Lotus Retreat — Faringdon, United Kingdom
A holistic sanctuary, cafe and shop in the market town of Faringdon, Oxfordshire
The Lotus Retreat began in a small stone cottage in Great Coxwell. Carrie Rossiter, who had spent fifteen years as a freelance holistic therapist specialising in reflexology, Reiki and holistic massage, set it up about five years before the pages were written. She was drawn by the idea of working alongside other experienced therapists and making a communal space for healing, yoga, meditation and holistic education.
The team outgrew the cottage, and the Lotus moved to 2 London Street, at the bottom of the street in the centre of the historic market town of Faringdon, between Oxford and Swindon. Rossiter's stated aim is a space that itself inspires a sense of deep inner peace and nurturing. A regular client describes it as a sanctuary from the stresses of life.
Treatments run wide: reflexology, Reiki, acupuncture, kinesiology, crystal healing, and a range of massage that includes lymphatic drainage, pregnancy, Ayurvedic marma and Indian head massage. Counselling, psychotherapy and life coaching sit alongside them. Daily yoga classes cover hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa flow and restorative styles, with meditation, pilates and Tai Chi also on the timetable. Workshops cover dowsing, Reiki, meditation and personal development, and courses cover Reiki, kinesiology and shamanic healing.
India runs through the building. The boutique sells jewellery, clothes, singing bowls, block-printed fabrics, paintings and pashminas that Rossiter sources on her travels, and a cafe serves local artisan coffee and cakes. The Retreat is also the headquarters of Lotus India Adventures, which Rossiter founded to organise bespoke tours of India, including yoga and meditation journeys. The space is also available to rent for workshops and events.
Traditions: Reiki, Reflexology, Ayurvedic Marma Massage, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Shamanic Healing
Programs: Reiki Courses (levels one, two and masters), Kinesiology Courses, Shamanic Healing Courses, Daily Yoga Classes, Meditation Classes, Tai Chi Classes, Dowsing Workshops, Lotus India Adventures Tours