Zoe Nash

Nourish body, mind, and spirit.

United Kingdom South Brent paid

Zoe Nash offers a unique retreat experience at the tranquil Bala Brook Retreat Centre, set beside a river flowing from Dartmoor. This retreat focuses on holistic nourishment, blending various yoga styles like gentle flow and yin with mindfulness and deep breathing. Beyond the mat, you'll find daily 'medicine walks' into nature, encouraging contemplation and life direction. The program also integrates modern Taoist perspectives and Chinese medicine's Yang Sheng traditions, offering wisdom on self-care, diet, and nutrition. Meals are a highlight, featuring wholesome, plant-based, and five-element inspired dishes, often wild and locally sourced. Bala Brook itself is a recently refurbished, sustainably run center with direct moor access, making it an ideal setting for deep rejuvenation and connection with nature.

Highlights

Daily 'medicine walks' into Dartmoor's wilderness for contemplation
Integrates modern Taoist perspectives and Chinese medicine's Yang Sheng traditions
Holistic, plant-based, five-element inspired meals, often wild and locally sourced
Variety of yoga styles including gentle flow, yin, and self-myofascial release
Direct access to Dartmoor for nature exploration

Good for

yoga practitionersnature loversthose interested in Taoist philosophywellness seekersbeginners in meditation

Setting

The Bala Brook Retreat Centre is situated in its own grounds, right beside a river that flows down from Dartmoor. Guests have direct access to the untamed moorland for adventures. The center itself has been recently refurbished and operates with a focus on sustainability, offering a peaceful and natural environment.

The practice

While no specific tradition is named, the retreat blends various yoga styles like gentle flow and yin with mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. The focus is on deep nourishment and self-care, incorporating wisdom from modern Taoist perspectives and Chinese medicine's Yang Sheng traditions. Beginners can expect accessible practices designed to promote balance and well-being.

A typical day

Each day includes exploration of different yoga and meditation styles, alongside opportunities for a 'medicine walk' into nature for contemplation. There are also daily sessions sharing insights on nourishment from a modern Taoist perspective, covering self-care, diet, and nutrition. Meals are holistic and plant-based, prepared with care.

Accommodation

The center provides accommodation within a main house and a separate, modern annexe called Shraddha. Specific room configurations are not detailed, but the overall setting is tranquil and refurbished.

What to bring

Given the Dartmoor location, pack layers for varying weather, even in warmer months. Comfortable clothing for yoga and walking shoes for the 'medicine walks' are essential. Consider waterproofs, especially in wetter months like December and January.

Address Bala Brook Retreat Centre

How to get there

The Bala Brook Retreat Centre is accessible by train to Totnes, followed by a local taxi. For those driving, detailed instructions are provided from the A38 North and South, with a strong recommendation to use specific co-ordinates or What3Words for navigation rather than the postcode.

Nearest airport: Exeter International Airport (EXT) (45 km)

Exeter International Airport (EXT) is approximately 45 km from the center. Guests would need to arrange onward travel via train and taxi or car rental.

Nearest city: Exeter, Devon

Public transport: Trains run from Paddington to Totnes, and then a local taxi service is required for the final 8-mile journey.

Languages

English

Pricing

Pricing for the retreat starts from USD 365.

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Jul, May, Mar

Avoid: Dec, Jan, Nov

South Brent experiences an annual average temperature of 10.6°C. The warmest months are July, August, and June, while January, February, and March are the coolest. The driest periods are typically July, May, and March, with December, January, and November being the wettest.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What kind of food is served at the retreat?

The retreat offers holistic, plant-based, five-element inspired, wholesome, and nourishing meals. Food is home-cooked, wild where possible, locally sourced, and prepared with love and skill. Dietary options include vegan, vegetarian, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Is the retreat suitable for beginners in yoga or meditation?

Yes, the retreat is designed to make you feel nourished and balanced. It explores different styles of yoga and meditation practices, all tailored for deep nourishment, suggesting suitability for various experience levels, including beginners.

How can I get to the Bala Brook Retreat Centre?

You can reach the center by train to Totnes, followed by an 8-mile taxi ride. Alternatively, if driving, detailed directions are provided from both the A38 North and South, with a recommendation not to use the postcode in Sat Nav but rather specific co-ordinates or What3Words.

What is a 'medicine walk'?

A 'medicine walk' is described as a walk into nature with something specific to contemplate. It's designed to help you direct your life towards the path you wish to be walking, offering a blend of nature immersion and self-reflection.

Is there mobile phone signal or Wi-Fi available?

The Bala Brook Retreat Centre does not have reliable mobile signal from any provider. However, Free Wifi is listed as an amenity, so you should be able to connect via Wi-Fi.