Inside Defender Camp, the Secret Wellness Retreat During Glastonbury
Jenna Ortega, Mahalia and Skepta all swear by it — and for good reason.
Glastonbury needs no introduction. The legendary festival draws over 210,000 fans IRL, hosts the world’s best musical acts, and attracts millions more via broadcasts. Celebrity sightings — and their enviable outfits and antics (Olivia Rodrigo singing along to Pulp, anyone?) — are just part of the spectacle. But what really keeps them going through five days of camping in the famously unpredictable British summer? Welcome to Defender Camp —the most exclusive and best-kept secret wellness escape, hosted to coincide with Glasto.
Now in its third year as the Official Vehicle Partner of the festival, Defender has been shuttling artists, staff, and VIPs around Worthy Farm. But this year, they went off-road — literally — with a luxe offsite camp designed for serious recovery. Think of it as the backstage pass to feeling like your best self.
Tucked away just beyond the festival grounds, Defender Camp played host to a roster of stars including Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, Idris Elba and Sabrina Elba, Sophie Turner and Mahalia — not to mention performers like Skepta, Jamie xx, Seth Troxler, Ghetts, Bashy, and members of Black Country, New Road. Between luxury tents, seamless transfers, and a next-level wellness offering, it really was the ultimate reset between sets. Here’s what was on offer:
The Spa
Curated by the dreamy Bamford team, the spa delivered custom treatments to soothe weary bodies and boost post-party glow. Glastonbury grime didn’t stand a chance against brightening facials and deep-tissue massages on offer.
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
Courtesy Of Defender
The Plunge Pool & Sauna
Contrast therapy – alternating between sauna sessions and icy plunges –were a real game-changer, giving guests a way to revive tired muscles and minds in a flash and a dip. The Bamford crew even offered guided breathwork to enhance the chill — literally.
Pilates
For a mindful morning-after reset, Bamford’s Head of Wellness, CJ Jones-Leake, led Pilates sessions that were as gentle as they were core-challenging.
The Hot Tubs
Yes, tubs plural. Two wood-fired hot tubs overlooked a lush meadow with views back to Glastonbury — the perfect post-festival soak under open skies.
The Food
Can’t not mention the culinary experience on offer. Chef Simon Stallard, of The Hidden Hut and The Standard Inn fame, brought the flavor. From legendary Bloody Marys to tacos, paella and scallops bathed in champagne, every bite was its own kind of therapy.
If you want another insight into Defender Camp, catch our Bae or Nae with Simran Randhawa over on Instagram. And, if you are interested in creative careers, check out our advice column dedicated exactly to that here.
