Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be of a particular level with my yoga or intuitive practice to attend?
We welcome all levels from beginners to advanced, and your teachers Amanda, Tam and any guest practitioners will modify the classes so you can practice at your own pace.
Are there any conditions that would prohibit me from attending?
Please let us know if:
you are pregnant
suffer from epilepsy
suffer from tinnitus
suffer from very high or low blood pressure
carry a pacemaker
you had any recent injuries or medical procedures
you are on any medications
Please kindly let us know in advance so we can discuss your condition/s and make sure we’re fully prepared for you.
What practices will be taught?
We offer daily yoga classes, from active and invigorating, to restorative and gentle. Everyone is welcome to do as little or as much as they want to. Our golden rule is “don’t be anywhere that hurts you, don’t be anywhere you can’t breathe.”
There will also be silent and guided meditations, Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) as well as daily sound baths using gongs and/or crystal singing bowls.
All classes are suitable for all levels.
What is sound meditation? And how can it benefit me?
A sound bath or sound meditation is a meditation-style practice in which participants lie down or sit in a comfortable posture to experience sounds from different instruments.
Dating back to ancient times it is among one of the oldest forms of healing practices used by many different cultures, from Australia’s aboriginal tribes, to ancient Chinese and Tibetan civilisations.
A wealth of research has shown how meditation changes our brain and physiology in positive ways, improving mental and physical health. There are a number of different benefits associated with sound meditation, in particular better sleep patterns, increased health, creativity and concentration/problem solving.
If you’re still not convinced, have a look at this video showing what blood cells look like before and after a sound bath…
Are there any counter-indications for ceremonial grade Cacao?
Ceremonial grade cacao is contraindicated with anti-depressants, especially MAOIs and some SSRIs. If you're using anti-depressants or simply don’t want to drink cacao you’re very welcome to attend the ceremony, however please do let us know in advance so we come prepared with an alternative for you. The cacao is usually prepared vegan and diary free and using a natural sweetener (agave or dates), however if you have any dietary requirements please do let us know.
What can I do in my free time?
“The doing is the not doing.”
Slowing down is an integral part of this retreat. We are offering time for you to take in the breath-taking nature, read a book, use the on-site infrared sauna and to connect with likeminded people. There will be enough time for you to integrate the practices and teachings.
Is there wi-fi?
Yes, there is wi-fi in all the rooms, as well as in common areas.
Streaming media such as music or video is not permitted without prior consent. However, there is a cinema room available for you to use for a cozy night in.
Does my stay include room service and cleaning?
Our retreat at Fair Oak Farm is not a hotel stay and therefore won’t include any of the services one would expect from a luxury holiday. All guests attending are therefore asked to be mindful of leaving all communal rooms and areas as they were found i.e. clearing of used cups and glasses after use.
What should I bring with me?
Yoga mat
Anything you may need for your yoga & meditation practices i.e. blocks, straps, bolsters and a blanket
Enough changes of yoga wear as we will practise daily
Warm clothes (we will be doing a few outdoor activities, weather dependant)
Bring wet weather gear, just in case
Slippers (socks or barefoot is also ok, no outdoor shoes in indoor spaces allowed)
Bring your own walking boots or wellies for the country walks
Notebook/journal and pen
Torch may come in handy
Cosy blanket
Water bottle
Toiletries
Proof you don’t have COVID-19 and passport for international travellers (please refer to current government guidance)
What type of food will there be on the retreat? I have a specific dietary need, will there be options?
Designed by local chefs, our primarily vegetarian meals feature fresh, local ingredients that promote lightness of body, clarity of mind, and openness of spirit. On one of the evenings we will also be offering the option of fish.
We can of course cater to any dietary requirements, be it vegan, gluten free or any allergies. Please let us know when booking so we can give a heads up to the kitchen team.
Are dinners included?
All meals and drinks are included, except alcoholic beverages.
Is alcohol included?
Alcohol is not included as it is contraindicated whilst practicing yoga, meditation, sound baths and treatments such as massages. However, you are welcome to bring your own.
Is smoking permitted?
There is a strictly no smoking policy inside any premises and during group sessions. Please be respectful of other guests whilst smoking outside.
I'm traveling on my own - can I have my own private room?
We have many people joining our retreats on their own – our solo guests can choose to book an en-suite double room all to themselves and don’t need to share a bathroom.
Can we book extra classes during the retreat?
This is not something we will be offering, but if you have something specific in mind feel free to reach out in advance by contacting us ahead of time. It may well be what you’re looking for is already covered as part of our itinerary or something we would consider adding.
Are yoga mats provided?
Due to COVID-19 health and safety measures, unfortunately we’re no longer able to provide yoga mats or props for all our yogis on retreat. Please bring your own equipment such as blocks, straps, bolsters, eye pillows and blankets.
When should I arrive, and when should I plan to leave?
Check in on arrival day is between 4pm and 5:30pm local time (GMT). Please plan your travel arrangements accordingly. If for some reason you will be later (or earlier) please let us know with at least 24h notice.
Check out is taking place between 10am and 11am local time (GMT). If you need to leave earlier or later please let us know at least 24h in advance.
How do I book?
If you would like to book, please contact us via email.
How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?
A 30% deposit is requested to hold your place, with the balance due by Monday, 6th March 2023.
Are there any payment plans?
In certain circumstances we are able to offer payment plans, please email us to discuss options available.
What's the cancellation policy?
8 weeks before retreat date: Full refund (minus admin fee of £60)
4 to 8 weeks before retreat date: Deposit will be kept
Less than 4 weeks before retreat date: No refund
If there are restrictions due to COVID-19, we may still be able to run the retreat, whilst observing social distancing (we have liaised with the owners to cover such eventualities)
If we are in full lockdown, refunds or change of dates will be offered
What COVID safety measure will be in place?
The health, safety, and well-being of our community is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and will continue to follow the recommendations from the World Health Organization, and UK public health and government authorities.
To ensure the safety of all retreat guests, we will require for you to take a rapid lateral flow test before your arrival. For travellers coming abroad you can simply share the test results of your PCR test required for international travel.
Vaccine passports or any other documentation of COVID-19 vaccinations is not legally required (as per April 2022) and will not be enforced by us, unless there is a change in the current UK law. In which case, all retreat guests who have booked will be informed as soon as possible.
I have tested positive a few days before travelling. Will I lose my money?
Understandably, in that case we of course won’t be able to host you even if you are asymptomatic. This is to ensure the safety of all other guests and teachers.
We will try our best to fill your space so that we can arrange for a refund, but won’t be able to promise anything.
For international travellers:
Please carefully check the entry requirements into the UK before booking. We are not in a position nor qualified to give out any recommendations. It is in the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are fully informed what is expected of them upon arrival into the UK.
The retreat strictly can NOT be used to quarantine / isolate. You may have to take extra days off to ensure you arrive in time for the retreat.
Required documentation
All non-British guests and visitors to the property travelling from outside of the UK must provide a copy of their passport prior to or on arrival, along with their name, address, contact details and confirmation of the place(s) they have travelled from/to before and after their stay, with permission to retain this personal data for up to 3 years, solely for the purpose of inspection by local or other authority.
What happens if travel restrictions are put in place after the ‘no refund policy’ comes into place?
Please monitor how things develop in your country of residence on a regular basis. Also, we highly recommend that you keep note of the dates for our cancellation policy so there won’t be any surprises.
We will always try our best to fill your space so that we can arrange for a refund.