Celebrating Samhain, Nature and Wellbeing in North Wales
An autumnal weekend of yoga, somatic movement, needle felting, Qi Gong, woodland lunch, sauna and Welsh storytelling in the heart of Eryri.
What a weekend we've just had!
There is something particularly special about Llanberis in autumn. We'd been spending the week here with our family, and the change in season seemed almost instantaneous as we crossed into Wales. The leaves were turning, the colours were becoming more vibrant and the woodland floors were filling with fallen leaves.
Every day offered a different palette of colour, texture and light. It was the perfect backdrop for a weekend dedicated to seasonal wellbeing, creativity, nature and connection.
Gathering in Llanberis for a seasonal wellbeing retreat
Our mini escape welcomed guests from across the region, including Mid Wales, North Wales and Manchester.
One of the things we love about hosting small retreats in Llanberis is the opportunity to bring people together who might otherwise never have crossed paths. A shared interest in wellbeing, a curiosity about trying something different and a desire to step away from everyday routines can create some wonderful connections.
Our Samhain gathering was designed around the changing seasons and the invitation to slow down, turn inwards and prepare for the darker months ahead.
And so our day began.
Dolbadarn Castle sits against the backdrop of the stunning Eryri National Park.
Seasonal yoga and somatic practices with Helen
Our first session explored seasonal yoga and somatic practices with Helen.
Through breath, sound and gentle movement, we began to settle into the day. Bhramari, often known as buzzing bee breath, offered a lovely way to bring awareness to the breath and encourage a sense of grounding.
We explored tree pose, using the visualisation of autumn leaves gently falling to the ground, alongside balancing practices to cultivate focus, stability and clarity.
It was a grounding start from our purpose build studio, giving everyone an opportunity to arrive fully, both physically and mentally.
Getting creative with autumn needle felting
Our next session brought a completely different energy to the room!
Anja introduced everyone to needle felting, inviting guests to create their own miniature pumpkins and other root vegetables.
There is something wonderfully absorbing about creative activities. As the session progressed, conversation grew, coffee intake soared and cake was consumed!
It was lovely to see everyone getting stuck into the process, experimenting with colour and shape and enjoying the simple pleasure of making something with their hands.
A reminder that wellbeing doesn't always need to look like yoga or meditation. Sometimes it's about being creative, playful and absorbed in something new.
Guests created their own miniature pumpkins and other root vegetables. Some real characters were born from this fun session!
A woodland lunch in the heart of Eryri
For lunch, we ventured outdoors for a gentle walk to a nearby sheltered woodland.
Ancient, moss-covered and wonderfully atmospheric, it provided the perfect setting to pause and enjoy warm pies and soup together.
Being surrounded by nature is such an important part of what makes a retreat in Llanberis different. The landscape isn't simply a backdrop; it becomes part of the experience.
Eating outdoors, underneath the tree canopy, felt particularly nourishing. There was something about sharing food in that environment that made the experience even more special.
Qi Gong beneath the autumn trees
After lunch, it was time to get moving again.
Anja invited everyone to join her for Qi Gong beneath the trees. Through flowing movements, bouncing, breath and gentle patterns, we explored the relationship between movement and the natural elements.
There was plenty of smiling and laughter as we gathered together in a circle, moving and connecting.
And the session ended with a tree hug!
It's these moments that often stay with us: simple, joyful experiences that reconnect us with our bodies, each other and the natural world around us.
A restorative afternoon of somatic movement, breath and acupressure
Our final session of the day brought Helen and Anja together for what they believe is a particularly unique and restorative offering.
Combining somatic movement and breathwork with acupressure point self-massage and restorative poses, this extended session offered guests the opportunity to slow right down.
There was time to explore the practices without rushing, to soften, release tension and settle into a deeper state of rest.
It was a beautiful way to bring the day retreat to a close.
We wanted this final session to feel like an invitation to let go and surrender to the restorative potential of the practices we shared.
An evening of Welsh folklore, food and storytelling
As our day guests headed home, those staying overnight continued the experience with more lovely food, nourishment and conversation.
We rounded off the evening with a Welsh folktale exploring how Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, got its name, leading into the famous story of Beddgelert.
There is something special about sharing local folklore when you're actually immersed in the landscape where those stories belong. It adds another layer to the experience of spending time in North Wales.
Story time in the studio felt rather like being told a bedtime story, with a little twist of Halloween woven in!
Sauna and contrast therapy beside Llyn Padarn
The following morning, we woke to another beautiful day in Llanberis and ventured down to the sauna beside Llyn Padarn.
A little contrast therapy, a connection with nature and time to enjoy the warmth of the sauna.
The combination of time outdoors, warmth, cold-water experiences and shared moments is something we love incorporating into our retreats.
There are always some good tales told in the sauna! Lots of laughter, conversation and that wonderful feeling of emerging refreshed and invigorated.
We finished the weekend with a hearty brunch around the table.
The table is such an important part of what we do. Whether it's lunch in the woods, an evening meal or breakfast the following morning, sharing food creates space for conversation and connection. It's often where some of the best moments happen.
The table is such an important part of what we do.
Thank you to our guests and retreat sponsors
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this special autumn mini escape. It was wonderful to bring together such a lovely group of people and share the weekend with you.
We'd also like to thank our retreat sponsors:
The Teapot, for providing their lovely loose-leaf teas.
Woodspring, for their beautifully scented candles.
And, of course, a big shout-out to Anja for bringing her creativity, Qi Gong practice and epic storytelling to the weekend.
More Llanberis mini retreats coming in 2027
The lovely news is that Helen and Anja are already planning two more mini escapes for 2027.
If you enjoyed following this weekend or would love to experience something similar, we'd love to hear from you.
The dates will be announced to our mailing list first, before being released more widely to the public.
Would you like to be among the first to know? Get in touch and we'll make sure you're on the list.
Our final Llanberis retreat of 2026 - Winter Slow - 5 December
Before we look too far ahead to 2027, we have one more retreat to share this year.
Our final retreat of 2026 is an opportunity to strip things back to the essentials and enjoy some time dedicated to your wellbeing as winter begins.
Hosted by retreat owners Helen and Dave, the day will include:
Seasonal yoga to support wellbeing.
Time in the sauna.
A nourishing lunch.
Space to rest, relax and simply be.
Somatic restorative practices and guided meditation
A lovely opportunity to pause, recharge and give yourself some time before the busyness of the festive season.
We still have a few spaces available.
Join us in Llanberis on 5 December.
We look forward to welcoming you.
