔹 Understanding boundaries, assertiveness and conflict management.

🔹 Building confidence following difficult or abusive experiences.

🔹 Practical self-defence skills and ways to create opportunities to get to safety.

Whether you've experienced domestic abuse, work in a challenging environment, simply want to feel more confident or would like to learn something valuable for everyday life, this weekend is for you.

And importantly, nobody will be expected to share personal experiences or participate in anything they're uncomfortable with. ❤️

🌿 THEN COMES THE WELLBEING!

Because empowerment isn't just about protecting yourself.

It's also about learning to value yourself, finding peace, making connections and giving yourself permission to switch off.

Your weekend includes:

🧘‍♀️ Beautiful yoga sessions with Beth, including sunset yoga beside the lake (weather permitting).

💆‍♀️ A relaxing massage beside the fire.

🔥 Evening fire circle and optional sharing circle.

🍕 Make-your-own delicious stone-baked pizzas.

🌳 Time outdoors surrounded by beautiful countryside.

💜 Connection, laughter, new friendships and space just for YOU.

🛏️ Shared overnight accommodation included.

ALL FOR JUST £109 PER PERSON! 💜

Yes, that's the entire overnight experience, including accommodation, activities, workshops, yoga, massage and pizzas.

I've always believed that experiences like this should be accessible, not priced beyond people's reach.

And while you'll leave feeling rested and recharged, my hope is that you'll also take home practical life skills that could stay with you for years.

💜 COME ALONE, WITH A FRIEND OR AS PART OF A GROUP!

Many of our guests arrive on their own, perhaps feeling a little nervous, and leave having made wonderful connections and new friendships.

There's no pressure to join in with everything, no expectations and absolutely no need to be anyone other than yourself.

With just 30 spaces available, we're keeping this a welcoming, supportive and personal experience.

You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to feel confident. And you deserve time for yourself. ❤️

📩 Message Starboy Fitness & Massage to reserve your place. Instalments are available.

🌟 Starboy Retreats — more than just a retreat.

💜 Feel empowered. Feel connected. Feel valued.

📸 PLENTY OF PHOTOS & REEELS ON Starboy Fitness & Massage of previous retreats at this stunning comfy accessible location !

🌊🔥 ONE LAST EVENING BY THE SEA… BEFORE WE HEAD BACK TO THE WOODS! 🌟💙

THIS THURSDAY | SOUTH SHIELDS BEACH | 6PM–10PM | JUST £29pp

⏰️615PM START ⏰️

When was the last time you gave yourself four whole hours to simply switch off from the world? ❤️

This Thursday evening, we're returning to beautiful South Shields beach for our FINAL beach Soundbath & Massage Evening of 2026! 🌊✨

Four hours of relaxation, connection, fresh sea air, new friendships and positive energy. 💙

And what a lovely evening we have planned!

🌟 Soundbath with the wonderfully talented Atusa and her beautiful gongs, accompanied by guided meditation. Allow yourself to relax, unwind and become immersed in the sounds.

🔥 Time together around the warmth of the fire

💆‍♀️ Your choice of a relaxing back, neck & shoulder massage OR a soothing foot massage

✨ Reiki available

💙 Optional sharing circle — talk, listen or simply enjoy being present

🌊 The calming sounds of the North Sea

❤️ A welcoming, friendly atmosphere where everyone belongs

And the weather? Looking promising! 🌤️🌟

The BBC weather forecast is currently looking good for Thursday evening! It might be a little chilly, but with the possibility of clear skies just after sunset, we could be enjoying our soundbath beneath the stars! 🌌✨

And as always, we have our lovely South Shields studio ⚠️ as a backup plan, should the weather decide otherwise. So either way, a beautiful evening awaits! ❤️

Come alone, bring a friend or make some new ones! You don't need to know anybody, and there's absolutely no pressure to take part in everything.

Just four hours to escape the everyday rush and enjoy something a little different. ❤️

🌟 £29 PER PERSON — MESSAGE THE PAGE TO BOOK!

And don't worry if you can't make Thursday!

Our beautiful woodland experiences continue throughout November, with plenty more opportunities to join us. 🌳🔥

We've also got some incredible experiences coming up, including overnight retreats, woodland wellness evenings, equine therapy, castle wellness nights and lots more throughout 2027!

