I recently had the most wonderful long weekend away on the West coast of Scotland for a yoga retreat centered on reigniting the senses. The retreat was run by floresta, a collective of talented women sharing their passions for heartfelt yoga practices, nature, good food, ceremonies and connection.

The retreat took place at Old Kilman House, Dunoon surrounded by forest walks and coastal views.

I left in the early morning on Friday the 10th of June and took the scenic drive around Loch Lomond where I stopped for some overnight oats and coffee by the water.

When I arrived at the house I was greeted by a cheerful Laura who helped me carry my belongings inside and get settled into my room. I was sharing with two other women on the top floor.

After everyone arrived, we shared a pot of tea and started to unfold each others stories, bonding over our collective love for yoga.

I took myself off for a wander in the afternoon to get my energy moving after a long drive and time sitting together. The view pictured above was from the top of the nearby forest.

That evening we had our first practice in the yoga yurt. A yin-yang practice of sorts, with some beautiful partner yoga to help break any social tensions and ease into each other’s company. Following the practice, we shared a delicious and varied plant-based dinner, with fresh tacos and a fragrant mocktail.

Following a morning vinyasa class in the yurt, we had breakfast round the dining table and lots of hot tea and coffee. Some brave souls went for a cold water dip but I opted to sit by a window and read my book.

That afternoon a few of us went for a wet wander to puck’s glen, a magical forest walk with the most incredible rivers and waterfalls.

In the evening we enjoyed a rejuvenating hip opening yin practice with a focus on allowing ourselves to let go of something we know no longer has a place in our lives. We wrote what came to us down on paper to be burned later on in a fire that would be the heart of an evening cacao ceremony.

The next morning (the final morning), was filled with another beautiful vinyasa class and lots of delicious fresh fruit for breakfast. We said our goodbyes and expressed our gratitude to the floresta team for their hard work over the weekend. A trip to be remembered for definite.