‘THE GREAT UNWIND’ Retreat Dorset
FRIDAY 6th September to MONDAY 9th September 2024 (Full - waiting list only)
Launceston Farm, Dorset U.K. (2.5 hr drive from London)
Find your tranquil escape.
Discover different yoga styles.
Swim, sauna, & scenic walks.
Enjoy delicious & nourishing food.
Relax & unwind.
“A chance to recharge the mind and body with an excellent schedule of activities and a warm environment. A real treat. ”
‘The Great Unwind’
‘The Great Unwind’ is meticulously designed to harmonise the release of stress and tension, providing you with the dedicated space and precious time you deserve to completely … unwind.
Unwinding isn’t just about lounging – it’s also harnessing our high energy moments to earn our well-deserved rest. Working with the rhythm of your energy, the weekend alternates between bursts of vitality –whether through invigorating walks, brisk swims, or dynamic flow yoga sessions—punctuated with moments of calm such as Yin yoga, yoga Nidra, or a soothing sauna all fuelled by our nourishing cuisine.
By the time you leave on Monday, you'll not only feel recharged but also equipped with the tools to continue this newfound balance upon your return home.
A perfect gift, whether for yourself or someone else, to enjoy a blissful 3-day stay in a sumptuous Georgian farmhouse nestled in the scenic beauty of Dorset.
Join us and discover the art of genuine unwinding.
“Sandra is a Wizard - her Yin & Nidra Sunday class has become a weekly staple in the diary to reset and restart. Highly recommend!”
The Yoga
Embark on a yoga journey like no other! Picture yourself exploring a diverse range of Yoga styles, from Aerial to Yin, all thoughtfully tailored to your level. Get ready to play, stretch, and discover newfound joy in movement all in a beautiful, naturally lit studio with underfloor heating.
3 days meticulously designed to restore your natural balance and revitalize your spirit. Align with your body's natural ebb and flow of energy…
Aerial Yoga
Fun flying
PArtner Yoga
So much fun
Yoga Workshop
Delving deeper
YIN yoga
Streeeetch out
personal adjustments
Tailoring your practice to your body
PArtner Yoga
Playing with poses
Journalling option: explore your own energy levels and your needs. I'll provide journaling prompts and ideas to help you to tune in…
By Monday's end, you'll leave recharged with tools for harmony.
Experience the art of true unwinding, where restoration meets exhilaration.
Example Schedule
Friday
• 5.00 Arrival: A warm welcome & settle into the tranquil surroundings.
• 5:30-7pm Yoga Workshop: Exploring ways to unwind, get better sleep & how to release tension and learn how to tune into your body’s whispers…
• 7.30pm Dinner: Our chef Harry cooks up a feast to satisfy body and soul.
• 9-9:30pm Yoga Meditation: Discover techniques to release thoughts and settle mind
Saturday
• 8-9.15am Yoga Flow (dynamic): Rise ‘n shine with an invigorating yoga session, with physical adjustments
• 9.30am Breakfast: A wholesome breakfast to fuel your day ahead.
• 10.30am Free Time: Intuitive relaxation, journaling, swimming, sauna, reading, massage, walking. Following your body's cues.
• 12-1pm Partner Yoga & Fun poses: A fun-filled session having a bit of a play with poses.
• 1.30pm Lunch: Delicious and nutritious.
• 2.30-5:30pm Free Time: Listen to body's needs. Relax, journal, swim, sauna, read, massage, walk, nap, chat...
• 5.30-6.30pm * Aerial Yoga: Elevate spirits, have fun. A playful adventure where the supportive hammock allows you to fly! (*depends on numbers)
• 7pm Dinner: Yummmptuous dinner.
• 9.00-9:30pm Yoga Nidra: Wind down with a guided meditation practice to prepare for rest.
Sunday
• 8-9.15am Yoga Flow (dynamic): Reconnect with your morning energy
• 9.30am Breakfast: Kickstart your day.
• 10.30am Free Time: Embrace relaxation/activities aligned with your energy levels .
• 12.00-1pm * Aerial Yoga: Elevate spirits, have fun. A playful adventure where the supportive hammock allows you to fly! (*depends on numbers)
• 1.30pm Lunch: Relish a delightful lunch
• 2.30pm Free Time: Consciously unwind.
• 5:30-6:30pm Yin Yoga: Melt into long held stretches and release tension with myofascial release techniques.
