Your Christmas
Retreat
A 4night residential retreat in
North Wales, UK for women
A home from home.
A rest-based & women-only retreat
Restful and invigorating, gentle and purposeful
Being here has refreshed my faith in people and myself.
I always leave here with a sense of belonging and purpose.
If you're feeling depleted, disconnected, uninspired or stuck...
If you’re seeking somewhere beautiful to heal, share, connect, breathe and find clarity and peace...
If rest, nature, laughter, community and connection is important to you then this is for you.
How will we serve you?
Christmas can be a complex time of year, I know it is for me. So I’ve created a space that is reflective of the things I long for:
The gentle hustle and bustle of Christmas without the pressure.
A sense of family and togetherness. Fresh crispy air. Music.
Calm. Kindness. Childish wonder. A light touch of creativity and fun.
And a whole load of love, tasty food and space to breathe and rest.
If the time feels right, you may get a visit from my gang Fox (7) and Pip (5). They adore people, stories and playing games. This time together will be whatever you need it to be and I cannot wait to share it with you.
Steph x
01.
A space to breathe,
rest and reflect
02.
Sunrise swims
& beautiful views
03.
Digital and alcohol detox
to reset and connect
04.
Community
& Sharing
05.
Mindful practices,
movement & Silence
06.
Delicious & wholesome
food
Our time together
01
Warmth in shared spaces
Our Christmas retreat invites you to share cosy rooms with fellow guests, building connections that will last a lifetime. There's something beautifully heartwarming about waking up to the laughter and camaraderie of like-minded souls.
Space safely held
03
Steph is a INLPTA certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, mBIT Master Coach (where neuroscience backs up ancient wisdoms) and HeartMath coach. Together we'll explore restorative and compassionate exercises and movement.
Moments of Solitude
& Silence
05
Amidst the holiday festivities, we believe in the power of introspection. Enjoy precious moments of silence and solitude, allowing you to recharge, reflect and be without the need to be anything more.
Intimate Setting
07
Last year on Christmas Eve we enjoyed walking around the cobbled streets of Ruthin, roaming the ruins of Ruthin Castle topping off the evening with mulled wine and beautiful lilt of a Welsh group sing Christmas carols.
02
Yummy Food
At our retreat, food is more than just nourishment; it's a shared experience. Everything will be provided for catering to your needs and together you will make the meals. It's a special way to bond and share stories.
Creativity & Play
04
Rediscover your playful and creative side as you gather to paint and create mementos from nature in the gentle afternoons. You might even find yourself with the board games out enthusiastically shouting at each other!
Nature's Breath
06
Start your day with invigorating morning swims, surrounded by the breath-taking landscapes of North Wales. Feel the crisp, refreshing air awaken your senses as you embark on local walks forging a deeper connection with nature.
It can be whatever you need
08
This is for you, you can participate in as much or as little as you would like.
Some dozed in the comfy chairs, others did jigsaws and painted. Others made food and walked.
Wonderful Christmas retreat which helped me feel both stronger & lighter. So much encouragement from Steph & the other women on the retreat. Our connections really nourished me & I feel we'll have that link always. Steph is a wonderful retreat facilitator & holds the space with kindness, clarity & love. Thank you.
Why work with Steph?
You can find the fancy stuff about me here but perhaps the most important things about me are that I am human - I am messy too. I know some really helpful and cool stuff, I am honest, I care about you and I genuinely want to help you have an easier life.
What I do is hard to put into words because it depends on what you need. I design each retreat very carefully and then I change and adapt it all the way through our time together so I can serve you as best I can.
My rest-based retreats are purposeful, gentle, fun and restorative. I'll draw upon my Neuro Linguistic Programming training, neuro science and all my other training and qualifications to help you breathe a little deeper into yourself.
"Steph sees me, in a way I've never known myself to be seen.
I didn't realise how much I needed to be seen. The relief has been huge. It's also been hard at times but because I've had nowhere to hide, it's meant I've had to show up for myself."
Heading to this beautiful place for my second retreat with Steph. Anyone who feels like they never have any time for themselves, struggle with stress or anxiety, or just want to be kinder to themselves,
I would recommend this place over and over again.
Best place to slow your mind and feed your soul.
The Space
It is beautiful here, that's for sure. The balcony often overlooks the lambs, friendly cows and the setting sun whilst the studio welcomes in the sunrise and overlooks the rolling hills. If you fancy a lunch time stroll there are plenty of local walks from here too and our local pub The Goat Inn is walking distance for a tasty meal.
We understand sharing accommodation can feel daunting to some so we’ve put lots of thought into how we can make it as comfortable as possible to give you peace of mind.
