Yoga & Cold Water Retreat

The Yoga & Cold Water Retreat in the Lake District, England, is a small-group yoga retreat that pairs yoga with cold water immersion in one of Britain's best-loved landscapes. It is led by Leo Oppenheim and run by Zest Life, a company that organises yoga retreats across the UK and abroad. It suits people who feel most themselves outdoors, by the water and in the fresh air.

What to Expect

The retreat brings together two things: yoga practice and time in cold water. The idea is movement and rest in equal measure, with enough space to switch off if you are someone who feels constantly "on". Yoga sits alongside the cold water sessions rather than being an add-on to them, so the days take their shape from both.

The retreat runs in two formats. The long weekend is three nights. The mid-week stay is four nights and gives a little more room to settle in. Zest Life keeps its groups small, which matters when you are practising yoga and entering cold water with other people. You can expect to be seen and looked after rather than lost in a crowd.

About Leo Oppenheim

Leo Oppenheim leads the Yoga & Cold Water retreats in the Lake District, and also teaches the Yoga & Cold Water and Yoga, Cold Water & Breathwork weekends that Zest Life runs in North Wales. Cold water is a regular part of his teaching, so you are guided by someone who works with it often rather than meeting it for the first time on the day.

The Setting

The Lake District is a national park of lakes, fells and open water in the north-west of England. It is a natural home for a retreat built around being outdoors and in the water. Zest Life is clear that everything is thoughtfully taken care of, so the practical side of the stay is handled for you and your attention can stay on the yoga and the water.

Before You Go

This retreat is a good fit if you want to travel but not alone, since many guests come on their own and meet the group there. If you are unsure whether it is right for you, or want to ask about fitness, rooms or what to bring, Zest Life invites questions and will talk you through your options before you decide.