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

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The Big Retreat Wales

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