Beach training, Cornwall
This outdoor workout program near Newquay sounds strenuous, but is aimed at all levels. Everyone has a consultation beforehand to set goals before delving into beach circulation training, trail runs, coastal walks, core and strength training, boxing exercises, and guided stretching. Classes take advantage of the surrounding area, from sand sprints to climbing stairs on the Bedruthan Steps, as well as a hike or run around the Seven Bays, a series of sandy beaches near St. Merryn. It is located in the Watergate Bay Hotel right on the beach with a pool, spa and three restaurants.
From £ 510 for three nights with breakfast, next retreat on November 5th, hillbeachfitnessretreats.com
Painting and Comedy Class, Isle of Wight
This is the first year in more than four decades that Skyros Holidays has not been able to conduct a creative retreat in Greece. On the other hand, it has expanded its British retreat set in a country house in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. There are two retreats a week through mid-November, covering a range of skills, from watercolor painting to comedy writing to singing. The number of guests is limited to allow social distance. All workshops and meals take place outdoors when the weather is nice. Between the courses and activities, there is time to explore the island on coastal walks.
From £ 295 for two nights and £ 525 for four nights on skyros.com
Wild swimming, Anglesey or the Hebrides
Sea swimming in the Hebrides
If you want to combine wild swimming in lakes and the ocean with yoga and meditation, head to Plas Cadnant, an Anglesey country house with 21 acres of parkland, a river and waterfalls. Zest Life’s retreat includes yoga sessions outdoors, in the sunshine, or in a purpose-built oak-framed studio. Meals are plant-based and guests can choose between two, three, or four nights. They are suitable for all swimming abilities. Alternatively, Immerse Hebrides offers wild seaside resorts on the Isle of Lewis overlooking the beautiful beaches and nearby uninhabited islands.
Anglesey: From £ 470 / £ 515 / £ 680 for two, three or four nights, there are three retreats available this month, thezestlife.co.uk. Hebrides: Three-night retreats from £ 375 self-catering (date TBC) or £ 665 full board (next May 21st), immersehebrides.com
Sea kayaking, Pembrokeshire
Photo: Alamy
During this break along the Pembrokeshire coast, kayakers paddle from Porthclais Harbor to Newgale Beach for two days and spend the night on a secluded beach only accessible by sea. On the way there is time to explore caves, learn bush art, food and fish – the catch of the day is cooked over an open fire. The operator, Much Better Adventures, has a range of outdoor breaks in the UK and beyond, including a surf, yoga and wilderness camping weekend in Cornwall (from £ 159 for one night, next retreat on September 12th).
From £ 260 for one night, next retreat May 8th, 2021, muchbetteradventures.comMindful Canoeing, Devon
The Sharpham Trust hosts forest residences that focus on mindfulness in nature on its 120-acre property near Totnes. An unusual option is the retreat by canoe, where the ebb and flow of the water and the rhythmic paddling promote awareness. Paddlers go on daily excursions on the Dart River, take part in guided meditation, relaxation, and group sessions interspersed with periods of silence, and sleep in bell tents in the forest. The food is local and vegetarian, there are hiking trails and gardens to explore, and a small swimming pool. If that all sounds too worthy, they also have their own vineyard and dairy with daily cheese and wine tastings. Retreats sell out fast – the best way to get a seat is to join the mailing list at sharphamtrust.org/subscribe.
From £ 395 for three nights, next retreat June 2021, sharphamtrust.org
Girls only paddleboarding, Cornwall
Gutsy Girls hosts women-only paddleboarding retreats at Gwel an Mor, a spa resort in Portreath, Cornwall. Weekends include two coastal paddleboarding tours from locations like Sennen Cove, four sunrise and sunset beach yoga classes, use of the spa facilities, and healthy meals from a private chef. The property is a lodge 10 minutes from the beach and has a hot tub. You can also use the indoor pool, gym, tennis courts and running tracks. No paddleboard experience is required and 90% of guests travel alone.
From £ 649 for three nights, next retreat October 2nd and 9th, May 7th and 28th and June 11th, gutsygirls.co.uk
Forest Yoga, Somerset
On the wilderness weekend in the Cairngorms, guests stay in cabins
Reclaim Yourself offers yoga retreats around the world, from a farm in Finnish Lapland to a private island in Panama. There are some options in the UK too, like wilderness weekends in the Cairngorms or a digital detox at a Bedfordshire mansion. The three-day forest retreat takes place at an off-grid glampsite near Bath with tents, yurts, and log cabins. It includes five yoga classes / workshops, use of the wooden sauna and all meals prepared on a cast iron stove by a chef who specializes in outdoor cooking. It’s also time for forest walks and swimming in the nearby lake.
From £ 350 for three nights, next retreat Jun 25, 2021, reclaimyourself.co.uk
Climbing, North Yorkshire
Valley View is a small retreat near Whitby in the middle of the woods between moors and the sea. Group retreats won’t be held again until next year, but private retreats are available for solo travelers or small groups of family members and friends (from £ 285 for two nights). One option is a climbing and yoga break, which includes two days of sandstone rock climbing in the North York Moors, plus optional rappelling. It is suitable for beginners, but experienced climbers can learn rigging and lead climbing techniques. Climbers warm up with a stimulating vinyasa flow class and cool down with a stretching and relaxing session on the cliffs. The retreat includes all meals (vegetarian and vegan) including afternoon tea before departure on the third day.
Climbing and yoga retreats from £ 375 per person for two nights, suitable for groups of three to six people, yogandspice.com
Hiking and Forest Bathing, Lake District
Trees full of fall colors at Tarn Hows, with the bare slopes of Wetherlam in the background. Photo: Richard Derwent
The Adventure Yogi offers three hiking and yoga retreats per year in a guest house near Hawkshead in the Lake District. A mountain guide leads a hike on the first day, a gentler walk to Tarn Hows on the second day for a picnic and a swim in the forest. Each day begins with a stimulating yoga class in a garden studio overlooking the hills and ends with restorative yoga and meditation. The food is plant-based and prepared by specialized retreat cooks. Other options include yoga, surfing, and coastal walks in Cornwall (next retreat on October 9th).
From £ 565 for three nights, next retreat on April 5th and June 3rd, 2021, abenteueryogi.com
Pilates and Nordic Walking, Peak District
HF Holidays offers body and mind breaks with activities such as tai chi and meditation in a variety of locations across the UK including Northumberland, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales. The next retreat is a yoga and hiking vacation in the Peaks (from £ 334 for three nights, Nov 6). Looking ahead to 2021, there will be a four-day Pilates and Nordic walking break in the same location with Pilates twice a day, daily guided Nordic hikes and afternoons to explore the local sights. Dovedale and the Tissington Trail are less than a mile away. The guests live in a country house in the village of Thorpe. The meal includes a five-course meal of local dishes such as wild sausage and Derbyshire oat cake, Chatsworth lamb and Bakewell cake with Peak Dairy ice cream.
From £ 529pp for four nights, next retreat September 13th 2021, hfholidays.co.uk
