3-Day Yoga, Mindfulness & Ayurveda Wellness Escape in Herefordshire

The retreat takes place at Plantation Villa at Ruxton Farm, a rustic farmhouse just outside Hereford, with the River Wye running past the bottom of the garden. This is the UK branch of a Sri Lankan retreat centre that has won international awards for its holistic wellness programmes, and the team bring that experience to a very English setting. The property is set on 14 acres of land, including a veggie garden, orchard, flower patches and meadows, and there's a cosy lounge and library for quiet time between sessions.

Your days are gently structured around the traditional Ayurvedic daily schedule. Each morning begins with buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall, followed by a therapeutic yoga class led by an experienced teacher. After lunch there are daily afternoon activities—these change but often include cookery classes, walking meditation, Ayurveda talks, or Buddhist talks. Evenings wind down with Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, or a sound bath. Interspersed with all this is free time to go for walks, swim in the river, read in the library, or book a spa treatment.

What distinguishes this from a generic yoga retreat is the depth of the teaching and the authenticity of the Ayurvedic approach. The team includes Ishara, the founder and a long-time meditation practitioner; Laura, a certified yoga teacher trained in Vinyasa Krama; Liz Turner, who follows the Krishnamacharya lineage; and Dr. Pooja Amin, a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who can carry out full Panchakarma treatments. There's a real educational element to the retreat—talks and workshops explain the philosophy behind the practices, not just the postures.

The farmhouse itself is charming—a proper old building with homely ensuite rooms, high-spec furnishings and views over the Herefordshire countryside. The retreat centre supports its own charity, The Metta Trust, and guests are welcome to get involved. A monk, Ven. Bhante, is also in residence two or three times a year, so if you're interested in meeting him it's worth asking ahead.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a beautiful countryside farmhouse - 3 daily delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic meals - Daily buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall - Two daily therapeutic yoga classes with experienced teachers - Daily meditation classes (breath meditation, loving-kindness, guided practices) - Daily afternoon activities (cookery classes, walking meditation, Ayurveda and Buddhist talks) - Daily evening activities (Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, sound bath) - Free bike rental and luggage storage - On-site parking - Wifi connection - Online support team of expert practitioners after your stay

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Additional spa treatments - Flights and travel costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees