Relax, re-energise and revitalise

You are invited to this energising and restful mini retreat with experienced yoga teacher and retreat leader Mel Skinner.

Taking place at the Stonerock Lodge, tucked away at the bottom of Chepstow’s high street, we’ll start our day with a welcome and introduction, followed by some yin and yang style yoga practice and a long, dreamy yoga nidra to help you rest at the deepest level. After the yoga nidra you’ll have the chance to re-energise and revitalise your whole being with sauna and plunge pools. It is up to you how long you spend moving between hot and cold – there is also outdoor seating to relax and unwind, plus additional mini foot massages available to fill the afternoon.

According to research at Oxford Brookes, cold exposure is often linked to reduced inflammation, enhanced immune function, improved mood and reduced stress and increased blood flow. There’s also evidence that cold immersion can lower cortisol levels, which helps with stress.

Heat exposure has some great cardiovascular benefits. It increases heart rate and blood circulation, endorphin release for mood and pain relief, and the activation of heat shock proteins which protect cells and aid recovery, which is why people often feel more energized after a sauna.

Yoga nidra is a form of meditation done lying down. Activating different brainwaves, including the theta brainwave associated with dreaming and creativity, and the delta brainwave associated with deep rest, yoga nidra is similar to sleep, and leaves you feeling refreshed, calm and very relaxed.

We’ll close our day with a short and informal closing circle, then sit together and enjoy delicious pizzas from award winning Stonerock pizzeria.