Written by Robyn Pound-Woods
We were thrilled to welcome renowned life coach, hypnotherapist, and About Time Magazine journalist Gemma Perlin to Scarlet for an enriching start to the year. In a thought-provoking conversation, we explored her journey into behavioural change coaching, the transformative power of Blue Health, and her expert insights on cultivating a life of balance and well-being.
It was wonderful to have you stay with us recently at the Scarlet. What led you to become a behaviour change coach?
"I spent a decade as a documentary producer, telling other people’s stories, until
my own life demanded a rewrite. A health crisis forced me to pause, rewire, and
rethink how I was living. I had tried every approach, western medicine,
conventional talking therapy, nothing shifted anything. That’s when I found
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), hypnosis, and generative change work—not
just as concepts, but as tools that shifted me in real time.
I saw firsthand how the way we think, the states we
access, and the patterns we run shape our entire experience of life. And once
you see that, you can’t unsee it. So now, my work is about guiding others
through that same process—helping people move beyond stuckness, shift limiting
patterns, and create tangible change that lasts."
Can you share your top tips for prioritising your well-being?
"1. Your state creates your story.
You don’t need to “fix” your thoughts-you need to shift the state underneath them. A five-minute walk, a deep exhale, a change of focus—small shifts create big changes.
2. Teach your nervous system that growth is safe.
Most people don’t fear failure—they fear the unfamiliar. Success, change, expansion… all of it challenges the identity you’ve built. Instead of bracing against it, train yourself to feel at home in the new. Breathe into it. Move with it. Let it become part of you.
3. Stop waiting for permission.
Well-being isn’t a luxury, it’s your foundation. You don’t need to “deserve” rest, ease, or joy. You get to choose it now."
Do you believe in the concept of ‘Blue Health’ – how would you suggest guests make the most of the facilities at Scarlet with this in mind?
"Absolutely.
The unconscious mind speaks in symbols, sensations, and states—and water is one
of the most powerful environmental cues for deep relaxation and transformation. For me being by the sea or a lake is the place where I can really truly feel like I can be.
To tap into this fully:
1. Use the water to reset your state. Whether it’s wild swimming, floating in the pool, or simply watching the waves, let your body sync to the natural rhythm around you.
2. Breathe it in. The air by the sea we know carries more negative ions, which are proven to boost mood and energy. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Let your mind settle
3. Step into a ‘soft trance.’ Walk the beach, listen to the waves, let your thoughts drift. This is where clarity, creativity, and real shifts happen."
If you were to choose 3 words to describe how you felt before & after your stay, what would they be?
"Before: Overloaded, Driven, In My Head.
After: Present, Expanded, Deeply Rested."
Lastly, what did you enjoy most about your stay at Scarlet?
"The way space and time open up. Scarlet is designed for deep restoration, physically and mentally. It’s the kind of place where your mind stops racing, your body exhales, and you remember how it feels to be fully here. That is worth getting on the train from London anyday..."
