Connect with nature and find the happiness within
Your weekend Retreat in glorious East Devon
Friday 8 September to Sunday 10 September 2023
Modern day living can leave you feeling frazzled with the seemingly never-ending demands on your time, work, social media, family life. You may find yourself feeling more tired than you used to, and it seems like you are on a treadmill that never seems to stop. Happiness seems like it is hiding from you and you don’t really have any time for you to relax and just chill out.
You may have good intentions of taking some time out for you to just be and think and reflect, being more mindful or having a go at meditating but somehow you put it off or never quite get around to it.
If this is sounding all too familiar, then this weekend retreat may be just what you are looking for.
This early autumn retreat is for you if you are looking:
For a weekend of peace and quiet with an opportunity to really chill out and catch your breath.
To re-charge your batteries ahead of a busy autumn and winter.
Feel you need some ‘me time’ and nurture yourself and perhaps re-discover the inner you.
Get away from the phone or laptop for a couple of days (mobile coverage and Wi-Fi is still available if you need it!).
To enjoy delicious and nourishing food and tasty break time treats – no need to cook or order a takeaway on this retreat.
To practice mindfulness and meditation and other relaxation practices in a relaxed environment, with other leisurely relaxation opportunities close at hand.
To be close to nature and wake up hearing the birds singing in the trees.
To practice some relaxation practices with like-minded people but still have time to do your own thing.
To leave the retreat with a smile on your face and the kind of glow that gets your housemate / partner considering signing up for one of these retreat things themselves.
“The 3-minute breathing practice at the start of the session, was really good, especially as my head was feeling very much like the weather - soggy and foggy. It was perfect tonic” IH.
Sounds like it’s just what you are after?
Relaxing through meditation mindfulness and yoga Nidra
The focus is on YOUR relaxation
The whole retreat is centred around you – for you to relax and chill out, from your arrival on Friday afternoon until your departure after lunch on Sunday. Whilst there’s a schedule of activities, you are free to join some or all of the sessions, it’s your choice. You can find a draft schedule for the retreat here.
Over the 2 days you will have the opportunity to enjoy some guided meditations, visualisations and breathing practices and engage in some mindfulness practices. You will also experience the wonderfully nurturing practice of yoga Nidra.
We will encourage our bodies to relax through listening to uplifting and thought provoking stories and music as well as the sounds and experience of nature surrounding. This may encourage us to reflect on how this makes us feel and deepen the relaxation and connection with ourselves.
There will be opportunity for you to journal and share your experience with other group members if you would like to and the chance to discuss any topics that arise from the meditations.
It’s all very informal and if you don’t want to or feel the need to share then that’s absolutely fine. There’s no pressure to join in the discussion.
Let’s talk self care
Self-care is so important, and you can’t always be on retreat! We’ll talk about what you can do to nurture yourself, even if you only have 15 – 20 minutes a day, and there will be time for you to journal ideas on what you can do to support your daily wellbeing.
Bringing nature into the room
As a qualified herbalist and naturopath, Melisa will also talk a little about herbs and flower remedies that can support or enhance meditation and mindfulness practices and may be able to help with reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Herbal teas and flower remedies will be on hand for you to try and see if they help with your relaxation.
Taking advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer:
Kingsdown Tail Camping and Caravan Park is set in the beautiful East Devon countryside, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Weather permitting, we will take the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate nature with a walking meditation to start our day on both Saturday and Sunday.
Again, weather permitting, we will be able to practice some nature-based meditations and immerse ourself in the environment surrounding us. If a clear night is forecast, you may wish to join me for a meditation under the stars.
The venue
Kingsdown Tail is a family run camping and glamping park, near Sidmouth in East Devon. There’s a friendly atmosphere and the park is in a lovely natural setting with some sheep, pigmy goats and free range chicken on site! Nature is never far away.
We will take our practices in the lovely new activities studio and weather permitting around the site. A swimming pool is also available to book to use.
All meals will be served in the onsite café/restaurant.
Accommodation:
Camping is available if you would like to bring your own tent or caravan. Alternatively, you can book one of the lovely glamping pods.
Costs for the retreat:
This is an all-inclusive retreat, with accommodation, meals and instruction included in the price.
Camping (bringing own tent/caravan) – £228 (one person)
Camping (bringing own tent/caravan) - £208 per person (2 people sharing)
Standard pod - £228 per person (2 people sharing)*
Standard pod - £268 (sole occupancy)*
Large pod (ensuite facilities)- £288 per person (2 people sharing)
Large pod (ensuite facilities) - £308 (sole occupancy)
Seasonal pitch users - £188 per person
*Standard pod has a private WC for sole use next to the pod
What’s included:
Dinner on Friday and Saturday evening*
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings*
Lunch on Saturday and Sunday*
All morning and afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, cake)*
Chosen accommodation and use of the site facilities.
All activities as per the programme
*Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free and other special dietary requirements will be catered for. Please specify at booking.
Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase to drink with dinner and in the evening
Interested, but want to know more or check if this retreat is right for you?
Get in touch with me here and I am happy to set up a free 15 minute chat to discuss your requirements/needs so you can decide if this is the right retreat for you.
Accommodation questions
If you have any questions about the accommodation or the Kingsdown Tail site, you can contact Vicki on 01297 680313 or info@kingsdowntail.co.uk
I’m in, how do I book?
A £50 deposit is required to secure your booking.
You have 2 options to book:
Online
Complete the booking form to confirm your requirements for the accommodation and any special dietary requirements. On receipt of your booking form, you will be sent a payment link to make payment.
2. Book by telephone directly with Kingsdown Tail
You can also book by telephoning Vicki at Kingsdown Tail on 01297 680313
Your relaxation mentor
Melisa is a meditation and mindfulness practitioner and is also a qualified herbalist and naturopath. She has been practising and instructing in meditation and mindfulness over the past 2 years and has offered courses and practices in meditation, mindfulness and yoga nidra. She also works with clients on a one to one basis offering a holistic package using herbal medicine, naturopathic recommendations and meditation and mindfulness practices.
You can find more about me here.
Feedback on Melisa’s work:
Here’s what some of the lovely participants who joined some of my Mindfulness and Mediation courses said:
Want to know what working with me is like?
If you’d like to check out my style and how I offer meditations and yoga nidra, you can discover more via my website or YouTube Channel.
Some meditations for you to try
Mindfulness meditation - a quick 3 Minute Mindful Practice to help you feel calmer and more energised.
Woodland meditation - a short 5 minute guided visualisation meditation to reconnect with nature and feeler calmer and more relaxed.
Frequently asked questions:
The following FAQs should answer most of your questions, but should you have any further questions, please do get in touch at melisa@melisajermin.com.
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It’s an informal space, where we will take it the days at a relaxed pace. There will be time for meditation and practice inside and out, a chance to appreciate nature. All the meditation practices are guided, but I will also leave time for self-reflection and journalling.
We will also have time for group reflections on the practices and discussions on self-care.
There will be plenty of breaks so you can enjoy coffee, tea, herbal tea and of course cake. It is an indulgent retreat! Free time is available on Saturday afternoon to enjoy your surroundings, go for a swim or just chill out.
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Yes, please specify your requirements on booking.
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You will need to bring bedding and a towel as these are not supplied with the glamping pods. Should you want an early morning or evening drink, please bring your own tea/coffee et. A kettle is provided.
For the activities, you may wish to bring your own yoga mat, cushion and blanket for your comfort for the yoga nidra practices. Equipment will be available for your use if this will be difficult for you to bring with you.
Chairs will be available.
Some warm clothing is advisable for any out of doors meditation and yoga nidra when the body temperature can drop.
You may wish to wear trainers, flat shoes or walking boots for the walking meditation, as some of the ground is a little uneven in parts, but all is on the flat.
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This is an accessible retreat open to people new to meditation or experienced practitioners.
I will give you guidance and share recommendations and all meditation practices are guided. Many of the practices are short with some longer meditations and yoga nidras as the retreat progresses. I will be guided by your requirements and can tailor the practices to the group’s needs.
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Yoga nidra is a form of meditation that is deeply relaxing and is practiced lying down. There is no effort involved and research has shown that it may be helpful for helping with sleep and reducing anxiety.
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Of course, sitting on the floor is not for everyone and you can practice equally well sat on a chair.
Some practices like yoga nidra are best practiced lying down, so you can completely relaxed. Mats and chairs will be provided.
We can be flexible to fit in with your needs.
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Saturday afternoon is free for you to chill out in the park, enjoy a swim in the swimming pool, go for a walk to the nearby donkey sanctuary or take a quick trip to Branscombe, Beer or Sidmouth.
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The days will be a mix of meditation, self enquiry, discussion and mindful observation. Saturday afternoon is free for you to enjoy doing your own thing.
There are morning and afternoon breaks with tea, coffee and cake available. It is a leisurely retreat, so there is no rushing required.
You are also free to step out of the activities any time you wish.
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Check in is available from 2 p.m. and the retreat formally starts at 5.30 p.m. Afternoon refreshments are available from 4 p.m.
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The retreat formally starts at 5.30 p.m. on Friday afternoon, 8 September. Afternoon refreshments are available from 4 p.m.
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The retreat finishes at approximately 12 noon on Sunday 10 September, when a light lunch is provided.
Check out of your accommodation is by 10 a.m.
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The nearest railway stations are Honiton (South West Trains) or Exeter St. Davids (First Great Western line). The 9A bus from Exeter to Seaton (regular service) stops outside the campsite.
By car, the campsite is on the A3052 Exeter to Lyme Regis road, and is sign posted.
A map with location details can be found here on the ‘Contact Me’ page of the Kingsdown tail website