The perfect way to see in the New Year

30 December 2011 - 2 January 2012 with Dory Walker and Lila Conway

Cost from £400 sharing

Surrounded by countryside and the rolling Mendip hills, EarthSpirit is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Enjoy crisp New Year walks through the charming lanes and fields, take in sweeping countryside views and enjoy the peace of Dunhill nature reserve from where Glastonbury Tor can be seen in the distance. Come in from your walk and relax in the hot tub or sauna or sit by the wood burner to read or simply relax.

Start the New Year with long flowing yoga asanas practices, daily meditation, pranayama, afternoon yoga nidra and chanting. Set your intentions to start the year fresh, healthy, clear and full of energy. The retreat will encompass some time for quiet reflection as well as celebration through kirtan and dance. There will also be a bonfire and time to create and share together. 

Just five miles from Glastonbury, on the edge of Compton Dundon village in Somerset, EarthSpirit lies within the ‘temenos’ (sacred enclosure) of Avalon.

The centre is situated in a beautiful landscape next to two nature reserves; and just two minutes walk from St Andrew’s church, which has within its cemetery a yew tree over 1,700 years old. The seventeenth century farm buildings have been restored and specially converted for use as a venue. They are set within seven acres of fields and gardens.

The centre of Earthspirit is a converted log barn, with oak timbers, reed torching (lining the inside of the roof) and stone walls. The feeling is medieval, but with modern comforts such as under-floor heating and a large woodstove. The high roof and skylights create a light, airy atmosphere, making it the perfect yoga practice space.

There will be meditation and pranayama practice each morning, we will also be going on a silent meditation walk one of the mornings. This will be followed by the first yoga class of the day. There will be two classes in the morning and afternoon to cater for beginners and those with an established practice. After lunch there will be yoga nidra or a workshop such as chanting. The evening programmes will incorporate music, dance, bonfires and a space for creative sharing to celebrate and consciously welcome in 2012! 

The countryside around EarthSpirit offers the opportunity for wonderful walking and exploring nature, including the Dundun nature reserve. There is a hot tub and sauna to relax in and perfect to warm up after a crisp winter walk. There is plenty of space to simply relax, snuggle up with your book and look out at the rolling hills.

If you are feeling more adventurous Glastonbury is a short drive away where there is much to explore from walking up the Tor, shops, cafes, the chalice well and gardens and Glastonbury Abbey.

There is a range of accommodation in converted barns and farm buildings. The rooms are all comfortably furnished and heated, many with lovely views. Some with shared bathrooms and some en-suites. Single rooms are very limited.