Hazelwood 2010

23 – 26 August 2010 with Sue Pendlebury

Cost from £340

It has, for many years, been a long held dream of mine to hold a yoga retreat at Hazelwood House, so I am very happy to finally have it on offer as one of our very special 2010 British venues.

Hazelwood is the perfect place for yoga. Sitting in a valley, surrounded by acres of unspoilt nature, this idyllic spot, shared with a choir of birds, deer and foxes is a haven for the spiritual seeker and nature lover.

An ancient oak tree guards the entrance of the house and the flowers in the summer are both stunning in colour and intoxicating in fragrance. As the night draws in to reveal its starry sky, the silence is broken only by the sound of its river and the call of the nights creatures. It is a place to unwind and return to that quiet place within. Space to think, space to breathe, space to be – is what Hazelwood quite naturally has to offer.

We will start each day with early morning pranayama, (breathing exercises) and meditation. Followed by morning tea, sipped silently on the veranda overlooking the valley, we will then begin a 2-hour asana class. Gently opening the body and attuning the mind to the breath, the class will slowly move and build into a flowing and dynamic hatha sequence, always incorporating the cultivation of awareness, physical alignment, breath and chakras (energy centres). The class aims to be suitable for all levels and yoga experience. Brunch will follow and can be eaten on the veranda if weather permits.

With time set aside in the day to explore and take in Devon’s exquisite countryside, and visit local sites, we will meet again in the late afternoon for a gentle slow and more meditative exploration of postures, kriyas, (the practise of awareness of breath) evening pranayama, mudras and mantra.

Evening sessions will vary and include dancing and singing workshops designed to explore and free our innate creative spirit. These are optional and please be assured that all creative workshops are offered in a totally supportive environment free from judgement and expectation. In Sue's creative workshops no-one will be expected to sing or dance on their own, or do anything they are not comfortable with. They are fun and freeing ... at times finding expression to our innate creativity can bring up some fears, but it is only in facing our fears that FREEDOM can be found. It is through the expression of who we are that we can find true peace and love of self.

After a delicious Hazelwood vegetarian dinner, we will gather together in the evenings for bhajans (devotional singing) or to watch an inspiring movie, or simply to hang out and chat around the open fire. Hazelwood is a place to feel at home in, to be totally at ease in and drop into a slower often more appealing pace of life.

There are also many glorious walks to go on in both its grounds and surrounding areas and some of Devon’s most fabulous beaches are just a short drive away, making it a really great 'English Holiday' destination.

Both the drawing room and the dining room have beautiful French windows opening out on to the Wisteria laden veranda, making the house and its environment a perfect setting. With its own water supply from an ancient spring and a river running through the grounds, Hazelwood is the perfect place to relax, reflect and refuel.

Hazelwood offers gracious and comfortable accommodation. Most of the rooms on the first floor have en-suite facilities and stunning views over the valley. All rooms have Hazelwood Bottled water from our natural spring. Tea and coffee making facilities are in every room.

For the hardy and more adventurous there is the opportunity to bring your own tent and camp.

Most of the food is sourced from the vast array of local, quality, organic producers and Hazelwood are proud members of the highly regarded South Hams Food and Drink Association. Sourcing 'real' food does mean that sometimes they have to substitute dishes according to availability.