The invitation came into the oh inbox out of the blue… after 18 months of repeated lockdowns and pandemic panic, the idea of joining a group of real, breathing women for a slow yoga, movement and nature retreat in the Somerset countryside seemed like the stuff of fairytales… what would it be like to return to ‘in person’ retreats, away from the screen – immersed not only in nature, but in the company of others?
A 90 minute train journey from London Paddington brought me into Taunton, Somerset, where Down to Flow founders, Molly Robinson and Dylan Salaman, scooped us all up from the train station and whisked us away down a series of beautiful country lanes to our home for the next three days – a glorious 16th century former cider press: roomy, airy, bright and breezy, with punches of colour, pattern, texture and humour, c/o the Kit Kemp-esque decor.
Preferring a gentle, holistic approach to ‘exercise’, I was worried that this retreat would focus too much on physical exertion and personal-limit-pushing (bootcamp-style fitness being my idea of hell)… Dylan, a former pro rugby player, does give off that initial impression, but it’s a highly mistaken one. In fact, what Molly and Dylan co-create, is an expansive space to feel your way into – with journalling, mindfulness, breathing and alignment techniques that honour the individual’s needs and pace, and push them just enough to support personal growth. The three days, though more like 48 hours given travel times, nevertheless felt extremely rich and varied – and even included once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as an evening ride in a hot air balloon (c/o Fly Away Ballooning) and a 2.5 hour walk around a beautiful local reservoir and nature reserve, which ended with a breezy, easy picnic.
Every single class was thoughtful and pleasurable. From the early morning ‘circuit’ training, which was a playful dip into strength-building repetitive movements, to the gentle alignment adjustments that worked our feet, heels, shoulders and necks, in a way that loosened up the previous days’s stiffness, the retreat really did flow, and in a leisurely way – no mean feat, given that so many wonderful activities were on the itinerary. Highlights included yin yoga – led by Dyl, who worked gently to support everyone’s own comfort and flexibility levels – and a beautiful flow-style class with Molly, both under the summer sky,; the benefits lingered on too, in the dropped shoulders and deeper breaths as the days developed.
Back in the serene rooms each guest also received an extremely generous goody bag to take home – a mix of the yoga tools needed to continue the good work (the wonderful ethical mats and accessories provided by Fable, and comfiest clothing by Varley) – and thoughtful treats such as English bubbly from Ridgeview Wine, turmeric latte mixes by Wunder Workshop, a gloriously soft eye mask by Elizabeth Scarlett, a forever-bottle by Sophie Allport and muscle-soothing balms from Puresport CBD.
And all this before we even touch on the delicious food – ripe, seasonal, flavourful and exciting flavours, with a zero waste ethos (refreshing to see on a luxury retreat), created by chef Woody Pyke. From ripest peaches with freshest burrata to zesty salsa verde atop slow-roasted local veggies, food was a real highlight too (and breakfasts were best of all).
What set the retreat apart was the holistic ethos that encircled the three days – Dylan’s functional movement and flexibility knowledge is applied in every class (and all guests leave with a valuable one-on-one session, that targets postural and physical imbalance and weaknesses with simplest daily exercises to do at home), while Molly’s background as a nutritionist and chef blend into her approach to living well: with pleasure, joy and a hearty appetite for life. At no point is there any sense that any food is off limits or that the coffee or alcohol drinkers are the black sheep… this is a thoroughly laid-back though highly professional creation: a place where grown-ups can have a good laugh and third glass of wine, while also feeling supported, inspired and as though a breath of fresh air has blown away the cobwebs.
Interested in joining Down to Flow later this year, or in 2022? Here is what is coming up:
Island Play / 28th December - 3rd January / Sri Lanka - this retreat allows you to go off the radar and enter your own little paradisiacal island! With a prime position backing onto the beach, our retreat home offers the freedom to lounge by the pool whilst being surrounded by the swishing sounds of the waves as the sun soaks us from overhead. When we’re not flowing on the mat, you can enjoy a few moments to unwind inside. With large open communal spaces scattered with little luxuries, you can expect to find the perfect quiet spot to enjoy the views across the gardens to the beach. Embracing this moment of internal exploration, we will then turn our mindset to the great outdoors to allow our free spirited hearts beat! Discovering local beaches, caves and taking to the waves, you can expect the chance to grasp a surf board or dive into crystal clear water!
Rise & Release / 5th - 11th April / Portugal - With the warming temperatures of the spring months, Portugal with its flourishing wildflowers and temptingly cool sea, makes for the most enticing environment for this retreat. Digging deep into your psyche through movement, adventure and abstract art, together we will strip away seeds of doubt and uncertainty to nourish any soul searching for more from life.
Playing with Motion / 14th - 20th May / UK - For those craving more than just movement, our ‘Playing with Motion’ retreat offers you the chance to escape to a cornucopia of wildlife and adventure! Set amongst 320 acres of rustic farmland our retreat home, ambushed by an essence of playful features, brings us a chance to explore new ways to sweat. Embracing personal challenges through movement and cold water therapy, we hope to harness your true strength and resilience. Combining farm yard fitness, with logs from the trees for lifting and tyres from the tractors to flip, through to runs through the rambling countryside, we want you to release all fears and bear all on this explorative fitness escape.