In May 2022, after 2 years of delays due to Covid we FINALLY made the journey to the West Coast of Scotland for our Wild Highlands Retreat. It was so well well worth the wait! What a truly incredible corner of the world. Here’s what we got up to…

THE JOURNEY TO OUR SCOTLAND YOGA RETREAT VENUE

We were driving from Bristol in the South West of England, so we left early in the morning and made our way to Glasgow where we overnighted in this super cute apartment. We also met up with a friend here who offered to join us on the retreat and take care of Harris whilst Ali and I were busy.

Our drive from Glasgow took us through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, we stopped at our favourite coffee stop in Tyndrum and then continued on through the incredible mountains of Glencoe. We crossed Loch Linhe on the Corran Ferry and then made our way to Ardtornish Estate, checking in at Ardtornish House in time to settle in and ready the South Wing of this incredible Victorian Era manor home ahead of everyone’s arrival. Here’s a little instagram reel to show you just how gorgeous that drive was.

THE YOGA

We practised yoga every morning and evening in the ballroom, which really was as glamorous as it sounds! We dived into a stronger practice to get us going in the morning and slunk down deep into restorative sessions in the evening to unwind from the day’s adventures and nourish our nervous systems.

THE FOOD

Ali absolutely smashed the menu, once again! Incredible brunches to kick off the day and dinner was always a three-course affair; some of the favourites were lamb tagine, coconut fish curry and venison stew. Chocolate brownie, Cranachan with fudge and Lemon Posset with a Gin and Tonic Sorbet were some of the deserts that went down an absolute storm with the group. Ali’s meals were such a hit that, on the last evening, the group summoned him into the dining room and gave him a round of applause and a standing ovation! That’s my man ;)

THE DAY’S ADVENTURES

Everyone was on their own schedule, for the most part. Some went hiking to ancient castle ruins, others visited near by towns and cafes and others relaxed and wondered Ardtornish’s incredible gardens or went strolling along the loch’s shoreline looking for otters and forgotten treasures. One morning, after yoga, we piled into our cars and found a secret beach where we steeled ourselves for a very very cold, wild swim. Definitely a highlight for me!

One day, I had booked a boat trip for the group, but the classically unreliable Scottish weather got in the way and we had to cancel. Instead we took a road trip to the Isle of Mull where we explored ancient castles, looked for Sea Eagles and Highland Cows, visited a cheese farm and wandered the streets of the quaint fishing village of Tobermory. It was such a wonderful day out and the scenery on Mull was incredible!

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

I had the opportunity to work with some incredible companies, who sponsored the gift bags on our Scotland Yoga retreat. Here they are!

What an amazing amazing retreat that was! I love Scotland so much and can’t wait to return.