Retreat Timeline: Our Journey So Far

A glimpse into the soulful spaces, joyful gatherings, and nourishing moments we’ve shared together over the years. Every retreat is a chapter in our journey—a memory made, a connection formed, a breath deeply taken.

What began in 2020 as intimate, one-day retreats in the energy-centered sanctuary of Tofte Manor, Bedfordshire gently unfolded into something deeper. These sacred day-long pauses—anchored in mindfulness, movement, and nourishment—became a beautiful rhythm of return. I’ve continued to revisit Tofte Manor over the years, holding space for women ( and, men ) to reset and reconnect with themselves.

From there, the journey naturally expanded into full weekend retreats at West Lexham, Norfolk—a place of wild gardens, calm waters, and soulful stillness. For three consecutive springs—2022, 2023, and 2024—we gathered in women’s circles of rest and renewal, weaving seasonal rhythms with deep care and intention.

Then came the call of Ikaria, the Greek Blue Zone island known for its long-living, joy-filled people. In September 2024, we travelled there for a full week—immersing ourselves in the Ikarian way of life: slow mornings, nourishing meals, sea swims, embodied movements, and laughter. It was a retreat not just for the body, but for the soul.

In May 2025, we returned once more. Another week of deep breathing, gentle movements of embodied yoga and simply living—Ikaria style. This time, we also embraced creative rituals through the grounding practice of ceramics and a hands-on Ikarian cooking class. These creative moments became gateways to presence, expression, and joy—reminding us that vitality also lives in the act of making.

Each location, each gathering, has offered something unique. But the heart of it all remains the same: to support women in remembering who they are, reconnecting with what truly matters, and rediscovering the aliveness that already lives within them.

While my retreats are primarily crafted with women’s wellbeing, rhythms, and reconnection at the centre, they are not exclusive to women. Couples and men have joined some of our gatherings—especially on longer retreats—and are warmly welcomed into the space, where the shared intention is presence, openness, and soul-nourishing connection.

Six women sit together on a stone wall by the water, smiling at the camera; a small brown dog is lying near them. Trees and the sea are visible in the background.
Five women pose outdoors, smiling and waving at the camera in front of a large tree and a tire swing on a sunny day.
A group of people practice yoga in a spacious, rustic room with wooden beams, brick walls, and natural light. They are all in a lunge pose with arms raised.
Five women sit at a table on a tiled terrace overlooking the sea, with blue sky and scattered clouds in the background.
A group of eleven adults pose together outdoors at night on a terrace with empty chairs and tables, with distant lights visible in the background.
A woman sits on the floor of a softly lit yurt, surrounded by musical instruments, cushions, and string lights, appearing to prepare for a sound meditation session.

Thank you for organizing such an amazing retreat in Ikaria, Greece. Your kindness, compassion, and attentiveness truly made the experience unforgettable. We especially loved the adventurous activities you planned between the yoga sessions—they allowed us to explore Ikaria in such a unique way! We would join another one of your retreats in a heartbeat. Thank you again for making sure all our needs were met and for the wonderful memories!

Romeena and Jason

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Where We’ve Been: Retreat Locations & Moments

Scroll below to explore the soulful spaces we’ve shared—through images, stories, and memories.

From sacred day retreats to week-long immersions, these moments reflect the beauty, presence, and connection that unfold when people come together with intention.

Tofte Manor, Bedfordshire – Sacred Day Retreats

Since 2020 – Ongoing

A sacred sanctuary with healing geometry, unique Labyrinth and peaceful gardens, Tofte Manor has been the heart of my one-day retreats. These soul-soothing gatherings offer gentle movement, meditations, labyrinth meditative ( transformative ) walks, nourishing food, and moments of deep pause. A perfect reset, again and again.

“Absolutely beautiful retreat with Julia at Tofte Manor. Julia is a genuine, warm and passionate yoga teacher. She has a wonderfully calm approach to life and I felt truly transformed after a day of meditating, moving my body and eating the most delicious food. I cannot wait to do another retreat with Julia, hopefully next time for longer. ” – Joanna S.

