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The idea of having some time away for quiet reflection and relaxation is something that appeals to almost everyone. Retreats offer an opportunity to step away from life’s daily stresses, allowing you to escape your normal routine and focus on yourself. But what exactly are retreats, and more importantly, what types of retreats can you find?

So let’s explore the wonderful world of retreats! From meditation getaways to psilocybin retreats to spiritual transformation journeys – these are some ways that people use their downtime to restore or even elevate their well-being. From yoga-inspired escapes to weekend jaunts with guided activitiesands intensive multi-day programs in far-flung locations, we will delve into this topic today and look at some popular types of retreat options available out there.

Overview

A retreat is a powerful way to refresh your mind, reconnect with your inner self and find balance in your life. Whether you need a spiritual retreat, a yoga retreat, or simply a weekend getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, a retreat can provide a transformative experience that can change how you view yourself and the world.

Participating in a retreat allows you to slow down, let go of stress and connect with your true nature. With activities such as meditation, yoga, hiking, creative expression, and more, a retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore your passions and find new inspiration for your life’s journey.

So why not take the leap and invest in yourself by participating in a powerful retreat experience?

Types of Retreats

Spiritual Retreats – A spiritual retreat is a great way to connect with your inner self and explore your spirituality.

Wellness Retreats – A wellness retreat can help you de-stress, improve physical health, and gain mental clarity and focus.

Adventure Retreats – An adventure retreat offers an opportunity to experience nature and explore new activities such as rock climbing, hiking, or kayaking.

Digital Detox Retreats – Digital detox retreats are perfect for those seeking a complete break from technology and the internet.

Yoga Retreats – Yoga retreats provide an opportunity to deepen your practice with guidance from experienced teachers and experts in the field of yoga.

Learning Retreats – Learning retreats offer unique educational opportunities in art, history, philosophy, science, literature, music, or anything else you may be interested in learning more about!

Benefits of Attending a Retreat

Taking time for a retreat can have tremendous benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Physically, retreats often involve a break from unhealthy habits, sedentary lifestyles, and opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities.

Mentally, a retreat allows individuals to detach from the distractions of everyday life, providing time for self-reflection, stress reduction, and personal growth. Emotionally, retreats can offer a supportive environment to process emotions and connect with others, leading to increased happiness and well-being.

Spiritually, retreats can provide a profoundly transformative experience, often incorporating mindfulness practices, meditation, and spiritual teachings. Whether seeking personal growth, relaxation, or a deeper connection with oneself and others, attending a retreat can offer many positive benefits for overall health and well-being.

Making the Most Out of Your Time Away

Going on a vacation or taking time away from your daily routine can be a great opportunity to reset and recharge, but making the most out of every moment is important. Whether you’re traveling to an exotic destination or simply taking a staycation, it’s crucial to prioritize and plan your time wisely.

Start by setting clear goals and objectives for your time away, be it exploring a new city, soaking up the sun, or spending quality time with loved ones. Then, create a schedule or itinerary that allows you to balance relaxation with meaningful and fulfilling activities.

And most importantly, stay present and enjoy each moment to the fullest, savoring the memories and experiences you’ll look back on for years to come. With thoughtful planning and a mindfulness mindset, you can make the most of every moment of your time away.

In Conclusion

From adventure and spiritual exploration to relaxing in peace, attending a retreat can offer an array of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. However, it is up to you to plan your retreat carefully so you have the best experience possible with meaningful engagement and insight.

With great planning and preparation, along with being open-minded, experiences at your retreat will likely stay with you for a lifetime. So if you’ve been considering booking one soon or are still in the early stages of research, taking time away on a retreat can be an empowering experience.

Whether you are looking for the latest wellness product, heading off to a retreat to reset or want to try the newest fitness studio, we’ve got you covered. Our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles shares the skinny on all the hottest wellbeing news.

