We are excited and honoured to welcome you to Duns, Scotland

Suggested clothing: Clothing for fitness i.e., sweatshirt, t-shirts, yoga pants and top etc. Comfy daytime clothes, 'do you' whatever you would wear at home, don't forget the rain jacket 

Footwear: 

Indoor non slip footwear i.e.: trainers for exercise, other like slippers or deck shoes, etc

Outside footwear: suitable shoes for gentle nature walks on rough terrain like trainers or flat shoes (note; property is on different levels and chipped/bark or earth terrain.

Other things to bring: Its Scotland, so we suggest keeping an eye on the weather and bringing appropriate items like sunglasses, or spare socks.  Also, toiletries, prescription medication, other over the counter medication as required . Anything you would normally take on holiday in the UK, with cozy days in and winter walks as the theme. Please bring a cosy blanket and cushion for the meditations.

Note: We will be bringing some magazines, there's games and books at the property. Bring your divination tools if you wish, like tarot or oracle cards, pendulums or anything else you feel drawn to pack.

The property is located in Abbey St Bathans, Duns. A google location pin will be provided nearer the time. 

The property is a little tricky to find and its easy to miss the turning for the drive, we will ask the property host to provide a photo to help with identifying the property. 

Other notes about the property: The property is on a hillside and has gravel grounds, with some uneven terrain, please tread with care as you move around the property and grounds. 

Shannobank is a secluded 5 bedroom property which sits on a hill overlooking stunning views of the Whiteadder river and Abbey St Bathans. It has extensive gardens which include managed lawns and flower beds, veg patch, enchanted glade leading to an ancient oak woodland.
The entire property and gardens will be ours for our stay so we will have complete privacy. 

Inside the farm house there are 2 sitting rooms, fully equipped kitchen and a conservatory/dining room. There are 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The ground floor master bedroom with ensuite has an impressive super king four poster bed which was made locally from spalted beech. There are a further two twin bedrooms upstairs,  and a twin room (can be made up as a king size).

The adjoining annex hosts a further sitting room, fully equipped kitchen area, bathroom and 2 bedrooms - a super king and twin.  By arrangement there is access to a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer.

There are multiple entrances into the house with 2 separate parking areas, enough room for 6 cars in total. 

The Barn: We hope to enjoy the Pilates, Sound Baths, Lying Down Meditations in the Barn, this will be subject to weather temperature

Kitchen Table: The creative activities, Q&A session, divination workshop and all meals will be enjoyed around the table

Large Sitting Room: Cozy chats and late night spiritual work will be enjoyed here, this is also the back up area if the barn is too cold. 

Gardens: We do hope the weather lends itself to us using this space for some of the activities like chats around the fire and morning exercise, we will take this as it comes

Yes, we will have designated quiet zones: location tbc at check in  If these zones are occupied, please assume the individual is not open to conversation. Additionally, you are welcome to explore the gardens and surrounding areas at your leisure.  For your safety if you intend to leave the property grounds, to explore or go into town, please notify Laura or Jane.

Everyone embarks on their own unique journey; some seek activity, others tranquillity and relaxation, or simply an escape from the hustle of daily life, and for some, it's a blend of these elements. We envision this retreat as a micro-community where respect for personal space, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and unity as a collective are cherished values. 

We encourage mindful listening and talking, where you are able to enjoy friendly chat whilst avoiding conversation domination, this helps to promote a positive environment and deeper connection with your guest buddies.  

Please note: If you have concerns about the mental health of anyone on the trip, including yourself, you should confidentially discuss these concerns with Jane or Laura.

Every morning, we'll begin the day with a small protein drink or snack to energise you before the early morning activities. As the retreat emphasises well-being, your hosts will prepare meals that are nutritious and designed to keep you satisfied for longer periods. Additionally, a selection of healthy and general snacks will also be available. All meals are vegetarian and its a no-alcohol retreat. 

