November Retreat Day
Rest and restore all layers of your being
Saturday 28th November 2026
You are warmly invited to this retreat day, which invites you to embrace the call to rest and replenish one’s energy, to tend to your inner life of sensation, thought and feeling, and take a pause from the treadmill of life. Enjoy the gentle yet powerful practice of restorative yoga, the deeply restful yoga nidra, contemplative time in nature, the sharing of creativity and inspiration, and importantly, a day for yourself, without any expectations or obligations.
At a glance
Practice restorative yoga to soften the body and create space for the breath
Rest deeply with soothing yoga nidra
Feel inspired, rested and nourished by poetry, nature and a a sense of connection
Deepen your connection to the season of winter, and explore the idea of having an “inner winter”
Tend to your inner life, with permission to just be yourself, just as you are in that moment
The day
At this time of year as the autumn colours begin to fade, and we move ever closer to winter solstice, and the darkest days, there can be a deep longing in our bodies, minds and souls to rest deeply. This retreat day offers you the chance to experience restoration for all levels of your being.
We start the day with restorative yoga, a form of yoga practice which focuses on softening, rather than stretching. This is a slow, floor-based style of yoga, which is designed to bring the nervous system back into a more rested place through the use of props, a slower pace, and the invitation to become more aware of the body and mind.
We will also spend time outdoors, weather permitting, taking time to see the beauty and necessity in the decay of winter, and reflect more on the idea of having an “inner winter”, for example, when we have experienced solitude, grief, or illness.
You are also invited to bring a source of inspiration, or something which represents winter to you. This could be a poem, prose, piece of art, song, or even something you find in Hawkwood’s woodland and gardens.
We will use yoga nidra to journey into ourselves, and find a quality of deep rest unlike any other, and of course, throughout the day we will be nourished by the delicious homemade food from Hawkwood’s kitchen.
This day will help you find a connection with your body, your energy as well as deepening a respect for the changing seasons, and an appreciation of what winter has to offer. All are welcome.
“This retreat has given me the chance to reconnect with myself and find stillness. It has been a peaceful experience and I am determined to take away what I have learned into my life. Thank you.”
The food
With morning and afternoon tea breaks including home-made biscuits and cakes, as well as a nourishing two-course lunch, your body will be restored and nourished.
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
Please note timings of sessions and breaks may vary slightly.
9.30am - First session begins - welcome circle and restorative yoga
11am - tea break
11.30am - Meditative walk to the woodland sanctuary followed by yoga nidra (with optional journalling*)
1pm - Lunch
2pm - Discussion and poetry sharing around the themes of winter, rest and more - please bring anything that inspires you that you would like to share with others
4pm - close
Price
£110 including all food and drink
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.
Terms and conditions
Wear comfortable clothes and have suitable footwear to walk in the grounds and woodlands (woodland walking optional).
Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and cushion to support the head. Mel will provide other yoga equipment, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Please bring a journal and pen for journaling, and a poem/reading/something you find inspirational to share with the group, ideally related to the themes of winter, slowing down and resting.
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).