Try the limited edition DIRTEA beauty boosting menu at Farm Girl

To celebrate the launch of DIRTEA’s new ‘Beauty Mushroom’ powder – DIRTEA Tremella, they have collaborated with Farm Girl on a beauty boosting menu, jam packed with delicious skin saving drinks and dishes. Tremella aka nature’s Hyaluronic Acid is renowned for its beauty and skin enhancing properties and proven to improve skin tone, elasticity, and hydration, resulting in thicker hair, stronger nails and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The Farm Girl x DIRTEA Beauty Boosting Menu will be available to enjoy at both Farm Girl Soho and South Kensington.

Feel Electric

Struggling to find time in the day to squeeze in that all important workout? Then give your fitness routine a boost with an EMS workout at Feel Electric. Get fitter faster using EMS technology to offer a time efficient and high intensity workout, suitable for even the busiest of lifestyles. Loved by athletes, footballers and celebrities, the workout is short enough to do on your lunch break and still give you enough time to get a bite to eat afterwards. Feel Electric has studios around the UK and new openings underway.

Manage monthly cramps

Period Harmony was set up by siblings, one of which was dealing with bad menstrual pain and was looking for something that was convenient, worked effectively and gentle on the body. The result is the ‘Monthly harmony patch’, an alternative, accessible solution to naturally take the edge off pain for up to eight hours during an uncomfortable period.

A new luxury resort for grown-ups brings next-level wellbeing to the Greek Islands

Opening in June 2023 on the island of Crete, beach-front resort Pnoé Breathing Life represents a new chapter for the luxury wellbeing scene in Europe. Whether you want to improve your fitness, nurture inner health or simply rest and reset, Pnoé offers a selection of wellbeing solutions. Guests will have access to recovery programmes such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zerobody and Breathwork therapy, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility and professional personal trainers. A stimulating workout can be balanced with a visit to the waterfalls of the wet area, the Himalayan salt stones, a wood fired sauna or the impressive ice fall. Pnoé also has an onsite beauty salon, as well as a Guest Relation Service to ensure that every need and requirement can be taken care of.

The must have gym and beach accessory for summer

The La Pochette Wet Bag is an essential for regular gym and spa lovers. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles this stylish kit bag is perfect for storing wet swimwear and sports kit whether you are hitting the beach or relaxing at the spa. Lightweight, compact and features multiple compartments, it has a triple lock system to ensure reliable, leak proof storage of wet kit.

Get an on-demand wellness coach

Fitness entrepreneur, former professional ballerina and all-round powerhouse, Chrissy Sundt has launched Silver Linings Live, a new community-based on-demand, holistic wellness app with daily live classes. As well as delivering personalised support, it incorporates fitness and wellbeing sessions from a host of world-class experts. Silver Linings LIVE is an exclusive place, where members are prioritised, receiving information about new challenges and masterclasses first. Alongside the expert teachers and nutritionists, the Silver Linings Wellbeing community can ask questions and get responses to stay on track. Clients can arrange additional support on the community chat and book soon-to-launch ‘check ins’ with Chrissy and other experts via zoom.

Dynamic Pilates

Recently opened London Reformer Pilates is a boutique new studio, based in Marylebone. Developed by West 1 Health, they have collaborated with the experts of the London Pilates Academy to bring together the very best trainers in London. Taught by the academy’s experts, each upbeat, fitness-based reformer class of up to six people is tailored to ensure a personalised experience. Using the studio’s beautifully designed machines to support a full body workout, dynamic sequences are inclusively tailored to welcome everyone from beginners through to seasoned athletes.

Biohack your way to wellness

New, luxury wellness destination Grey Wolfe bridges advanced science with spiritual and traditional wellness practices. This wellness sanctuary focuses on tailor-made experiences, catering to people seeking alternative therapies for healing, body and health. The standout state-of-the-art biohacking treatments are what makes it unique. As well having an Infrared Sauna they offer innovative Rebalance Impulse treatment. Using a combination of stimulation and cognitive therapy, the Rebalance Impulse (RI) is targeted at fighting chronic stress, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the immune system using neuroscience with dynamic light pulses and sonotherapy. The RI gathers biofeedback and neurofeedback, to better understand how the nervous system is responding, along with your brain activity and the positive effects the body experiences during your session. All this information forms part of ‘brain training’ and is beneficial for restoring healing and relieving chronic stress, PTSD through EMDR, and improving memory, anti-ageing, emotional balance, wellbeing, enhancing sleep quality, pain management and immune system.

