5 retreats to beat the winter blues

Feeling low? Here are 5 retreats to beat the winter blues. As the weather is getting colder, the days are getting darker and our moods are getting heavier. While winter does have its upsides (hot chocolate with marshmallows anyone?), a lot of people’s moods are severely affected by the lack of sunlight. So be proactive about changing your outlook and your frame of mind by heading off one of these luxurious winter retreats – so you can come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the cold season.

Creative Cooking, Conscious Eating and Yoga Retreat at 42 Acres

Healthy eating and natural dishes are becoming a big priority these days, as people want to know exactly what ingredients they are putting into their bodies. What better way to be conscious with your cooking than with a retreat dedicated to nutritious food preparation and relaxation? 42 Acres in Somerset is holding a Creative Cooking, Conscious Eating and Yoga Retreat this November. You will have the opportunity to take part in cooking classes, learn about macro-nutrients, optimal digestion, stress and how to balance blood sugar and energy levels. There are also daily yoga classes, so you will leave feeling enlightened and relaxed.

Prices from £310, 25-27 November, 42acres.com

Yoga Retreat with Veronika Rössl.

Adler Lodge in Italy is holding a week-long yoga retreat in November, where you can experience a range of types of yoga, including Hatha and Vinyasa, led by instructor Veronika Rössl, to a backdrop of panoramic scenery of the Dolomites. The lodge has been created with sustainable construction methods to protect the mountains, and all suites are strategically-placed to give the best views. There are also relaxing activities such as meditation, mindful walking and stunning spa facilities. Included in the room rates are also sunset and sunrise yoga and seasonal activities such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking. For the ultimate R&R weekend, Adler Lodge is definitely the place to go.

3 nights from £715, 20-27 November, adler-lodge.com

Detox Retreat Seychelles – Recharge your Willpower

Cleanse your body and your mind with a week on a sandy beach in the Seychelles with experienced naturopaths and health psychologists. Take part in a juice fast to refresh your system and engage in activities such as meditation, horse riding, snorkeling and diving. Enjoy the stunning views in the Bliss Hotel, with unrestricted access to the sea and take part in all the mindful activities that the retreat has to offer, such as nature walks, chi kung, wellness workshops and biofeedback. Sounds like bliss to us…

From £2,350, 25 November-2 December, ensosana.com

Mindfulness Retreat – Suffolk

­Be in the moment and appreciate everything around you on a relaxing weekend in the Suffolk countryside. Get some fresh air and a chance to gain full awareness of your surroundings with nature walks, group meditations, and workshops that help to harness nervous energy and create calmness. Shut off from reality, improve your wellbeing and enjoy nature at its finest with an enlightening weekend away.

From £270, November 18-20, 9-11 December, lovelifelivenow.com

Ocean Soul Holistic Retreat – Bali

Find peace and tranquility in Asia this November, with a holistic retreat on a women’s only wellness programme. Enjoy nutritious meals, morning beach walks, spa therapies and water sports with like-minded people. Professional instructors will help you destress and unwind with wellness consultations, guided yoga sessions, and life coaching sessions to help you find peace and tranquility. Spend evenings by the resort’s pool, or enjoying cooking classes and Pilates. Then come home feeling completely rejuvenated, energised and relaxed.

From £800, 19-25 November, healthandfitnesstravel.com