GoChella 2026: Unplug. Create. Connect.

Written By This is Goho

In a world of constant notifications, packed diaries and endless to-do lists, taking time to slow down and connect with others has never felt more important.

That was the idea behind GoChella 2026. The second edition of our unplugged retreat for our top clients, partners and friends.

Hosted at the beautiful Quaives in the Kent countryside, GoChella brought together an incredible group of clients, partners and friends for two days of learning, creativity, wellbeing and connection. Built around three simple principles, Unplug. Create. Connect., the retreat was designed to give people the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and spend time with those who inspire them.

Whilst the workshops, activities and surroundings were all fantastic, what made GoChella truly special was the people.

Unplugging from the Everyday

From the moment guests arrived, there was a noticeable change in pace. Phones were put away, conversations slowed down and people quickly settled into the relaxed rhythm of countryside life.

The beautiful surroundings of The Quaives provided the perfect backdrop to step away from busy inboxes and everyday pressures. Whether it was enjoying a countryside walk, unwinding in the hot tub, joining a wellbeing session or simply sitting in the sunshine with a coffee, there was a genuine sense of calm throughout the retreat. Many attendees also enjoyed a 45-minute massage during their stay, providing the perfect opportunity to fully switch off and decompress.

The second morning captured this spirit perfectly. Guests could choose between a guided birdsong walk along the River Stour, an easy countryside jog through the Kent fields or a high-energy Rise and Rave session. Whatever their choice, everyone started the day feeling refreshed, energised and ready to embrace what was next.

One of the most memorable moments came during the sound bath experience hosted by Gongs on the Run. Despite lasting just 45 minutes, it left a lasting impression on the attendees.

One guest described it as: "Probably the deepest rest I've had in weeks."

Whilst another joked: "I didn't think I would enjoy communal snoring so much."

The laughter that followed perfectly captured the atmosphere of GoChella. Relaxed, open and completely free from judgement.

Creating New Ideas and Learning Together

One of the things that made GoChella different from a traditional conference or networking event was that so much of the learning came from the people in the room.

Many of the sessions were led by attendees themselves. Clients, partners and friends generously shared their expertise, experiences and passions, creating opportunities for genuine peer-to-peer learning. There was something refreshing about learning from people within our own community, hearing real experiences, practical advice and honest conversations rather than polished presentations.

We explored how music can influence performance and wellbeing with Goho's own Creative Director, Jon Shone, discovering practical ways to use music intentionally to support individual and team productivity, focus and brand alignment through the clever use of tempo, song choice, genre and instrumentation.

Another great session came from Rob Jackson, UK Enterprise Director at Phenom, who shared practical insights into how AI can simplify workflows and make everyday tasks easier. We also took part in inspiring discussions around wellbeing, leadership and personal development, with conversations continuing long after the sessions themselves had ended.

A particular highlight was Andy Collings' workshop on productivity and leadership. Attendees left with practical tools they could immediately apply to both their professional and personal lives.

Creativity also took centre stage during Nikki's Kokedama workshop from Studio HOIME. Guests learned the Japanese art of creating beautiful moss-ball gardens, leaving with a living reminder of their time at GoChella and the importance of making space for creativity in everyday life. It was the perfect reminder that creativity doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes simply making something with your hands is enough to slow down and reset.

Supporting Local Businesses and Giving Back

Creating a positive impact was at the heart of GoChella from the very beginning.

Throughout the retreat, we made a conscious effort to support local businesses, independent suppliers and organisations that play such an important role within the community. From our wonderful hosts at The Quaives to the local pubs, caterers and suppliers involved throughout the event, supporting the local economy was a key part of the experience.

Food throughout the retreat was provided by an exceptional local catering team, Bailey and Eloise whose passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients shone through in every meal. They are a local couple, who are getting married in the village this Summer, so supporting them by giving them the business, rather than a big caterer from London, was super important to us. One of the most heartwarming moments of the retreat came during our fundraising raffle. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our prize donors, the couple won a honeymoon package including a stay at the Sloane Square Hotel, and a one-night stay at H4 Wyndham Paris. It felt particularly special to be able to give something back to a couple who had worked so hard to make GoChella such a memorable experience.

