Yoga and bathing, Argyll & Bute
Five mornings of gentle ashtanga and five afternoon workshops on the theory and practice of yoga will get the year off to a healthy start. But perhaps the best thing about this retreat in the Scottish Highlands is the bathing: the EcoYoga Centre has a natural spring-water hot tub, an underground sauna, rainforest showers under a glass dome and baths next to waterfalls. Plus super-kingsize beds, wood-fired stoves and organic, vegetarian food … bliss.
• 29 December-3 January, £850, ecoyoga.org
Silent retreat, East Sussex
This three-day break is designed to be a period of calm after the chaos of Christmas, and a chance to prepare for the year ahead – which will be welcomed in with a huge bonfire. Participants will be silent from Wednesday evening until Saturday lunchtime, practising gentle yoga and meditation, and taking long walks together on the Downs. The environment is simple and homely: vegetarian food, dorm accommodation and shared tasks such as collecting firewood.
• 30 December-2 January, £180 plus voluntary donation of £60-120, retreattogayles.co.uk
Walking, North York Moors
Rambling through forests, cliffs and moorland will blow away any cobwebs. This break is aimed at walkers of all levels, and the emphasis is on fun and meeting new people, with plenty of comfy firesides and pints in a cosy pub. Guests have exclusive use of YHA Dalby Forest, once a village school. The price includes a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner. Bringing a bottle is strongly encouraged.
• 30 December-3 January, from £245, largeoutdoors.com
Mindfulness, Holy Isle, Firth of Clyde
In a beautiful setting, the Centre for World Peace and Health on Holy Isle has a mindful awareness retreat over Christmas and New Year. It involves four mindfulness sessions a day, plus art sessions, discussions, relaxation and massage. Accommodation is in private rooms or dorms, food is vegetarian and there is no drinking or smoking – not even on New Year’s Eve.
• Two weeks from 21 December from £656, or one week from 29 December (or 21 December) from £324-£444, holyisle.org
Yoga retreat, Norfolk
This retreat is in a bohemian Georgian manor near Swaffham, in gorgeous grounds with stream, water meadows and lakes. Rooms range from a budget mini-dorm to luxury en suites. The programme includes twice-daily meditation and yoga. Food is homegrown, organic and vegetarian, with a special meal on New Year’s Eve.
• 29 December-1 January, from £395, yogakutir.com
Winter retreat, Berkshire
At this “conscious party” held in an Elizabethan manor house near Reading, Kamari and Manvir will play their blend of sanskrit mantra and electronic beats on 30 December, for dancing away the old year. New Year’s Eve will be more contemplative, with chanting, gongs and midnight meditation. New Year’s Day will feature uplifting yoga and breathing exercises, and time to set goals for the year. Children are welcome: there are special activities for them, and 16 acres of grounds to explore.
• 30 December-1 January, from £26 for the Wednesday dance night to £125pp for the full retreat, i-sky.net
Celebration, Isle of Wight
Maybe not one for cynics, this creative break involves singing, playing the ukelele, painting and comedy improvisation. A life coach will help guests prepare for an exciting year, focusing on risks and adventures. There is also a New Year’s Eve ball, and time for walks on the beach and optional beauty treatments. It takes place at The Grange, a Georgian house in Shanklin.
• 30 December-2 January, from £425, thegrangebythesea.com, call 01983 867644 to book