Living with chronic pain is a challenge that many of us face on a daily basis. It can be difficult to manage, and it can often interfere with our ability to live our lives to the fullest. However, it is important to remember that there are ways to cope with chronic pain and to manage it in a way that allows us to lead a healthy and productive life. Neuragenex Lehi has some of the best noninvasive and natural treatments available.

In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the strategies and tips that can help make living with chronic pain more manageable. We will look at how to manage pain with lifestyle changes, explore the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies, and discuss how to build a strong support network that can help us cope with the daily challenges of living with chronic pain.

1. Identify and avoid triggers of flare-ups

Triggers of flare-ups can include physical activities, certain foods, environmental changes, and emotional stress. Before beginning any new physical activity or dietary regimen, it is important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that it won’t cause any additional pain or flare-ups. Additionally, understanding the environmental and emotional triggers of flare-ups can help one to identify and avoid them.

2. Develop a plan for pain management

This plan should include a detailed description of the types of pain you experience, the frequency and severity of the pain, and any medications you take or treatments you use to manage the pain. It’s also important to identify any triggers for pain and to note the emotional or psychological effects of the pain. A written plan for pain management can help you keep track of your progress, as well as discuss strategies with your doctor. Additionally, be sure to include a plan for lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation techniques.

3. Stay active and engaged

Living with chronic pain can be incredibly isolating and depressing, so it’s important to stay active and engaged in your life. Take up a new hobby, join an online support group, or simply make time to socialize with friends. Exercise, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, can help to reduce pain and improve your overall physical and mental well-being. You may also consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you cope with the emotional challenges of living with chronic pain.

4. Practice relaxation techniques

Learning how to relax is an important part of managing chronic pain. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness, can help reduce pain and improve quality of life. It is important to practice these techniques daily for maximum benefit. Taking the time to focus on relaxation can help to lower the body’s overall stress level, which can lead to decreased pain and improved functioning.

5. Utilize medication and therapies as prescribed

Working with a physician to find the right medications and therapies can help manage pain and improve the quality of life. It is important to take medications and attend therapies as prescribed. Make sure to ask questions and understand the potential risks associated with medications and therapies. If medications and/or therapies don’t seem to be working, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical provider for further guidance. Additionally, you may want to explore alternative therapies like red light therapy, which has shown promise in managing pain. For more information on the benefits of red light therapy, visit Red Light Therapy Digest, a valuable resource for those seeking natural pain relief solutions.

Conclusion

Living with chronic pain can be a challenge, but with the right strategy and support, it is possible to manage it successfully. It is important to recognize that everyone’s experience of chronic pain is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to work with a doctor or healthcare professional to devise a personalized plan to manage your individual symptoms. With the right tools, it is possible to achieve a better quality of life.

Feeling lonely is something that everyone can suffer from, but it is not something that anyone should have to just let happen. There are many different ways that people can overcome loneliness, and it’s crucial you are able to put at least one, if not more, of these ideas in place when you realise you’re feeling isolated.

Loneliness can lead to mental health issues, lack of energy, high blood pressure, and even cognitive decline in later years. Therefore, read on to find out how to overcome loneliness when you need to.

Find A New Hobby

Hobbies are good for you because they give you something other than work to focus on, they are something you can do just for yourself (so they’re a form of self-care), and they give you something to look forward to, not to mention the fact that you can learn new skills.

Another benefit of a hobby is that you’ll be able to meet new people and those people will already have something in common with you, ensuring you can strike up a conversation and potentially even a friendship much more easily. Even if the hobby you choose is a solo pursuit, you can still join forums and groups to discuss that hobby, so socialisation is still possible.

Volunteer

When you volunteer for a cause close to your heart, you can help other people in a productive way. However, more than that, you can help yourself. When you are volunteering, you will meet new people in a variety of different ways, whether that’s because you’re working in a charity shop, donating blood, raising money for something, or picking up litter,  for example.

These are people you might not have met otherwise, and you’ll feel happy and useful at the same time as being able to talk to people, helping you combat loneliness even more. Plus, volunteering will give you a great reason to leave the house; you won’t want to disappoint anyone who is relying on you.