• 7pm Dinner: Celebrate and share a final dinner
• 9.00-9:30pm Yoga Nidra / Pranayama: Wind down, find deep rest.
Monday - Departure Day
• 7:00-7.45am Dynamic Yoga: Set a positive tone, align body and mind.
• 8.00am Breakfast: Savour flavours, fuel for the journey.
• 10am Departure: Carry tranquillity, insights into daily life.
“Sandra was simply excellent this weekend when she ran a yoga session for a Hen party. She went above and beyond to make it inclusive for the group, fun and very interactive.”
The Rooms
Launceston Farmhouse boasts 6 sumptuous bedrooms, each adorned with plush, comfortable beds dressed in soft, pure cotton sheets. You'll be pampered with ensuite bathrooms featuring natural products by Faith in Nature. Enjoy the beauty of the farm and picturesque countryside from the room's windows, as the abundant natural light adds a touch of serenity to your space.
Every room offers ample space to unwind including a cozy armchair, perfect for curling up with a good book or if you’d rather watch the 32" Smart TV . Three of the rooms stand out with added extravagance, featuring roll-top baths. These luxurious rooms can be set up as twins or a Super king-sized double bed.
Additionally, there are 2 fixed double rooms and 1 twin or Super king-sized double bed, all with ensuite shower and WC, ensuring your utmost comfort during your stay.
There is also a self-contained cottage, which charms you with stunning views and all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor heating, private courtyard with a bateau bath under the stars, wood burner, and a 45" Smart TV with Netflix and you'll find everything you need for a perfect getaway.
Whether you're coming with a companion, seeking a solo sanctuary, or sharing the experience with someone from the retreat, there is something for everyone.
“Sandra is a great yoga teacher and her classes aim to unify mind and body. Her yoga classes have a positive effect on my well-being.”
The Venue & Surroundings
Launceston Farm is a working organic farm nestled in the breathtaking 1,700-acre Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is plenty of space to immerse yourself in nature with awe-inspiring walking and cycling trails. (Why not bring your bike with you?). You can also wander through the property’s lush walled gardens and orchard and lose yourself among apple trees and frolicking lambs.
Beyond our yoga sessions in the cozy studio (did I mention the underfloor heating with bio-mass heating source?), there is also a 12m heated indoor pool and a soothing infrared sauna, to help ease away any stresses.
You also have the opportunity to enhance your stay by booking a spa treatment with a highly experienced therapist, and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on each treatment. (Explore spa offerings here) There is also an honesty shop if you need any essentials or are interested in some of the farm produce home.
The Georgian farmhouse has two sitting rooms, one for socializing, the other a space to read or for some quiet introspection (Optional journaling prompts will be provided). Discover the numerous nooks and crannies throughout the venue, with fireplaces inviting you to completely unwind.
“The retreat was outstanding in terms of accommodation quality, food and workshops. It really is very hard to find a single fault. I had the perfect balance of quality ‘me’ time and yoga sessions. The food was so delicious, the flavours were fantastic.”
The Food
Delicious Food
Food that makes you say mmmmh
Sample Menu
At our retreat, Harry isn't just here to cook; he's here to inspire. Every dish is a testament to his dedication, every bite an adventure, and every moment a celebration of the joy that comes from cooking with love and passion.
Meet Harry - Our chef
Step into the world of gastronomy with Harry, a passionate food enthusiast with a love for all things culinary. His journey ignited in his family kitchen, where sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas sparked his fascination with the art of transforming raw ingredients into delicious masterpieces.
Harry's culinary journey celebrates diverse flavors and textures, showcasing his passion for meat and innovative techniques. His expertise extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing searing, sous-vide, smoking, and roasting, as he continuously evolves his craft.
Yet, it's more than just the food – it's a holistic experience. Harry's commitment to wholesome eating aligns perfectly with our retreat's philosophy. While his passion for meat remains a cornerstone, he thoughtfully sources local and organic ingredients whenever possible, resulting in a menu that's not only delicious but also nourishing.
While Harry dreams of opening a restaurant one day, he currently shares his culinary creations on social media @spid3rmonk3y.
