Oxonhoath Easter Retreat

10th April - 13th April 2020

Norman and Dina have been running these Easter indulgences at Oxonhoath for over ten years,

during which time it has been lovingly restored from ‘shabby chic’ to 4* fabulous.

This long chocolicious Easter weekend offers you the chance to refresh your mind and nourish your body.

Booking and costs

The price of this retreat starts at just £440 per person (sharing). Rooms vary and prices are set accordingly. Single and ensuite rooms are sold with an additional supplement added. All bookings for this retreat are managed by Dina. Please contact Dina directly via the contact section for further information or booking. A deposit of £200 per person is required to secure a place on this retreat.

About the retreat

This is a wonderful opportunity to take a breath. As seasons change, this Easter break - four days of yoga, good food, space - is a great chance to refresh, relax and rejuvenate. There are two yoga studios and classes are run by Norman and Dina. Maitripushpa also teaches a meditation class each morning. Norman’s morning session is Ashtanga with love and plenty of props. He ensures there are many variations and numerous options so the emphasis is on accessibility and inclusivity. Dina’s morning session is dynamic flow.

In the afternoon, participants can choose between Yin yoga with Norman or Restorative yoga/yoga nidra with Dina. These slow and soft practices are a great complement to the more moving activities of the morning classes.

We also allow plenty of time throughout the day to relax, and unwind where you can relax in the lounge and library or explore the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Both Norman and Dina are highly experienced teachers with a wealth of knowledge. Together they have been running the Easter retreat at Oxonhoath for more than ten years.

Daily schedule

8.00am: Stretching, pranayama, introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
8.30am: Breakfast and free time
10.00am: Dynamic Flow Yoga with Dina in the Ballroom, or Ashtanga with Norman in the conference room
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoons are free to enjoy the surrounding area, beauty treatment, or rest
3.30pm: Tea
5.00pm: Slow restorative practices including yin, yoga nidra and breathing exercises with Dina or Norman
7.00pm: Dinner

The venue

Built in 1532 as a stately home, this magnificent manor house is a short train ride from London, surrounded by 73 acres of gardens in beautiful Kent countryside. Oxonhoath opened in 1999 as a retreat and conference centre with two bright and beautiful spaces for yoga classes and 26 bedrooms, from the grand Master Suites to the smaller rooms which were formerly the servants quarters.

Oxonhoath has 28 bedrooms, accommodating up to 50 people in total. Most bedrooms are twin but there are also several singles, doubles and two family rooms sleeping 3 or 4. Most rooms retain the original mansion proportions and have ensuite facilities. Those without have a bathroom close by. All rooms are centrally heated, simple and comfortable.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Expect simple but delicious, home cooked vegetarian food made with love by Oxonhoath's very own chefs.

Getting to the venue:

Oxonhoath Road,
Tonbridge
TN11 9SS

Regular train service from Charing Cross or London Bridge to Tonbridge takes around 45 minutes. Taxi from the station to Oxonhoath is around 15 minutes. Taxi shares can be arranged.

Teachers

Introducing Dina

Gradually moving away from an accidental career in music PR and a hedonistic lifestyle that was rapidly losing its lustre, Dina completed a Dynamic Yoga teacher training in Ibiza in 2000.

Dina says, "It was an exercise in damage limitation rather than a premeditated career move. I didn’t choose teaching, it seemed to choose me, over and over again. And now, navigating my way through my autumn years, these tools are more pertinent than ever and I feel blessed to have received them."

Yoga and mindfulness have enhanced Dina's life and continues to do so in so many beneficial ways, and Dina believes it would be churlish not to share.

Don’t expect incense and chanting: Dina's style is more pragmatic, grounded in many years of practice and personal experience.

Introducing Maitripushpa

Meditation with Maitripushpa is varied and is both a great introduction to meditation and an amazing opportunity for existing practitioners to develop their practice.

Maitripushpa has a strong Buddhist influence but years of study with varied traditions inform and enrich the meditation experience on this retreat.

Included

All yoga, all accommodation (sharing a twin/double or triple room); delicious veggie meals; afternoon tea and refreshments; Easter chocolate treats.

Not included

Travel (and insurance) is not included the price of the retreat.

Other retreats

Where: Limehouse Yoga, Truro, UK
When: 8th May - 13th May 2020.
Details: To find out more, please see the Cornwall retreat page

Where: EcoYoga, Scotland, UK
When: 7th Oct - 12th Oct 2020
Details: To find out more, please see the Scotland retreat page

Testimonials

"It was my first time on a retreat and I am totally hooked! It was so lovely to relax and not have to think about the stresses of London life for a few days. The yoga was awesome I really enjoyed Dina's playful flow classes and Norman’s lovely Yin. I was worried about going on my own but I am so glad I did. I met some lovely people and have made some new friends. The food was amazing too, I felt so spoilt, not having to cook or even decide what to eat!" - Julia