I would love to go on a weeks yoga retreat in Italy or Bali… Unfortunately with two little kids and a husband this is not realistic at the moment. I wouldn’t really want to go away without my family and they would not be happy to go on a yoga retreat (other retreat guests might also not appreciate a screaming toddler during relaxation…)! Let alone the fact of course that it would cost a lot of money that I don’t have at the moment.
So when my yoga teacher and blogger colleague Zaz from Yoga With Zaz and Mama and More invited me to a half day Urban Yoga Retreat at the Trafalgar Hotel I jumped at the opportunity! What a brilliant idea going to a mini yoga retreat that is right around the corner!
45 minutes of vinyasa flow and 45 minutes of yin yoga, combined with delicious vegan food and a mindfulness workshop was just what I needed!
Since I’ve become a yoga teacher I have to say that I don’t have that much time anymore to go to classes myself so this was a real treat! I’ve been so busy lately with my eldest starting school (yes one more to go), me teaching lots of new classes, working on new online projects (watch this space) and hosting an Instagram challenge together with Zaz that this opportunity came at the right time!
The event took place on the roof top terrace of The Trafalgar Hotel overlooking Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the London Eye! We started with 15 minutes of meditation wrapped up in yoga blankets and it was lovely to be outside in fresh air which is a real luxury for anyone living in this busy (and often cold and rainy) city!
It was a cold autumn day but with lots of heaters around and a dynamic yoga practice we quickly started to warm up! The view from the roof top terrace certainly made up for it.
The Vinyasa session was dynamic but not too strong so very accessible to all levels. It was led by Lisa who is a knowledgeable and attentive teacher. She guided us through a lovely yoga flow and made us forget that we were in the middle of all this business for a while.
After the session we had a lovely vegan breakfast with mango and coriander sushi, pumpkin and vanilla falafels and grilled peaches with oyster mushrooms and a chestnut emulsion! Absolutely delicious!
Nathalie Kealy of Value Your Mind did a short mindfulness session which gave us a little taster and some useful tips on how to relax.
My favourite part of the day was definitely the Yin Yoga session with Lisa! I felt so relaxed and fully stretched after that class. I just wished I was one of the hotel guests and could just float back to my room and take a hot bath. Instead it was back to the tube and train and then pick up the kids from school and childminder!
Going on a two weeks retreat somewhere hot might sound sound but for most of us it’s just not possible so an Urban Yoga Retreat that is within easy reach is a great compromise!
If you fancy an urban retreat yourself then join the ladies on the 12th November in Hammersmith! You can find more information on this one day retreat below and get in touch with Zaz on urbanyogaretreat@gmail.com.
This sounds absolutely wonderful! I would definitely be interested in something like this and not just for the yummy food 😉 x
this is what my sister and I are looking to do !
It looks amazing! Would love to be there 🙂
Sounds fab, if a little cold!