Holistic Wellbeing Retreat

Accommodation

5 nights eco accommodation at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology

Your home for the duration of your retreat 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.

Single room supplement

If you would prefer your own room this can usually be accommodated, though an extra charge would apply.

Locally-sourced food

Accommodation and catering partners have been carefully selected based on their commitment to sourcing local produce, organically produced wherever possible.

Kit list

• Comfortable walking boots or shoes
• Warm layers, especially for sitting outdoors in the evening
• Hat and gloves
• Waterproof jacket – the weather is changeable in Wales so it’s advisable to bring one, even in summer
• Sun cream, sun glasses, insect repellent and a sun hat
• Swimwear, to wear under the wetsuit we provide for your SUP experience
• Old trainers or neoprene shoes, to wear in the water for your SUP experience
• Yoga mat (optional – we can provide if needed)
• Comfortable activewear for yoga
• Towel – for your stand up paddle boarding session

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Centre for Alternative Technology
Pantperthog
Machynlleth
Powys
SY20 9AZ
UK

Getting 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.

• 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.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | tales under the stars

  Home from home

  Arrive at the world-renowned Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). Feel the weight lift from your shoulders as you take some time to settle into your home for the next few days. Your eco haven, nestled in the foothills of south Snowdonia. 

  The area is surrounded by enchanting forests, flowing rivers and endearing mountains, making for the perfect backdrop as you unwind and let your worries drift away.

  Tales under the stars

  Once you’ve made yourself at home and explored the grounds, join the group after dinner as the local storyteller recounts local tales and legends under the stars. The Dyfi valley has very little light pollution, so be sure to turn your head to the sky as you may spot the Plough (Ursa Major), North Star, Summer Triangle, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, and of course the Milky Way.

• Day 2 | Drop 'n give me zen

  Drop 'n give me zen

  The first morning of your holistic wellness experience is a gentle guided yoga session. Roll out your mat and take it slow as you breathe, stretch and feel into the effects of your mindful movement. You’ll start each morning in this way, tuning into your body.

  When you’re ready, enjoy a wholesome breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead.

  Be inspired

  Take a guided tour of CAT, learning about the history of the unique site. Discover a hidden world of stunning organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats.

  It’s impossible not to be inspired by the diversity of your surroundings and the ongoing sustainability practices, some of which you can take home with you.

  Tea Time

  Under guidance from a foraging expert use your senses to collect ingredients to make your own infusions. Learn all about the healing properties of your findings and what the best flavour combinations are. Once satisfied with your haul it’s time to brew and taste.

  Food Glorious Food

  Sit down for a delicious evening meal. Dining at CAT is a holistic experience; the menu is made up of ingredients grown in the centre’s own allotment or responsibly sourced from the local area. Without compromising on flavour your meals will leave you feeling healthful and recharged.

  Inhale. Exhale. Sleep

  Take some time to yourself, kick your feet up and unwind in front of the log fire after your first full day of your holistic wellbeing retreat in Wales. Or why not join another yoga session to wind down before you tuck yourself into bed. Your yoga guide will help you instill a sense of mindful relaxation, perfect for alleviating any tension or worries, allowing you to drift soundly to sleep.

• Day 3 | calm the mind, body and spirit

  Rise and shine

  You’ll start your day with another guided yoga session. Yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body, which is exactly what this holistic wellness experience is all about.

  Life is about balance

  After fueling your body with a delicious breakfast, walk out into the incredible landscape of mid Wales, across open hillsides and past ebbing rivers.

  It’s time to zip up your wetsuit and head out onto the water with your boards for a peaceful paddle. The local guide will be on hand to teach you the basics of stand up paddle boarding as you transfer your yoga balance and breathing techniques on to the water.

  Calm the mind, body and spirit

  This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to join the group for another yoga session before you retire to bed. The slow, deep stretching before bed will relieve any tension or aches in your body and allow you to completely relax before you drift into a deep and restful slumber.

• Day 4 | Beneath the canopy

  Beneath the canopy

  After a series of energising flows to increase your energy and a healthful breakfast, you’ll be ready to conquer your day.

  Today’s hike takes you in a new direction as you venture out into the Dyfi forest. The deep colours, soft creaking branches overhead and rich smell of damp earth will ground you in the present.

  Exploring further into the dense forest, take comfort in the tranquil stillness.