🌐 starboyretreats - check out the new website

💙 Who's joining us for one last magical evening beside the sea? 🌊✨

Starboy Fitness & Massage | Starboy Retreats 🌟

🌳✨ THE HISTORY OF STARBOY — 8 YEARS, HUNDREDS OF MEMORIES & A FEW MAGICAL MOMENTS OF SYNCHRONICITY! ❤️

Established 2018. Built on trust, nature, human connection and a little faith in the universe. 🌍✨

I thought I'd share a little photographic journey through the history of Starboy Fitness & Massage, from where it all began to where we are today.

And what a journey it's been! ❤️

🌳 2018 — WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Back in 2018, I took a leap of faith, put my trust in the universe and somehow landed in the arms of the wonderful Big Al and his gang at Congburn Woods, County Durham.

Little did I know just how much that connection would change my life.

Eight years later, I'm still there! ❤️

For nearly seven years, I had my little cabin in the woods, offering massage and holistic therapies in the most beautiful surroundings.

I absolutely loved that cabin, and it gave me some incredible memories.

But as much as I loved being inside it, my real passion was always OUTSIDE.

Amongst the trees. Beneath the stars. Around the fire. Feeling the elements and bringing people together. 🔥🌳

And that's where you'll still find me today.

We continue to hold beautiful woodland gatherings once or twice a month, including soundbaths, massage evenings, yoga, meditation, sharing circles and movement sessions.

And, of course, our regular woodland bootcamps every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. Just £7 per person, welcoming all fitness levels.

But here's where the history gets a little magical... ✨

🌲 HAMSTERLEY FOREST — A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT OF SYNCHRONICITY!

One evening in 2020, on only my second ever visit to Hamsterley Forest, I was walking with my lovely client Marie.

I remember saying out loud:

"Wouldn't this be an amazing place to run bootcamps, wellbeing events and maybe even retreats?"

TWO DAYS LATER...

An email arrived from Forestry England asking me to do exactly that! 😳🌳

You genuinely couldn't make it up!

Another one of those extraordinary moments of synchronicity, where everything seems to align at just the right time.

And that connection eventually helped lead to something I never imagined...

📺 STARBOY ON BBC ONE!

Robson Green's Weekend Escapes!

Series 2, Episode 13.

Almost eight minutes on national television, sharing my passion for nature, fitness and wellbeing.

And even that came about through another remarkable moment of synchronicity! ✨

I'd sent an email to BBC News about the work I was doing with disability groups and the local council.

It was actually the very first time I'd ever contacted any media organisation!

Then, just 48 hours later, somebody contacted me through my page.

On a Sunday afternoon!

I remember joking about how impressed I was that the BBC had responded so quickly, especially on a Sunday! 😂

But it turned out they were a researcher for Robson Green's Weekend Escapes and knew absolutely NOTHING about my separate email to BBC News! 😳

They were working on organising the next episode, which was due to be filmed that very week.

Two completely separate connections with the BBC, just 48 hours apart!

Another incredible moment of synchronicity.

Who knows? Maybe I'm a master manifestor and don't even realise it yet! 🤣✨

It's certainly starting to look that way!

What an incredible experience, and something I'll always be proud of.

Keep an eye out for repeats! And if anybody manages to find the full episode online, please let me know. ❤️

🌍 NOT EVERY ROAD LEADS WHERE YOU EXPECT...

There was even an opportunity to take Starboy into the Midlands.

But then came COVID, lockdowns and a complete change of direction.

Like so many people, I faced some incredibly difficult times, both personally and financially.

Plans fell apart. Doors closed. Life changed.

But looking back, perhaps some things happen for a reason.

Because I stayed right here in the North East.

Where my roots are. Where my heart is. ❤️

I'm a Durham lad, born and bred. Durham City through and through!

And although Starboy has taken me to some wonderful places, you'll usually find me somewhere around Durham, Chester-le-Street or out in the countryside.

Never too far from home! 🌳

🔥 FROM WOODLAND FIRES TO OVERNIGHT RETREATS

Over these eight years, I've held retreats in woodlands, lodges, yurts, beautiful historic venues and some truly wonderful locations.

For the past two years, one of our much-loved homes has been The Hub at Barnard Castle.

A gorgeous, welcoming retreat venue sleeping up to 33 people, with a lake, firepit, cosy communal spaces and the most wonderful atmosphere.

It's not about five-star luxury.

It's about how people FEEL.

Being welcomed. Feeling included. Having somewhere to breathe, relax, laugh, cry if they need to, and simply be themselves.

Our overnight retreats are generally around £99 per person, including accommodation, wellbeing activities, therapies and even our homemade evening pizzas! 🍕🔥

And I'm incredibly proud that most of our 2026 overnight retreats have sold out.

