Spring Retreat Day
New beginnings and creativity
Saturday 14th March 2026
As we approach the Spring Equinox, take time to step off the treadmill of modern day life and give yourself the gift of rest and relaxation. On this day we will explore gentle somatic based movement alongside deeply restful yoga nidra. We will explore the idea of Spring as an alternative “new year” and spend time connecting with nature and sharing things of inspiration such as poetry as so to move forward with greater creativity and clarity. All are welcome.
At a glance
Practice a somatic style of movement which focuses on sensing and feeling
Rest deeply with soothing yoga nidra
Feel inspired, rested and nourished by poetry and community
Spend time in nature to contemplate and connect with your own true nature
Journalling to help you find focus as we move into Spring
The day
You are invited to this restful, nourishing retreat day with experienced yoga teacher and retreat leader Mel Skinner.
The day will begin with somatic style movement, a type of movement which focuses on feeling and sensing the body rather than doing or forcing. The benefits of this can include softening muscular tension, freeing up pockets of stress, and relaxing the mind.
This session is followed by morning tea and homemade goodies, and then we will spend the late morning in an outdoor creativity meditation. This will be weather dependent, but is likely to include spending time in the beautiful grounds and woodlands of Hawkwood, contemplating the energy of spring, new beginnings and of creativity. We will incorporate what we discover in a deeply restful and inspiring yoga nidra practice, helping us embody the sense of spring vitality.
After this follows lunch, then in the afternoon you are invited to bring a source of inspiration to share with the group. This could be a poem, prose, piece of art, song, or an object. This session is collaborative, and a wonderful way to create a feeling of community and connection in a safe, supportive space. After this session we enter into a final yoga nidra practice, with some journalling at the end, and close with afternoon tea.
“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 includiong home-made biscuits, cakes and fruit, 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 gentle movement
11am - tea break
11.30am - Meditative walk to the woodland sanctuary followed by yoga nidra (with optional journalling*)
1pm - Lunch
2pm - Exploring the themes of Spring, creativity and new beginnings, followed by yoga nidta
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 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 Spring, new beginnings and creativity.
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).