Wild Highlands Retreat
In the Spring of 2022 we will be packing our bags and heading to the stunning highlands of Scotland. Our five night Wild Highlands Retreat will take place in a gorgeous Victorian manor home beside a sea loch on the west coast. The MacLeod family has been exploring this area by car, foot and boat for over thirty years, so this is very personal retreat for us and one we are so excited to share with you all.
You will love this retreat if you want time on your mat to explore and expand your practice in a wholesome and supportive space, if you don’t mind a little mud on your boots and if the allure of endless wilderness sets your heart aflutter.
1 space available due to cancellation
dates
Saturday 14th May - Thursday 19th May 2022
ACCOMMODATION
As you know, we don’t do anything in half measures around here! We’re taking over the South Wing of a stunning Victorian manor home on the shores of Loch Aline on Scotland’s wild west coast. The rooms are decorated in traditional Scottish highland style, and you’re going to feel right at home on this expansive family estate. There are a mixture of twin rooms and double rooms, or double rooms for single occupancy. We run our retreats family style, so bathrooms and common areas are shared.
FACILITIES
Bedding & towels
TV with Freesat and DVD player
Logs for the fire
Washing machine facilities
Private parking
Internet
“Kat is such an amazing instructor! I had the pleasure of joining her yoga retreat in Iceland and it was such an incredible experience. Kat led us through two yoga sessions each day and I learned so much, and saw myself improving so much in such a short period of time. Cannot recommend her classes and retreats more!!”
- J. R. Jones Wild Winter Iceland Retreat February ‘19
DAILY SCHEDULE
7.30AM Light breakfast available - homemade granola and fruit, for example
8.30AM Meditation and Power Yoga
10.30AM Brunch followed by a day to explore Loch Aline, Mull and the islands, hills and beaches surrounding
4.30PM Afternoon tea with muffins/biscuits
6PM Evening Yin or Restorative Yoga
7.30PM Dinner
THE YOGA
All classes will take place in the ballroom downstairs. Each morning we will begin the day with mindful meditation and an invigorating power vinyasa yoga practice with a different focus. Overall, we will primarily be working on building strength, improving flexibility and increasing your range of motion. We will also practice partner yoga, inversions, arm balances and Pratyahara (withdrawal from the senses).
In the evenings before dinner, we will unwind from the day’s adventures with Yin yoga. All classes incorporate mindfulness, pranayama and meditation and are accessible to all levels.
Note: due to the home-style of this retreat equipment is not provided. You will need to bring your own yoga mat, and you are welcome to bring any straps, blocks or other props you would like too. We will work primarily without props.
THE FOOD
Alastair has long standing Scottish heritage so he’s totally at home here and will be cooking up a storm! Whilst we don’t stick to any regimented diets, our food is always wholesome and cooked with a lot of heart. Where possible we will use local produce and we will also cater your specific dietary requirements should you have any.
THE COST
Space on this retreat is limited to 15 people and comes on a first come, first serve basis. Choose from a twin room, double room for a couple, or a double room for single use.
COST
£1,075 per person; sharing a double or twin room
£1,195 per person; double room for single use
1 space available due to cancellation. email me to claim it!
EMAIL ME
WHat’s included
Accommodation with shared bathroom
A light breakfast for those who wish to eat before yoga (cereal and fruit), brunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Drinks : tea, coffee, juices and a selection of red and white wines and beers
Twice daily yoga with Kat
24hr support from your hosts throughout
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Yoga mat (bring your own)
Transfers or hire car to/from Loch Aline or around the estate during your stay
Activities or excursions
Other drinks (you’re welcome to bring your own)
GETTING TO LOCH ALINE
The thing with finding wild places is that they are usually difficult to access, and this one is no different. No matter where you fly into you will need to hire a car to get to here because there is no public transport in this area. If you aren’t confident driving or want to split to cost, let us know and we can hook you up with some the Wild fam to car share. We’d suggest you fly into Glasgow Airport, which you can access from most major international airports. Then pick up a hire car here and enjoy a very scenic 3.5hr drive through Glencoe, boarding the Corran ferry to cross Loch Linnhe and wind your way through the highland hills to Loch Aline. (The Corran ferry stops at 9PM). If you land late into Glasgow it’s a good idea to overnight here and spend the whole day driving this route - it’s worth taking your time to soak up the views! You can also fly into Inverness and drive South past Loch Ness - keep an eye out for Nessie. Or into Edinburgh, which is a little further.
WHAT TO DO
Scotland’s epic west coast lends itself to the wild souls! In May, the weather starts to warm, the days draw out a little longer and wildlife floods into the waters surrounding the Treshnish Isles. Take a drive to the Isle of Mull and wander the colourful streets of Tobermory, board a boat to spot basking sharks, whales and sea eagles, wander the hills of Lunga surrounded by nesting puffins, go kayaking, or wild swimming in Loch Arienas, hike the rugged hills or take the ferry to Oban and sample some of Scotland’s famous whiskey. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be bored.
YOUR HOSTS
We’re Ali & Kat MacLeod. We love yoga, food and exploring amazing, wild places around the globe. Ali has been working in kitchens, restaurants and catering events for seven years in the UK and remote corners of Kenya. He’s a whizz in the kitchen and loves to experiment with creating hearty, wholesome meals with a touch of drama in his presentation. Kat is a Power Vinyasa and Yin yoga teacher who teaches with a distinctive Baptiste style; encouraging inclusivity, body confidence and helping students to make yoga work for them and not the other way around. Her classes are meditative, fun, challenging and thoughtful.
