Awakening to the inspiration of Spring
Retreat Day in the Wye Valley
Sunday 1st February 2026 - spaces available
This retreat day takes place around the time of Imbolc, a Celtic festival which invites us to take time to acknowledge the shift from the quietness of winter to the inspiration of Spring. All around us we can see the signs of life returning in the form of buds on trees, sunlight increasing, and bulbs beginning to push through the soil, and if we chose, we can give ourselves the opportunity to reawaken, and bring more creativity and inspiration to our own lives.
However, the busy treadmill of daily life doesn’t always offer us the chance to tune in to our intuitive selves, and our own winter’s may not have felt felt quiet, and so this retreat day offers you the chance to rest, revitalise, and reconnect with all layers of your being. With a mixture of yin and yang style yoga, a beautiful eco-spa with hot and cold water experiences, additional optional massage, and delicious nourishing food to accompany time in nature and journalling on the themes of Imbolc, we can ignite the inner spark of creativity that lives within our hearts.
At a glance
A nourishing day for all of your senses overlooking the beautiful Wye Valley
Re-energising and calming yoga practice to both challenge and calm us - expect moon salutations, standing and balancing postures in the hatha style, as well as floor based slowed deep stretches
Yoga nidra to deeply rest, and awaken creativity
Welcome snacks, a delicious two course lunch and more snacks late afternoon
Post-lunch journalling to help us put into words any ideas, reflections or goals we have for the year ahead
An afternoon in the eco-spa, including sauna, hot tub and plunge pool
Option for massage treatments at additional cost - reflexology, massage, facials and indian head massage
“Mel was amazing. My first retreat experience and it has set the bar high. Very gentle but clear and understandable approach.”
The food
There will be delicious snacks and tea available on arrival (think energy balls!), plus a delicious two course lunch, and afternoon snacks to nibble on. You will be nourished with delicious, healthy and tasty food, all home made with love.
An eco-retreat centre in Barbadoes woods, Tintern, nestled in nature with stunning views overlooking The Wye Valley, recommended by The Guardian, The Mail, Time and Leisure and other publications. Appromiantely 40minutes from Bristol and an hour from Cardiff, this venue has the perfect balance of being easy to get to, yet feels secluded and remote.
The venue
The Schedule
Please note timings of sessions and breaks may vary slightly.
9.30am - Arrival and snacks
10am - Welcome circle and intro to the day
10.30 - Yoga with yoga nidra
12 - Lunch
1.30pm - Journalling and general time to rest, walk and relax
3pm - Time for the eco spa! Optional massage treatments available now. I am offering 25minute reflexology treatments for £35, included essential oils and an Epsom salt foot soak. Reflexology is a wonderful treatment which relaxes the whole body through the gentle pressure and manipulation of the acupuncture points on the soles of the feet. Click here for information of the holistic treatments offered by Hayley.
4.45pm - Closing circle
5pm - Departure
Price
£145 including all food and drink
SOLD OUT EARLY BIRD PRICE OF £130 IF BOOKING BEFORE 1st DECEMBER - use the coupon code WYE26 when booking (please note there are only four early bird discounts available so book soon) SOLD OUT
Two bursary prices available at £105 (excluding massage treatments). Email me to request a bursary.
Massage NOT included - more details to come but expect to pay approx £40 for a 20minute treatment.
If you’d like to pay in installments, email me to set this up.
See full terms and conditions here.
Terms and conditions
Participants to dress warmly in clothes they can move in, and bring a journal/notebook and pens, plus a swimming costume and warm clothes ie dryrobe or dressing gown and flip-flops for the eco spa. Walking boots for the site may also be useful. There is no need to bring yoga equipment as it will be provided, if you’d like to bring your own, you are most welcome. You may also like to bring your own water bottle.
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).