Every penny raised through the raffle was donated to Kent Search and Rescue Dogs Unit, an entirely volunteer-run organisation that receives no external funding and is based in the village of Wickhambreaux, where the Quaives is. Guests had the opportunity to work alongside the dogs and handlers during our charity scavenger hunt, gaining first-hand insight into the incredible work they do.

What began as a fun team challenge quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of the retreat. Spending time with the dogs and volunteers gave everyone a real appreciation for the dedication, training and commitment required to support their life-saving work.

The raffle itself featured an incredible collection of prizes generously donated by our clients, partners and friends, including experiences from Hard Rock Hotels, H4 Wyndham Paris, Avenue Sales, The Savoy, The Sloane Square Hotel, Balfour Winery, Poolhouse, Hire It and many more. Most importantly, every penny raised helped support the fantastic work carried out by Kent Search and Rescue Dogs with the final count being £1500!

We were also delighted to support local, independent hospitality venues throughout the retreat, including The Rose and The Duke William. Both venues played an important role in creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defined the two days.

Sustainability in the Small Details

Sustainability was considered throughout the retreat, right down to the finer details.

Each attendee received a thoughtfully curated goodie bag packed with products donated by our amazing clients and partners. The bags themselves reflected the values that sat at the heart of the event, showcasing brands that prioritise sustainability, quality and responsible sourcing.

One standout favourite was Ben & Anna's natural deodorant, made using natural ingredients and housed in innovative packaging derived from potato starch. It was a simple but powerful reminder that small choices can have a meaningful impact.

When a Group Becomes a Community

Perhaps the biggest surprise of GoChella wasn't any particular workshop, activity or speaker. It was what happened in between.

When attendees first arrived, many knew each other only professionally. Some had never met at all. Yet as the retreat unfolded, something remarkable happened.

Conversations that started over coffee continued during countryside walks. Discussions from workshops carried on around dinner tables. New friendships formed around cocktail making sessions, wellness activities and late-night chats in The Snug.

The campfire quickly became the heart of the retreat. What started as a casual evening gathering turned into hours of conversation, storytelling, singing and laughter. For many attendees, it was the moment where professional introductions gave way to genuine friendships.

As barriers disappeared, job titles and business cards became less important. People shared experiences, challenges, ambitions and stories with a level of openness rarely found in traditional business settings. By the end of the retreat, nobody was networking anymore. They were supporting one another, learning from one another and building genuine relationships. What began as a group of attendees gradually became something much more. A community.

The Power of Connection

Looking back, GoChella 2026 was never really about the itinerary. It wasn't about the workshops, the campfires, the scavenger hunt or even the beautiful setting. It was about creating space. Space to think, space to learn, space to share and space to rest. Most importantly, it was about creating space for connection.

Looking around the room during our final lunch at The Duke William, it was hard to believe many of us had only met 48 hours earlier. The conversations, laughter and openness felt more like a reunion than a farewell. In a world that often feels increasingly busy and disconnected, those moments are more valuable than ever.

Thank You

Before we sign off, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make GoChella 2026 possible.

Not only did attendees leave with new connections, fresh ideas and unforgettable memories, but everyone also went home with an incredible goodie bag filled to the brim with products generously donated by our wonderful clients and partners.

The support shown throughout the retreat perfectly captured what GoChella is all about: community, collaboration and people supporting one another.

Thank you to everyone who attended, led workshops, hosted activities, donated products, supported our fundraising efforts and contributed their time, expertise and energy to making the event such a success.

Activity Hosts & Workshop Leaders

Goodie Bag Contributors

Raffle Prize Donors

From meaningful conversations and new friendships to campfire singalongs, community fundraising and plenty of laughter along the way, GoChella 2026 reminded us of the power of stepping away from the everyday and connecting with people.

If you'd like a closer look at everything we got up to over the two days, head over to our social channels where we'll be sharing plenty more photos, videos and behind-the-scenes moments from the retreat.

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us.

See you at GoChella 2027. 🌿✨

If you would like to explore how we can help you create a retreat for your team or clients, building connections, deepening relationships and unlocking creativity, drop us an email - where Stacey or Jon will come back to you for a nice cuppa (in real life or online, whatever works for you).

This is Goho
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