The Bedrooms
There are 3 en suite bedrooms with underfloor heating, each with bunking for 4 people and each bed with its own curtain, shelf, plug socket and light. The top bunks have stairs instead of ladders so you don’t get cold and sore feet getting up and down too.
You have reminded me I'm only human.
Steered me towards the positive.
Been a constant source of support.
Encouraged lightness.
Called my bullshit.
Improved my relationship with my children,
and husband,
and others.
Brought my critic to the light.
Made the mirror less scary.
Guided my out of ̶m̶y̶ depression.
Helped me to feel worthy.
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Who are your activity providers?Each course is designed carefully to ensure the coaching and activities are fused together, each enhancing the other to provide you with an experience that will stay with you for your lifetime. Everyone associated with Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat is qualified, certified and insured so you can be sure you're in good hands. Not only that but we're all coaches too which means you'll be supported physically, mentally and emotionally. See our friends page here.
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Will equipment be provided?Standard equipment you need for the activities will be provided including wetsuits where relevant but you will need your own footwear.
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How do I get to and from activities?You are responsible for getting yourselves to and from any off site activities. Once you’re all together you can decide between you about car sharing.
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Do I have to swim / walk?Everything here is optional - we want you to have autonomy and agency over yourself. We’ll always check in if it’s fear stopping you and if it is we can help you through if you would like but if it's something else you absolutely do what you need to do. If you are a non or not a confident swimmer, that is ok. You can still take part in the activities and wild swimming. Many non-swimmers who have attended have come to the wild swimming and walked into the water to a height of comfort for them. If you have any concerns or fears, speak to Steph in advance or upon arrival and you can fully discuss your level of comfort in the water.
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I’m older / younger, is that ok?Absolutely. We get all sorts of ages here and it’s that mix that makes it so special.
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I’m terrified.I actually don’t know many who aren’t when they’re thinking about booking something like this. It’s a beautiful thing, doing something that terrifies you - it takes a vast amount of courage to feel the fear and jump any way. And it'll be worth it, I promise. "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." - Dolly Parton
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Is there an alternative to room sharing?We highly recommend digging deep and jumping in with the room sharing, it’s easier than you may think, especially with the curtains for that extra privacy. However, we do understand that it’s just not an option for some so we’ve partnered up with our friend Sioned who has a spare room on the farm opposite. It has its own entrance, double bed and en-suite. Get in touch if you’d like to find out if it’s available. £35/night
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Am I fit enough?It will depend on the retreat. Some of the retreats are gentle and others like Mastering Me are a little more vigorous with activities like Canyoning. We can adapt the morning walks and swims to cater for different fitness and mobility levels. Definitely talk to us, you’re probably more capable than you think.
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How do I book a course?Do get in touch before you book either by email stephanie@bodlondebretreat.co.uk or arrange a Zoom chat here. It gives us a chance to get to know each other to ensure we’re a good fit.
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What if I can no longer attend the retreat?Please see our Ts&Cs
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Why are the prices to your retreats so low?Being affordable is deeply important to us. We don't want your visit to Bodlondeb to be a one off, we want you to come back! We also offer scholarships to many of our retreats so get in touch if money really is keeping you away.
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Can I bagsy the bottom bunk?You are welcome to request a certain bunk or room. We’ll always do our best to get you where you want to be.
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What’s a typical day like on the course?It depends if it’s a coaching retreat or a rest retreat! On a coaching retreat days with Steph will start at 9.30 and finish at 5.30pm with an hour's lunch break and small breaks mid morning / mid afternoon. You may have some outdoor activities built into those hours and you may have a couple of evening activities planned too, you’ll be given a schedule upon arrival. You’ll be invited to come for a walk and/or a swim, often at 6am (lighter days) and 8am (darker days). These are optional. On a rest-based retreat you will have much more space. Some of which you’ll be invited to be in silence.
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I have specific requirements, what do I do?Whatever your needs are, talk to us and we'll work out how we can help. When it comes to food, we'll cater for any non-flexible dietary requirements in the welcome package (coeliac, allergies, etc.). However, any other requirements will be your responsibility. So, make sure you bring whatever you need with you.
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What are the arrival and departure times?Arrival: 4-5pm so you can arrange food and share your first meal. NB Some courses require an earlier arrival time if there’s an activity planned on the first night, check the course specific information. Departure: varies between 10am and noon.
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Is there anything I need to do before I head home?It would be brilliant if you could strip your beds please and put all bedding in the hallway laundry baskets (whites, towels etc and rest of bedding). Ensure keys are left where you found them - usually in the hallway. Oh and please write in the visitor book, we love reading your notes!
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What do I need to bring?If you’re anything like me you’ll love a check list so I thought I’d make you one!
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Do you provide food?Check the details for individual retreats but generally if you're doing a retreat with us we provide a parcel with the ingredients and recipe for your first evening meal plus the following morning. On your first evening as a group you’ll need to arrange a delivery slot from a supermarket, most deliver here. You can then organise what you want to stock the kitchen with for the rest of your stay. People tend to love the group cooking, it’s a beautiful way to connect and bond. NB we provide the food for the Christmas & New Year Retreats.
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Will I get a day off?On the longer retreats you will get a day off to explore the area without Steph. Depending on the course you will either have activities specially organised for you or it’ll be up to you to what you do with it - see your course description. Often that day off is just as essential as the coaching days.
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How do I get to Bodlondeb?You have 4 main options: 1. Drive 2. Get picked up by another attendee from a station Chester (if driving from the North) or Ruabon (if driving from the south). 3. Get the bus T3 - Wrexham or Ruabon to Corwen OR T8 - Chester to Corwen T10 - Corwen to our doorstep 4. Get a taxi (must book in advance!) Chester Taxi Services, 01244 421024, 4 seater £70 from Chester Crown Cars (Wrexham based), 01978 842000, 4 seater £30 from Ruabon
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Can I bring my dog?We do it on a case by case basis as it will depend on the dog and the group size. Please get in touch.
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Do you have yoga mats?To save bringing your own, you’re welcome to hire them for £15 per stay, simply add them on when booking.
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I heard you have Shakti mats, can we use them?Release mind & body stress with the highest rated acupressure mat on the planet. We adore these mats so have invested in having them at the studio too. You’re welcome to hire them for £30 / stay And we also sell them if anyone would like to invest at a slightly cheaper rate than on the Shakti Mat website: £85 for the mat and pillow (instead of £118)
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Are children allowed?Children over 5 are welcome but please know it is at your own risk as there are no balustrades around the roof of the studio.
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What are your terms and conditions?You find them here.
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Can you provide food for us?Iain was a chef before he gave it up to look after the boys. We are able to create you a bespoke food plan/menu depending on your needs and our availability. Please get in touch with what you're thinking and we’ll give you some options, ideas and prices. If we are unavailable on your dates we have some trusted retreat caterers we can highly recommend.
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How do I find you?Simply Google Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat and it’ll bring you to the door. The address: Bodlondeb, Dinmael, Corwen, LL21 0NY NB: The postcode will take you OFF the A5. We are on it. Extra details: You’ll go past the Maerdy & Dinmael sign, and past The Goat pub. Keep going until you come to the Dinmael sign. We are second house on the right (blue door). You should see our sign hanging on the fence. Welcome! Head up the drive and get the kettle on!
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Where do you recommend we eat?If you're considering eating out, you 100% should go to The Old Wives Tale in Bala - Rui is incredible. It's all made fresh so he caters for every food request - trust me, we've been with various groups with various needs and he's smashed it! You need to book: +447428473129 or message them on Facebook. We are also lucky enough to have The Goat Inn (01490 460536), a lovely pub in walking distance which serves great food. For both it is always wise to call in advance and tell them you’re staying with us!
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The KitchenThe kitchen is well stocked with essential utensils and equipment. We also provide basics such as oil and basic seasonings. Feel free to use anything that is there and leave anything you're happy for the next group to use. The fridge is ¾ size and does not have a freezer but you’re welcome to use the one outside the back of our house. Let us know if you need it and we’ll make some space. The kitchen also comes with a bluetooth speaker.
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Is there a BBQ?There is a coal BBQ on the patio you’re welcome to use during your stay.
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Do you know any taxis?We recommend Goddards - 01490 420458 - make sure you book in advance
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Where are your closest towns for shops?Nearest shops are in Corwen less than 10mins away or larger supermarkets include Aldi in Llangollen, Tesco Superstore in Ruthin or Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi in Denbigh - all around 25 minutes drive away. Plus Spar and Coop in Bala (15mins) There are many places that deliver here too.
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Do you provide bedding / towels?All bedding is provided. There’ll be hand towels in the en-suites but you’ll need to bring your own bath / swim towels.
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The PubSome of you will be pleased to know there is a pub in walking distance. The Goat Inn is only a 10minute walk you could always head up there and have your evening meal. Support local. Karen deserves it. Facebook: The Goat Inn
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Is there onsite parking?We are able to park around 7 cars stacked up the drive. If there are more cars you can park a couple of minutes walk away. There's not many houses here in Dinmael but there are some so we do ask that you're mindful and respectful of their space by parking in the bays away from people’s homes.
