Retreat Days

Life is busy, and we are constantly trying to squeeze more into our already packed schedules. It is easy to become over-stretched, overwhelmed, tired, sluggish and above all… stressed. This can make us inefficient workers and crabby to those who are nearest and dearest to us.  Essentially, we have forgotten the art of relaxation – how to properly switch off and fully unwind.  It is all too easy to “just keep swimming…” We need to re-learn how to “live in the present moment.”  Life becomes so much more enjoyable when you live in the present moment, not stewing over what’s past or worrying about the future.  And with longer-term practice, living in the present moment will allow a certain clarity of thought to emerge.

The Retreat Day is a scheduled day combining gentle effective exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation as well as tools and techniques students can take home and use in a new approach to a more balanced healthy lifestyle. It offers a 45-minute treatment (either a beauty treatment or a massage), and some health/ wellbeing talks.  Refreshments and a light nutritious lunch is included, and are in line with a healthy approach to living!  All of this comes in the stunning setting of Middle Aston House in rural Oxfordshire.

The itinerary includes “taster” sessions, so it won’t matter if you are a complete beginner or if you come with some previous knowledge of the exercises. Your Retreat Day will include:

  • T’ai Chi
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Stretching
  • Breathing techniques
  • Qigong (pronounced “chi kung”)
  • Meditation
  • Good nutrition, including a talk on the benefits of macrobiotics (and sample)
  • Massage / OR Spa beauty treatment (e.g. Massage, Indian Head massage, Japanese face massage, mini facial, express manicure) (45 minutes)
  • Neal’s Yard Organic Remedies will be available to sample and purchase

Your day will be competely programmed for you.  We have taken all the hassle out of scheduling everything in.  We should also be able to cater for small groups of people wanting to enjoy the Retreat Day together.

The programmed itinerary will also allow you to take time for quiet reflection, and to have a gentle stroll around the venue’s wonderful landscaped gardens and lakes, or just to appreciate the stunning views of the Oxfordshire countryside from a tranquil setting.

Clients will also take away with them a Resource Pack to enable them to practice movements and new healthy habits once back at home.

The Retreat Day costs £150 (£125 + VAT).

For your accommodation needs at Middle Aston House (including breakfast/ dinner & breakfast), please contact the hotel directly on 01869 340 361, and ask for Bobbie Mardle.

Sample programme*

8.45 – 9.15        Registration
9.30 – 10.15      Welcome & Talks
10.15 – 11.15    T’ai Chi class
11.15 – 11.45    Refreshment break (light snack/ stroll)
11.45 – 12.45    Pilates class
12.45 – 13.15    Light nutritious lunch (2 courses)
13.15 – 14.45    Talks/ demonstrations
(e.g. Neals Yard Organic skincare demonstration/
Macrobiotic cooking for healthy living)
14.45 – 15.45    Treatment (massage/ beauty treatment)**
15.45 – 16.15    Refreshment break (light snack/ stroll)
16.15 – 17.15    Yoga & stretch-down
17.15 – 18.00    Enjoy the grounds; relax in the lounge; sample some organic
skincare products (Neals Yard Organic)

* For illustrative purposes only; individual schedules will vary.
** Clients can indicate when booking which treatment they would prefer. Once you have booked your day, we will contact you to discuss your preferences in more detail.

More information is available at www.thetaichiroom.co.uk/Retreat_Days.aspx.

Bookings now open for the following dates

Saturday 22 June 2013
Saturday 5 October 2013

Have you booked yourself a bit of “me time” yet?  To hear what other clients have said about their experience of the Retreat Day, download the client recommendations file in the Press & downloads box on this page.

For your day of relaxation, pampering, exercise & delicious healthy nutritious fayre, click here to download your Retreat Day Booking Form (takes you to the Booking page where you can download the Booking Form for your chosen date; choose then whether to pay securely online using the secure Paypal link, or whether to send a cheque).

We look forward to offering you a warm welcome!