3-Day Yoga, Mindfulness & Ayurveda Wellness Escape in the Wye Valley

The retreat takes place at Ruxton Farm, a rustic 17th-century farmhouse in Hoarwithy, Herefordshire, set within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property includes the main farmhouse and cottages, all with rooms looking out over the countryside and river. It's a home away from home, not a glossy spa—expect homely comfort, a vegetarian kitchen, and a library lounge for quiet evenings. The farm has a veggie garden, orchard, flower patches, and meadows to explore, with the River Wye for walks or a swim.

A typical day starts with Buddhist chanting in the Buddha Hall, followed by a therapeutic yoga class. Two yoga classes run daily, led by certified teachers. Laura, a 200-hour YTT graduate trained in Vinyasa Krama, teaches with a focus on the Ramaswami and Krishnamacharya lineage. Liz Turner, a 20-year practitioner, also follows the Krishnamacharya tradition and brings yoga therapy into her classes. Both are patient and knowledgeable, suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike.

Meditation is a core part of the day, with classes on breath meditation, loving-kindness, and other guided practices. Afternoons offer workshops and activities—cookery classes showing Ayurvedic cooking, walking meditation in the gardens, talks on Ayurveda and Buddhism, and mindful gardening. Evenings wind down with restorative practices like Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, or a sound bath. The schedule is designed to balance activity and rest, so there's free time to relax by the river, take a bike out, or book a treatment.

The food is a highlight. All meals are vegetarian, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar, prepared fresh from organic and local ingredients combined with Sri Lankan recipes. Think lentil dhal, spicy vegetable curries, and their famous homemade vegan ice cream. The kitchen caters to most dietary needs, and the meals are so popular they've published a cookbook.

A few practical notes: the retreat is a 20-minute drive from Hereford station, and the closest airports are Cardiff, Birmingham, and Bristol, all about 90 minutes away. Bookings include free cancellation up to 60 days before arrival, and there's free parking on site. The retreat runs all year round, so you can enjoy the Wye Valley in any season.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a beautiful countryside farmhouse - 3 daily delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic meals (vegetarian) - Daily Buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall - Two daily therapeutic yoga classes with experienced teachers - Daily meditation classes (breath, loving-kindness, guided) - 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 - Free on-site parking - Wifi connection - Access to 14 acres of gardens, orchard, and meadows - Online post-retreat support from expert practitioners - Concierge flights & travel assistance - Exclusive curated playlists - Post-Retreat Integration Support (online, $200 value)

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Additional spa treatments (can be booked on-site) - Flights or travel costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees