Winter Wellness Retreat

Accommodation

3 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 – 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

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 | ...and breathe, feel inspired, nourish

  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.

  Feel inspired

  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.

  Nourish

  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 shifting stagnant energy, so you can enjoy the coming days with a clear mind and a relaxed body.

• Day 2 | Awaken your senses, get crafty, soothe your soul

  Awaken your senses

  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.

  Today you will have the option to show your appreciation for your beautiful surroundings and take part in a voluntary trail clean in association with Trash Free Trails.

  Get crafty

  Back at the centre, tuck into a well-prepared seasonal lunch. Next, it’s time to embrace your creativity and make your own winter wreath. 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.

  Soothe your soul

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

• Day 3 | Rise and Shine, mind over matter, checking in

  Rise and Shine

  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. 

  Mind over matter

  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. 

  Checking in

  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.

• Day 4 | A fresh start

  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.

Included

• 5 yoga sessions 
• 1 yoga nidra meditation
• Guided mindfulness walk
• Tour of the Centre for Alternative Technology
• Hike into the Dyfi Forest
• Winter wreath making
• 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 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