A group of people practice yoga outdoors on mats in a park, standing in tree pose with arms raised under a sunny sky and surrounded by trees.
Five women pose outdoors, smiling and waving at the camera in front of a large tree and a tire swing on a sunny day.
A group of fourteen women pose together outdoors under a large tree, with two sitting on a wooden swing and the others standing behind them.
A woman sits on the floor of a softly lit yurt, surrounded by musical instruments, cushions, and string lights, appearing to prepare for a sound meditation session.
People lie on mats under blankets in a circular wooden yurt, with a teacher near singing bowls. The room is softly lit with candles and overhead lights.
A group of people walk barefoot through a circular grass labyrinth surrounded by trees in an outdoor setting.
A group of thirteen women poses outdoors in front of a pond and trees on a sunny day, wearing coats and jackets.
A group of people practice yoga in a spacious, rustic room with wooden beams, brick walls, and natural light. They are all in a lunge pose with arms raised.
A group of people poses in front of historic stone ruins on a cloudy day, standing and kneeling on grass near a wooden fence.
A group of people pose and smile in front of the arched stone ruins of an old building, with greenery visible in the background.
People are lying on mats with blankets in a spacious room with wooden beams and large windows, suggesting a group relaxation or meditation session.
A group of people lie on yoga mats in a spacious, rustic room with exposed beams, practicing relaxation or yoga.

West Lexham, Norfolk – Spring Renewal Weekend Retreats

Spring 2022, 2023 & 2024.

A lush retreat space surrounded by wild nature, spring blossoms, and ancient trees. For three consecutive springs—2022, 2023, and 2024—we gathered in intentional circles of rest and renewal—primarily women, but welcoming to all who feel called to join. Together, we wove seasonal rhythms, soulful practices, and deep care into every detail.

The space, the silence, the shared presence – it all felt so intentional.

” Julia offers a wholistic approach to welbeing through yoga, meditation and healthy eating. She has a mindful approach to her lessons and retreats, and makes her students feel nurtured and inspired. ” — Y L

Slovakian Hiking & Embodied Yoga Retreat – May 2026

2nd - 9th May 2026 | Chalet Edenium, High Tatras, Slovakia

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A group of eleven adults pose together outdoors at night on a terrace with empty chairs and tables, with distant lights visible in the background.
A group of seven people pose for a selfie outdoors on a sunny day, wearing sunglasses, hats, and light clothing, with rocky terrain and shrubs in the background.
A group of thirteen people pose together outside under a vine-covered pergola next to a row of empty wooden tables and chairs on a sunny day.
People relax and sunbathe on a small pebble beach at the base of large rocky cliffs, with turquoise water in the foreground.
A group of people lying on yoga mats in a spacious, open-air studio, each with yoga blocks and straps beside them, sunlight streaming in from the side.
A group of people sit around a table outdoors, eating a meal together with a view of the ocean in the background on a sunny day.

Ikaria, Greece – The Secrets of Ikarian Longevity Retreat

September 2024

Our first journey to the island ( blue zone island ) of slow living, community, and longevity. Slow mornings, sea swims, soul talks, and plant-based feasts—this  weeklong immersion into the Ikarian lifestyle was a deep exhale. And, a rhythm that nourishes the soul and inspires vitality. 

We began each day with embodied yoga, meditation,  moved with intention through coastal hikes, bathed in healing thermal waters, dancing and cooked together, savouring every flavour of the island’s gifts. In this gentle rhythm, we shared presence, stories, and silence.

Something softened. Life felt spacious again.

“I remembered what it feels like to live fully. To be truly alive.”

Ikaria, Greece – Creativity & Vitality Retreat

May 2025 – A Joyful Return to Ikaria 

A return to the island in full bloom—for spring, and for soulful awakening. This retreat carried a deeper rhythm, shaped by the land and our shared presence. Each day was a tapestry of embodied yoga, intuitive movement, meditation, longevity talks, stillness, laughter, and connection.

We gathered in honest circles—to breathe, to cry, to laugh, to release—and to remember that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, it’s light. Sometimes, it’s wildly joyful.

This time, we also explored creativity as presence—through playful ceramics and a hands-on cooking experience that brought us into our senses and into the moment. Not the focus, but a beautiful thread in the week’s unfolding. We didn’t just retreat from the world—we stepped more fully into ourselves.

“Shaping clay, cooking together… it all became part of the journey inward.”

Six women sit together on a stone wall by the water, smiling at the camera; a small brown dog is lying near them. Trees and the sea are visible in the background.
Five women sit at a table on a tiled terrace overlooking the sea, with blue sky and scattered clouds in the background.
A group of women sit around a table outdoors, working on clay crafts and smiling, with art supplies and finished pieces on the table.
Six people sit together on large rocks beside a clear stream and greenery, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.
A group of nine adults sit together around a small table in a cozy stone-walled room, smiling at the camera.
Eight women sit in a row on an outdoor stone bench, eyes closed and hands in a prayer position, with a rocky backdrop and buildings in the background.

Julia is a wonderful yoga teacher, she’s very patient and spends time making sure everyone is comfortable and getting the most out of her classes. Her retreats are idyllic and include other activities alongside yoga to compliment and provide a lovely relaxing break from busy everyday life. I would recommend Julia to anyone looking for a friendly yoga retreat/class.

Helena Hall-Manning

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