There’s Glastonbury—and then there’s Glastonbury done right. For wellness advocate Richie, and festival legend, Rob da Bank, that means grounding all the chaos of The Festival with moments of calm, connection, and a seriously revitalising stay at The Pop-Up Hotel. The Pop-Up Hotel’s Heads of Wellbeing for 2025; Former rugby player turned yoga teacher and breath work practitioner, Richie Norton and Bestival festival founders, Rob & Josie da Bank speak to us about their love for Glastonbury Festival and the wellness programmes they’ve developed for this year’s Pop-Up Hotel guests.
Richie’s Festival Flow
2025 marks Richie’s third year staying with The Pop-Up Hotel, and for him, it’s not just a place to stay — it’s a sanctuary.
“It’s an escape from the madness of the festival. It feels like a family gathering, full of the best kind of people,” he says. “You can sneak off into the spa area, recharge and refresh your mind, body and soul. It’s a private, unique experience.”
This year, he’s especially hyped for the wellbeing programme’s standout feature:
“The collaboration with Rob and Josie da Bank and Slomo is going to be transformational. The music, sound, hot and cold contrast therapy, and breathwork—the energy will be off the charts good.”
As someone who leads breath work sessions himself, Richie sees wellbeing as essential, not optional, at a festival:
“You push your body to the limits. The wellbeing offering lets you recharge, so you can enjoy each day fully and not burn out.”
When he’s not leading sessions or chilling in the Healing Fields, he’s keeping it simple: snacks, hydration sachets, a reusable water bottle and solid footwear. His Glasto tip for first-timers?
“Don’t go too hard too early! Hydrate, eat well, and never underestimate the power of a good power nap.”
His most iconic Glastonbury memory? Elton John, sunshine, and first-time magic. And the anthem that always takes him back? Disclosure’s “She’s Gone, Dance On.”
Rob da Bank: A Glastonbury Love Story
For Rob da Bank, Glastonbury isn’t just a festival—it’s home.
“Josie and I have been coming to Glastonbury Festival since we were 19. We’ve been to every Glastonbury apart from the fallow years. It’s literally our spiritual home.”
He’s done it all—mud, sun, babies in tow—and this year he’s stepping into The Pop-Up Hotel’s wellness world with fresh excitement.
“We haven’t stayed at The Pop-Up Hotel before, but we visited with our friends from Brass Monkey for an ice bath—much needed during the Glasto madness! The facilities blew us away.”
He’s most looking forward to joining a talented team including Richie and movement master Renee Stewart:
“She has a background in dance and movement. I’m terrible at that, so I’m hoping I’ll learn to dance while doing yoga!”
Rob’s also buzzing about the new sauna and contrast therapy setup:
“Guests can wake up, enjoy a soothing sauna, and then an ice bath shock—in a good way!”
Looking back, Rob’s Glasto memories are legendary. From jumping the fence in the ‘90s (“Sorry, Sir Michael Eavis!”) to watching Massive Attack, it’s been a journey.
The Green Fields or the Stone Circle. Josie and I got engaged just near the Stone Circle and ended up there at dawn – it’s a very special part of Glastonbury for us.
“My favourite part is the Stone Circle, I asked my wife to marry me there many years ago now and it’s a very special part of Glastonbury for us.”
His dream Glasto campfire crew?
Joe Strummer, Prince, Elton John, Kate Bush, David Bowie, and Four Tet—who he’d have DJing late into the night.
But for all the music and madness, what keeps Rob coming back is the people.
“It’s the only place in the world where you can completely forget about your normal life. It’s diverse, democratic, and full of love. You never see any trouble. Glastonbury is the Utopian vision of the Eavis family, and it’s magic.”
Wellbeing in the Wild
Both Richie and Rob agree—wellbeing isn’t a luxury at Glastonbury, it’s essential for survival. Whether it’s soaking in the serenity of The Pop-Up Hotel spa or meditating through a breath work session, their message is clear: Pace yourself, hydrate, and take time to rest.
Because when you’re living the Glastonbury dream—mud, magic, music and all—it’s the little moments of calm that make everything else shine brighter.
If you’re already counting down the days to Glastonbury Festival 2025 (taking place from June 25th to 29th), you’re not alone! And as excitement builds for the iconic British festival, the Glastonbury insiders know the best way to upgrade their experience – by booking a stay at The Pop-Up Hotel, Glastonbury’s luxury accommodation.
