3-Day Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat in the Wye Valley

The retreat is run by Plantation Villa at Ruxton Farm, a specialist yoga, meditation and Ayurveda centre. They've been doing this for over ten years, originally in Sri Lanka, and the UK base brings that same approach to the English countryside. The programme weaves together daily yoga, meditation, chanting, and workshops that explain the reasoning behind each practice – you're learning as much as you are relaxing.

A typical day starts with Buddhist chanting in the Buddha Hall, followed by breakfast and your first yoga class. Mornings might also include an Ayurveda talk or a cookery demonstration. After a light lunch, afternoons are for the deeper work – meditation practice, nature walks, or workshops on things like mindfulness and managing stress. Evenings wind down with yoga nidra, guided meditation, or sound baths. You won't be rushed, and there's genuine free time built in to read by the fire, walk the grounds, or book a massage.

The teachers are experienced and knowledgeable. Your main yoga teacher Laura is a certified instructor who trained in Bali and studied at an ashram in Australia. She'll work with you whatever your level – whether you're stiff from desk work or a regular practitioner. The Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Pooja Amin, can offer consultations for an extra fee, and she's available to tailor elements of the programme to your body type or health needs.

The setting is a real escape, but it's not in the middle of nowhere – Hereford is 20 minutes away by car, and there are local walks from the front door. The farmhouse has been adapted sensitively, keeping its period character while making the rooms comfortable with modern en-suites. This is a retreat for anyone who wants to step off the treadmill for a few days, learn some practical tools for stress, and eat very well.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a beautiful countryside farmhouse - 3 daily delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Start the day with Buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall - Two daily therapeutic yoga classes with experienced teachers - Daily meditation classes (breath meditation, loving-kindness, and other guided practices) - Daily afternoon activities (cookery classes, walking meditation in nature, Ayurveda and Buddhist talks) - Daily evening activities to relax before bedtime (yoga nidra, guided meditation, sound bath) - Free bike rental - On-site parking - Wifi connection - Luggage storage - Access to a cosy lounge and library - 14 acres of gardens, veggie patch, orchard and meadows to explore - Post-retreat integration support from the online team - Eco-friendly and community-focused retreat centre

What's not included

- Flights and airport transfers - Transport to and from the farm - Travel insurance - Ayurvedic massage and spa treatments - Life coaching sessions - Doctor consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor