Wild & Precious Weekend Retreat

27-29 September 2024

Do you yearn to escape?

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of stepping away from your day-to-day and craving a little freedom, to just be YOU …

…. you feel drawn towards remote, unpredictable places; to stand with your bare toes scrunching into white sands, reaching your arms towards a turquoise sea, where a breeze ripples through your hair one moment then blasts your face the next, leaving you gasping for breath! Somewhere that you’ll feel instantly alive and ready to embrace the moment.

Ethos:

The Scottish Island of Gigha – with its remote feel and rugged landscape – provides the setting for this immersive experience; a chance to step away from your daily life and open yourself to new possibilities.  With its awe-inspiring wild beauty, this tiny island is sure to reignite your enthusiasm for your one precious life. We promise a warmly welcoming, intimate retreat, living in close harmony with nature and surrounded by wild seascapes.  On offer is a carefully curated fusion of yoga, wild-swimming and island exploring, balanced with times for stillness, stargazing and reflection.

Vibe:

Gigha is a truly unique place; bought in 2002 by the Islanders who now manage it themselves. The spirit of community is all around, and this has surely helped the island to thrive.  With environmental matters and self-sufficiency at the top of its agenda, Gigha remains a tranquil place known for its tropical feel, Dark Sky Discovery Site and unique Twin Beaches.  Along with its white sands, lapped by the clearest waters, the island enjoys a milder climate – thanks to the Gulf Stream – making it perfect for sea-lovers.

While we appreciate that some need a precise plan, this experience offers something less scripted;  a chance to become more conscious of the beauty all around and find the joyous freedom of more spontaneous living.

You’ll be encouraged to take from this retreat what you wish and choose the experiences that speak the loudest to you!  You’ll be warmly welcomed – whatever your age, size, fitness or background – we simply ask that you bring an open mind and a generous heart.

Space:

We’ll stay at Achamore House, surrounded by Achamore Gardens – a lush and peaceful paradise.  Here we’ll be looked after by Monica and Per Östlund, who’ll create an elegant, but warm, home from home for us. With its spacious bedrooms and beautiful living areas this place exudes the splendour of a castle, whilst being cosy enough to relax.  We’ll have a bright practice space on the ground floor and there are also plenty of quiet corners, where you can take time for yourself.

There’s room for eight – share one of the twin rooms, book a room just for yourself, or invite your partner; there are two double rooms available.

Nourishment:

Over the weekend Monica will look after us – offering us a generous, Scandi-style brunch after practice each morning, and a three-course evening meal.

She’ll prepare food that will nourish both body and soul. Expect simple, yet delicious dishes; she always sources the best ingredients, aiming to use fresh local produce, wherever possible, to make sure each meal is special.

What’s Offered:

• 2 nights’ accommodation at Achamore House
• Scandi-style brunch each morning
• 3-course evening meal – Friday & Saturday
• Daily led yoga classes
• Guided cold water dipping
• Guided walks and excursions to the Twin Beaches & Dark Sky Amphitheatre.

Investment:

Each bedroom at Achamore House is unique, with large windows looking out over the stunning gardens. The House also has a private walled garden from where it is also possible to see beyond this tiny island – to Islay, Jura and the Mull of Kintyre.

Rooms are priced individually, and prices are per person, based on sharing.  If you prefer a room to yourself then there’s a single room supplement of £100

Location & Travel:

Gigha lies opposite Islay and Jura and can be reached via a short ferry journey from Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula.  The journey to Tayinloan, from *north Cumbria, takes around 4½ hours.  Taking your car across on the ferry will be the most practical option for any travel on the island itself and is inexpensive (approx. £12 per crossing).  If you are able to catch the midday ferry on the Friday you’ll have all of the afternoon to explore, and we can meet up at the Wee Isle Café first.

Check-in at Achamore House is from 3pm.

* there will be options for car sharing.

Booking:

Apply for a space by emailing info@thehealtharchitect.co.uk

Please include a short paragraph about why you’d like to join this retreat.

A deposit of £150 will be required to secure your booking

Autumn on any Scottish island is a unique experience, but the Isle of Gigha holds a magic all of its own, due to its history, community and geography. The clear, turquoise sea will surprise you with its invigorating, but benign waves, and a fleeting glimpse of a seal or pod of dolphins is guaranteed to leave you breathless. We think your creative energy will be unlocked from the moment you step off the ferry and you won’t want to leave the island on Sunday!