A stones-throw from the cinematic waterfalls (wild swim anyone?) and mossy forests of South West Wales, the intention behind Soma was to offer a gathering that feels really homely and spacious, whilst also being a mini-immersion brimming full of all the practices and tools that reanimate our sense of aliveness as people; returning us to the innate felt sense of Wholeness and Enoughness that the teachings of Yoga & Non Dual Philosophy offer. A long weekend retreat to deepen in devotion to your practice, with a sense of mini-holiday too. It is our absolute joy to be offering this for the second year running, and this time our baby girl will be coming with us! Which we hope, if you feel called to join us, feels like a lovely thing.
The farmhouse escape of Golden Grove offers pure, dreamy nature for the weekend: acres of secluded wildflower meadows, wooden sauna, fire circle, sprawling views across the misty fields, cosy and generous-sized bedrooms, plunge pool, ceremonial space & studio with log burner. We can’t wait for you to drink up the goodness of it all (or welcome you back!)
Practices.
I’ll be sharing stories from the yogic and tantric traditions as themes – ones of the devotion of Hanuman, strength of Kali - which offer us as modern practitioners wonderful metaphors and tools for understanding our lived experiences in the world. Since the very early days of my practice, these stories passed from my teachers and many glorious dusty books have given me so much comfort and sense-making in hard and confusing times. They form the embryological beginnings of Yoga and give rich cultural context which helps to anchor our modern practice in grounded ways.
For me, playfulness, accessibility and kindness are all key components of meaningful Yoga practice, so injuries, post-partum, different bodies sizes and types etc – are all especially welcome.
Classes dance between strength and ease - we’ll enjoy extended somatic yoga practices to bring heat and openness back into the body, weavings of Qi Gong to restore depleted energy and fire-lit, spacious Yin practices as the sun goes down in the evening. In that liminal morning space between waking up and rolling on into breakfast, there’ll be a little time for subtle body work - chanting & meditation – to attune to the rhythms of the nature all around.
Song by the fire circle in the evenings, a treasure hunt (!!) and a full roast dinner on the Sunday feel the best way to wrap up the weekend with a big sense of community. Our dear friend Amy Copeland will be offering reiki and massage again, while the inspiring, hearty, and locally-sourced food are all be cooked by my partner Joey.
Reviews.
“I just adored it. From the setting, to the practices, to the food, to the people. Everything was lovingly crafted and offered authentically, and gave our group the space for what they truly needed and to be as they were. The yoga is some of the best I've experienced in 12+ years of practice, I just felt present and there and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.”
“elena knows philosophy so thoroughly that she delivers it in a really grounded non intimidating way, she makes it feel accessible which it hasn't felt before. Her ability to guide people towards the deeper teachings really is a gift and also so important as its often what gets lost…’
“The practices!!! The sauna!!!! The plunge!!! I really really loved the chanting. And the blend of physical with esoteric but done in a very human and real way. Also lots of space, nothing felt too packed in or rushed”
Where?
Carmarthenshire, South West Wales. We’d been seeking the perfect place to offer this for some time when we came last year, and it just couldn’t be more perfect. Nestled in 10 acres of wild land and adjacent to an organic farm (hello fresh veg!) The old barn conversion is rustic with a perfect amount of luxury to sink into - comfy beds, piles of rugs, sofas and oak beamed rafters, log burners, sprawling open kitchen looking out across the valley and fire circle. Golden Grove is both idyllic and homely - Rob and Lou who own it live there on and off when not travelling the world - so it has a feel that you’ve been there a hundred times before. A quiet bamboo treatment space for massage and reiki is tucked behind the plunge pool and next to the wooden sauna.
What’s included?
* 3 nights accommodation in an eco retreat space nestled in the quiet countryside
* 2 extended somatic yoga practices
* 2 yin & sound practices
* 1 yoga nidra & soundbath
* 2 morn meditation & chanting practices
* 1 philosophy circle (satsang)
All your delicious organic or locally-sourced meals, daytimes snacks and evening cacao.
Extra treats.
You lucky things! Amy is a dear friend and frankly incredible healer-by-nature that we’re so thrilled to be offering this retreat with again. Body and energy work complement movement and sound practices so naturally and Amy holds space in a truly nurturing and down-to-earth way that give a really rounded holistic experience. She’ll be with us all weekend for you to book in with.
About. Amy runs Hummingbird Wellness and is a holistic massage therapist with over a decade of experience in bodywork, including Thai, holistic, pregnancy, and remedial massage, as well as Reiki. Her approach blends skilled, therapeutic touch with intuitive, energy-based techniques to support a deep connection between body and mind.
Inspired by the rhythms of nature, Amy's treatments are grounding and engage the senses, inviting deep rest. Using natural oils, gentle cleansing rituals, and a calm, nurturing presence, each session is designed to soothe the nervous system and restore balance. She closes her treatments with a sound bath, allowing soft vibrations to integrate the experience and guide you into a state of profound relaxation.
The days flow a bit like this:
* Little lie-in :)
* 8.15am morn subtle body practice, mantra & meditation
* 9am breakfast
* 11am yoga & embodiment practice
* 1pm lunch
* Afternoon free for naps, hot tubs & cold plunge, hiking, reading
The Library members get £50 off any room booking, payment plans are available, and if you’d love to come but finances are tight, do reach out and we can make a plan for you.
Valley Views triple shared room - £595 (single)
Valley Views triple shared room - £645 (superking)
Cosy private room - £740 single occupancy, shared occupancy £565 each