Get A Massage

Booking a massage at somewhere like secrettantric.com is another excellent way to reduce loneliness. An intimate massage will reduce your stress levels and make you feel calm and happy, and it is proven that physical contact with other people is good for you. If you are feeling lonely, this kind of massage can solve a number of problems all at once, and if you make it a regular booking, you’ll always have something to look forward to.

Keep In Touch Online

It’s not always possible to keep in touch with loved ones by visiting them. You might have moved far away, or perhaps they did. Or maybe everyone is very busy, and it’s hard to organise a time for everyone to be together.

Make it a priority to chat with any friends and relatives you don’t get to see very often online. This could be as simple as sending a daily or weekly catch-up email, or you might prefer to use video calling so you can feel as though you are in the room with them. No matter what suits you best, keeping in touch with loved ones is an excellent way to overcome loneliness, as you’ll remember you’re not alone and you are loved.

Traveling the world doesn’t have to get in the way of your fitness routine, and thanks to the worldwide locations of these studios you can even access your favourite classes around the globe.

F45 Training

Hailing from down under, F45 Training is an Australian concept that centres around a functional full-body workout that lasts for 45 minutes and is never the same – it’s varied, fun and fast! One of the most well-known global fitness communities out there, they specialise in high-intensity group workouts that are fun and guaranteed to give you results. With 1,800 studios across 45 countries, you’re bound to get in at least one F45 workout during your travels.

f45training.com

Barry’s Bootcamp

Step into the infamous Red Room for the workout of your life! Hailing from the big apple, this studio packs a punch, but we can guarantee you’ll want to keep going back for more. Known as the original HIIT workout, you’ll spend half your time on the treadmill and the other half on the floor with the weights doing strength training. Drop into one of the many studios located in 15 countries worldwide.

barrys.com

CrossFit

With over 14,000 locations across the globe, you’ll be hard done to not find yourself a CrossFit gym! Mixing weightlifting with cardio and gymnastics, expect a challenging workout that’s designed to get you in the fittest shape of your life. But don’t be nervous about dropping in somewhere new, the beauty of CrossFit is that it’s a true community, a place where you’re welcomed in with open arms, and each workout is scaleable meaning you can approach it on your terms.

crossfit.com

Trib3

Born in Sheffield, Trib3 has applied their Yorkshire roots into their ethos and put the community at the heart of everything they do. Take your pick from their signature Total Body workout where no muscle is left untouched, Upper Body + Core, or work your largest muscle group in Lower Body. With over 22 studios across 10 countries including Finland, Spain and the Netherlands, you can touch base with home wherever in the world you are.

trib3.co.uk

Here at House of Coco we are big fans of businesses that support and celebrate women which is why we are quickly falling for new kid on the beauty block, Counter Culture.

Co-founded by Wendy Martin, who previously held senior roles at Visa, she turned her back on the corporate world to create a sustainable, ethical online beauty retail destination that champions female-led brands. To celebrate International Women’s Day House of Coco caught up Wendy to find out more about this exciting new brand.

Wendy’s passion lies in championing sustainable, ethical businesses and driving consumer change. The beauty industry came into sharp focus when her research highlighted the average consumer uses 12-16 products a day and the industry, as a whole, produces some 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of which is not recyclable. Along with her co-founder, Mark Wisniewski they wanted to make it easier for people to discover, shop and switch to more sustainable alternatives and to empower them to shop in-line with their values, whether that be vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free, refillable, multi-purpose or upcycled.

Counter Culture is focused on building a community of like-minded people. Their aim is to help connect conscious consumers and businesses with their brands and products and this is highlighted in the discounts and rewards they give to customers for sustainable living activities, such as recycling pre-loved clothes in return for a Counter Culture voucher or by offering discounts via partners for food waste or recycling activities.

Here at House of Coco we love the brand for its discoverability. While they stock some of the best known beauty and wellbeing brands like Olaplex, Medik8 and Trilogy, they also stock smaller, indie ranges making it easier for people to discover and switch to new, upcoming brands. Wendy recommends putting Centred, Fighter shots and Dehlicious on your beauty radar. These hot new brands are stocked on the site and set to blow up in 2023. She’s also got her eye on new collaborations and says, “we’d love to bring Byoma, Cultured Biomecare, Wild Science Lab to our platform soon.”