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Is there signal & wifi?We'll warn you now - the signal around here isn't great - both a blessing and a curse! We ummed and ahhed about whether to get internet installed because really you’ve come here to connect with each other and we all know phones can restrict how we connect, but we respect it's important to check in with home. So, we have installed it, and it'll be up to you whether you use it. NB The Chaplin bedroom doesn't have wifi or phone signal (it's glorious!)
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Can I change or cancel my subscription at anytime?Of course, follow this link to your customer portal, sign in with the email address you joined with and you'll be able to update your plan however is best for you.
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Do we still run sessions on Bank Holiday Mondays?Most Bank Holidays won't have a session but Steph loves to stay connected with you so it's likely she'll run one of the sessions. She'll let you know in the Whatsapp Group.
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Will you renew my subscription automatically?You will get an email so you won't be taken by surprise.
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What if Steph can't make it?We have a variety of excellent women to cover Steph if she's unavailable. Sometimes there will be times when Steph can't get support for one reason or another. She'll let you know so you can get to the other session. If she can't do either session, she'll do another date that week where possible.
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What will we do for an hour?Our hour could include (and certainly not limited to)… 🔥Values work 🔥Intention setting 🔥Balanced Breathing 🔥Space for reflection, intention setting, talking & listening 🔥Guided enquiries 🔥Free writing 🔥mBIT - head, heart, gut alignment 🔥Connecting with sense of purpose 🔥Guided plan making 🔥Movement / 5 Rhythms 🔥Meditation / mindful guide throughs
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Why group rather than 1:1s?We're better together, aren't we? People are deeply inspiring if you let them be. Hearing their stories, sensing into difference and similarities. Simply showing up and being together is power in itself. We can get through anything if we return to connection. It's also a much more affordable way to continue to work with Steph.
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Who is the programme for?Perhaps you've been on a retreat, a class or done 1:1s - it's about trust and a common language, so if you already trust Steph to hold a safe space for you to connect and explore, this is for you.
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What if I have questions before booking?Your questions are very much welcome here. Drop Kimberley Rose a message to arrange a chat 07818391610 or email her on misskymhall@gmail.com.
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How do I get to Bodlondeb?You have 4 main options: 1. Drive 2. Get picked up by another attendee from a station Chester (if driving from the North) or Ruabon (if driving from the south). 3. Get the bus T3 - Wrexham or Ruabon to Corwen OR T8 - Chester to Corwen T10 - Corwen to our doorstep 4. Get a taxi (must book in advance!) Chester Taxi Services, 01244 421024, 4 seater £70 from Chester Crown Cars (Wrexham based), 01978 842000, 4 seater £30 from Ruabon
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What do I need to bring?The main things to remember are: Journal Pen Drinks container with a lid Towel Swim stuff Walking shoes/boots Comfy clothes Anything extra you'd like to have with you on your journey to help you be comfy, a special pillow perhaps. We provide bedding and food. We also have yoga mats. hottie botties and blankets.
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How do I arrange a payment plan?We've done everything we can to ease the financial burden to make it possible for you to join us. Booking with a payment plan is simple: Book on using the relevant payment plan option and we will send you the invoice to make your first payment. If you need a personalised plan, choose that option and email us immediately with the requested plan (Dates and amounts), if accepted you will receive the invoices for the amounts on the dates we've agreed on. If payment is not received within 48 hours your place will be automatically released.
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I have a diagnosis and/or I'm on medication, is that ok?It very much depends on the diagnosis and the medication. Please read through the contra indications document below and then if you're still unsure, get in touch with Kimberley Rose: 07818391610 or email her on misskymhall@gmail.com for a chat.
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How do I find you?Simply Google Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat and it’ll bring you to the door. The address: Bodlondeb, Dinmael, Corwen, LL21 0NY NB: The postcode will take you OFF the A5. We are on it. Extra details: You’ll go past the Maerdy & Dinmael sign, and past The Goat pub. Keep going until you come to the Dinmael sign. We are second house on the right (blue door). You should see our sign hanging on the fence. Welcome! Head up the drive and get the kettle on!
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Where have you sourced your mushrooms from?The mushrooms we will be working with are called Golden Teachers. They are sourced from an independent seller who Kimberley Rose trusts very much. She works personally with these medicines and they are harvested organically and grown in sacred ceremony.
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Do I have to walk / swim?Everything here is optional - we want you to have autonomy and agency over yourself. We’ll always check in if it’s fear stopping you and if it is we can help you through if you would like but if it's something else you absolutely do what you need to do. Bring your swim stuff just in case ;-)
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Can I stay an extra day or two?Depending on bookings and turn around times it may well be possible, so do contact us to find out.
