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Winter Wellness In Wales

Highlights

  • Stay in picturesque Mid Wales at the beautiful eco-sanctuary of the Centre for Alternative Technology
  • Experience ultimate relaxation whilst advancing your yoga skills
  • Hike into the stunning Dyfi Forest for spectacular views
From £520 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Lean into the slower pace of winter as you leave your stresses behind and immerse yourself in this winter wellness experience. Feel your body and mind relax as you take part in daily yoga classes, feel the benefits of mindful walking and learn ways to create healthier habits to take into the new year.

Start the new year off in a healthy and positive way on a sustainable winter wellness retreat in beautiful Wales. Perfect for solo travellers or bring along a friend to share this small group experience.

Escape to the beautiful eco-sanctuary of the Centre for Alternative Technology. Allow yourself to slow down and reconnect, with daily yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, delicious food and immersive nature experiences.

During your 4 days you will enjoy:

5 yoga sessions 1 yoga nidra meditation Guided mindfulness walk Hike into the Dyfi Forest Tea foraging and tasting experience 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals 3 nights eco accommodation at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology
Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash

Accommodation:

You will also spend 3 nights at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), a world-renowned eco-centre in the Dyfi valley recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve!

**You must be 18 years or over to join this adventure**

Welcome to your Winter Wellness Retreat!

Arrive in Pantperthog, ready to check into your cosy and peaceful accommodation.

Your home for the next three nights is the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). CAT is an eco lover’s dream set in the foothills of South Snowdonia, home to some of the most special landscapes and wildlife areas in Europe.

Get acquainted with your retreat companions, before taking a guided tour of CAT. Learn about the history of the unique site and of CAT. Take a look at how renewable energy is used onsite and view the unusual variety of environmentally responsible buildings. The tour also takes in CAT’s beautiful organic gardens and some of the impressive 30 acre site, with its seven unique habitats including heathland, woodland and meadow, each hiding an amazing story and an important mission.

It’s impossible not to be inspired by the diversity of your surroundings and the ongoing sustainability
projects.

Sit down for a delicious evening meal. When it comes to dining at CAT the ethos is ‘straight from plot to plate’ meaning the menu is made up of ingredients grown in the centre’s own allotment or responsibly sourced from the local area.

Set your intentions for your winter retreat in an evening yoga session. Designed to start to start shifting energy, so you can enjoy the coming days with a clear mind and a relaxed body.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation

Centre for Alternative Technology

Yoga & Wreath making

It’s time to roll out your yoga mat for your first yoga session of the day.

Starting with Pranayama (breath work) your yoga instructor will guide you through postures to stretch, strengthen and release tension from your body. Ending the session with ‘savasana’ a short guided meditation to leave you feeling relaxed and ready for the day ahead.

After a tasty breakfast head out for a morning hike from the centre grounds. Wander into the Dyfi Forest and enjoy walking amongst the conifer and beech trees. Breathe in the crisp winter air, as you tune into the pace of your surroundings.

Back at the centre, tuck into a well-prepared seasonal lunch.

Next, it’s time to embrace your creativityand make your own winter wreat!

Take a wander around CAT’s gardens and woodlands, collecting beautiful natural materials. Back inside, learn to create your own wreath using CAT’s own coppiced willow and your own foraged materials. Feel your stresses melt away as your hands are kept busy creating your own little celebration of Winter.

Following a hearty meal with your new friends, gather for a yoga nidra session. Practised lying down, yoga nidra is a meditation that provides the ultimate sense of relaxation.

With a new found sense of peace snuggle up in your cosy rooms for a deep night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Centre for Alternative Technology

Yoga & Mindful Walking

It’s time for your morning yoga practice. Breathe, stretch and reset. Your yoga instructor will guide you through another blissful practice. Take the class at your own pace, yoga is not about ability, but about harmony between your mind and body.

After another delicious breakfast, wrap up warm and head out for a mindful walking experience. As you walk, let your mind wander, take in your beautiful natural surroundings and let go of the distractions that usually occupy your mind day to day. With encouragement from your guide, learn to use your senses to bring yourself into the present moment.

Back at the centre take some time to yourself after lunch. Tea and cake will be served in the communal space. An opportunity to sit down as a group and check in with the intentions set at the start of your retreat. Gather for a final dinner with your new friends. Connect, share experiences and enjoy your lovingly prepared meal. End the day by joining your yoga instructor for a restorative yoga and meditation session.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Centre for Alternative Technology

Departure day

Leaning into your new routine, participate in one last pre-breakfast yoga session. Sealing your retreat intention and perhaps setting a new one to take home with you.

Say farewell to your new friends and leave the retreat feeling refreshed!

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 5 yoga sessions
  • 1 yoga nidra meditation
  • Guided mindful walks
  • Tea making and tasting experience
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals
  • 3 nights eco accommodation at the world renowned Centre for Alternative Technology
  • Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
  • 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Your local host

Claire

Based in North Wales, Claire and her team create authentic adventures in some of the UK’s wildest spaces. From trail running and mountain biking, to multi activity breaks, wild wellness retreats and so much more. As well as giving you the most incredible experiences to enjoy, each of their adventure holidays is designed to be low carbon, low impact and supportive of local independent businesses. Making travel better for everyone.

Based in North Wales, Claire and her team create authentic adventures in some of the UK’s wildest spaces. From trail running and mountain biking, to multi activity breaks, wild wellness retreats and so much more. As well as giving you the most incredible experiences to enjoy, each of their adventure holidays is designed to be low carbon, low impact and supportive of local independent businesses. Making travel better for everyone.

Claire image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

Situated in picturesque surroundings around 3 miles north of Machynlleth in Mid Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology has a broad array of facilities that will cater to nearly all your needs when you visit.

For nearly 50 years, CAT’s activities have covered all aspects of green living, including environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing.

You’ll be surrounded by a diverse range of installed renewable technologies, water and sewage treatment facilities, sustainably managed woodland and acres of organic gardens. All of which helps us cater to your needs when you stay here and serve as useful teaching resources.

FAQs

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable walking boots or shoes
Warm layers - Winter in Wales is cold
Hat and gloves – to stay extra cosy on your wintery walks
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Yoga mat (optional – we can provide if needed)
Head torch, to make finding your way around at night easier!
Day backpack - to carry hydration, snacks and spare clothing

How can I get there?

By Air:
The closest international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport
It is approximately a 2.5 hours taxi transfer from either airport to the tour start point in
Pantperthog or alternatively travel by rail to Machynlleth and follow the By Rail instructions below

By Rail:
The closest train station to the Centre for Alternative Technology, Pantperthog is Machynlleth
station
From Machynlleth station it is approximately a 10 minute taxi-transfer to the Centre for Alternative
Technology

By Road:
The Centre for Alternative Technology, Pantperthog is located 30 minutes from the A470, and
approx 2hrs from the M54

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