Supporting female founders is important to Wendy. Research shows all female-founded businesses secured less than 2p in every £1 of venture capital investment, despite the fact that female-founded companies continue to outperform in the broader market. She says, “within our broader vision we aspire to help support emerging, female-founded businesses get investment and retail ready. But right now, recognising we are still very early in our own journey, we’re focused on championing as many female founders as we can. Over 85% of the brands on our site are female-founded.”

The beauty market is crowded so being innovative and fresh is key to getting standout. Wendy says, “There are so many brands killing it right now. I’m a fan of those that are focused on “anti-stress” beauty. Great examples include Faace, with their period and menopause masks and Centred and Abyssian with their focus on scalp as well as hair health. I love multi-use products, like Seeds of Colour with their make-up balm that’s perfect for lips, cheeks and eyes and Dr Lipp with their stripped-back, multi-use products. Some products that are personal favourites, include Medik8’s Press and Glow and Crystal Retinal and Juice Beauty’s Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow.”

It’s an exciting time for Wendy and her Counter Culture team, watch this space as she’s only just getting started.

Incorporate a bit of zen into your Californian break at one of these unique wellness stays. From thermal springs and equine therapy to sleep programmes, there is something for everyone.

Discover horse whispering at Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is set in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains across 500 acres. In 2019 the resort was reimagined with enhancements including The Market & Creamery, two interactive culinary spaces and redesigned suites. They also introduced experiential programming which includes equine therapy, exploring the special bond between human and horse. Each equine experience provides the opportunity to join experts and horse whisperers in the expansive, state-of-the-art outdoor arena, perched high above the beautiful Carmel Valley.

Embark on an ocean safari Base Camp Channel Islands, Channel Islands

This a five-day “wildness + wellness” adventure offered by Wild Earth Travel is perfect for water lovers. Get up close with some of the marine creatures and animals inhabiting Channel Islands National Park’s largely untouched coastal ecosystem offshore between Ventura and Santa Barbara. Catch a glimpse of sea lions, island foxes, and dolphins, as well as taking part in guided hikes, yoga and fitness classes. Take in lectures from experts, and one-on-one photography lessons.

Get some shut-eye at The Post Ranch

Big Sur’s iconic Post Ranch Inn has partnered with The Sleep Doctor – Dr Michael Breus, one of the USA’s most renowned sleep experts – for this program which offers a comprehensive approach to improve the way you sleep each night. Coupled alongside their guestrooms that naturally promote rest and relaxation being free of TVs and alarm clocks and featuring organic mattresses and bedding, without any chemicals or dyes, there’s no better setting in which to embark on a journey to a better night’s sleep. The package is available as an add-on to any reservations of two nights or more. The package includes dinner at Sierra Mar featuring the Sleep Serenity Menu, two 60 minute Sleep Menu Spa Treatments, on demand access to Sleep Sessions with Dr Micheal Breus’ special seven-part video series created specifically for Post Ranch guests and a sweet dreams gift bag.

Embrace Hollywood glamour at The Peninsula, Beverly Hills

Check-in to The Peninsula, Beverly Hills and book into their rooftop retreat. Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor frequented the place and spent six of her honeymoons here. Go all out with a precious-gem treatment—rich oils containing bits of ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond are said to draw upon the stones’ healing powers.

Detox like an A-lister at The Ashram, Calabasas

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Ashram is an oasis of health and tranquillity. Hollywood elite, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Oprah have all reportedly experienced one of their programmes, which starts each day at 5.30am to undertake multiple fitness classes and 10-plus-mile hikes, all fuelled by plant-based meals.

Create a bespoke wellness stay at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

The Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is enveloped between vast dreamy fields of grapevines and lavender in San Diago. Discover a life-changing wellness retreat combining luxurious European spa philosophies with the California concept of fitness, health, and nutrition. At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, packages are custom-made for the guest experience, offering a self-care hideaway that is both intimate and astonishingly gorgeous.

