In need of some R&R? Yes, tick. Some serious self-care needed? Yes, tick Yoga retreat found and booked? Yes, tick. So what do you need to pack?
Well firstly, keeping hydrated is very important so a water bottle you can carry with you is a must. Your body needs water to function properly, to maintain its temperature, to remove waste and to lubricate joints. It is recommended that women should drink 2.7 litres of fluids per day, and men should drink 3.7 litres a day, of total fluids.
You will need to wear comfortable but slightly fitted clothing for yoga, with lots of layering options for different types of activity (meditation and relaxation versus energetic poses). A pair of easy slip on/off shoes for going between studio, accommodation, hot tubs, therapy room will be useful too.
You will need to bring a swimming costume (or two) and beach towel with you for use after a relaxing time spent in the hot tubs. And perhaps a bath robe or dressing gown for feeling cosy (perfect after enjoying a massage). Slippers are a must if you like wearing shoes indoors.
You will have periods of free time during your yoga retreat so bring a good book or two. One of the key benefits with a yoga retreat is getting the time and space to have some personal thinking time. Bring a notebook and a pen with you so that you have something on hand to write down plans you might make or notes you want to take. There are plenty of books and board games including jigsaws available here.
Bring outdoor clothing so you can explore the farm and enjoy the outdoor space. We have woodland walks and river frontage right on our doorstep so a pair of walking boots or wellies would be useful, although we do have a selection of wellies available to borrow, in most sizes from small child to large adult! Fancy a games of tennis during your stay? Remember to pack a pair of trainers (we have plenty of racquets and balls).
If you might fancy a swim in the river, or plan to doing some stand-up paddleboarding, then you might want to bring some wetsuit boots / neoprene shoes but securely fitted sandals or even Crocs and trainers will do fine. In colder months, you might want a wetsuit for swimming in the river. You can find out more about our river swimming here. For paddleboarding, leggings and a long sleeve fitted top are good – you will not necessarily get wet (normally from falling in) but it makes sense to wear clothes you wouldn’t mind getting wet! Barefoot is generally best on the board, but shoes are also OK if you prefer. If you are going out with an instructor, optional wetsuits and mandatory buoyancy jackets etc are provided.
Will you need any snacks? Well, no as refreshments will be available throughout your stay. However, if you want the security of having your favourite (healthy of course!) snack to hand then do bring them – there is plenty of fridge space available if you need it. If you have any special dietary requirements, don’t forget to let your host know as soon as possible. If you want to bring alcohol, please first check with your host (as some retreats are dry) – glasses are available and there are no corkage charges.
Finally if you are not planning on leaving your electronic devices behind for your stay, don’t forget you phone charger. There is free WiFi available here and good mobile phone reception on most networks.
Each room has a hair dryer and we provide towels for inside use. The bed linen is luxury Egyptian cotton with hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets. Heating in the bedrooms is totally under your control so you can keep it as warm as you like.
And of course don’t forget your toothbrush!
Click here to see our upcoming retreats.