Although, following a little rearranging, we currently have three spaces for October and five for November, despite those dates still showing as sold out on the website.

But there's something much deeper behind everything I do. 💙

🌳 WHY NATURE? WHY MENTAL HEALTH? WHY STARBOY?

Some people assume I started doing this work because I lost my beautiful son Ben to su***de in June 2024.

But the truth is, this journey began many years before that.

Following some horrendous years with my own mental health, I found myself heading out across the fells at two o'clock in the morning.

Running through the darkness.

Sitting beside streams.

Listening to the water, the wind and the sounds of nature.

Trying to find a little peace in my own mind.

Nature became my sanctuary.

Running became my antidepressant.

And gradually, those moments outdoors helped me find some stability and manage my anxiety.

I knew how much it had helped me.

And I wanted to share that with others.

That's why Starboy was established in 2018.

When I lost Ben in 2024, my world changed forever.

The grief and anxiety that followed were unlike anything I'd experienced before.

But rather than creating my purpose, losing Ben strengthened something that was already there.

My determination to reach more people. To help more people. To create spaces where nobody needs to pretend they're okay. 💙

And that's still what drives me today.

I'm not here to promise to fix anybody.

I'm simply trying to create opportunities for people to feel connected, supported, listened to and perhaps a little lighter than when they arrived.

Sometimes the right people find us at exactly the right time.

And sometimes we find them. ✨

❤️ EIGHT YEARS LATER...

I'm still that Durham lad who loves being outdoors.

Still happiest around a fire, surrounded by good people.

Still believing that kindness, human connection and a little time in nature can make an enormous difference.

And still incredibly grateful to Big Al, his family, the wonderful people of Congburn and everyone who's helped make this journey possible.

Not forgetting the amazing team I now have around me, bringing their own talents, kindness and passion to everything we do.

I couldn't do it without them. ❤️

And to the thousands of people who've supported Starboy, attended an event, shared a post, recommended me to a friend or simply believed in what I was trying to create...

THANK YOU. ❤️

🌟 AND NOW... 2027!

There's so much more to come.

New experiences. New locations. New collaborations.

And a few surprises that I'm keeping close to my chest for now! 😉✨

Our brand-new website brings together the retreats, experiences and everything we've been building over these past eight years.

If you've enjoyed following my journey through these photographs, I'd love you to have a little look around.

🌐Website : starboyretreats🌐
🌐📸 SEE PHOTO👇or GOOGLE 🌐

You might just discover something you'd love to experience yourself. ❤️

And finally, I'd love to ask you something...

Have you been part of the Starboy journey since 2018, or have you only recently discovered us? 🌳

Perhaps you've attended a retreat, visited the old woodland cabin, joined a bootcamp or sat around one of our fires.

I'd genuinely love to hear your memories in the comments. And if you have any old photographs, please share them! 📸👇

Here's to the memories we've made, the people we've met, those we've loved and lost, and all the beautiful chapters still to come.

Much love,

Steve — Starboy 🌟❤️

🌳♥️✨️ ANOTHER HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEZZIE, BIG AL! ✨️♥️🌳

Today we're remembering a very special man, Alan Herbert — our Big Al! ❤️

A big miss, a huge personality and an even bigger spirit! ✨️

I'll always be grateful to Al and his lovely family, who helped make everything I've created at Congburn Woods possible. 🌳

Without Big Al, so much of what we do today at Starboy Fitness & Massage simply wouldn't exist.

And I'll never forget his sense of humour! 😂

He used to love winding me up, telling me he'd beaten me up to Congburn!

"A passed ya, Starboy! Did you not see that flash go past?" 🔥🤣✨️

That was Big Al all over! Always having a laugh, always full of character and never short of a bit of banter!

Some people leave footprints in your life that never fade, and Al was certainly one of them. ❤️

Our thoughts and love are with all of Al's family today, on what will be another emotional day without him.

Miss you, big man. Until we meet again. 🌳♥️✨️

💬 NOW I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR MEMORIES OF BIG AL!

How did Alan touch your life?

Perhaps you knew him growing up, from his footballing days, or during his 30-odd years at Congburn?

Maybe you've got a funny story, a special memory or even an old photograph you'd love to share? 📸

Let's fill the comments with memories, laughter and stories of a man who meant so much to so many. ❤️

Happy heavenly birthday, Big Al! 🌟🌳

🌳❤️ DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT MORPETH? A LITTLE NORTHUMBERLAND HISTORY! 🏡✨

Did you know the beautiful market town of Morpeth has a history stretching back more than 800 years? 😮

In fact, Morpeth was granted the right to hold a market way back in 1199!