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Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Herbs (from the farm's free-range eggs)
Artisan Whole Grain Bread with Avocado Slices and Cherry Tomatoes
Seasonal Fruit Salad with Mixed Berries and Citrus Zest
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Granola and Local Honey
Herbal Infusions and Freshly Brewed Organic Coffee
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Greek Salad with Fresh Herbs and Organic Ingredients
Home made Warm Flat Breads: Topped with Your Choice of Grilled Halloumi, Tofu, Seasonal Vegetables, or Succulent Lamb
Roasted Vegetables, Infused with Zesty Lemon and Fragrant Herbs
Dessert Dorset Apple Cake & Local Ice Cream
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Succulent Organic Beef Bourguignon
Hearty Bean Cassoulet
Creamy Roast Garlic Mash
Seasonal Roast Vegetables
Mixed Greens Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Warm Artisan Bread with Herb-infused Olive Oil
Paired Perfectly with a glass of French Wine
A Sweet Finale of Decadent Dessert
PACKAGES -
Choose from our Silver, Gold, and Diamond packages – there's something for everyone. All our packages include delicious meals to nourish your body, invigorating yoga classes to soothe your soul, and access to the blissful sanctuary of the sauna and indoor swimming pool and a 20% discount to any spa treatments you book.
Silver Package
Starting from £638 per person (Early Bird price from £580)
This Silver Package has 1 twin room option and 1 fixed double bed options.
Indulge in a unique three-night retreat. Embrace the comfort of a sumptuous bed in your spacious room, complete with a private ensuite with shower, WC and wash basin, plush towels, hairdryer, and an array of Faith in Nature toiletries for your ultimate convenience. Unwind in the cozy armchair, creating your personal oasis of relaxation.
This Silver Package spans three nights and is a fusion of eight nutritious meals, alongside a diverse range of ten yoga sessions - from Yin and Nidra to Aerial and Vinyasa Flow. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to bask in the rejuvenating ambiance of the infra-red sauna and heated indoor swimming pool.
Complementing the package's delights, seize the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of optional walking trails or pamper yourself with a spa treatment, surrendering to pure relaxation and creating unforgettable memories.
Silver Package - Single Occupancy
Enjoy a serene sanctuary in a super king-size or double size bed. Price: £ 980
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £890
Silver Package - Double Occupancy (Shared)
Share the enchanting experience in a twin bed or double size bed Price: £638 per person
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £580 per person
Gold Package
Starting from £737 per person (Early Bird price from £670)
Indulge in the sumptuous rooms of this Gold Package, where relaxation awaits in three enticing options. Each room tempts you with a roll-top bath, offering the perfect reward after a walk in the serene Dorset countryside - soak within the room or in your private ensuite bathroom.
Unwind in the spacious rooms, complete with a cozy armchair that invites you to curl up and revel in pure relaxation. Each private ensuite is provided with plush towels, a hairdryer, Faith in Nature shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.
The Gold Package spans three nights and includes eight nutritious meals to savor, alongside a diverse range of ten yoga sessions - from Yin and Nidra to Aerial and Vinyasa Flow. You'll have the opportunity to relax in the infra-red sauna and swim in the heated indoor pool. (Plus, enjoy a 20% discount on any spa treatment to enhance your blissful experience.)
Gold Package -Single Occupancy
Enjoy a serene sanctuary in a super king-size bed. Price: £1090
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £990
Gold Package -Double Occupancy (Shared)
Share the enchanting experience in a twin bed. Price: £737 per person
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £670 per person
Diamond Package
Starting from £935 per person (Early Bird price from £850)
Seeking your own private oasis of comfort and charm? This Diamond Package is tailor-made for you—a delightful cottage that becomes your sanctuary.
Just like the other packages you enjoy three nights complete comfort, eight nutritious meals, and a diverse range of ten yoga classes - Yin, Nidra, Aerial, Vinyasa Flow -and ample time to bask in the rejuvenating ambiance of the infra-red sauna and heated indoor swimming pool.
The difference is having you own thoughtfully furnished cottage, boasting a fully equipped kitchen, cozy open-plan living and dining area, shower room. Modern conveniences such as underfloor heating, wood burners, Smart TVs with entertainment options, and a curated collection of DVDs and books enhance your stay. However, real jewel is your own private courtyard featuring a luxurious bateau bath big enough for 2, offering stargazing indulgence. And as an added bonus you can bring your dog*.
Complementing the package's delights, seize the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of optional walking trails or pamper yourself with a spa treatment, with an exclusive 20% discount.