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How do I get to Bodlondeb?You have 4 main options: 1. Drive 2. Get picked up by another attendee from a station Chester (if driving from the North) or Ruabon (if driving from the south). 3. Get the bus T3 - Wrexham or Ruabon to Corwen OR T8 - Chester to Corwen T10 - Corwen to our doorstep 4. Get a taxi (must book in advance!) Chester Taxi Services, 01244 421024, 4 seater £70 from Chester Crown Cars (Wrexham based), 01978 842000, 4 seater £30 from Ruabon
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How do I find you?Simply Google Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat and it’ll bring you to the door. The address: Bodlondeb, Dinmael, Corwen, LL21 0NY NB: The postcode will take you OFF the A5. We are on it. Extra details: You’ll go past the Maerdy & Dinmael sign, and past The Goat pub. Keep going until you come to the Dinmael sign. We are second house on the right (blue door). You should see our sign hanging on the fence. Welcome! Head up the drive and get the kettle on!
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Do you provide bedding / towels?All bedding is provided. There’ll be hand towels in the en-suites but you’ll need to bring your own bath / swim towels.
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What does "Dry Space" mean?Alcohol or drugs aren’t to be consumed on the premises during a retreat. We often use them as ways of escaping connection and the present moment and we want you to explore what it is to take these social crutches away and simply be you.
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Is there access to a washing machine?Let us know if you need some washing doing, absolutely no problem. It’s £4.50 for it to be washed and dried and handed back to you smelly lovely! Payment by cash is preferred or you can bank transfer or pay by card.
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Is there onsite parking?We are able to park around 7 cars stacked up the drive. If there are more cars you can park a couple of minutes walk away. There's not many houses here in Dinmael but there are some so we do ask that you're mindful and respectful of their space by parking in the bays away from people’s homes.
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Is there signal & wifi?We'll warn you now - the signal around here isn't great - both a blessing and a curse! We ummed and ahhed about whether to get internet installed because really you’ve come here to connect with each other and we all know phones can restrict how we connect, but we respect it's important to check in with home. So, we have installed it, and it'll be up to you whether you use it. NB The Chaplin bedroom doesn't have wifi or phone signal (it's glorious!)
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Is this instead of therapy?I am not a therapist, I am a coach. We’ll be working with your present and where you want to go and not focussing on your past. It’s likely your past has already had a lot of attention, be it in your head and/or in a therapist's room. This tends to give your past more power than it needs. I am not here to undermine your story, you are you because of your past and we certainly won't be shoving it under the carpet either - but it is time to take the reins and determine where we go from here. Please bear in mind that our retreats can open up some big questions and the challenge of engaging with our minds, our habits and how we show up in the world. Although it is a very supportive environment, we cannot offer any therapeutic help, so if you’re currently experiencing mental health difficulties or any other strong or upsetting states of mind, please consider if a retreat is right for you at present and whether there are other supports you need in your life. If you’re unsure, please email or call us directly before booking.
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Why Group coaching?Firstly, people are inspirational if you let them be and secondly holding space with and for others gives us the space to reflect on ourselves. The more we listen, the better we get at listening. The more we reflect, the deeper our learning and richer the change. I'm also very collaborative, I don't believe I have all the answers. Sure I have a wealth of tools to share with you but we are better together and X amount of heads are definitely better than one!
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Does Steph coach on all her retreats?Tough question! There are two types of retreats that Steph runs - 1) rest-based 2) coaching-based. Steph's experience as a coach will always infuse everything she does but the rest-based retreats she sees herself as someone holding the space and posing questions rather than coaching you. There is no doubt that little nuggets of wisdom and tools will make it's way through to you though. The coaching-based retreats are much more about tools and techniques and Steph actively being involved in your journey, what's stucking you and what moving forward looks/feels like.
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Who will be guiding me?Hi, I’m Steph, I work with humans, and I love it deeply. I’m a Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, a HeartMath Coach and a mBIT master coach (where neuroscience backs up ancient wisdoms). I’m also an acting coach who specialises in The Meisner Technique, a training tool which is specifically about getting out of your head and becoming less self conscious. However, it’s not just relevant to actors. At the heart of what I do is create a space for you as a human to explore what makes you human, what makes you, you. Many of us go through each day not fully knowing why we do what we do or even what it is that we do and therefore not realising the importance of that knowing. I would love to spend some intensive and immersive time with you so I can share a plethora of really powerful tools and guide you through the process thoroughly enough so they are a part of you once you leave.