The Centre For Wellbeing at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

One of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas in the world, this beauty and wellbeing focused resort spa offers an extensive menu of treatments as well as a custom organic product line. An opulent homage to the Renaissance, The Centre For Wellbeing aims to quieten the mind, soothe the body and embolden the spirit. The perfect backdrop to refresh and rejuvenate, the scenic Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve boasts abundant flora and fauna— as well as wild herbs, mineral-rich clays and local elements utilised at the spa. Treatments performed in 11 spacious rooms—and a luxe couples suite—are designed by renowned consultant Anne Bramham. Arrive early to take advantage of the lounge areas featuring wet and dry saunas, indoor whirlpools, relaxation rooms and cosy fireplaces. Spa guests also receive access to the adults-only relaxation pool, indoor and outdoor fitness centres, and amenities like all-natural spa products, signature hot teas, seasonal snacks and handcrafted chocolates

Live like a monk at Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta

Shasta Abbey is located near the base of Mount Shasta, surrounded by a stunning 16-acre forest. This Buddhist monastery welcomes outsiders into its beautiful, sacred space. The three-day Introductory Retreat encourages visitors to try Soto Zen through guided meditation, Dharma talks, and mindfulness.

Reboot at The Coast Ridge

This retreat near San Francisco, offers a 4-day health and wellness programme. Days kick off with a sunrise yoga followed by long hikes along the rugged coastline through redwood groves and along coastal trails. After a successful morning on the trail, professional instructors teach a series of exercise classes focused on core and strengthening while restorative yoga ends the day. Each full day you will eat delicious plant based food geared to keep you going, and get pampered with a massage from an incredible massage therapist. Attendees of the four-day Reboot stay in The Coast Ridge’s secluded estate, which overlooks Stinson Beach.

Experience the great outdoors

Dawn Ranch is a great base to experience a wellness stay. Located on the Russian River with redwood groves and orchards, it’s a 15 minute bike ride to Armstrong Woods where you can practise forest breathing. They also host free group energy healing sessions for hotel guests with Raymond Storms, their intuitive healer in residence. Raymond is a reiki master as well as an opera singer! You can also get out on the river on one of the complimentary kayaks the hotel provides.

Essence Portrait at Alila Ventana Big Sur

The Spa Alila offers treatments embedded in the Big Sur landscape. Guests can take this immersion a step further by watching their inner landscape unfold in brilliant colours during an Essence Portrait with Sofanya, who paints their aura through unique colour patterns to help you discover your spirit guides, animal spirits and soul mates. The spa also offers an AstroSoma treatment. When an aspect or archetype of our nature has been “hurt,” it tends to compensate—remaining hidden, stuck, or projected, and frequently attracting lessons for further learning and growth. AstroSoma is a cutting-edge modality that combines a gentle energy muscle testing with the guidance of one’s astrology natal chart to bring awareness and transformation, leading to permanent improvement in one’s life, self, and goals. Couples sessions in both modalities aim to design a healthy and co-creative goal, followed by a process that informs what is at the root of mutual dissonances, revitalizing the relationship. Guests are required to provide their birth information (date, time and place of birth) to the spa at time of booking before the session.

Thermal waters at Fairmont Sonoma’s Willow Creek Spa

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is home to a 40,000 square foot spa which includes an ancient thermal mineral spring that feeds five pools ranging from 92-102 degrees and a Roman style bathhouse complete with Roman soaking pool and hot tub, Halotherapy Sauna and Aromatherapy Steam Room. The water contains 27 different minerals and comes from 335 metres below the resort. Treatments include Watsu and Vinosculpt.

Japanese-inspired wellness in Sonoma County

Tucked into the Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen, the Gaige House is a secret hideaway with 23 guestrooms channelling a modern, Asian flair. The secluded setting along Calabazas Creek includes an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, calming fountains, private zen gardens and a meditation alcove where guests can a listen for the melodic sounds of local birds, frogs, and crickets as they quietly reflect and connect with nature. Their Ryokan Zen Creekside or Garden Suites feature a deep soaking granite tub and zen rock garden. Amenities include yukata robes with obi sash, Japanese geta outdoor slippers and zori indoor slippers, bottle of sake, Yoku Moku cookies and cast iron tea set.

