Tag: fitness

Chill out at the new Northern Lights wellness retreat, Finland

This is the time of year to chill out….literally!

What’s thought to be the first ever Northern Lights wellness and yoga retreat will open this March in Kilpisjärvi, Finland. The ‘Northern Lights for the Soul’ trip, launched by Aurora specialists Off The Map Travel, combines yoga, meditation, relaxation and healthy eating, with spectacular opportunities to watch the Northern Lights.

Nothern Lights wellness retreat, Off The Map Travel (1)

Based in a remote lodge surrounded by the fresh Arctic air and pristine landscape, this new retreat is a fantastic location to rejuvinate and revitalise body and mind. Running from 7th to 11th March 2016, the 4-night stay will be led by Europe renowned Mindful Journeys and leading yoga instructors from the UK. Guests on the trip will also be accompanied by Northern Lights guides and experts.

The program will focus on encouraging healthy physical and emotional habits. With yoga, exercise and relaxation techniques; a hot tub and ice hole; a nutritionally designed diet focussing on the health benefits of local recipes and produce; and a delve into local and international beliefs around the Aurora, this is an opportunity to not only see the Northern Lights, but connect with them in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Jonny Cooper, Director of Off the Map Travel and Northern Lights Travel expert said; “Anyone who has experienced the Arctic night sky and the Northern Lights will confirm that you instantly feel in awe of our place in Space. Combine this with the isolation and beauty of the Arctic tundra, experts in meditation, yoga and mindfulness and you have a perfect platform from which to dedicate time to physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Nothern Lights wellness retreat, Off The Map Travel (2)

A four night, full board exclusive Northern Lights retreat with Off the Map Travel costs from £1399 per person. This includes a private room sharing a Saana chalet, return airport transfers, daily yoga and meditation sessions, access to the spa, hot-tub and ice hole, optional 1:1 meditation sessions with experts, daily Northern Lights hunts and a traditional kota evening with a meal cooked over an open fire. This price excludes flights and additional activities.

For more information about Northern Lights for the Soul and other Aurora holidays visit www.offthemaptravel.co.uk, call +44 (0) 800 566 8901 or email info@offthemaptravel.co.uk.

Prepare to rejuvinate at new holistic yoga retreat, Mallorca

As we gear up for the season of excess, it might be a good idea to book in your New Year re-boot now…

The White Goddess Retreat, a new yoga start-up in Mallorca, Spain, promises to leave you rebalanced, refreshed and rejuvinated. Retreat organisers and the team behind The Yard (a lifestyle centre and cafe in Alderley Edge) have teamed up with yoga teacher Claire Farman (who’s clients include Gwenyth Paltrow and Sting) to create this brand new yoga experience.

yoga teacher Claire Farman at The White Goddess Retreat
yoga teacher Claire Farman at The White Goddess Retreat

Accommodation – scenery to inspire poetry

The retreat is set in the foothills of Deia, a pretty coastal village on the west coast of Mallorca, and gets its name from the well-known book penned by Robert Graves who was inspired by the surrounding countryside. Guests will stay in a stunning former 14th century monastery, Son Rullan, which boasts a tempting infinity pool with unbeatable views across the landscape.

Infinity pool
Infinity pool

Activities – yoga and mindfulness

Throughout the holiday, activites on offer include:

  • Daily 1.5-hour yoga and meditation class – healing Hatha yoga led by Claire Farman
  • 1 hour massage session
  • 1 hour personalised nutrition consultation
  • 30-minute astro-gemstone reading
  • Transformational breathwork
  • Reflective “Mindfulness” workshop
  • A trip to the beach with a picnic
  • Dance play and poetry
  • Art trips visiting David Templeton, a Mansfield-born artist and singer who has lived and worked in Deia since the 60s

 

Full board, of a delicious organic menu, is provided over the six days.

Prices for this six-day yoga experience range from £860 – £925 based on two people sharing, with single supplements also available. Check for further retreats in the future, as plans are already underway to host these gatherings across multiple locations over the course of 2015/2016 including, Wales, the Lake District, Marrakesh and France.

For bookings or information on further dates please contact ask Alex or Sadie at The Yard on 01625 586962 or email sadie@theyardalderleyedge.com.

For more information visit www.theyardalderleyedge.com

Recommended for… Anyone tired, stressed or suffering from overindulgence during the festive period

Be aware that… Although not all activities are compulsory, alternative therapies are on offer to those with an open mind (possibly not one for the cynics! Although, if it’s good enough for Gwenyth…)