A Retreat in North Wales: A Weekend of Yoga, Cold Water Dipping, Sound Baths & Delicious Food
A Fabulous Experience at Plas Cadnant in Wales
When Laura, the owner of Zest Living, invited me to join a weekend retreat in North Wales, I knew I was in for something special. The itinerary revealed a weekend of yoga, cold water dipping, breathwork and sound journeys. What more could I possibly want?
I, together with my room mate Alex, headed off to the beautiful island of Anglesey. We didn’t have to be at the retreat until 5pm on a Friday but it gave us the opportunity to visit the lovely town of Beaumaris en route.
Plas Cadnant provided the perfect setting for the retreat. With its history, beautiful gardens, and cosy accommodation, it was the ideal backdrop for a weekend dedicated to movement, mindfulness, and community. The sweeping driveway made us feel as though we were entering another world; one of mystery, magic and relaxation.
Our retreat accommodation
A Hidden Gem: Plas Cadnant’s History and Beauty
Plas Cadnant is more than just a retreat venue in North Wales—it’s a magical piece of history. The beautifully restored estate is surrounded by lush gardens featuring winding paths, ancient stone bridges and a spectacular waterfall. Walking through the grounds felt like stepping into a secret garden, a place where time slows down and nature takes centre stage. There were red squirrels darting around and birdsong too, all of which made it even more magical.
Beautiful Accommodation and Yoga Studio
We were accommodated in converted outbuildings - the tack room, the dairy and the brewery. The bedrooms were well equipped and comfortable. The bathrooms were spotlessly clean and had powerful showers with plenty of hot water, which was much appreciated after our cold water dips in the waterfall.
We ate around a big wooden dining table and there was a roaring fire at one end of the room, which was surrounded by comfortable sofas, making it the perfect place for post dinner chats and reading.
The yoga studio, with its large windows overlooking the countryside, provided the perfect space for our practices. There was something magical about watching the sheep follow a seagull whilst I was balancing on one leg!
Nourishing the Body with Earthly Feasts
A highlight of the retreat was undoubtedly the incredible food prepared by Aimee from Earthly Feasts. Aimee is passionate about using traditional, seasonal ingredients which she combines with interesting herbs and flavours to make nourishing dishes that warmed us up.
From hearty soups to vibrant salads and wholesome desserts, every bite was delicious. Aimee’s ability to create meals that were both comforting and exciting was incredible.
I loved the way that Aimee explained to us what each meal consisted of before we started. Alongside the carefully structured yoga and sound journeys, the food had been carefully thought out to complement our activities . And the food was plentiful with three main meals a day, mid morning powerballs and afternoon cake, plus there was plenty of fruit and drinks available all day long. You definitely do not go hungry on a Zest retreat!
A Community of Like-Minded Souls
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the retreat in North Wales was the people. Many guests were returning for their third or fourth time, a testament to the incredible experience that Zest Living offers.
There was a fabulous mix of individuals—some came with friends, others with partners whilst many attended solo. Yet, from the very first evening, we all felt connected. Whether sharing stories over meals, supporting each other through cold water sessions, or laughing whilst on a walk, a strong sense of camaraderie filled the weekend.
A Weekend of Yoga, Breathwork, and Deep Relaxation
The retreat in North Wales offered a hugely diverse range of activities that nurtured both body and mind. Across the weekend, we practiced three different styles of yoga—Vinyasa, Dharma, and Yin—each led by our wonderful teacher, Leo. His calm, knowledgeable guidance took us through powerful classes which were at the same time fun and lighthearted. There was no expectation for us to be incredible yogis and there was always a gentle reminder to be kind to our bodies and not to push things. If we wished for corrections he offered them and if not, that was fine too.
Experiencing a Sound Journey and Breathwork
One of the most incredible experiences for me was my first-ever sound journey. I really had no idea what to expect but as the room filled with the deep tones of instruments and chanting, I drifted into a deeply relaxed state unlike anything I had felt before. It was as if I had melted into the yoga mat and couldn’t move (but in a good way). Something definitely shifted in my during this session. I’m not quite sure what - but it did.
The Power of Breathwork
The breathwork sessions were interesting. Using various breathing techniques over the weekend (box breathing, circular breathing and others) we explored ways to shift energy, release tension, and calm the nervous system. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to enter a deep, meditative state, and I left the retreat bowled over by the breathwork’s ability to bring balance and calm. I’m very interested to learn more and have started incorporating these techniques into my day.
The Ultimate Challenge: The Cold Plunge
Perhaps the most exhilarating part of the retreat in North Wales was our cold plunge in the waterfall.
Preparing for the Cold with Breathwork
As a group, we prepared our bodies with breathwork and chanting. This helped us to focus and regulate our nervous systems before stepping into the icy water.
I’m used to cold water dipping but entering a moving body of water is a whole different experience. The water feels much colder for a start. The initial shock was intense but with calm breathing I found myself able to tolerate it.
Emerging from the water, I felt an incredible rush of energy—and following the cold plunge with a hot shower and energy balls left me feeling of full of beans!
Closing the Retreat with a Cacao Ceremony
As the weekend drew to a close, we gathered for a beautiful cacao ceremony led by Leo. It was the perfect way to reflect on our experiences, set intentions, and share gratitude for the journey we had undertaken together. The warmth of the cacao, combined with the energy of the group, created a deep sense of peace.
Join the Next Retreat in North Wales
If this sounds like the kind of experience you’d love to be part of, you’re in luck! Zest Living is hosting a series of retreats throughout the year (at different locations). As a special bonus, you can enjoy £50 off with the code BETH50 when booking a Zest Life retreat HERE.
Zest life are holding another retreat in North Wales on 14th-16th November at Plas Cadnant which takes the same format as the one that I attended. Details of that retreat can be found HERE
Whether you're looking for relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a weekend away in a stunning setting, this retreat is definitely worth considering.
I left the retreat in North Wales feeling deeply nourished—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It was a reminder of the power of stepping away from the everyday, immersing yourself in nature and sharing experiences with others.
If you’ve been considering a retreat, this is your sign to say yes. It just might be the reset you didn’t even know you needed. Weeks later, I’m still thinking about it constantly - which to me says it all.
Fancy Reading My Ultimate Guide To Cold Plunge?
If you’re interested in reading about cold water plunging, either in preparation for a retreat, or just out of interest, you can get my free guide HERE. It contains everything I wish I’d known before I got started - specifically which cold plunge to choose, what to wear and suggestions on how to set yourself up for success. I hope you find it helpful.
Beth x