The two brothers, Jamie and Shelby Friesen, led the development of a 160-acre off-grid space. The rising housing costs, mental health issues, and a lack of community feeling contributed to the creation of Azhen Sanctuary. They wanted to create a better way of living for people who feel the same.

The Friesen brothers are teaching people how to create a self-reliant off-grid lifestyle. Everything is possible, from building recreation centres, homesteads, and regenerative farms to communities. The off-grid sanctuary provides educational courses and workshops for better insights into the subject.

Everything is being covered by the off-grid teachers, from food philosophy to cryptocurrency. Keep reading to learn more about the sanctuary and what it has to offer.

What Does the Off-Grid Sanctuary Offer?

The sanctuary teaches people about preservation and how to live a conscious life. If you intend to own acreage, the below information can help.

Online Courses

The sanctuary offers online courses to help you learn the step-by-step process. The course will enable you to turn your vision into reality in the fastest possible time frame. Here are a few topics covered in the course:

  • Creating a plan and finding funding
  • Clarifying vision and discovering new possibilities
  • Finding and buying land
  • Planning your cash flow and passive income
  • Budgeting and land design
  • Growing food and raising animals

You will learn everything from the machinery and equipment to the resources required during the process.

Retreats and Workshops

The workshops and retreats include sweat lodge-making and drum retreats. The permaculture workshop enables you to gather information on bed making, contour planting, wildfire defence, animal management, creating gardens, etc. You can also join the log-building classes to build a pit house or meditation studio.

You can also be a part of the hydrotherapy spa every morning and relax. From sessions for business masterminds to training on self-defence, Azhen Sanctuary has much to offer.

Food Philosophy

You can expect wholesome and organic food to be served at the retreats and workshops. Partnerships are made with farmers and conscious caterers for it. However, Azhen’s efforts will likely allow people to eat directly from the land. The communal kitchen area will ensure that all food fantasies come true. You can enjoy the curated local meals while enjoying the sunset and mountains.

Tech Connection

The off-grid sanctuary aims to combine age-old wisdom with the latest technology. The idea is to use the trial-and-error method for experimentation and learning. The sanctuary establishes a system to allow payment via crypto. It allows clients to purchase things via crypto while enjoying their stay. Azhen is also creating an NFT collection to establish a connection with indigenous culture.

The Friesen brothers have created a sacred space. The off-grid sanctuary is welcoming if you want to stay, organise an event or even go for a tour. The system is upgrading and evolving. Therefore, it is best to connect with the officials for the latest updates.

Bottom Line

Jamie Friesen and Shelby Friesen are busy creating an off-grid space for people to organise retreats, permaculture farms, and enjoy life. If you wish to do the same, join the community for more information. They are helping people learn the off-grid lifestyle and live self-sufficient lives.

They have helped hundreds of clients to adopt a sustainable life. If things like growing your food, river floats, and watching the sunsets appeal to you, go for it. Several families have left their homes and accepted the off-grid style of living.

The Friesen brothers have made the process easy by providing significant opportunities and resources. So, contact the online community and grab more information to get started.

Whether you’re all about the hotel gym life, love seeking out a local studio or prefer to combine your workout and sightseeing with a run around town, we’ve got you covered with #TeamCoco’s top activewear picks this month.

Leggings and a sports bra are our go-to gym gear when working out in the heat. Make things even hotter with this sexy, strappy sports bra designed to make you look, and feel, great.

Feel Fit, Invigorate Strappy Bra, £39

We can’t get enough of Lorna Jane’s new Psychedelic 70s collection – from the Retro Check Ribbed Sports Bra (£47) in the main image to these cute 16cm bike shorts perfect for exploring the sights.

Lorna Jane, Retro Check Ribbed Bike Short, £50

Exploring a new destination on foot is one of our favourite things to do and you can’t go far wrong with a pair of FitFlops on your feet. Ergonomically designed to support your speed-walking, casual running, gym workout or even just your sightseeing.

FitFlop, Vitamin FF Knit Sports Trainers, £95

Offering great support while looking stylish is what every girl needs in a sports bra. We can’t get enough of the colours in this one by The Upside – perfect for pairing with any outfit.