  Be present

  Gather with your retreat friends in the communal space for warming tea and cake. A chance to sit down together, connect and share stories. 

  Join your group for a relaxing yoga session of breath work and stretches as you wind down before another night of deep sleep on your holistic wellness retreat.

• Day 5 | awaken your senses

  Powered by nature

  After your morning sun salutations and a wholesome breakfast your group will move onto your next holistic sensory experience.

  Awaken your senses

  Let your senses guide you to the peaceful woodland on a guided sensory exploration experience. Notice the seasonal details and the aliveness of your natural environment. Under the supervision of your guide use your senses to describe what you see, hear, smell and touch. Feel a new sense of connection to the nature surrounding you.

  Focus the mind

  Join your yoga guide for one final evening of poses naturally designed to relax your body and mind, the perfect way to end your holistic wellness experience and focus on the present.

• Day 6 | Depart

  Enjoy your healthful breakfast on your final morning, before taking some time for yourself relaxing in the grounds or perhaps exploring the landscape one last time before you bid your home from home farewell. Swap phone numbers with your new-found friends and depart feeling re-energised and recharged.

  Not only will you be taking home the incredible memories from your holistic wellbeing retreat, but also mindful yoga practices to incorporate into your everyday life, wholesome food inspiration and a deeper connection with nature.

Included

• Daily yoga sessions
• Stand up paddle boarding lesson
• Storytelling under the stars 
• Guided walks to form a stronger connection with nature
• Wake up your senses with a sensory exploration session in nature
• Tea foraging and making experience
• 5 nights innovative eco accommodation
• Freshly prepared meals every day
• All transport during the trip
• Car parking for the duration of your stay
• Voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails
• 1 native tree planted in the woodland

Caring for the world as you do

This adventure supports local, independent businesses. Local guides are always used – people who will give you a more authentic experience and share the hidden secrets only local adventurers can bring. And because this is their home, they have a truly active interest in caring for their environment.

The carbon footprint of all trips is measured and reduced to be as low as possible. Any carbon that is yet to be mitigated is off-set through a local tree planting project. One tree exceeds what is needed to offset the emissions of your low carbon adventure holiday.

Here is a summary of the Sustainability Policy:

Economic responsibility

• Keeping it local

  Working exclusively with local, independently-owned businesses to ensure your money goes straight into the communities that you're visiting.

• Fair pay for quality service

  Treating partners fairly for the high standards of service they deliver to you, whilst still ensuring value for money.

• Supporting local producers

  Local, independent shops, accommodation, bars and eateries are used and encouraged.

Environmental responsibility

• Low carbon travel

  Ensuring the carbon footprint of this adventure is offset by planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch.

  Responsibility is taken for ensuring the carbon footprint of your travel is offset. By working with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, the unavoidable carbon emissions created by travel are offset, but also new, biodiverse woodland areas within the UK are created that will benefit both the planet and the community. Planting native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash and birch, is helping to increase the available natural habitat for the UK’s native wildlife. Species such as bullfinches, beavers, the brimstone butterfly and many more are all benefitting from this.

• Avoiding single-use plastics

  Reusable aluminium bottles are provided on arrival at your accommodation and packed lunches use more sustainable wrapping such as paper bags or wax paper wrap.

• Locally sourced food

  Accommodation and catering partners have been carefully selected based on their commitment to sourcing local produce, organically produced wherever possible.

• Blue Flag Award

  Partnering with one of the first boat tour operators in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Sustainable Boat Tour Operator status.

Social responsibility

• Small group tours

  The primary concern with tourism in the UK’s wild spaces is to ensure it only has a positive impact on the local communities and culture so for this reason small group trips never exceed 15 guests.

• Live like a local

  Learning the history and culture of a region plays a big role in your travelling experience – it’s what brings a place to life.

• Read the landscape

  The historical significance of the area is brought to life by the local guides who help you understand the features of the landscape.

• Learn the language

  Keeping local languages alive is sacred, so you’re encouraged to learn simple words and phrases during your time on the adventure.

• Understanding farming culture

  Respecting the countryside code and understanding farming practices are important for visitors to the area.

Retreat promise

Making travel better for everyone

The promise is simple and honest. It’s the commitment that this retreat will always do right by you, local communities and the world we live in:

• Payment Instalments
• Flexible Booking
• Low Carbon
• Low Impact
• Support Local
• All Abilities
• Covid Secure

Costs