Wellness Retreat
Beyond Resolutions; Finding Focus, Presence & Grounding for the Year Ahead
The best yoga retreats in the UK and Ireland for 2024
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER
3-7 February 2025
Endsleigh is situated on the border between Devon and Cornwall in the Tamar Valley.
Banish the winter blues
Whether you are looking to stay fit, consolidate your January resolution or just get started, join us for a wonderful week of yoga and beautiful country walks with Gianna Hewlett and Charlie Polizzi. I defy anyone to find a more beautiful spot in the whole of England. There is no traffic or aircraft noise, no light pollution, just the sound of the River Tamar.
Gianna Hewlett
Yoga instructor
In life, it is not necessarily what is important that gets our attention, but what gets our attention becomes important to us. The movement patterns we make with our bodies can reinforce or reshape how we think and feel. Through assuming the postures of the Yoga tradition, we cultivate embodiment: simply the ability to be fully present in our bodies and observe the wisdom they hold.
As the physical practice helps us to explore our inner landscape, we strengthen our self-awareness. We become better able to notice our habitual responses to the stressors and experience of being human and to create both a sense of physical spaciousness in our bodies, but also space from our thoughts and emotions.
As we learn to better understand ourselves, and sit with our thoughts and feelings, we become more grounded in the present and develop greater agency over our time and attention.
Charlie Polizzi
Breathwork instructor
Most of us only breathe to about 20-30% of our full capacity. When we learn to breathe more fully and open up our lung capacity we can tap into the ability to live more fully. We have the power to increase and expand all aspects of our own lives. To breathe consciously is to become utterly present and sends a signal to the parasympathetic nervous system that all is ok. Breath work allows us to alter our mood and gain agency over ourselves. By being in the now we allow the time and space for creativity to flourish.
Like any discipline it takes practice. We learn to use the diaphragm correctly, increase our lung capacity and feel the effects on our energy levels. Each breath has its own character effect and result. Breathe to clear and find clarity, breathe to ground, breathe to bring energy and breathe to calm a scattered mind. In this frenetic stimulating world we live in it is an invaluable tool.
Tom & Ben
Chef & Gardener
Chef, Tom Ewings, will prepare nutritionally rich menus for each day. Guests can enjoy a light or a full breakfast, light buffet lunch with a soup and a three-course evening meal. Guests will be given a guided walk of the extensive Repton gardens by Head Gardener, Ben Ruscombe-King, whose knowledge and anecdotes are restorative in themselves.
Tamami Benjamin
Japanese Reflexology
The therapy is deeply relaxing and effectively allows the body to restore itself to better function and reestablish its natural connection to the earth through the foot. Tamami believes in the importance of self care, and treatments include advice on diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Sessions take into account the whole person, assist the recovery process and promote a sense of wellbeing and harmony.
Steve Crummay
Walking guide
Wander across empty moors and heaths and discover the wildlife that makes its home there in the company of expert guide Steve Crummay. Steve has worked in conservation for over 30 years. He has established numerous new nature reserves in Cornwall, worked in otter conservation and created the Tarka Trail in Devon. He has written scientific papers and guidebooks.
The whole thing is completely enchanting, torn straight from the pages of Hans Christian Andersen
Tatler
Cosy beds & early nights
Monday
3pm Arrival
5pm Tea in the lounge
5.30pm Gentle movement and breathwork with Charlie Polizzi
7pm Dinner
Tuesday
7.30am Tea, coffee and juice
8am Vinyasa flow yoga with Gianna Hewlett
9.30am Breakfast
10.30am Meet for a guided walk on Dartmoor with Steve Crummay
2pm Vegetarian lunch of soup and salads
Free afternoon for a massage with Tamami Benjamin/rest
5.30pm Tea in the lounge
6pm Gentle movement and breathwork with Charlie Polizzi
7.30pm Dinner
Wednesday
8am Tea, coffee and juice
8.30am Vinyasa flow yoga with Gianna Hewlett
10am Breakfast
12 noon Meet for walk along the river Tamar to pub for lunch
1pm Lunch
2pm Walk back to Endsleigh
Free afternoon for a massage with Tamami Benjamin/rest
5.30pm Tea in the lounge
6pm Shamanic sound healing with Richard Down
7.30pm Dinner
Thursday
8am Tea, coffee and juice
8.30am Vinyasa flow yoga with Gianna Hewlett
10am Breakfast
11am Guided tour of the Endsleigh garden with Ben Ruscombe-King
1pm Lunch
Free afternoon for a massage with Tamami Benjamin/rest
5.30pm Tea in the lounge
Gentle movement and breathwork with Charlie Polizzi
7.30pm Dinner
Friday
8am Tea, coffee and juice
8.30am Vinyasa flow yoga with Gianna Hewlett
10am Breakfast
Departure
The best yoga retreats in the UK and Ireland for 2024
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER
Packing List
If you plan to walk then wellington boots are provided in all sizes at the hotel but we would suggest bringing all weather gear. We will be walking come rain or shine.
Terms
50% deposit on booking with the remainder to be paid at the end of the stay.
Cancellation less than 14 days prior to arrival incurs a loss of the deposit. Cancellation with less than 48 hours notice incurs loss of the full stay.
Single occupancy from £1620
Double occupancy from £2150
This retreat is designed for students with some yoga knowledge.
Hotel Endsleigh
01822 870000
The Royal Inn