The Upside, Kyra Dance Stretch Woven Sports Bra, £69

Nothing screams holiday quite like a pair of flowery shorts and we can’t get enough of the dreamy Hawaiian vives these ones are giving us from Lorna Jane. Plus, they’re in the sale, so it would be rude not to really!

Lorna Jane, Hibiscus Hi-Fold No Ride Bike Short, £20

With a dramatic stretch of coastal scenery, Route YC (Yorkshire Coast) is a fabulous staycation destination for wellness. With picture perfect beaches, hiking and biking routes as well as sailing and surfing this less travelled corner of the UK is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

Made up of six coastal loops, Route YC takes in Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea with each one providing a number of ways to capture a bit of zen. TeamCoco has explored the region and collated our favourite things to do and best places to stay for a rejuvenating break.

Nestled on the edge of the rugged North Yorkshire Moors National Park the historic coastal town of Whitby is an excellent place to start your Route YC adventure. Check in to The Marine, an elegant, luxurious, hotel and restaurant. This boutique stay overlooks the harbour, take in the beautiful sea views and enjoy a relaxing start to your day over one of their delicious breakfasts.

Nearby Falling Foss is a stunning 30ft waterfall surrounded by woodland.This two-mile circular route is suitable for walkers of all levels and takes in lots of little paddling pools, other smaller waterfalls and the delightful Falling Foss tea room, the perfect pit stop for a cuppa and cake. Afterwards head to Raithwaite Spa for a few hours’ downtime. Located in the heart of flower-filled gardens, this luxury country retreat is a lovely spot to unwind.Lounge by the heated indoor pool with a book or indulge in a spa treatment with one of their expert therapists.

Further down the coast at Scarborough you can learn to surf at the picturesque Cayton Bay. Whether you are a complete novice wanting to give surfing a try for the first time or regularly hit the breakers, the Scarborough Surf School has a team of expert coaches on hand to help you chase the best waves. There’s also paddleboarding and coasteering for those who love to get active in the water.

If you don’t fancy water sports, then cycle over to the seaside resort of Bridlington.This charming ride, just over 19 miles, takes you from the market town of Driffield down peaceful country lanes through the Wolds. The route is dotted with pretty villages full of charming country pubs and cafes, ideal for a scheduled stop. Pass the Elizabethan stately home of Burton Agnes Hall and enjoy the landscape that inspired David Hockney’s Woldgate. In Bridlington you can explore the North promenade and harbour before heading to The North Star for some of the best seafood on the coast.This award-winning hotel and restaurant, located on the striking cliffs of East Yorkshire, has breath-taking views and is the perfect spot to stay the night.

Golf enthusiasts can practise their chipping at South Cliff Golf Club.Sign up for nine holes at their links course or perfect your swing at their on-site driving range.For something more relaxing book a private yoga lesson on the beach with Bec at Core Yoga. She has been practising yoga since she was 16 years old and has experience with many different yoga disciplines which is reflected in the varied unique style of classes that she offers.

Hornsea Beach is a firm favourite with cold-water swimmers.Start your day with your very own Wim Hof experience and join one of the local groups that brace the cold for an invigorating morning sea swim. Once your finished head to one of the local cafés for breakfast.We love the hearty brekkie served at the Green Owl.

South of Hornsea is Withernsea, an area is famously known for its Tolkien influence – the Lord of the Rings author, spent time here when he was a soldier during World War One. Here an epic tale is being retold up and down Route YC by the residents. The Odyssey combines stories of love and loss to the Yorkshire Coastline.A fabulous way to disconnect and enjoy nature. Download the Echoes App, find a walk near you and listen to the chapters while you discover the area, you’ll be left wanting to return to find out the next plot twist.

After a day discovering Withernsea, wind down and indulge in a bit of ‘you’ time at The Retreat in Partington. Their team of highly qualified beauty therapists deliver a range of bespoke treatments, ensuring you leave feeling recharged and rejuvenated.

Route YC is a coastal paradise, perfect for reconnecting with yourself, exploring nature and enjoying a slower pace of life.

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