Forest Retreats offer a range of yoga and wellbeing retreats based at a spectacular eco-retreat centre overlooking The Wye Valley. Based at Hill Farm in Tintern, Forest Retreats is close to Chepstow and 40 minutes from Bristol and Cardiff. Our day and weekend retreats include both energising and restorative yoga, the Japanese meditative practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), delicious homemade vegetarian food and a wood fired eco spa with hot tub, sauna and plunge pool. Read on for how Forest Retreats yoga retreats for beginners was transformative for Rachel.
Be brave and start making the changes
Rachel had recently separated from her partner and was running a challenging business. She was suffering from anxiety, feeling stressed and not physically well. Rachel wanted something to help her start making the changes she needed to live a more balanced and joyful life. She had tried yoga a few times but didn’t have a regular practice and was apprehensive about whether she was good enough at yoga to attend a retreat.
Rachel nervously revealed it had taken a lot to call. She disclosed that she had never prioritised herself and had been having a really hard time and was looking for a retreat that would not only be relaxing, but would inspire her to make the changes she needed to. She had a few questions, such as was the Forest Retreats yoga and wellbeing retreats suitable for beginners? The answer was absolutely yes!
You don’t have to practice yoga to come on a retreat
We explained that the yoga throughout the weekend was dynamic and restorative, both adapted to suit all levels. We have guests who have never stepped on a yoga mat to those that have a regular practice. Yoga is a union of the mind, body and spirit and the physical practice is just one part that can help you feel more emotionally regulated, healthier and inspired to lead a better life.
It didn’t take Rachel long to get into the swing of the yoga retreat. Like everyone, it took a few hours to decompress from the journey, but Rachel quickly began chatting to other guests and tuning into what she wanted from the weekend. Rachel told us that she enjoyed the variety of yoga practices during the weekend – especially the yin and restorative yoga. Guests who are beginners at yoga (including Rachel) tell us that they use our retreats as a catalyst to continue a regular practice, either with ourselves (via Zoom or in person yoga) or a class closer to them.
Rachel realised there was a lot more to Forest Retreats yoga and wellbeing retreats than just yoga. She was surprised with how blissed out she felt after the Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), a meditative practice in the ancient woodlands around Hill Farm. She said she wants to continue this practice in the woodlands close to her home as evidence suggests it reduces stress, strengthens your immune system, increases sleep and boosts cancer fighting cells.
“I highly recommend this place as a must for your soul”
This is what Rachel had to say after the retreat:
“What an absolutely amazing weekend spent in the most beautiful location. I can’t speak highly enough of Hayley and Tom’s yoga retreat. It felt so relaxing and healing and was exactly what I needed. Was lovely to be able to use the hot tub, cold plunge and sauna and the treatments were one of the best I’d ever had. The food made by Tom was delicious, clean and wholesome. The yoga was wonderful and suitable for all stages of experience. I highly recommend this place as a must for your soul. I will be booking again next year!”
Rachel was looking for a yoga retreat for beginners and discovered Forest Retreats Yoga and Wellness Retreats offered a lot more than yoga, including delicious homemade wholesome food, forest bathing and a wood fired eco spa. She came away inspired and her soul was nourished by taking time for herself, and learning how take her of her mind, body and spirit.
Does your soul need some nourishment? Check out our retreats: https://forestretreats.co.uk/retreats/