Single Occupancy
Enjoy a serene sanctuary in a super king-size bed Price: £1210
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £1100
Double Occupancy - (Shared)
Share the enchanting experience in a twin bed Price: £935 per person
Early bird discount (until 15th April) Price: £850 per person
(*Drop me an email if this is of interest to you. Please note this is a working farm with livestock - there were guinea fowl walking outside the yoga studio last time I went -only well behaved pooches please. There is an additional charge of £25 for the dog)
FAQ
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No Yoga Experience Needed: Don't worry if you're new to yoga; this retreat is about embracing wellness, regardless of your yoga background.
Partner-Friendly: Partners can enjoy swimming, sauna, walks, and local exploration, even if they're not interested in yoga.
A Retreat for All: No matter where you are in your yoga journey, we welcome you with open arms. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, our retreat is designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward your own unique path.
Variety of Styles: Dive into various yoga styles, from foundational to advanced, tailored to your preferences and goals.
Holistic Experience: While yoga is at the heart of our retreat, it's more than that – a chance to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate.
Escape and Recharge: Think of it as a yoga holiday, a break from the routine, and an opportunity to have fun and let go.
Explore Beyond Yoga: Golfers and explorers will find nearby attractions like golf courses and picturesque landscapes to enjoy.
Design Your Retreat Experience: At 'The Great Unwind,' we celebrate your individuality. Whether you seek deep relaxation, exciting exploration, or a delightful blend of both, the choice is entirely yours.
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Because it’ll be great fun! And where else are you going to get the chance to try all these different types of yoga? And swim & sauna & walk & eat great food & be in good company in an amazing venue?
Relaxation: The weekend is designed to help you completely unwind and de-stress. (And hopefully teach you things you can then do at home too)
Flexibility: It’s your holiday- you choose how much or little you do. Everything is optional. (And improve your physical flexibility too!)
Inclusivity: There is something for everyone, even if you don’t want to do any yoga at all. If you do - my yoga classes cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Play: We spend way too much time being serious. How about rediscovering the magic of playfulness?
Nourishment: for Mind, Body and Soul. (it might sound like a cliche but it’s true…)
Even if you don’t do a single yoga session, come for the food! It is freshly prepared onsite by our chef and is utterly delicious!
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Comfortable clothes - something to keep you dry if you go walking (British weather is unpredictable!).
Walking shoes.
Swimsuit. Goggles. Flip flops for Pool. Towel for pool and sauna.
A good book.
A note pad and pen if you want to journal.
Slippers for the house. (only because I always forget these!)
Any medication you need.
I will provide yoga equipment, but you might like to bring your own mat.
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Booking couldn’t be simpler… click THIS LINK. This will open a new tab asking you to fill in a form.
Once I receive this, I will email you an invoice for payment(s).
A 30% non refundable deposit would be asked to secure the booking
The rest of the full payment would be required by the date on your invoice
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Full terms and conditions for the retreat are HERE and in the link at the bottom.
But here are the main points you might want to know about.
The deposit is non refundable
Booking cancellation
If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation, you will receive a refund of your payment (minus non-refundable deposit and any transaction fees) if and only if the space can be filled by someone else. I will help you to look for someone to fill your spot but is not guaranteed and you are strongly encouraged to find someone as well.
No refunds will be given for failure to attend or complete the retreat due to personal reasons or due to the pandemic.
Room sharing
All of the rooms (except for 2) have twin bed options. If you are traveling alone, and would like to book a shared room, I will strive to room you with another guest of the same gender, but I cannot guarantee this.
This is a working farm with animals.
Most probably I will bring my two well behaved border collies, though they will not be staying in the farmhouse.
Full payment
I will need full payment by the date outlined in the invoice.
The full Retreat contract can be found here and if you book you’ll need to agree to this. (I’ll send it to you my email)
I will also require a standard PARQ form upon booking too. (I’ll send it to you in my email).
The venue address
Launceston Farm,
Tarrant Launceston,
Blandford Forum
Dorset DT11 8BY
If you are unsure about anything, just email me.
“Sandra is a fantastic yoga teacher - always encouraging, she pushes you to do your best and yet still manages to make every class fun.”
Past retreats
YOGA HOLIDAY IN CROATIA
A relaxing holiday, with daily (optional) 2 hour yoga class looking over crystal blue waters. Stay by the beach at the 4 star Hotel Mlini (brunch included) and explore the beauty of Croatia. Here’s a short video.
YOGA HOLIDAY IN SARDINIA
A beautiful holiday, with daily (optional) 2 hour yoga class next to the warm, blue sea. Stay at the Grand Hotel in Porto Cervo (brunch included) and explore the wonders of Sardinia. Here is a short video.