Just imagine how much life has changed since then!

With its historic streets, beautiful River Wansbeck, independent shops and surrounding countryside, it's one of Northumberland's little gems. ❤️

And just a short drive away, tucked away in six acres of private woodland near Tranwell, is somewhere rather special!

🌟 WELCOME TO MARYSTONE HOUSE!

After eight years of creating retreats in nature, I'm delighted to be introducing a little more luxury to the Starboy experience in 2027!

🌳 LUXURY WOODLAND YOGALATES & MASSAGE RETREAT

📍 Marystone House, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth, Northumberland

📅 TWO OVERNIGHT DATES TO CHOOSE FROM:

⭐ Friday 11th – Saturday 12th June 2027

⭐ Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th June 2027

⏰ 4pm arrival – 10am departure

💷 £279 per person

And here's what makes this one rather special! ❤️

🧘 Two Yogalates sessions with the lovely Helen Beeson

💆 Luxury massage from the Starboy therapy team

🌳 Six acres of private woodland to explore and unwind

💦 Two outdoor hot tubs under the stars

🧘‍♀️ Guided meditation and relaxation

🍕 DIY stone-fired pizzas and relaxed group dining

🛏️ Beautiful en-suite accommodation

✨ Optional gentle movement, laughter and fun!

But do you know what?

Despite the luxurious surroundings, the heart of Starboy remains exactly the same.

A warm welcome, genuine connection, kindness, laughter and the freedom to simply be yourself. 💙

You can arrive alone and leave having made new friends. That's something I've witnessed countless times over the years.

And sometimes the greatest luxury of all is simply having time for yourself. ❤️

With just ten en-suite bedrooms at this beautiful property, this will be a much smaller, more intimate experience than our usual overnight retreats.

💬 NOW I'M CURIOUS…

Who knows Morpeth, Tranwell or the surrounding countryside?

Have you got any favourite memories or hidden gems in this beautiful part of Northumberland?

I'd love to hear them! ❤️🌳

🌟 Starboy Fitness & Massage | Starboy Retreats

Established 2018 | As featured on BBC TV

💙 Full retreat information and booking details in the comments.

STORY TIME! 💙 THIS MADE ME SMILE! 😂❤️

Yesterday, on what would have been Ben's 25th birthday, I received this lovely message from a young woman who dated Ben for a short while back in 2022.

I'd invited people who knew Ben to share their memories, stories and photographs, and this one really did bring a smile to my face. 🥹

I thought I'd share it with you all, because this was Ben all over! 😂

💌 Here's what she wrote:

"Hi Steven, not sure if you will remember me. I met you a few times at your house when coming to see Ben.

I dated Ben for a short while in 2022. Thought I'd share a few of my stories with Ben, hoping to bring a smile to you today!

As you have said, Ben was full of life with an infectious laugh! 😂

As soon as he would come into my house, he was starving, and my mam would make him some food! He loved when the BBQ was on! 😂

Another time, he came armed with a full wardrobe of clothes (all designer!) which he hadn't dared to wash, thinking my mam could wash them differently to him! 😂😂

He was warned that if they shrunk, she wasn't liable! 🫣

And lastly, his love of mayo was on another level!

He actually brought a jar of his favourite Polish mayonnaise (obviously the best!) to our house to add to the meals we made him! 😂

What a lush lad. For me, I think I was maybe a bit too young, which was a shame, as he did say to me:

'Can't believe you've always lived down the road and I've never seen you before.'

Me and my family do talk of Ben often.

Such a big shame. Hope you all are taking care and wishing Ben the biggest happy birthday today. ❤️"

😂 Now, in my reply, I did point out that I suspect it was actually MY washing, laundry and shrinkage skills he was trying to avoid! 🤣🤣

Clearly, he had more confidence in somebody else's mam looking after his designer wardrobe than his own dad! 😂

And that, right there, is why sharing memories matters so much.

The designer clothes, the constant hunger, the mayonnaise and that infectious laugh!

It's these little stories, the funny moments and the memories that other people carry, that remind me just how much life Ben packed into his 22 years.

And to know that this young woman and her family still talk about him means an awful lot to me.

Thank you for taking the time to send me this. You certainly achieved what you hoped to do. You made his dad smile. 💙

Grief brings plenty of tears, but remembering someone we love can bring laughter too. And yesterday, amongst all the emotions of Ben's birthday, this was a lovely little gift.

