Looking for something wholesome to do over the Whitsun weekend, away from the city? Fancy a break from your busy lifestyle to recharge and reset? Sounds like the Big Retreat Wales on 25-28 May might be what you’re after.

This unique wellbeing festival, now in its second year, is a chance to spend three days of relaxation and discovery in the breathtakingly beautiful village of Lawrenny in Pembrokeshire National Park.

From an old castle terrace high above the Cleddau Estuary, attendees can get a sweat on with fitness classes and dance sessions, reconnect through yoga, pilates and meditation, learn new crafts, rediscover old past-times and practice a weekend being in a mindful, positive space of wellbeing.

Or, if slower living is more their thing, they can enjoy workshops in spoon carving, den building, nature weaving, didgeridoo playing, jewellery making, monoprinting and more, or simply chill out in a hilltop hammock with a good book.

This year’s programme is even bigger than last year’s, with over 200 events, classes, workshops, activities and walks taking place in marquees, tepees, all-weather buildings and out in the fresh air.

The yoga tent has 20 hours of yoga classes across many different disciplines, including acro yoga, gentle hatha yoga, relaxing yin yoga and flowing ashtanga yoga. Taking place on the central terrace are back to back fitness sessions including HIIT, Zumba, pilates, cross training, Mundo Dance (led by its creator and Cardiff favourite, Yonier Garcia) and hula fitness

For those who want to venture off-site, there is a group 5km run, a 6km walk from Lawrenny to Cresswell Bay and shore walks to the nearby waters with park rangers. Little ones aren’t forgotten about, either; under 12s get in free, and can enjoy kids’ yoga, kids’ fitness classes, bug hunts, bushcraft, foraging, shelter-making, music, arts and crafts, vintage swing boat rides and running freely around the gorgeous countryside spot.

Of course, all that excitement requires a lot of energy, so there are plenty of foodie treats planned for tasty replenishment, from campside cook-outs and street food stalls to demos and tastings.

These include The Apprentice’s Alana Spencer demonstrating her Ridiculously Rich cakes, Jackie Pallet sharing healthy Indian cooking, The Bug Grub Company turning critters into culinary delights and The Voice’s Ragsy donning his new persona as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chef.

Tickets include access to all on-site fitness classes, relaxation sessions, workshops and live performances. Professional massage therapies, reiki, paddle boarding, canoeing and coasteering incur a small additional cost. To find out more about the best festival in Wales to leave you inspired, rejuvenated and restored, visit www.thebigretreatwales.co.uk

Testimonials:

Had a truly great enlightening weekend, so much we didn't fit in, so can't wait for next year!
Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in, to make an event like this happen. �� Megan Tanner

Myself and hubby had a fantastic weekend with you all at the big retreat. We tried out some great classes including hotpod yoga, hiit and kettlebells. Absolutely stunning venue! We hired bikes and went exploring too then tried out the local pub �. The evening entertainment was a perfect end to wind down from the busy days at the classes and workshops. Thank you again, we will defo return!! � Michelle Thomas

Thank you Big Retreat for the most amazing time! Great classes, inspiring speakers, talented bands and so much more. Already looking forward to next year's Festival! Samantha Robinson

It was definitely worth coming all the way from Scotland to attend this fab inaugural event. I left, having been massaged in a tent in the trees, (thanks Tracy), with a better knowledge of gin, (Diana and Charlie - wow!), and recharged by the gorgeous setting. I was well fed, and delightedly entertained by all the brilliant musicians! Well done to Amber and everyone, who worked so hard to create such a special event! A special thank you to Vic, the woodwork and spoon-making guy, for his patience and kind instruction.

I booked a couple of places at this festival on something of a whim and then embarked on a journey across not one but two countries to reach the venue. It was completely worth it. We were made to feel so welcome and had great fun learning about and experiencing new things. As with all good festivals I didn't want to leave but am looking forward to returning again in future.

The Big Retreat Wales

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