Below is a sample of what will likely be available; we are still collaborating to finalise the menu. Snacks will be available throughout the day. Fruit and raw vegetables will be accessible for self-service at all times.

Meals will be freshly made served community style, with everyone seated and all dishes placed on the table, allowing you to serve yourself. Options may vary slightly from what is stated below.

There is no obligation to sit as a group at all times. Food will be prepared and served daily at a specified time to facilitate planning, preparation, and foster a sense of community.

Breakfast Buffet: 

E.G. Greek yogurt, dairy and dairy alternatives, an abundance of fruit, avocado, toast, eggs, peanut butter, soft cheeses, cereal. (Sunday Hot Breakfast Brunch)

Lunches: 

E.G: Garden Salads, leafy greens with tofu, chickpea or bean salad, crackers, soda bread, soft cheeses, homemade lentil & red pepper soup, quinoa or bulgur salad, evening meal left overs. 

Dinners: 

Fri:  Satisfying Veg Chilli, rice or bulgur salad, home made guac, salsa, corn on the cob. 

Sat: Winter Veg & Lentil Casserole with tasty accompaniments

Sun: Veg mince and sweet potato mash or baked with accompaniments

Snacks: 

Protein snacks, an abundance fruit & raw veggies, salsa, a few sweet things, pitta & hummus, savoury things.

Notes: you are welcome to bring your own snacks if you wish, however, would discourage bringing unhealthy options to the activities. 

We have devised a plan to ensure that every aspect of your beautiful self receives love and attention every day of the retreat. Concentrating on all four aspects of self is an incredible gift to bestow upon yourself daily. Coupled with winter warmer themed nutritious food and delightful company, it creates a perfect mix of various forms of self-care and self-love.

While all activities are optional, we encourage you to fully engage with the experience to reap the greatest benefits. Below, we have indicated which of the four aspects of self each activity supports.  One of the highlights fedback to us from our previous retreats is how flexible we are in relation to striking the balance in working to a schedule, yet being able to flex to suit the needs of the group. 

(Note P-Physical. M-Mental, E-Emotional, S-Spiritual)

Friday:  

From 5-6pm Check in, then an evening with all guests and both your hosts Jane & Laura

6.30 pm Dinner with  Welcome, Introduction, Community Guidelines 

8pm Engaging in a 'Getting to Know You' circle with light creative activity (M,E,S)

9pm Wind down, low lights, sound bath with body connection meditation (P,M,E,S)

Saturday: (P,M,E,S)

8-9am Pilates & Meditation (Laura P,M,E,S) 

9.15am Breakfast

11am Mindful Nature Walk (Jane & Laura P,M,E,S)

1pm Lunch

3pm Women's Health & Nutrition Mini Masterclass with Q&A (Laura P,E,M,S)

6.30pm Dinner 

8pm Night of Divination - Reading Circle  (Jane - S) 

Sunday: (P,M,E,S)

7.30am  Light Breakfast Buffet

9am Empowering Movement Meditation  (Jane - M,E,S)  

10.30am Winter Warmer Hot Brunch

2.pm Creative Activity & With Nibbles -  Tree of Life ; theme connects with morning activity (Jane  - M,E,S)

4 pm short break 

4.30pm Pilates (Laura P,M) 

6.30 pm Dinner   

8.30 pm Chill, Chat, Chomp & Chunes - snacks, music, likeminded chat

Monday: (P,M,E,S)

7am Uplifting Meditation (Laura & Jane P,M,E,S)

8am Breakfast

9 - 9.30am Check out

• Hair dryer
• Shampoo
• Hot water

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• EssentialsTowels, bed sheets, soap and toilet paper
• Hangers
• Iron

• TV

• Indoor fireplace
• Heating

• Smoke alarm
• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit

• Wifi
• Dedicated workspace

• KitchenSpace where guests can cook their own meals
• Fridge
• Microwave
• Cooking basicsPots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
• Dishes and cutleryBowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc.
• Freezer
• Dishwasher
• Oven
• Kettle
• Coffee maker
• Drinking glasses
• Toaster
• Dining table
• Coffee

• Private entrance, Separate street or building entrance
• Launderette nearby

• Garden; An open space on the property usually covered in grass
• Firepit
• Outdoor furniture
• BBQ grill

• Free parking on premises

Further terms, conditions and policies for retreats home & away:

Your Health

It is your responsibility to let our teachers know if you have any injuries and to be mindful at all times of your own body’s capability during our retreats. If you experience any injury or discomfort during any activity during the retreat, then please stop participating immediately.

