Movement, song, shared food, conversation, stillness, time in nature.
A stones-throw from the cinematic waterfalls (wild swim anyone?) and mossy forests of South West Wales, I wanted to offer a gathering that felt homely, whilst also brimming full of all the practices and tools that reanimate our sense of aliveness as people; returning us to the innate felt sense of Wholeness and Enoughness that the teachings of Yoga & Non Dual Philosophy offer.
Our farmhouse escape offers just that; acres of secluded wildflower meadows, wooden sauna, fire circle, sprawling views across the misty fields, cosy and generous-sized bedrooms, plunge pool, ceremonial space & studio with log burner. I can’t wait for you to drink up the goodness of it all.
Practices.
I’ll be sharing stories from the yogic and tantric traditions as themes – ones of the devotion of Hanuman, strength of Kali - which offer us as modern practitioners wonderful metaphors and tools for understanding our lived experiences in the world. Since the very early days of my practice, these stories from the mouths of my teachers and many glorious dusty books have given me so much comfort and sense-making in hard and confusing times. They form the embryological beginnings of Yoga and give rich cultural context which helps to anchor our modern practice in grounded ways.
For me, playfulness, accessibility and kindness are all key components of meaningful Yoga practice, so injuries, post-partum, different bodies sizes and types – are all especially welcome.
Classes will dance between strength and ease - we’ll enjoy extended somatic yoga practices to bring heat and openness back into the body, weavings of Qi Gong to restore depleted energy and fire-lit, spacious Yin practices as the sun goes down in the evening. In that liminal morning space between waking up and rolling on into breakfast, there’ll be a little time for subtle body work - chanting & meditation – to attune to the rhythms of the nature all around.
Song by the fire circle in the evenings, and a full roast dinner on the Sunday feel the best way to wrap up the weekend with a big sense of community. Our dear friend Amy Copeland will be offering reiki and massage, while the inspiring, hearty, and locally-sourced food will all be cooked by my partner Joey, (family vibes much?)
Reviews.
“Wow, I didn't think last year's retreat with Elena could be beaten, but yet again I return feeling like a well-rested, better, healthier version of myself. Her yoga practices are phenomenal… The best memories are formed with inspiring, supportive, fabulous people of all ages and abilities... I want to come back every year.”
“elena knows philosophy so thoroughly that she delivers it in a really grounded non intimidating way, she makes it feel accessible which it hasn't felt before. Her ability to guide people towards the deeper teachings really is a gift and also so important as its often what gets lost…’
Where?
Carmarthenshire, South West Wales. I’ve been seeking the perfect place to offer this for some time and it couldn’t be more perfect. Nestled in 10 acres of wild land and adjacent to an organic farm (hello fresh veg!) The old barn conversion is rustic with a perfect amount of luxury to sink into - comfy beds, piles of rugs and oak beamed rafters, log burners, sprawling open kitchen looking out across the valley and fire circle. A quiet treatment space for massage and reiki is tucked behind the plunge pool and next to the wooden sauna.
What’s included?
3 nights accommodation in an eco retreat space nestled in the quiet countryside
2 somatic yoga practices
2 yin & sound practices
2 morn meditation & chanting practices
1 philosophy discussion
All your delicious organic or locally-sourced meals, daytimes snacks and evening cacao.
Extra treats
Massage therapy & reiki with Amy Copeland. Truly, I can’t recommend Amy enough – her seamless blend of reiki infused bodywork, informed by her studies in Deep Tissue, Sports & Remedial, Thai, Pregnancy, are total bliss. Perhaps it’s a bit over-used, but she’s a real healer by nature.
The days flow a bit like this:
Little lie-in :)
8.15am morn subtle body practice, mantra & meditation
9am breakfast
11am yoga & embodiment practice
1pm lunch
Afternoon free for naps, hot tubs & cold plunge, hiking, reading
5pm philosophy chats & yin practice
7pm dinner
8pm fire circle song & stories
Prices
You can view the accom options HERE
Payment plans are available and if you’d love to come but finances are tight, do reach out and we can make a plan for you.
Valley Views triple shared room - £595 (single) SOLD OUT
Valley Views triple shared room - £640 (superking) SOLD OUT
Cosy private room - £740 single occupancy, shared occupancy £553 each AVAILABLE
Garden 1 double shared room - £595 (single) SOLD OUT
Garden 1 double shared room - £640 (superking) SOLD OUT
Garden 2 triple shared room - £595 (single) SOLD OUT
For friends or family wanting a little place of their own – we also have a Safari Lodge for £1600, recommended 3-4 sharing. SOLD OUT
Non-refundable deposit of £200 to book.