Infrared Therapy

I've recently returned from the 3 day retreat. Unfortunately it was not the best experience. The retreat began on Friday 27th April and we departed on Saturday 28th April instead of Sunday 29th April 2012.

They were several reasons we left, these can be categorised as follows:

1. The health a safety concerns of the treatment spaced used (which was a shed in the garden). Our concerns included overloaded electric sockets, exposed and loose cables posing substantial trip hazards, an unguarded log fire in the middle of the space, the lack of privacy as we were given treatments as a large group and the lack of clarification around the qualifications and suitability of the two staff administering the treatments. We were also concerned about the size of the space in relation to the number of clients being seen at once. At one time their were 5 clients being treated in the space, which should not have held more than two people at any one time (provided they knew each other well and consented to do so).

2. The condition of the beds provided, which were in poor condition, needing old planks of wood to reinforce the bases. (Please find a photograph attached)

3. The structure of the weekend, which gave no option to opt out of items that we felt unable to participate in. On more than one occasion we expressed a preference to opt out of an activity as we preferred to spend the time resting and were told we were not able to do so. This also included a presentation by the pyramid scheme - Salad-master, with the intention of selling the cookwares and the participation in a meditation session which we were told we could not move at all for 20 mins, but we not permitted to leave before it began. Whilst we appreciated that some of this information now been advertised on the site (such as the Salad-Master demonstration), we were not provided with such in depth information about the weekends structure prior to arrival, and were certainly not advised that such a hard sales technique would form the basis of our afternoon.

4. The provision of treatments. One of the treatment machines broke before we were able to get our treatment. We were then informed that the treatment (Lipo-light) was no longer available and could only be provided if we attended the clinic in West Norwood at a later date.

5. Imposition of house rules which we found unreasonable. Including the fact we were not permitted to talk during meal times or allowed, or greet one another in the mornings prior to meditation

6. The times and scope of treatments. On arrival we were advised that treatment times could not be provided and we would be called to receive treatments as Merlee was able to accomodate them. On the first night guests were receiving treatments past 11pm. I was told to have a treatment at 10pm despite advising earlier on in the evening that I was extremely tired. It was further a shock that the treatments were only 20mins in length, unless you paid additional money for treatments directly to Beechcroft or cash to Merlee.

For these reasons, and many more, 50% of the group felt compelled to leave half way through the retreat. Of the 8 in attendance, 4 of us left. We did not know the other two ladies that choose to leave prior to attending the retreat, but have since communicated extensively about our reasons for leaving. It is no coincidence that unrelated guests felt compelled to leave and I would hope that goes some way to evidencing the validity of our concerns.

We have since approached Merlee and requested a refund, but this request has been declined. If this changes I will update the review to let you know.

Hopefully this review will help you to make an informed decision. Of the four that left, we were of mixed opinion about whether anyone should return. Some felt not, but for me personally, I think it depends on you and your expectations. Half our group decided to stay so I guess we all have different expectations.