It is also your responsibility to consult a doctor with an understanding of fitness to check that you are sufficiently fit and healthy to undertake physical activities that you may choose to do whilst on the retreat.

Please advise us of any mental or physical health conditions and dietary requirements before you book. If you have health conditions and dietary requirements that may be affected by the activities offered on our retreats we reserve the right, for your own wellbeing, to advise you to stop participating.

Whilst all measures are taken to ensure a high standard of health and safety, our retreats do take places where the land is uneven and we shall not be responsible for any injuries caused by uneven terrain.

We ask that women who are 12 to 28 weeks pregnant provide a letter from their health practitioner specifying that they are fit to travel and able to engage in the activities that we provide.

Acknowledgement of risks

You warrant that You are aware that all exercise and travel carries risks, and acknowledge you are participating willingly, and in knowledge of these risks.

You recognise that We are not able to provide you with medical advice, and that any information provided should be used as a guideline only. If you have any prior knowledge of health concerns or health risks, you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to seek clearance from a health care professional prior to attending any of our retreats.

Indemnity

You agree to fully indemnify without limitation any trainer(s), director(s) or contractor(s) against any injury, malpractice, mishap, or accident during any and all interactions with the Company away from, or at the primary place of business for our retreat style learning experience.

Payment Policy

A non-refundable booking fee of £100 per person is required upon booking. Payment of any outstanding sums owed (the balance) must be made before the specified Payment Due Date (21st February 2025) for the Retreat which you are booking. Prices DO NOT include flights, transfers or travel insurance.

Travel Insurance & Cancellation Policies 

We recommend that your travel insurance covers the activity of your retreat with us as well as unexpected cancellation, sickness, losses and all the usual risks. Note: Refunds are not permitted after the payment due date,  hence this recommendation, also, it is your responsibility to organise suitable travel and health insurance. You acknowledge that Jane Macdonald or Laura Moyes are not in the business of providing insurance products and cannot be held liable if your failure to arrange suitable insurance coverage leaves you exposed, medically, financially or otherwise.

You understand and acknowledge that it is a condition of booking that you must take out an adequate travel insurance policy that covers all items listed in the sample itinerary for your chosen Retreat, as well as but not limited to, trip cancellation insurance, and any other activities that which may reasonably be undertaken during the course of your Retreat. The policy and insurance coverage must be valid and in effect for the entire duration of your Retreat.

Please note, even if you have private health insurance in your Country of Residence, it is unlikely that this insurance will cover overseas trips to the extent required to participate in the activities organised on your trip.

You will be asked to email or bring your policy with you to the retreat in case of an emergency.

Cancellations Policy: Guest Cancellations

If you need to cancel this retreat fees will apply. Any notice of cancellation must be provided in writing.

Please refer to the following for a breakdown of applicable cancellation fees:

If you cancel 90 days or more before your Start Date, you will be refunded the full amount paid up to that date for your retreat. This excludes the £100 deposit per person which is non-refundable. If any cancellation is made in the 14 days prior to your trip, there will be no refund. This is in alignment with standard policies to cover host costs incurred to date, re-advertising costs and other expenses, in addition to potentially being unable to fill the space due to short notice.
 

We will be sending a link to the PARQ form in the what's app chat, this must be completed by 28th Feb 2025 to give your us, hosts time to review and plan accordingly. 

Honestly, we are so excited to host you at our very first joint, UK staycation retreat, we are incredibly grateful to you all,

with lots of love Laura & Jane x