FAQs
Have some questions about our retreats? Here's everything we can think of - both big and small.
Do I need to be experienced at yoga to join a retreat?
No! You absolutely don’t need to be experienced at yoga to join us! Our retreats are super accessible to all levels, including beginners. The yoga sessions are tailored to accommodate both newcomers and those with more experience.
If you’re new to yoga, this can be a brilliant opportunity to start your practice in a really welcoming AND beautiful setting.
What’s included in the retreat?
You’ll be staying in lovely 5-star spots like the beautifully renovated Old Bakehouse in Torcross, complete stunning water views, beach access, and even a hot tub to unwind in. Each day, there are yoga classes to suit all levels — from energising flows to relaxing slower sessions. Outside of yoga, you can join guided wild swimming adventures, plus scenic hikes along the South West Coast Path. Delicious meals created by our talented chefs are included, and they’re happy to cater to different dietary needs. To top it all off, you can curl up by the log fire, soak up early morning sunrises, and even treat yourself to optional massages. It’s all about balance, fun, and feeling great!
Where are the retreats held?
We run our retreats Torcross village on the South Devon coast – a peaceful little village tucked between the beautiful Slapton Ley nature reserve and a stunning three-mile beach called Slapton Sands. It’s the perfect chill-out zone for yoga, hiking, and wild swimming.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! You can totally come on your own! Any of our guests join us solo and love the experience, it’s partly why we offer so many solo occupancy rooms. The retreats are super welcoming and friendly, making it easy to feel comfortable while you relax, grow, and connect with nature.
What should I bring with me?
Here’s a suggested packing list to help you prepare!
Comfortable yoga clothing: Breathable and flexible for practicing in.
Waterproof gear: For coastal hikes and wild swimming.
Swimwear: For wild swimming sessions, rock shoes or neoprene socks can also be helpful depending on the time of year.
Footwear: Hiking boots as well as trainers/ sneakers. Perhaps beach shoes / flip flops in summer!
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during activities.
Sunglasses & sun hat: Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor sessions.
Sunscreen: Essential for skin protection.
Daypack or medium size backpack: For carrying essentials during outings, which will usually include your packed lunch and hot drink (provided), water, swimmers and towel. We also advise your bag is big enough to carry extra warm layers for after sea swimming.
Camera or smartphone: Capture all the memories of your retreat!
How fit do I need to be?
On our 3-night and 4-night yoga retreats, we’ll be hiking up to 8km a day on trails that can be uneven and quite hilly. Don’t worry though! We’ve built in plenty of time to go at a relaxed pace. If you’re unsure about walking on the coast path, we recommend bringing walking poles for extra support.
For our SW Coast 50 or 100 hiking trips, we usually cover about 2 miles per hour. Some of the longer days can be up to 20km, with elevation gains of around 2,500 feet on rugged coastal terrain. It’s a real adventure! To help you get ready, we’ll send over a training plan in advance so you feel confident and prepared.
What level are the yoga classes?
Yoga classes are ‘all level’ meaning that they are suitable for beginners and will be enjoyable for all levels.
What is the style of yoga?
Our Yoga is ‘Alignment’ Yoga based on the work of BKS Iyengar. Natalie’s teacher (Aadil Palkhivala at Purna Yoga College, Washington, USA) trained with Iyengar from the age of 7 in India. Alignment Yoga is focused on correct form and uses modifications and props to enable everyone to achieve their best version of a pose. Our classes are not fast flows, hot yoga or cardio yoga but rather attentive asana that allows you to learn as you progress through each pose.
Will we do yoga on the beach?
That’s up to you! We have scheduled classes in the retreat studio or barn but if anyone fancies more yoga on the beach Natalie will happily oblige!
What do the wild swims entail?
Our wild swims are guided wild ocean experiences. We have water safety experts and lifeguards from Coast to Coast Water Safety on hand to ensure you are safe whether you just dip your toes, or whether you fancy a full body immersion and head dunk. For the adventurous amongst us, they can go for a leisurely swim to explore! (swell and tide dependent).
Do I need a wetsuit?
No! Overall, the average sea temperature in the UK ranges from 6-10 °C in the winter to 15-20 °C in the summer depending on region and yearly variation. In the Autumn the water should be at its warmest. Part of the joy of a wild swim is the feeling of the cold water on your body! At Yoga Field & Sea we swim without a wetsuit all year round, even in January! Swims without wetsuits are obviously much shorter (between 10-20 minutes) and the advantage is that you don’t need to hike with a heavy wetsuit, and you don’t have the faff of pulling it on or off!! However, a wetsuit can bring comfort AND allow you to stay in the water for longer – it’s your choice if you wish to bring one!! We do advise packing neoprene wetsuit shoes or rock shoes.
What happens in bad weather?
We will head out for hikes in pretty much all conditions, so you need to come prepared with good waterproofs. If it’s a torrential downpour you can choose to stay indoors! Too much wind, dangerous swell or coastal fog will spell an end to wild swimming but we will do everything we can to get you out on the water safely.
Do I need to bring a towel?
No, we have that covered! We provide towels for showers/baths, hot tub and the beach. If the weather looks particularly wet it might be sensible to bring one extra towel just in case. For our 7-night trips we provide fresh towels during your stay.
Is there mobile phone reception?
There is very limited mobile phone coverage on the coast path, but there is good coverage in the village.
How many people are in the group?
Usually between 8 and 14 guests.
Are there women and men attending?
Everyone is welcome, but there are no instances where different sexes are asked to share accommodation with strangers.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately not, no pets are allowed.
Do I have to take part in every activity?
Of course not. Everything is up to you! It’s your retreat. If you are concerned about the length of hikes, the yoga classes or sea swims please contact Natalie in advance of your stay, so we can discuss your perfect retreat and make it happen for you!
What happens if I don’t like the food?
We have done our best to create a lovely menu of healthy food (with quite a few indulgences as well!) We are sure you will be delighted and leave with a full tummy!
Is there a shop nearby?
Local shops are not far away. There is a lovely local farm shop called Stokeley Farm shop about 10 minutes away on foot, or there is a local community shop in the neighbouring village (5 mins by car).
I will have lots of time either before check-in or after check-out. Do you have any suggestions of other things to do in the area?
Absolutely. How about this…
- Park at Little Dartmouth National Trust car park and walk the coast path to Dartmouth Castle and back. It’s stunning.
- Head to Bolberry Head National Trust car park and walk the coast path to Hope Cove. Grab lunch at The Cove.
- Check out Gara Rock and hike the coast path to Mill Bay beach. Walk along the beach at low tide and take the passenger ferry to Salcombe for lunch.
- Drive to Bantham beach and explore this glorious sandy beach. Hike the coast path to South Milton.
What time is check in and check out?
Our retreats begin at 3pm on the first day, and wrap up by 12pm on the last day. Most guests usually head off after our final brunch, which is finished by 11.30am.