Yoga! It may seem a bit intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. There are a whole bunch of UK retreats for companies that are going to be perfect for all levels – from your very first Downward Dog to steady guidance in mastering the One-Handed Tree Pose.
Imagine: you and the team leave the city for a few days to spend quality time together and find that absolute zen in the middle of nowhere. It might seem counterintuitive but winding down actually sets you up perfectly for high productivity so start out with a round of deep belly breathing and prepare for fresh new ideas to pop up when you least expect them to. You might find that when you run out of time to spend on work the most efficient way to spend your time is to not work for a while. With these UK yoga retreats, you’ll be all set up for short-term relaxation and long-term success.
What’s the Best Yoga Style for a Company Retreat?
There are so many types of yoga it might all seem a bit overwhelming but when starting out we recommend the rather common style Hatha. It’s great for beginners and originally refers to the physical poses rather than the breathing techniques associated with yoga. Today it usually just means a beginner-friendly yoga style that’s commonly a mix of different styles and practices.
For more experienced yogis we’d opt for something a little more challenging such as Ashtanga Yoga. This style isn’t only physically more challenging, it also combines the poses with a special breathing technique thought to control the flow of breath through the body. We’d also like to recommend Bikram Yoga, a type of yoga performed in a very hot and humid room. This will be a full-body experience for both you and the team.
When booking a yoga retreat, make sure you contact the venue beforehand to check what yoga styles they offer and what levels they’re appropriate for. When organising a company retreat it’s important everyone is comfortable with the activities and feels like they have the right to say no to things they don’t want to participate in.
How Should You Prepare for the Yoga Retreat?
Before picking the location you should think about how everyone will get there and make sure there are easy routes. The experience will take energy rather than giving it if people are exhausted before even getting there. Make sure all your guests have booked their travels before the day arrives if you don’t organise their travels for them.
Most yoga retreats include mats but always double-check what’s actually included in the price so you can plan for bringing things. You might also want to plan some other activities than the ones that are in the itinerary, so make sure you plan for this so there’s no stress occurring while you’re there.
Finally, we’d like to remind you to make sure sleeping arrangements are comfortable for everyone that’s coming. The days should be focused on fun and reconnecting with each other and there shouldn’t be any pressure to do anything you don’t want. This could be sleeping arrangements but also the yoga itself. Don’t pick a yoga retreat if a majority of your employees aren’t comfortable with this activity. But if your employees love yoga as we do, go for it!
Top 7 UK Yoga Retreats for Companies
Here are the seven best yoga retreats in the UK for companies to wind down and ramp up productivity. Pick and choose the best one for you and your team to get into the zone and put your feet on the mat.
1. 42 Acres
In Somerset, you’ll find this hidden gem that offers a lot more than your typical retreat. You’ll be spoilt with over 170 acres of land to explore, including a lake where you can engage in wild swimming and ancient woodlands. The menu at 42 Acres includes locally sourced superfoods and meals rich in nutrients. All retreats are fully catered with meals using fresh, seasonal, ad biodynamic ingredients. But now to the most important thing: yoga! At 42 Acres you’ll be able to engage in both yoga and meditation while enjoying one of the most beautiful estates in the UK. Could it get any better? We don’t think so!
Best for An all-around tranquil experience
Price ££
Location Somerset
2. Jiva Healing
At Jiva Healing, you’ll not only get a full week of exploring Hatha Yoga and other yoga styles, but you’ll also get a juice fasting experience that’ll leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed. You’ll be hosted in a 19th-century country house just outside the village of Chulmleigh in Devon, making sure you’re spoilt on the outside while deep-diving into your inner world. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in classes about nutrition and healthy eating. With this choice, your company retreat will be focused on restoring your body from a toxic lifestyle, setting you up with a clean slate for a productive quarter.
Best for Teams up for the challenge of fasting
Price £££
Location Devon
3. The Clover Mill, Worcestershire
This retreat is unique because’s built around the ancient Indian health system Ayurveda. Striving to regain balance through diet and yoga among other techniques. Upon arrival, all participants are given a personal diet plan that they’ll follow throughout the retreat. Of course, you’ll also be participating in plenty of yoga classes. The Clover Mill is as the name might suggest located in a converted 17th-century watermill and the setting is mind-blowingly beautiful.
Best for Those interested in Ayurveda
Price ££
Location Worcestershire
4. The Retreat, New Forest
If there’s one place in the UK that’s so tranquil itself you’ll barely need the yoga to relax, it must be The New Forest. At The Retreat, there will be many activities for you and your colleagues to take part in. This inclues different yoga styles such as aerial yoga and dynamic kundalini yoga. If it’s your jam you can go in for a drum circle too. There are multiple retreats here with a focus on finding your inner femininity and goddess, making this an ideal choice for all-female organisations.
Best for Female only retreats
Price £
Location New Forest
5. Elmley, The Kent Coast
Next up is this 3,300-acre family estate boasting spectacular views from its own yoga studio. If you’d rather you can take a class in the great outdoors instead, secluded from the city yet only 40 miles from London just off the coast of Kent. This hidden treasure is sure to take your breath away before you start working on your Ujjayi breathing and feel all your worries and stress melt away. Treat the team to an experience that they won’t forget with this one-of-a-kind experience.
Best for Beginner yogis
Price ££
Location Just off the Kent coast
6. Cabilla, Cornwall
At Cabilla you have the opportunity to organise your own bespoke yoga retreat with all the ingredients you think your team needs to set you up. Pick from an array of yoga classes, massages, and reiki. When you and your guests get hungry you can simply organise for local chefs to cook your meals for you and all of this will take place in the beautiful Cornwall location that is Cabilla.
Best for Bespoke yoga retreats
Price ££
Location Cornwall
7. The Sharpham Trust, Devon
Although not strictly a yoga retreat The Sharpham Trust’s mediation retreats are worth mentioning as they’re really something out of the ordinary. With their Woodland Retreat, you’ll get the opportunity to completely unwind and immerse yourself in nature while you hit the sack in your own furnished bell tent. Throughout the stay, you’ll have the support of experienced mindfulness leaders and healthy vegetarian or vegan food will be served throughout. Don’t miss out on exploring the beautiful Sharpham estate and your inner calm.
Best for Mindfulness and immersive nature experiences
Price ££
Location Devon
If you didn’t find the yoga retreat you were looking for here we’re here to do all of the work for you completely free of charge. Reconnect your team and build your retreat today!
