Our Programmes

Rest and Restore Retreat Weekend

21st November 2025 - 23rd November 2025

Facilitator: Mel Skinner

As we move towards darker days, it is the perfect time for us to drift and dream our way into the season of winter, and to accept all that we must let go of. Drawing on the yogic philosophical concept of abhinivesha (the fear of death and the will to live), and with an emphasis on restorative yoga and yoga nidra, we will explore the time of surrender, and the peace that comes from doing so.

Event time: 21st November 2025 4:00pm - 23rd November 2025 4:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

Plenty of deeply restful yoga nidra – at least two practices a day
Soothing restorative yoga to really relax muscle tension
Grounding meditation walks and contemplation of nature
Accessible yoga philosophy teachings

What You Will Gain

A deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, its relevance to this time of year, and coping with modern day stresses
The chance to release tension from mind, body and soul
Therapeutic and healing yoga nidra

Booking Options

Residential (single)Residential single rate

£470.00

Residential (shared)Residential shared rate

£420.00

Non-residentialNon-residential rate

£340.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Rest and Restore Retreat Weekend Tutors

Melanie Skinner

More about Rest and Restore Retreat Weekend

The Beauty of Stillness
As we head closer towards the end of the year, many of us can find ourselves dreading the darker days. Others will find themselves longing to embrace the desire to hibernate and go inwards. For most of us, modern life can make it difficult for us to really slow down and discover the jewels that winter has to offer. This retreat is an invitation to discover the beauty of stillness and quiet contemplation.

This retreat will contain restorative yoga and yoga nidra as two deeply restful and contemplative yoga techniques that teach us how to soften, release and relax, plus the will be a nourishing an healing gong bath on Saturday evening.

Yogic Philosophy
When we are relaxed, it becomes easier to face things that may have felt overwhelming or challenging before. Mel will introduce the yogic concept of Abhinivesha, meaning fear of death, and we will use the beautiful surroundings of Hawkwood to observe and connect with the death and decay of nature around us. This will teach us not to be afraid, but instead to accept and acknowledge that all endings offer new beginnings.

By giving ourselves permission to rest, grieve, and feel, we actually become stronger, more resilience and balanced. We move out of “emergency” and “urgency” mode, and reconnect to the rhythm of our soul, and the rhythm of our Earth.

Practical Information

Participants to bring yoga equipment (please see list below). Please also bring a journal/notebook, pen, and any poetry/readings they would like to share with the group.

*yoga mat
*yoga bolster (can substitute with pillows)
*yoga bricks and blocks x2 each (can substitute with pillows)
*blankets for warmth - 2-3 is ideal
*yoga strap
*eye pillow
*cushion for head

Note: Mel can provide some equipment, please email direct at mel@melskinneryoga.com to request equipment. Mel will also have blankets to sell.

"Mel gave us a well thought out programme alongside a philosophical, informed approach in a beautiful relaxed venue. Thank you."

Previous Participant

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

Other Courses You Might Like

Positive Ageing

20th June 2025 - 22nd June 2025

Ageing gets a bad press, portrayed as being downhill all the way. However, contrary to expectations, happiness goes up after fifty rather than down and there are other gains of age like wisdom, emotional mastery and multiple forms of intelligence. This retreat shows you how to use positive psychology to make the most of the third act and sow the seeds of a happy and meaningful later life.

Finding Quiet Strength

24th January 2025 - 26th January 2025

Finding Quiet Strength is a course designed to restore our daily lives to an ideal balance of work, rest and play. We shall be working on finding our emotional intelligence and embodied awareness by revisiting old strengths of mind and body and discovering new strengths we didn’t know we had. The course will reset our choices for the New Year ahead. Finding health, happiness and ease, through enjoyable, achievable routines

Rest and Restore Day Retreat

12th April 2025

Take a break from the treadmill of modern day life, and give yourself the gift of rest and relaxation on this retreat day with experienced yoga teacher Mel Skinner. Expect deeply restful restorative yoga and yoga nidra, inspiring and heart-warming poetry, and time connecting with nature. By releasing stress and tension, we can access a place within us that is already whole and at peace – all are welcome regardless of experience.