Yoga retreat in Somerset

Yoga

This yoga retreat is led by Margherita Dal Pra, the founder of YogaM. Margherita is a very experienced yoga and meditation teacher with 14 years of teaching experience. Her classes are a synthesis of Anusara bio-mechanical principles of alignment, along with heart-centered themes and the lineage and depth of knowledge of Tantric Hatha energetics in the Para Yoga® style. Read more about her background here.

This yoga retreat is open to all ages and levels of fitness and experience. Every session will have attention to detail (alignment), awareness of breath (pranayama), openness to grace (attitude) and intelligent sequencing (vinyasa krama). The morning yoga classes will be more upbeat and energizing, and the afternoon classes more relaxed.

All sessions will be adapted to the group and modifications of the poses will be offered to cater for all participants and to ensure that everyone is receiving the benefits of the practice and individual attention.

Programme

Our weekend will begin on Friday evening at 6.00 pm with a gentle asana practice and the deep relaxation of yoga nidra, followed by dinner at 8.00 pm.After breakfast on Saturday, we will practise from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm (asana, pranayama and meditation). After lunch you will be free to explore the gardens or the countryside, or just to chill out. Our afternoon class will be from 5.00 to 7.00 pm, and will introduce more pranayama and meditation techniques. Saturday dinner will be at 7.30 pm. Sunday morning’s class will be from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm, and will again incorporate asana, pranayama and meditation. Lunch will follow with farewell.

Also on offer are beautiful countryside walks, delicious wholesome organic food, fireside chats, new friends and the space to just be…

Location

Set in 42 acres of private land, this beautiful retreat space is encircled by seven hundred acres of ancient forest. Sustainability and comfort are at the forefront of the 42 acres vision, with reclaimed materials used to outfit the interiors of the property, plus all of the power is renewable and self generated through biomass and solar.

Accommodation

Accommodation options range from dormitories to twin’s and single rooms (ensuite options available) with luxury linen and towels provided. The centre has several communal spaces including a library and a meeting and reading space.

Food

Resident head chef Mark Mabon is as passionate about foraging and sourcing local, ethical and sustainable ingredients as he is about whipping them up into tasty and innovative dishes. While vegetables and plants are seen as the centre of the plate and most of the retreats follow a vegetarian menu, the food at 42 Acres takes an all-inclusive approach. The property prides itself on supporting small-scale artisan growers and organic produce, with a passionate focus on wholesome, honest and delicious food. Raw cheese, fresh sourdough, the chef’s own sauerkraut and digestion-boosting kimchi feature alongside other health-giving dishes such as beetroot and sprouted sunflower-seed pâté, polenta toasts and raw chocolate mousse. A warm glass of comforting turmeric milk is the perfect way to round off the day before bed.