Yoga, Brunch and Sauna

Yoga, Brunch and Sauna is a one-day wellness retreat at Hill Farm in Tintern, in the Wye Valley, United Kingdom. It pairs a morning of yoga and meditation with a sit-down vegetarian brunch and a long sauna session overlooking the valley. It suits anyone who wants a restful day out of the usual routine, with a moderate level of fitness and no need for previous yoga experience to be assumed beyond that.

What to Expect

The day begins with arrival from 9am, then yoga and meditation practice from 9:30 to 11am. Brunch follows from 11am to 12, served at the table, and the sauna runs from 12 to 2pm. Guests are asked to bring a blanket, so the time after the sauna can be spent resting.

Guests who have practised with Hayley describe her yoga as well pitched for all abilities, with a good balance between movement and relaxation. Her sessions are technically skilled but kind and helpful.

About Hayley

Hayley is the founder and teacher behind the retreats at Hill Farm. She began taking yoga classes 13 years ago, during pregnancy and after the birth of her first daughter, and says she felt the benefits most after recovering from post-natal anxiety and psychosis following the birth of her second. She has worked in prisons and at a women's refuge, and holds a tourism business management degree. After being made redundant from the charity sector while on maternity leave, she saw a gap for retreats in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, trained as a yoga teacher and began running them. She describes her classes as a "bottom up to healing".

The Setting

Hill Farm is a 15-acre smallholding of woodland, paddocks and streams, overlooking Tintern and the Wye Valley. Past guests call it idyllic and peaceful, and mention a yoga studio equipped with mats, blocks and straps, with patio doors that open the room to views of the countryside. Brunch is vegetarian, and all dietary requirements are catered for.

Transport links are limited but workable. The nearest train station is Chepstow, and from there a taxi to the farm is needed; it must be pre-booked. One guest describes the farm as about 45 minutes from Bristol on a good run.

Before You Go

- Fitness and ground: The farm has uneven ground, and care is needed when walking around. A moderate fitness level is recommended. The day is not suitable for women who are pregnant or for people with mobility issues, as the ground can be slippery, especially in poor weather.
- What to bring: Wear clothes for yoga, and bring swimwear and a towel for the sauna, plus a blanket for relaxation.
- Included: The yoga and meditation session, the vegetarian brunch and the sauna session.
- Not included: Travel to and from the farm, including any taxi from Chepstow, and travel insurance, which is advised in case illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending.
- Let the team know: After booking, every member of a group should tell the hosts about any injuries, illness or dietary requirements.
- Language: The day is held in English.