An invitation to rest, reflect, and reconnect

Slow + Soften

12th - 15th November 2026

Join myself and fellow teacher Echo Elliott for a nourishing four day (three night) Autumn retreat in Somerset, England

The yoga.

I’ve been teaching yoga for the past nine years, since graduating from the Royal College of Art. I completed my advanced teacher training with ISHTA yoga in London and use my practice to explore the intersections between tantric philosophy, the subtle body and somatic movement, completing my Feldenkrais practitioner training in 2024.

Echo Elliott is one of London’s most loved senior yoga teachers with over ten years of teaching experience. While she is known for her skilful and creative approach to asana, Echo’s teaching extends far beyond the physical practice. The depth of her offering is rooted in her lived experience and a profoundly authentic, contemporary understanding of yoga philosophy.

Within nature, the slower rhythms of autumn and winter play an essential role in sustaining balance. These quieter seasons allow ecosystems to restore themselves by replenishing resources, integrating change, and tilling the soil for future growth. Rather than being dormant, this pause is an active phase of renewal that supports long-term resilience and stability. As people, we too can benefit from recognising this natural shift. Retreat offers us a chance to step back and return to a slower, more attentive pace.

Throughout this retreat, Echo and I will offer you practices that support deep rest, regulation, and ease, inviting you to soften away from the demands of everyday life and anchor back into yourself more fully. From this quieter place, we’ll take time to reflect on the year that has passed and consider how we might move forward with greater balance. Expect a nourishing blend of gentle yoga, somatic movement, yin and restorative practices, meditation, rest, and inner spaciousness.

The venue.

Set quietly between rolling fields and soft limestone hills, Norton St Philip carries a sense of time that doesn’t rush. The village unfolds in warm honey-coloured stone, its cottages gathered along winding lanes as if shaped by centuries of footsteps rather than design.

There is a softness to the landscape here. Fields open gently rather than dramatically, stitched together by dry stone walls and narrow paths that invite wandering. It is a place that doesn’t ask to be seen all at once, but to be noticed slowly, and in parts.

At its heart stands the imposing silhouette of Church of St Philip and St James, its tower rising above the hedgerows. Nearby, the long, low form of The George Inn leans into the road, its timbered frame and uneven floors holding the quiet residue of travellers, conversations, and winters that have passed through its rooms.

Next door you’ll find your destination: The Malthouse. Our home while on retreat.

Originally raised in service of its neighbouring Grade I listed pub, this building carries the quiet imprint of centuries of use and adaptation. Inside, the structure reveals itself through details: oak roof trusses rising in an ‘A’ frame, a worn archway once wide enough for carts and coaches to pass; a narrow turret staircase turning upward in its own rhythm. The stone-tiled roof settles overhead in diminishing courses, while in one corner, an inglenook fireplace fills the space with warmth.

More recently, the building has been carefully restored by the award-winning architectural practice Knox Bhavan, its historical character preserved without being fixed in time. What emerges is not a static monument, but a softened, considered interior that will offer us a place to land, rest, and unfold ourselves while on retreat.

Details.

Our wish for this weekend is to provide a soft landing for your body and mind. To create a space that allows you to slow down and pour into yourself for a few days. While on retreat there'll be time for both activity and quietness, alone time as well as connection.
Whether you’ve been practicing yoga for years, a few months or, if we’ve never met before and you don’t have any experience at all - we warmly welcome you to join us on retreat. We know there is so much for you to gain from this experience.
This retreat is for you if:
You need time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate
You could use a digital detox and/or a dose of nature
You have a yoga practice and would like to deepen your embodied understanding
You’re new to yoga, but open-minded about what it can do for you
You want to feel more at home in your body
You’re looking to re-connect with yourself
You want to experience positive connections with others
You want to experience the peace, stillness and creativity of a relaxed mind
Please email us if you have any questions about whether this retreat is right for you.
4 days / 3 nights stay at The Malthouse
Nourishing, seasonally-inspired meals freshly prepared for us by our private chef
Gentle morning yoga accessible to all with Echo
Blissful afternoon sessions with Oceana
Optional workshops
Preparing for deep, restful sleep with evening relaxation practices
Time and space for in-depth conversation
Mindful countryside walks
Evening stargazing or, curling up with an inspiring book
Watching the sun rise with a warm cup of tea
All props including blocks, bolsters, blankets and eye pillows
Towels and linens for cosy comfort
Expert care and guidance from our amazingly friendly retreat team
Snacks, fruits, filtered water, tea and coffee available throughout the day
WiFi access
Travel to and from Norton St Phillip
Travel insurance (recommended)
Excursions or day trips
Alcoholic beverages or fizzy drinks
Extra food, drinks or any entry fees while out and about
Please bring your own yoga mat
Although we are offering a full retreat programme, there will be down time for you to use however you'd like. Some options for outings include:
Take a stroll through the local village
Visit the 14th-century church of St Philip and St James and explore the picturesque surroundings in Church Mead
Challenge someone to a game of table tennis at the manor
Take a country side walk through the parish
Explore the Roman city of Bath, where you’ll find the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa and, the museums and theatres of Bath (20 mins drive)
Stroll through the picturesque town of Frome (20 mins drive)
Visit Longleat House and Safari Park (20 mins drive)
Visit a nearby village such as Corsham (30 mins drive), Lacock (35 mins drive), or Castle Combe (40 mins drive)
Take a trip to the Wookey Hole caves (40 mins drive)
Visit Stone Henge (40 mins drive)
Drive to Cheddar Gorge (50 mins drive)
Norton Saint Philip is a quaint village, easily accessible by road and well-connected by excellent rail links.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bath is the nearest railway station served by frequent direct trains from London’s Paddington station (75 mins travel time). From Bath a direct bus (D2) will drop you off at Norton St Philip (30 mins travel time), or you could hire a taxi (20 mins travel time).
BY CAR: It takes around 3.5 hrs to drive to Norton St Philip from London via the M3 and A303. Parking is provided on site.

