The Story Behind Sensate

From the very beginning of this project, I simply wanted to create a place where people could come and just be.
A space to breathe, slow down and let go for a while.
Somewhere people feel safe enough to relax, unwind and step away from the pace of everyday life. In a world that feels increasingly busy, noisy and screen-heavy, Sensate was always meant to be a small sanctuary where people can rest, recharge and reconnect with themselves.

Building the Space

When designing Sensate, it was important to me that the space was created as thoughtfully and sustainably as possible.
We live in a very throwaway culture, and I’ve always been passionate about reducing waste. Because of that, much of the space has been built using reclaimed, recycled and upcycled materials. Benches, doors, plants and other pieces have been given a second life here.
What started out as a rather unattractive junkyard has slowly been transformed into the green, peaceful space you see today. I’ve done much of the building work myself, with the help of a few brilliant experts along the way.
There were plenty of moments when people questioned the vision — and, if I’m honest, a few moments when I questioned it too. But piece by piece, the garden, spa and studios began to take shape.
Every part of the space has its own story to tell, from the old temple doors and reclaimed materials to Celeste, our beautiful  80 year oldJapanese Acer tree, 

A Personal Journey

Yoga and meditation have been part of my life for more than 20 years, and I’ve been teaching for the past 14. These practices have been something I’ve returned to again and again, particularly during some of the more difficult periods of my life.
They have helped me stay grounded and find a sense of balance when things felt overwhelming. In many ways, Sensate grew from a desire to share that experience with others.
Alongside teaching, my main career for the last couple of decades has been working in film, specialising in investigative journalism. That work has taken me all over the world, allowing me to experience many different cultures and ways of living.
Those experiences have shaped me deeply, and I hope small influences from those travels can be felt throughout the space here at Sensate.
At the same time, witnessing some of the more challenging realities of the world strengthened my passion for mental wellbeing and creating spaces where people can feel supported, safe and restored. And from that place, Sensate was born.

Creating Sensate has been one of the most ambitious things I’ve ever attempted — and it’s still evolving.
At its heart, however, the idea remains very simple:
To create a little pocket of calm in the city where people can step away from the pressure of modern life, reconnect with nature and leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.
I hope Sensate gives you the chance to switch off for a couple of hours and leave feeling a little lighter, happier and more like yourself again.
— Sarah
Founder, Sensate Spa & Studios