SPring Awakening 5-8 March 2020

Our popular Poundon House retreat returns this coming spring, set in the idyllic, gentle surroundings of the Oxfordshire countryside as it comes to life with spring blossoms.

We’ll explore what it means to live in harmony with nature, and to follow her wise rhythms and cycles. Spring is a time of awakening; the dawn light gets brighter, days begin to lengthen, and plants and animals re-energise. In Chinese Medicine, spring is the time of the Wood element. When in balance, wood represents progress, new growth, turning over a new leaf and abundant, fresh outlooks on life and the year ahead. Spring is filled with creative potential.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll be encouraged to explore what creativity means to you, both in our group practices, but also on your own. You’re encouraged to bring materials for writing, drawing, playing or reading to explore and express in your free time between sessions.

There will be three practices a day. Gentle morning practices will involve pranayama (breath work), sitting meditation, and slow moving meditations such as qigong. The mid morning session will be more active, engaging with a slow, strong vinyasa and dynamic practices. The afternoon session will focus on softness and subtlety, drawing from restorative yoga and delicious, slow, somatic movement. On Friday and Saturday, there will be time for resting, reading, booking massage treatments or taking walks on the estate’s many acres. Throughout this retreat, participants are encouraged to explore presence, connect towards their innate creativity, and to honour their needs for either time with others or time alone. 

Poundon House is just 45 minutes by train from London’s Marylebone station, and easily accessible from the North

of the UK by train as well as Europe via London’s Heathrow airport. 

Spaces limited to 18 participants.

The House, Grounds, and Rooms

Poundon House’s six acres of landscaped gardens are a delight to explore. Quiet, calm and tranquil, Poundon is an ideal place to restore and revitalise. Located near the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, it is also within easy reach of London, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, the Cotswolds and Bristol, with fantastic transport links to all of these places.

The address is Poundon House, Poundon, Oxon OX27 9BB.

Like all the very best Edwardian country houses, Poundon House is blessed with generously sized rooms.  Additionally, each of the ten bedrooms have been carefully redecorated and restored over the last five years, while staying true to the country house-style of the Edwardian era. There are 5 luxury bathrooms with exquisite bathtubs, as well as 5 additional toilets.  Dressing gowns, shower gels and hand products as well as two towels per guest are provided.

Tea stations are offered throughout the house, and a stunning open fire warms and welcomes guests in the main drawing room. The yoga room is also well-heated for autumn, and has a spacious wood floor with beautiful views of the land.

Thursday

17:00  Arrivals 

18:00   Welcome & opening circle

19:00  Dinner 

20:30  Evening meditation 

Friday + Saturday

7:00   Light breakfast (tea, coffee, toast, fruit)

7:30   Qigong, pranayama and meditation

9:00   Full breakfast

11:00  Morning session 

13:00 Lunch and free time 

16:30 Afternoon session

19:00  Dinner

Sunday

7:00  Light breakfast (tea, coffee, toast, fruit)

7:30   Qigong, pranayama and meditation

9:00   Full breakfast

11:00  Morning session and close

13:00  Lunch

14:00 Departures

The Cuisine

Poundon House chef Anna Bywater creates healthy and satisfying meals to make sure your belly, body and senses are delighted. Her vegetarian feasts also cater to all dietary requirements. Tea, coffee, and still water are available 24 hours a day.

Therapies and Treatments

Therapies will be available during your stay including shiatsu and deep tissue massage. Payment is direct in cash to the therapist, and more details will be provided upon booking. 

Cost and payment information:

£425 shared triple room per person

£525 shared twin room per person

​£625 single room (limited availability) per person

Payments: 

A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required when booking to secure your place. Balance is due by January 23rd 2020. If booking after January 23rd 2020, payment in full will be required upon booking.

Payment can be made by bank transfer. Rooms available on first come first serve basis. please indicate preference for room on the booking form and we will do our best to meet your request.Cost includes all yoga and meditation, qigong, meals and accommodation. Transportation not included.

Train station:

Bicester North, located about 45-60 minutes from London Marylebone station.  Trains run on average three times per hour. Check  Southern Railway for times and train costs. 

From Bicester North taxis are easy to book; information and contacts will be provided upon booking.