This 3-night break is the perfect way to boost your wellness this winter and get your year off to a positive start. Escape to the beautiful eco-sanctuary of the Centre for Alternative Technology. Allow yourself to slow down and reconnect, with daily yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, delicious food and immersive nature experiences.
4 days, zero-hassle and all this included:
- twice daily yoga sessions
- 1 yoga nidra meditation
- Guided mindfulness walk
- Tour of the Centre for Alternative Technology
- Hike into the Welsh hills
- Winter wreath making
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals
- 3 nights eco accommodation at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology
- Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise, including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure.
Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!
[botslot-winter-retreat]
For adventurers who:
Want to start the new year off in a healthy and positive way on a sustainable winter wellness retreat in the UK. No experience of any activities is needed.
Perfect for solo travellers or bring along a friend to share this small group experience. Age 18+ only.
Thursday
…and breathe
Arrive in Pantperthog, ready to check into your cosy and peaceful accommodation. Your home for the next three nights is the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). CAT is an eco lover’s dream set in the foothills of South Snowdonia, home to some of the most special landscapes and wildlife areas in Europe.
Feel inspired
Get acquainted with your retreat companions, before taking a guided tour of CAT. Learn about the history of the unique site and of CAT. Take a look at how renewable energy is used onsite and view the unusual variety of environmentally responsible buildings. The tour also takes in CAT’s beautiful organic gardens and some of the impressive 30 acre site, with its seven unique habitats including heathland, woodland and meadow, each hiding an amazing story and an important mission.
It’s impossible not to be inspired by the diversity of your surroundings and the ongoing sustainability projects.
Nourish
Sit down for a delicious evening meal. When it comes to dining at CAT the ethos is ‘straight from plot to plate’ meaning the menu is made up of ingredients grown in the centre’s own allotment or responsibly sourced from the local area.
Set your intentions for your winter retreat in an evening yoga session. Designed to start shifting stagnant energy, so you can enjoy the coming days with a clear mind and a relaxed body.
Friday
Awaken your senses
It’s time to roll out your yoga mat for your first yoga session of the day. Starting with Pranayama (breath work) your yoga instructor will guide you through postures to stretch, strengthen and release tension from your body. Ending the session with ‘savasana’ a short guided meditation to leave you feeling relaxed and ready for the day ahead.
After a tasty breakfast head out for a morning hike from the centre grounds. Wander into the Dyfi Forest and enjoy walking amongst the conifer and beech trees. Breathe in the crisp winter air, as you tune into the pace of your surroundings.
Today you will have the option to show your appreciation for your beautiful surroundings and take part in a voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails.
Get crafty
Back at the centre, tuck into a well-prepared seasonal lunch. Next, it’s time to embrace your creativity and make your own winter wreath. Take a wander around CAT’s gardens and woodlands, collecting beautiful natural materials. Back inside, learn to create your own wreath using CAT’s own coppiced willow and your own foraged materials. Feel your stresses melt away as your hands are kept busy creating your own little celebration of Winter.
Soothe your soul
Following a hearty meal with your new friends, gather for a yoga nidra session. Practised lying down, yoga nidra is a meditation that provides the ultimate sense of relaxation. With a new found sense of peace snuggle up in your cosy rooms for a deep night’s sleep.
Saturday
Rise and Shine
It’s time for your morning yoga practice. Breathe, stretch and reset. Your yoga instructor will guide you through another blissful practice. Take the class at your own pace, yoga is not about ability, but about harmony between your mind and body.
Mind over matter
After another delicious breakfast, wrap up warm and head out for a mindful walking experience. As you walk, let your mind wander, take in your beautiful natural surroundings and let go of the distractions that usually occupy your mind day to day. With encouragement from your guide, learn to use your senses to bring yourself into the present moment.
Checking in
Back at the centre take some time to yourself after lunch. Tea and cake will be served in the communal space. An opportunity to sit down as a group and check in with the intentions set at the start of your retreat.
Gather for a final dinner with your new friends. Connect, share experiences and enjoy your lovingly prepared meal. End the day by joining your yoga instructor for a restorative yoga and meditation session.
Sunday
A fresh start
Leaning into your new routine, participate in one last pre-breakfast yoga session. Sealing your retreat intention and perhaps setting a new one to take home with you.
What's included
- twice daily yoga sessions
- 1 yoga nidra meditation
- Guided mindfulness walk
- Tour of the Centre for Alternative Technology
- Hike into the Welsh hills
- Winter wreath making
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals
- 3 nights eco accommodation at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology
- Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
What you need to bring
- Comfortable walking boots or shoes
- Warm layers – Winter in Wales is cold
- Hat and gloves – to stay extra cosy on your wintery walks
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Yoga mat (optional – we can provide if needed)
- Head torch, to make finding your way around at night easier!
- Day backpack – to carry hydration, snacks and spare clothing
Supercharge Your Retreat
Give your retreat an extra boost with these optional extras. Simply make your selections at Stage 2 of checkout when you book online:
- Private room: we can usually accommodate requests for your own room, please check with us before booking
- Return transfers: if you’re travelling by air, rail or ferry – please contact us to discuss your requirements
What you need to know
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
- Bookings close 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure, or as soon as places fill
- You must be 18 years or over to join this adventure
Getting here
By Air
- The closest international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport
- It is approximately a 2.5 hours taxi transfer from either airport to the tour start point in Pantperthog or alternatively travel by rail to Machynlleth and follow the By Rail instructions below
By Rail
- The closest train station to the Centre for Alternative Technology, Pantperthog is Machynlleth station
- From Machynlleth station it is approximately a 10 minute taxi-transfer to the Centre for Alternative Technology
By Road
- The Centre for Alternative Technology, Pantperthog is located 30 minutes from the A470, and approx 2hrs from the M54
CONNECT WITH US