💙 If you knew Ben, I'd still love to hear your stories. Funny, silly, heartfelt, whatever they may be. Or perhaps you have a photograph tucked away somewhere.

And for anyone reading this who has lost somebody they love, never underestimate what sharing a little memory might mean to the people left behind.

Sometimes the smallest memories bring the biggest smiles. 🌟

Forever 22. Forever loved.

Dad 💙

📸 Here's Ben back in 2021, looking pretty chilled!

🌳💙 WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO JUST STOP?

No rushing. No distractions. No expectations.

Just nature, stillness, connection and being present in the moment. 🌅✨

A few more beautiful photographs from last night's very special gathering at the edge of Congburn Woods.

A sunset soundbath, gentle meditation, a little conversation, lots of stillness and precious time together in nature.

An evening remembering my beautiful boy Ben on what would have been his 25th birthday, alongside many other loved ones who are no longer with us. 💙

And a lovely reminder of something I've believed in for a very long time...

Sometimes the simplest experiences in life can be the most meaningful. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who shared that special evening with us.

After eight years of creating Starboy experiences, it's still the people, the connections and those little moments that mean the most to me.

And guess what? We're not finished with 2026 just yet! 🌟

🍂🌟 HERE'S WHAT'S STILL TO COME!

💙 OCTOBER

🌊 THURS 22 OCT | SOUTH SHIELDS
6pm — Beach Soundbath & Massage Evening
Beach or studio if wet
💷 £29pp

🌲 24–25 OCT | BARNARD CASTLE
Overnight Wellness Retreat
💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 3 SPACES LEFT!

🔥 FRI 30 OCT | CONGBURN WOODS
Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet
💷 £59pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT! ⚠️

🍁 NOVEMBER

🐴 SUN 1 NOV | WAGTAIL EQUINE CIC
Craghead | 4pm
Equine Therapy & Soundbath
💷 £29pp

🌳 FRI 6 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS
6pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet
💷 £59pp

🌲 SUN 8 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS
5pm — Woodland Soundbath & Meditation
💷 £29pp

🔥 FRI 13 NOV | CHRISTON BANK, NEAR ALNWICK
6:30pm — Firewalking & Arrow-Breaking Experience 🔥🏹
An empowering evening of courage, confidence and stepping beyond your comfort zone!
💷 £49pp

🏰 SUN 15 NOV | LUMLEY CASTLE
Soundbath & Massage Evening
💷 £49pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT! ⚠️

🌟 21–22 NOV | BARNARD CASTLE
Overnight Wellness Retreat
💷 £99pp — 🔥 JUST 4 SPACES LEFT!

🔥 FRI 27 NOV | CONGBURN WOODS
6pm — Two Massages, Meditation & Buffet
💷 £59pp — 🔥 JUST 6 SPACES LEFT!

Our final woodland experience of 2026! A roaring fire, delicious food, two lovely massages and time to unwind beneath the trees. 🌳🔥

🏰 SUN 29 NOV | LUMLEY CASTLE
7:30pm — Soundbath & Reiki Experience
💷 £49pp — 🔥 JUST 8 OF 25 SPACES LEFT!

❄️ DECEMBER

🌟 5–6 DEC | BARNARD CASTLE
Overnight Wellness Retreat
💷 £99pp — ❤️ SOLD OUT!

💙 SMALL BUSINESS. BIG HEART. EIGHT YEARS OF MAKING WELLBEING ACCESSIBLE.

From £29 woodland and beach experiences to overnight retreats, I've always tried to keep things affordable, welcoming and accessible to as many people as possible.

You don't need to be fit, flexible, spiritual or experienced in anything.

You don't even need to bring anyone!

Come alone, come with a friend, meet new people or simply enjoy some peaceful time to yourself.

No pressure to share. No pressure to participate in everything. Just come as you are. 💙

And with several of our remaining experiences already sold out, please don't leave booking until the last minute if there's something you'd love to attend.

💌 Message Starboy Fitness & Massage to reserve your place. Instalments available.

🌐 Full 2027 programme and further information on our website — link in the comments.

And before you scroll on, I'd love to ask you something…

🌳 Where's your favourite place to escape the noise of everyday life and find a little peace?

The woods? The beach? Somewhere in the countryside? Or somewhere completely different?

I'd genuinely love to hear. 💙

Because sometimes a little peace is worth more than anything money can buy. ✨