About Satvada Retreats
There are plenty of yoga holidays and retreats to choose from out there, so we thought if might be helpful to summarise what we're all about:
Firstly, a little about what we are
about. We're not about detoxes, faddy diets or boot-camps. We believe living well is about balance and mindfulness in all things, including food - which, on our trips, is locally sourced, incredibly fresh, and organic where feasible. Don't worry - we can provide gluten and dairy-free menus with advance notice.
Whilst our teachers hail from a number of different styles and traditions (and have often themselves been exposed to many different influences), we are very proud that the vast majority have specialist training in the therapeutic aspects of yoga; specifically, in mindfulness, yoga nidra or/and yoga therapy. All have a deep, genuine love yoga and meditation and believe these practices should be as accessible as possible.
It is common to feel rather intimidated by the prospect of a yoga class/retreat spent with those who we think may be fitter, younger or more experienced than we are. We know - we still experience this feeling from time to time! Rest assured our trips are supportive, down-to-earth and completely accessible.
Guests often say that coming away with us feels like a break with good friends, and this is the environment we are keen to create.
Whilst this will include lashings of fruit and vegetables, we also serve afternoon tea (with accompanying nuts and fruit) and home-made cakes, plus home-made deserts with evening meals. Gluten and dairy-free menus can always be accommodated with advance notice.
A life-affirming blend of sun, sea, walking and al fresco yoga! We try to strike the balance between activity and rest, with
One some of the formats, we also explore gentle restorative yoga and how the easy and powerful asana can help reduce stress.
Meet the Satvada Retreats team
co-founded Satvada Retreats and Chelmsford studio Yoga At The Mill after decades as a journalist in the health and travel sectors. Keen for a change in direction, Lucia trained as a yoga teacher after 10 years of practice, gaining her first teaching qualification in northern California with the Sivananda school of yoga.
is the co-founder of Satvada Retreats. With over 17 years' experience of yoga and meditation, Darren gained his 200 hour teaching qualification at London-based Yoga Campus in 2016 and is now dedicated to the running and hosting of Satvada Retreats.
Originally a software designer, Darren is the brains behind Satvada's own website and simple but effective booking system,
He is happiest on location at our venues, on retreat with our guests, helping to ensure all runs smoothly!
We are very proud of our partner venues, who work hard to limit the impact on the local environment, recycling where possible, buying local food and employing trusted local people.
Whilst some of our venue use solar energy to heat the water within the hotel, others burn locally sourced was organic material to heat pools and hammams. All our venues rely on a hard-working team of local people, and as a business, we are 100% committed to using local staff as much as possible.
As we all know, it is not possible travel without emitting carbon regardless of the means of travel. Where possible we encourage guests to travel by train, but recognise this is often not feasible. Companies such 'climate care' can help, allowing you to offset carbon emissions.