Mindfulness for Wellbeing Weekend, Norfolk
This retreat in short
Highly recommended by The Guardian newspaper's travel editor, our boutique, small group winter Mindfulness for Wellbeing weekends have been designed for guests seeking a luxurious countryside retreat, within easy travelling distance of London, where everything is done for you. You will be spoilt with beautiful en-suite rooms, underfloor heating, wood burners, fabulous vegetarian food. Our programme has been carefully formulated to combine different mindfulness practices with soothing sessions drawn from the soft, contemplative aspects of yoga, complemented by mindful winter walks. A golden opportunity to slow down, unwind, let go of busyness and allow us do the rest. :)Dates & booking
Availability:
Why this retreat?
In a nutshell
In contrast to many retreat weekends, where there are up to 40 guests sharing rooms, our Norfolk retreats offer a very different experience: we have an exceptionally high 2:1 teacher/student ratio, and an average of just 10-12 guests, many of whom have chosen to book their own en-suite bedroom (an important factor for us personally, when searching for retreats for ourselves).
These unique and deeply nourishing long weekends draw on our own long-standing background from both the meditation and yoga traditions - though please note: the yoga classes taught on this retreat are exceptionally gentle and taught as meditation. If you are seeking physically yoga classes, this retreat will not be for you!
As a deep complement to the mindfulness, we will restore mind, body and soul with breath-work, mindful movement and super-gentle Restorative yoga, together with the powerfully relaxing practice of yoga nidra - surrounded by beautiful, peaceful surroundings where warmth and comfort prevail.
We are pleased to say there will be an absence of mucking in, drafty rooms or the expectation that you must attend all sessions!

The weekend has been designed for both total beginners to mindfulness, as well as those with an established practice, seeking a refresher. From personal experience, we believe physical comfort during meditation is hugely important, and take great care to offer different postural options (including lying down).
To support the intentions of this retreat, we will be encouraging you to turn off mobile phones and all technology during this short time.
All this in a framework of enhancing overall wellbeing at this testing time of year: over the four days, our formal practice sessions (which equate to almost five hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, though broken down into short individual slots) will be enhanced by:
Our host accommodation
Our gorgeous venue - formed of luxury en-suite bedrooms built around a central courtyard, in an expanse of countryside - are a fabulous blend of traditional and contemporary.
These old barns have been converted maintaining the original beams, lime and flint walls and the design has been modelled on big open spaces.
Handmade furniture and under-floor heating in the bedrooms and yoga studio are fired by the biomass boiler burning local, environmentally-managed wood chip.
These old barns have been converted maintaining the original beams, lime and flint walls and the design has been modelled on big open spaces.
Handmade furniture and under-floor heating in the bedrooms and yoga studio are fired by the biomass boiler burning local, environmentally-managed wood chip.
Roof-top solar panels ensure the whole site is run almost 100% on renewable energy.
The barns are surrounded by acres of floating water meadows, ancient trees, lakes and formal gardens for you to explore at your leisure.
The barns are surrounded by acres of floating water meadows, ancient trees, lakes and formal gardens for you to explore at your leisure.
Why be mindful?
It is a way of experiencing the world that is kind, open, receptive and curious, as well as being sensory-based. We all have an inherent capacity for mindfulness, regardless of age, sex or religion/absence of.
Over the last few years, partly due to over 100 studies showing its benefits to our wellbeing, mindfulness has experienced a huge surge of interest in the west. As on this retreat, mindfulness meditation is usually taught in an entirely secular way.
Regular periods of formal mindfulness practice in the beautiful yoga/meditation barn (shown right, and above) will form the heart of the weekend.
These sessions will be weaved into our day, with the Saturday and Sunday including four led mindfulness sessions per day, and two optional periods of yoga (including one Restorative Yoga session).
Most sessions will be between 30 and 45 minutes' long, with longer periods interspersed with group discussion and an intentional change in posture - and will be taught in a way that is as comfortable for the body as possible (for example: plenty of standing and walking meditation).
Formal teaching periods aside, we have ensured plenty of time for personal space and 'me time' - perhaps for soul-enriching country walks; tea and cake by the fire; chats with fellow guests; or simply time to read, sleep or be silent.
Foodie treats: what to expect
Our quite wonderful chefs will cook a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals over the course of the long weekend.
We will start the day by serving fruit, coffee and tea and then after the morning practice enjoy a much deserved substantial brunch.
Mid-afternoon we will be presented with afternoon tea, nibbles and a sweet something! A two course meal will be served in the evening.
Whilst we will try to accommodate all dietary requirements, we recommend you contact us before booking.
Our teachers
Lucia has a long-standing yoga and meditation practice. She has been teaching yoga for nine years, and meditation for seven, and is currently studying for an MSc in Mindfulness Based Approaches at the University of Bangor - one of the few internationally-recognised pathways for mindfulness teachers.
She is privileged to count Jon Kabat-Zinn, Christina Feldman, John Peacock and Thich Nhat Hanh as amongst her meditation teachers - having attended retreats or training events with these wonderful teachers.
Lucia has a special interest in mindfulness for stress reduction and wellbeing; and the integration of mindfulness in yoga practice.
In December and March the retreat will be co-taught by Vikki Stevenson, who has been practising yoga for the past 18 years. She takes inspiration from a variety of styles, with a focus on breath-led movement and on working with our own individual bodies to find a way of moving that suits us all.
Fast facts
Prices
Solo occupancy, luxury en-suite double room
- £799 per person
Shared luxury twin/double en-suite room
Shared luxury twin/double en-suite room
- £699 per person
Shared luxury triple en-suite room
Shared luxury triple en-suite room
- £449 per person (Limited availability. Female only).
For female guests booking alone, opting to share a twin or triple room: we will allocate room-mates.
Suitability
Both beginners and experienced meditators. Beginners to meditation or mindfulness should be willing to engage in a period of silence (as detailed on schedule).
All ages welcome; just bring an open mind.
Anyone interested in enhancing their own wellbeing in a nourishing, holistic setting.
Anyone seeking a luxurious retreat experience with en-suite bedrooms (which can be booked just for one person), plenty of space and a high teacher/student ratio.
Anyone interested in practising meditation and gentle mindful movement alongside soft, deeply complementary practices from the yoga tradition.
Anyone wishing to gain some 'me-time' or headspace at a time of year when the daylight is short and nerves perhaps frayed.
All ages welcome; just bring an open mind.
Anyone interested in enhancing their own wellbeing in a nourishing, holistic setting.
Anyone seeking a luxurious retreat experience with en-suite bedrooms (which can be booked just for one person), plenty of space and a high teacher/student ratio.
Anyone interested in practising meditation and gentle mindful movement alongside soft, deeply complementary practices from the yoga tradition.
Anyone wishing to gain some 'me-time' or headspace at a time of year when the daylight is short and nerves perhaps frayed.
