The Zest Life Retreat, Wales

Far from the madding crowds in our fabulously vibrant UK cities sits The Zest Life Retreat, one of the best retreats the UK has to offer.
 
Situated on the Isle of Anglesey in the beautiful grounds of the Plas Cadnant Estate and Gardens, the weekend retreats are for those who wish to escape the busy life to immerse in Vinyasa Flow Yoga, fitness and walking in some of Wales' most breath-taking scenery. 

The Country House and Accommodation
The weekends take place in the stylish, secluded country house, nestled in 21 acres of private parkland with stunning views over Snowdon, a meandering river and magical waterfalls, all combined for your pleasure.
 
The luxury holiday home cottages and the Coach House offer a simple and serene place of rest.  The latter offering an impressive upstairs dining and sitting room, open wooden beams, beautiful art and wall hangings with glorious views of the countryside. By night, a cosy spot to enjoy the log burning stove, sumptuous sofas and relaxing candlelight.  The dining room boasts a big oak table where breakfast, lunch and dinner and the daily delicious healthy snack is served as well as the optional talk on yoga practices and wellbeing themes like detox. Bedrooms are very comfortable with crisp white linen, fresh flowers and views over the rolling green Welsh valleys.

The Yoga
The retreat was set up by founder Laura Bell who runs classes alongside a team of accomplished teachers.  For two days, Claire Riley, who has been practicising yoga since she was eight – took 12 of us on a detox yoga journey.
 
Every day there were two 90-minute classes that covered a selection of Asanas from the Ashtanga series in both yin (moon) and yang (sun) flows, delivered and suited for all levels of yogis from the very beginners to those developing their practice.  The classes also offer music, meditation, teachings on kundalini (energy) and pranayama (breathing) with handy tips and techniques to take home.  Claire taught us all at a steady pace and ensured all participants were happy and settled. 
 
The yoga space is reached by a short stroll through the peaceful walled garden that offers majestic views out to the tranquil surrounding parkland. Completed in 2012, the shala is a combination of handcrafted beams, high ceilings and under-floor heating, the perfect space for yoga and meditation.  You know you’re fully immersed in the countryside when you hear the occasional bleat of a sheep!
 
The teachers at The Zest Life go out of their way to guide you through the yoga practice of living and guarantee that you will leave feeling that you have allowed to give yourself the luxury to relax, recharge and surrender to your mind and body.

The Food 
The Zest Life team are passionate about healthy eating and the food on offer is an integral part of the retreat.  Chef Sarah Clarke creates and serves up a delicious and wholesome plant-based menu, the food is vegetarian, made without sugar and dairy products, and low in wheat and gluten where required.
Help yourself to the Pukka teas over the weekend, with three meals a day, fruit and healthy treats will leave you feeling nourished and full of energy.

Holistic Treatments
In-house therapists are on hand to offer a range of massage treatments, using organic oils to ease away stress and strains. Treatments cost £45 for one 40-minute treatment.

The Verdict
The Zest Life Retreats offer a chance to enrich your body and mind with energy, positivity and happiness with a fresh look and approach to life. The weekend arms retreaters with the tools and methods to bring a simple healthy passion to live a well and vital life. Life can be hectic and overly stressful at times so make a choice to stop, take a break, step outdoors and breathe the air and give yourself some self-realisation and love – you deserve it.
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A Summary of our Experience at The Zest Life Retreat

Most suited for
Those who wish to escape the day-to-day monotony of life to experience the best a retreat can offer in the UK.  Be prepared for lots of fun and rest.
 
Best bits: 
The evening restorative yoga and meditation sessions in the yoga shala and the morning snack and juices.
 
Worst bits:  It was too short, I didn’t want to leave!
 
The details
From £470pp sharing for 2 nights, 15 guests 
 
Plas Cadnant
Cadnant Rd
Menai Bridge
Gwynedd
​Wales
LL59 5NH
 
thezestlife.co.uk 
 
Rosanna Head
*During my visit I was hosted by the lovely team at Zest Life. All opinions and photography are my own. 
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Our experience overall
Location: ★★★★
Ambiance ★★★★
Food and drink: ★★★★
Staff attentiveness/friendliness: ★★★★★