The popularity of mindfulness and meditation is on the rise and with it comes a clearer mind, a positive outlook and an abundance of retreats to indulge in. From beginner courses to the more advanced, countryside dwellings to luxury spas, we round up the best of what’s on offer in the U.K. over the next six months to inspire your getaway wishlist.
The Zest Life
The festive season can be particularly hectic but fear not, The Zest Life has pre-empted the madness and scheduled a relaxing 5 star retreat at Silverholme, Lake Windermere, to ensure you’re rested and ready for what lies ahead. The weekend itinerary includes four sessions of meditation teamed with yoga, time for personal and group relaxation the opportunity to book in for a massage with the in-house therapists. Much like most of the retreats in our line-up, all food is vegetarian or vegan and designed to nourish the body and complement the regime. Enjoy the luxury Georgian manor house, long walks in the surrounding countryside and the chance to switch off guilt-free for an entire, blissful weekend.
Sharpham House offers a whole range of retreat options, from Mindfulness for Beginners to a more intensive alternative; Taking Mindfulness Deeper. Designed for those who have undergone an 8-week course prior to the retreat, this 5-night getaway is a way of consolidating the skills and techniques you’ve already learnt and deepening your knowledge of the practice. All sessions are lead by talented Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teachers and optional yoga sessions are available should you wish to vary your activity. Located in a Georgian mansion in Devon and surrounded by some of the county’s most breathtaking views, it comes as no surprise that connecting with the natural world has become a running theme. One for the advanced, the Taking Mindfulness Deeper retreat runs at the end of October this year.
Founded by London-based yoga instructor, Steffy White, White Light Yoga offers a number of events throughout the year, from day retreats in the center of the city to something a little more spiritual Ibiza. September’s listing is based in beautiful Somerset and it places focus on gratitude, offering a chance to embrace the turn of the season and reset your mind to focus on everything that you have achieved so far this year. Yoga sessions will take place in the location’s purpose-built yurt and the itinerary includes a gratitude circle around the Full Moon bonfire, long walks in the picturesque countryside, the opportunity for massage, dynamic and yin yoga classes and of course, meditation. The perfect opportunity to reflect, reset and cleanse the mind, White Light Yoga Retreats cannot come more highly recommended. Steffy is an inspiration and her passion is infectious; expect focused practice that’s always laced with an element of fun.
20th – 22nd September 2017
Prices range from £395 pp to £550 pp depending on accommodation
Whether you’re a little unsure about committing to a full mindfulness retreat or you’re simply looking for some precious time away from the stresses of the everyday, the Mindfulness Matters day retreat could be just what you’re looking for. Offering six hours of focus and escapism whereby you’ll explore various meditation techniques and exercises, it’s not only about the then and there but it provides takeaways that can be incorporated into life outside the room. The day will mostly take place in silence and will include mindful eating as well as a spiritual exercise in the afternoon. Past sessions have include a sound bath, a tai chi class and creative mandala work, so you’ll gain a true understanding of the opportunities surrounding the practice by exploring its many avenues.
If you’re looking for a wholesome, rewarding retreat with a little luxury to boot, then Lucia Cockcroft and Vikki Stevenson’s long weekend in the rolling Norfolk countryside is the one for you. Set in a beautiful manor house where most bedrooms are private and there’s no expectation of you to help with the washing up, it’s a real chance to unwind and place focus on the reasons why you’re there. The weekend schedule is primarily based upon exploring different mindfulness practices and sessions draw from the contemplative aspects of yoga practice as opposed to the physical, so it’s perfect for beginners as well as those looking to refresh their practice. The December retreat will be lead by Lucia, who has a special interest in how mindfulness can help to reduce stress, and techniques will span everything from yoga Nidra to mindful winter walks. Shut down your laptop, turn off your phone and succumb to the possibilities that a little rest bite can do for your mental wellbeing.
1st – 4th December 2017
Prices range from £399 to £699 depending on accommodation
Set in a Champneys spa in Tring and inclusive of the location’s facilities throughout your 5-night stay, the last mindfulness and meditation retreat on our hit list is completely unique. It’s lead by Mind Fitness Coach, Steve Braithwaite, who takes daily two hour seminars surrounding how best to adapt your way of thinking and adopt effective strategies to use throughout your life. The focus is on connecting to the soul and you will come away having learnt techniques to relax and clear your mind, improve your sleep and create your own positive emotions to achieve a brighter outlook on life. For your body, take advantage of the thalassotherapy session; a specially designed pool that contains a detoxing combination of salt water and minerals. Come away feeling restored, at peace and just a little pampered.
