Emmas Dale - Episdode 1 - COMPLETED
After weeks of planning, deliberating, worrying if people will book or not (they did!), I finally hosted the first Emmas Dale Experience Retreat.
On the weekend of the 8th June, 10 lovely ladies arrived at Camp Katur in the pouring rain to embark on a weekend of Yoga, Paddle Boarding and Eating. We had a mixed group of some ladies just coming along for the day and some who were staying for the Saturday night also.
The accommodation I had chosen at Camp Katur on the Camp Hill Estate, is a network of glamping pods based around a meadow. It is peaceful, natural and unique and ideal for a weekend getaway on a retreat. I thought with the location, BBQ Pod and eco spa it would be perfect.
Despite the disgusting weather forecast (which actually turned out to be not so bad after all) every activity went ahead.
Sharn, Charlotte, Gemma, Alison, Elinor, Denise, Judie, Leanne, Julie & Heather started the day with a smoothie and a beautiful flow Yoga session with my friend Raegan. During which time myself and my amazing host Clarke (who just so happens to be my partner so I am a little biased, but he really did do a great job!) prepared a very tasty brunch consisting of honey & granola yoghurt pots, avocado smash, parma ham, a fruit platter, croissants, wholemeal bread, juice, herbal teas and coffee. I collected the ladies, brought them back to the Camp through the rain to feed them up ready for the damp SUP session ahead…
I think there was some trepidation within the group as some hadn’t been Paddle boarding before, but as they had already all gelled so well together, there was a great sense of team spirit. The charactersome driver from URE cars picked the ladies up ready for the bendy journey to Ellerton Lake (perhaps a little toobendy for some ;-)) to meet Danny from SUPActive Yorkshire. He kitted them out ready for a fun filled and wet lake session. I returned in the meantime to Camp Katur to help Clarke lay out the afternoon tea….
I just caught some great pics at the end of the paddle sesh and lots of smiling. The ladies came back for their yummy afternoon tea of Lime Drizzle cake, courgette & wensleydale quiche, chocolate dipped strawberries and chewy (very chewy) fruity flapjack. After a catch up on the day and a warm up with some hot water bottles, the day goers said goodbyes to their new friends whilst the overnighters got back in their bikinis for a chilled out session in the alfresco eco spa - much needed I imagine after a full on day of activities in the wet.
This was some time for them on their own to relax, chill and reflect. Clarke and I got the BBQ and Prosecco ready down at the ‘Podfather’ aka the BBQ pod. The rain had finally given up and we could relax inside the pod or out. We offered the ladies antipasti with their prosecco before a delicious (if I do say so myself) BBQ involving: beetroot burgers, lemon & garlic chicken skewers, quinoar salad, potato & kidney bean salad, rocket radish & blue cheese salad, mozzarella tomatoe & homemade pesto, purple coleslaw with Dijon mustard. All of this was finished up with homemade Chocolate Mousse topped with salted caramel. The evening was very lovely and chilled and everyone sat and chatted with some laidback Ibiza house in the background.
For the morning, the sun was shining (obviously, a day late!) some ladies had risen early for their own meditation and Yoga in the beautiful peaceful meadow. A tasty breakfast and everyone departed for home. Hopefully feeling relaxed, well fed and like they had taken part in a great experience.
All the ladies involved were great company and made our first ever Emmas Dale retreat a success. I want people to feel chilled, like they had fun and had learnt something.. There are of course things we learnt from this first experience that we will input into our next weekends.
We are very much looking forward to the Yoga & Paddleboarding Retreat on the 13th September, this is now full however there is still availability on the Yoga, Paddling & Alpaca Retreat on the 20th September at Hazel Brow House. Do keep an eye out for some juicy pop ups we are planning for the future too….. ;-) Oh and we do welcome men, it’s not just for the girls!!