A typical day will look something like this…

Light breakfast

Morning practice

Brunch

Free Time / Excursion / Workshop

Evening practice

Dinner

Guided Relaxation / Sound Bath

The schedule.

The Accommodation.

Cartway

Spacious king or shared double bedroom with private bathroom on ground floor.
‘Cartway’ (king) is just off the original arched cartway entrance as you come through the large wooden oak door. An easily accessible bedroom with its own ensuite, it has a wall-to-floor thick glass window looking onto the Cartway. There is the option to have the blind up or down for privacy.
Thick curtains give it that cosy feeling. If you’d rather avoid the wooden turret staircase that connects the rest of the house, then this is the bedroom for you.
£891 early bird / £990 standard per person (shared occupancy with private bathroom)
£1,125 early bird / £1,250 standard (single occupancy with private bathroom)

Studio

A secluded garden studio apartment set right next to the main house with en suite bathroom and kitchenette.
As you step out into the garden, the studio is just a few steps down a path running along the right-hand side. This bright and airy space features original wooden beams across the ceiling, a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. A perfect space for two to share, or for someone wanting more privacy.
£891 early bird / £990 standard per person (shared occupancy with ensuite bathroom)
£1,125 early bird / £1,250 standard (single occupancy with ensuite bathroom)

Mulberry

Large super king or shared twin room with shared bathroom on first floor.
At the end of the first floor landing, this is the primary bedroom (super king). Flooded with light from dual aspect windows, beautifully decorated, with an original fireplace (feature only) and window seat overlooking the courtyard and garden. There is an additional seating area just before the bedroom and the bathroom.
This room shares a large bathroom with ‘Damask.’
£855 early bird / £950 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)
£1,080 early bird / £1,200 standard (single occupancy with shared bathroom)

Paisley

Shared twin room with shared bathroom on first floor
‘Paisley’ (super king) has views West and North over the garden and cobbled courtyard. The room is large and spacious with an original inglenook stone fireplace adorning the corner of the room. The bed will be split into two twins.
It shares a large bathroom (including a double walk-in shower and bath) with ‘Elephant.’
£855 early bird / £950 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)

Damask

Large king with shared bathroom on first floor
‘Damask’ (king) is at the front of the house, facing East to catch the morning light. This bedroom has a rather unusual bath stone cornice around what was once a door, as well as a feature fireplace and thick long curtains to keep the warmth in.
It shares an additional seating area just outside the bathroom, and a large bathroom with ‘Mulberry.’
£855 early bird / £950 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)
£1,035 early bird / £1,150 standard (single occupancy with shared bathroom)

Elephant (1 space left)

Women’s only shared twin with shared bathroom on first floor
‘Elephant’ (twin bedroom) is at the front of the house, facing East to catch the morning light.
It’s been named after the thick elephant fabric curtains which have been handmade and, is full of character with its ancient sloping floor.
It shares a large bathroom (including a double walk-in shower and bath) with ‘Paisley.’
£855 early bird / £950 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)

Toile (sold out)

Shared twin with shared bathroom on second floor
As you ascend the rope bannister to the second floor you’ll find ‘Toile’ (super king). A bedroom with views of the garden and surrounding countryside, including the church and Church Mead. Original beams enrich the atmosphere of the whole top floor.
The bed will be separated into two twin beds. This room shares a bathroom with ‘Truss,’ which includes a bath and overhead shower.
Please note: Residents for the adjoining bedroom ‘Truss’ have to walk through this room when entering from the staircase, and in order to get to the bathroom. There is a privacy screen to create some separation, but please think of this as a four-person dorm.
£585 early bird / £650 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)
£785 early bird / £885 (single occupancy with shared bathroom)

Truss (sold out)

Shared twin with shared bathroom on second floor
Leading on from Toile behind a heavy curtain and up a few steps, ‘Truss’ (twin) has a unique view of the ancient Malthouse roof structure through a floor to ceiling glass window. Original beams enrich the atmosphere of the whole of the top floor.
This room shares a bathroom with ‘Toile,’ which includes a bath and overhead shower.
Please note: In order to get to this bedroom, and to reach the bathroom, you’ll have to walk through the adjoining bedroom ‘Toile’. Toile does have a privacy screen to create some separation, but please think of this as a four-person dorm.
£585 early bird / £650 standard per person (shared occupancy with shared bathroom)

Booking.

A 10% Earlybird discount will be available for newsletter subscribers booking before 2nd August 2026.

A £250 (per person) non-refundable deposit will reserve your space. The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before the retreat begins (by 16th September).

Payment plans are available for all payments (including the deposit) - please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a plan that suits your needs.

Please read my booking terms and conditions thoroughly and make sure you can agree to them before enquiring.

For more information, or to reserve your space email me (oceana.mariani@gmail.com) directly.