Personally we cannot think of a more perfect combination than Yoga and Wild swimming. One of our philosophies is “be inspired by the beauty of nature”. What better way to connect with nature than to be in it. We have been swimming wild in Wales for years, and we love sharing our favourite swim locations, both sea and lakes, with you on our luxury yoga retreats.

Our weekend 3 and 4 day retreats and extended 5 day retreats are a great way to relax and refresh and to fully switch off and recharge. Come and experience the amazing wild swimming locations that Wales has to offer. These magical retreats are suitable for anyone – solo travellers, couples and friends – that wants to escape to the beautiful coast of Wales, diving deeply into the zest life way of living.

Highlights

• Expert guidance in fabulous wild swim locations, both lakes and sea.
• Diving into crisp, clear waters, washing away all worries and stress.
• Restorative coastal walks along beautiful Welsh coastline.
• Warming up with a herbal tea and wholesome cake post swim.
• A variety of yoga sessions, both morning and evening.
• Healthy picnic lunches and wholesome evening meals.
• Relaxing and unwinding in glorious settings.

The Venue

Our retreats take place at Plas Cadnant. A stylish, secluded country house on the Isle of Anglesey, nestled in 21 acres of private parkland, which gathers together for your pleasure; stunning views over Snowdon, a meandering river, magical waterfalls, world renowned historic gardens, lazy meadows, mature woodland and an oak framed building perfect for your yoga sessions. Described as “one of the most amazing retreats on the Isle of Anglesey”, it is the most peaceful haven away from busy life on the mainland.

The Accommodation

The Coach house is the largest property on the Plas Cadnant estate, accommodating up to 11 guests on two spacious floors with an impressive upstairs dining /sitting room with large wood burning stove. By night, candles, incense and log fires create the perfect atmosphere for complete relaxation. Its wonderfully comfortable beds, crisp white linen, fresh flowers, views over rolling parkland and piping hot power showers all make up the luxury and style of your retreat at this stunning country house.

The Location

The stunning Isle of Anglesey hosts miles of coastline with trails, expansive beaches, quiet coves, picturesque towns and views to the mountains of Snowdonia National Park. Menai Bridge, the nearest town to the venue, is an easy ten minute stroll, and boasts an array of independent shops, vegan cafes and restaurants. The town overlooks the Menai Strait, a spectacular body of water with small islands sprinkled throughout, and is named after the impressive Menai Suspension Bridge that spans the island of Anglesey and the mainland. It’s all here to be explored and enjoyed.

The Gardens

Time and time again our guests say how spectacular the gardens are and we know you will be blown away by their beauty. Over the past 25 years they have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Winter finds the carpets of Snowdrops, then Daffodils bloom in Spring, scented Sweet Peas climb in the Summer sun and in Autumn, the vibrant red leaves hang silently on the trees glowing in the morning light. In which ever season you choose to visit, the gardens are forever offering tranquil spaces to just be.

The Yoga Space

Stroll through the walled garden, and majestic wooden gates to the oak framed building. With its lovingly hand crafted oak beams, high ceilings and under floor heating, it makes the ideal space for yoga and mediation practice. Bask in the rising sunlight during morning yoga and then enjoy settling down into candle lit relaxations in the evening. With the peace and tranquility of the surrounding parkland, it is your sanctuary from the outside world. All yoga equipment is provided, from mats to blocks and cushions to straps, so all you need to do is turn up.

The Swims

We tailor the swims to the groups’ requirements. So depending on how everyone’s feeling and what you fancy getting up to, depends on where we go. It could be anything from breathtaking coastal swims on the Isle of Anglesey, to floating about in the spectacular lakes of Snowdonia, to taking an active dip in some of the most stunning waterfalls Wales has to offer. Either way, you will feel invigorated and empowered as you connect back to nature. Your every safety will be catered for and we can provide as little or as much kit as you need. This retreat is suitable for all levels of swimming ability. Go to your team to see more about your guides.

The Food

Healthy eating is an integral part of our retreats here at The Zest Life. This invigorating retreat requires a lot of fuel, which we provide with our delicious plant based menu. You will be greeted with a warming cup of tea or coffee post swim, then it's time to dive into your wholesome picnic along with a hearty cup of homemade soup. In the evening you will enjoy a divine two course meal. We offer beautiful Yogi herbal teas for you to choose from over the course of the retreat and with three full meals a day, fresh juice and healthy treats in the afternoon you are sure to feel nourished.

Holistic Treatments

There will be plenty of time to indulge in a body treatment or two with one on our superb in house therapists. We offer a range of massage treatments, from Indian head and Swedish full body, to Tui Na (a Chinese massage similar to Shiatsu). Our therapists use organic therapeutic oils to ease away your stresses and strains. Each treatment is £65 for 45 minutes. Go to your team for further information on the therapists.

Yoga Teacher – Claire Missingham

Teaching yoga and meditation for over 24 years, Claire is one of the originators of the Vinyasa Method in the West and was one of the 2 first teachers to begin to train UK yoga teachers in the method, back in 2009. Enthusiastic and down to earth, Claire’s teaching method has evolved to be a formulation of traditional practices that keep the historical lineages alive while honouring biomechnical developments including trauma-informed techniques, kriya for purification and music as a therapeutic somatic tool for awareness and freedom. You will feel welcomed and inspired whatever your yogic background.

Yoga Teacher – Laura Bell

Laura is a yoga teacher and founder of The Zest Life. She has a personal and friendly yet professional attitude towards her teaching of vinyasa flow based yoga. A style that has come from her 20 years of yoga practice, focusing on movement with breath and alignment. Her classes with their inspired sequences and calming relaxations are set to rejuvenate the body and focus the chattering mind. She continues to practise yoga at a physical level and through continued meditation she has developed a more spiritual path to her practise, which she now incorporates into her teachings both on and off the mat.

Yoga Teacher – Katy Stylli

An ex-gymnast Katy's yoga classes focus on balancing strength with flexibility, and will help you find your equilibrium, both on and off the mat. Her sequences are inspired by Vinyasa flow, created to be physically challenging while tailored to ones ability. Morning classes will provide an active, full body experience that strengthens through stretching, breathing, lengthening and opening, setting you up for the days activity. The evening classes will have a more meditative focus, with time for releasing tension and long nurturing relaxations. You will feel restored and revitalised from this retreat's yoga sessions.

Price per person (including VAT)

Price includes

• Luxury accommodation with shared bathroom
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• Yoga equipment – mats/blocks/props
• Daily guided wild swims
• Daily guided walks to the chosen swim location
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner – wholesome and plant-based.
• Unlimited fruit, tea, coffee and fruit water
• Private access to the 21 acres of stunning garden and grounds at Plas Cadnant with its river and plunge pool.
• The friendly host service of the team at the retreat throughout your stay
• Wet suit hire
• Plas Cadnant is extremely comfortable and all rooms are finished to a very high standard.
• Linen, towels and toiletries are provided.

dates and booking

This retreat is very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment. We guarantee you will not regret it.

If you have any further queries about the retreat please see our FAQ’S page or contact Laura on 07989 512859 / email info@thezestlife.co.uk