Autumn Rest and Restore Retreat
Rest, restore and release
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th September 2024
early bird prices now sold out
Prepare to move from summer to autumn with deeply restful yoga and nature-based meditations and activities to help you connect with your surroundings, as well as your body. From restorative yoga to remove the effects of high stress, and gentle movement to create space for the breath, plus the relaxing meditative yoga nidra, this retreat promises to boost your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and help you to prepare for the darker months ahead.
At a glance
Discover the reflective and healing side of yoga
Calm your nervous system, boost immunity and balance your hormones with yoga nidra
Connect with the beautiful surroundings through silent morning meditation walks, nature-based journalling and the gift of free time and space
Celebrate the year so far, and make preparations for the darker months
Reduce feelings of anxiety, fatigue, stress and more
Time to slow down, reflect, and turn inward
Experience deep rest for mind, body and soul
Connect with the rhythms of the nature and feel a sense of connection to the land around you
The retreat
At this time of year we start to lose the light, and feel the wheel of Nature turning us closer towards autumn and a new sense of energy as we leave the lazy days of summer behind.
This is time to reflect on all we have accomplished so far, and reset our intentions for the months ahead, letting go of what no longer serves us, and exploring what balance now means to us.
This retreat offers the chance to de-stress, relax, and breathe more fully. We will practice gentle yoga stretches along with restorative yoga to help us find an inner stillness and relaxation. This can help us tune into what we really need as we prepare to move towards the winter months.
The inner contemplation of yoga helps us to face what we may have been avoiding, perhaps our physical sensations, or thoughts of emotions. Whilst this can feel uncomfortable, it is by being honest and open with ourselves that we develop a greater sense of strength and resilience.
We will support the relaxation process with free time, nature-based meditations, and on Saturday evening, a nourishing gong bath with Rainbow Vibrations.
We will also take time to celebrate all we have achieved this year so far, our accomplishments but also our personal and collective challenges. By acknowledging all we have done, it becomes easier to change our goals and expectations for the winter months, and allow us to settle into a more natural rhythm and peace.
“This retreat was more than I could have hoped for. I’ve got so much out of the course. Mel is made for this. Calm, kind, clear and helpful. I would recommend everyone to do this.”
The food
The food at Hawkwood is mostly organic, mostly local, all homemade, and totally delicious! You certainly won't go hungry on this retreat as we start the day with a delicious breakfast including eggs, toast, muesli, juice and a selection of organic tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are home-cooked with love, and include meat and vegetarian offerings, and the quality of the ingredients will boost and support your digestion (as well as the knowledge that someone else will be doing the washing up!).
Located within an enchanting 19th Century Grade II listed building surrounded by 42 acres of beautiful grounds, Hawkwood College is based just outside of Stroud, within easy reach from both the M4 and M5 motorways. A relaxed, quirky venue hosting a wide range of educational and nourishing courses and retreats and surrounded by woodlands, with simple accommodation, a generous kitchen, and a strong ethics at their core. I am always very honoured to be part of the vast and wonderful range of offerings here.
The venue
The Schedule
The aim on this retreat is to slow ourselves down. I encourage you to let yourself move at the pace of your body. You may be surprised by how tired you really are, so afternoon naps, relaxing with a book, or enjoying a stroll to the meditation hut in the woods are all welcome here. You are free to do as little or as much of the yoga as you like.
Find the draft schedule here. Please note, this is the 2021 schedule but gives you a loose idea of what to expect.
Bedrooms and pricing
early bird prices now sold out
Non-residential (breakfast not included) - £345 - early bird price £293
Shared room, shared bathroom - £415 - early bird £353
Single room, shared bathroom - £465 - early bird 395
Please note travel, insurance and treatments (where relevant) are not included in these prices.
Booking is made directly through Hawkwood College for this retreat.
This booking is handled by Hawkwood College. Please contact them directly for further information including any information you require on covid-19 guidelines.
Terms and conditions
Participants to bring yoga equipment*, plus a journal/notebook, pen, and any poetry/readings they would like to share with the group. There will be beautiful unique Tibetan shawls for sale from Mel. You may also like to bring walking boots and extra layers for the early morning walk.
*yoga mat, yoga bolster (can substitute with pillows), yoga bricks and blocks x2 each (can substitute with pillows), blankets for warmth - 2-3 is ideal, yoga strap, eye pillow, cushion for head
Prepare for your retreat
A note on self-care
A retreat can be wonderfully relaxing, allowing you time to focus on yourself and taking away the every day stresses of life. However retreats can also be times of emotional release, as slowing down often offers the chance for reflection and contemplation. It is recommended that you slow down before your retreat if possible, and also allow yourself time to return to the everyday world, perhaps taking an extra day off work if you can, and avoiding making any unnecessary social engagements or obligation.
It is good to prepare for all weathers, especially when retreating in the UK! For this reason, I recommend wellies and/or walking boots, waterproof clothes, comfy warm socks and slippers, a warm jumper or two, hat and gloves, sunscreen, and swimming clothes (when relevant).