Weekend Forest Yoga Retreat, East Sussex

Gingi Lee | 17 May to 19 May 2024

Gingi Lee will be running this nourishing and uplifting weekend retreat set in the heart of the magical Ashdown Forest, just an hour’s train journey or drive out of South London. There will be six yoga sessions across three days days (see detailed schedule below) including energising flow yoga, pranayama, chanting and meditation and two Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra sessions with Emma Landolt. The retreat is set in a beautiful peaceful setting with simple modest accommodation and three locally sourced vegetarian meals a day included in the price. Free pick up from East Grinstead station are available – first come first served – see more below.

About your stay

Emerson College is a nature inspired Explorative Creative learning centre in the heart of Forest Row. A biodynamic farm shop and café is attached within walking distance. It sits within a 22-acre Botanic Garden with beautiful ponds, lawns and flower beds, a vegetable garden, an apple orchard and a wood full of bluebells in spring. All the land is managed biodynamically with many rare trees and over 100 medicinal plants, all of which creates an enchanting environment. The magical Ashdown Forest with its many walking trails lies just beyond.

The venue is simple, natural, peaceful, with lots of light and space.

The kitchen garden supplies the kitchen with fresh vegetables, salads and herbs. Any food that is not grown in the garden, is sourced locally and organically to create nourishing vegetarian meals. Gluten free and vegan diets can be catered for on request and for those with other special diets self-catering facilities are available.

Your teachers

Gingi Lee – Founder & Co-Director of the Shala & The Shala School of Yoga, RYT-500 Lead Teacher Trainer, Senior Ashtanga Yoga, Aerial & Yamuna Bodyrolling Teacher

Gingi is the Co-director of the Shala and founded the studio in 1997 as one of London’s first dedicated ashtanga yoga centre. He has been teaching yoga for over 25 years and is one of the country’s most senior ashtanga yoga teachers.

For 25 years, Gingi has focused his energy on teaching at his centre in South London, alongside hosting yoga holidays and workshops abroad. He has played a key role in popularising ashtanga yoga in the UK and has taught, trained and inspired many British yoga teachers. In 2016 he established the Shala School of Yoga teacher training programme with co-teachers Kath Roberts, Mark Kan and Norman Blair. Gingi is a well-respected teacher who has remained at the forefront of the yoga community. His teaching is characterised by sensitivity, warmth and a deep commitment to the practice.

Emma Landolt – Yin Yang, Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow & Yoga Nidra Teacher

Emma has been a passionate and dedicated yoga practitioner for more than 15 years and has been teaching since 2013. She initially turned to yoga to help a shoulder injury and was greatly inspired by the healing transformation that took place in her body as her yoga practice deepened. Her love of yoga took her to India where she trained to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow, a combination of the traditional Ashtanga practice and a more contemporary Flow style.

Accommodation

Single rooms are in student chalet-style houses, with shared bathroom facilities. The rooms are simple, “no frills”, modest, rustic, quiet and comfortable.

All rooms are single occupancy. We may be able to book one or two twin rooms on request.
Bedrooms have shared toilets and showers.
Some bedrooms have a wash basin.
Bed linen and towels are provided and are included in the price.
Free WIFI is available in designated areas of the venue

Weekend Schedule

Friday

3:30 – 4:45 pm | Arrivals
4.20 Pick up from East Grinstead train station (bookings required)
5-6:00 pm | Welcome and Gentle Grounding Practice | Gingi

6:15 pm | Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm | Evening Meditation & Chanting | Gingi

Saturday

7-8:00 am | Gentle Awakening Practice | Gingi
8:00 am | Breakfast
10.30-12:00 pm | Energising Flow | Gingi
12:45 pm | Lunch
1:30 pm | Free time (explore the forest, walk to Tablehurst Farm shop/cafe, have a rest, chat…)
3:30 pm | Afternoon Tea
4-6:00 pm | Yin & Nidra | Emma Landolt
6:15 pm | Supper
8:00 pm | Fireside gathering (weather permitting)

Sunday

8:00 am | Breakfast
9:00 am | Room Check Out
9:30-10:30 am | Gentle Practice | Gingi
11-12:30 pm | Energising Flow | Gingi
12:45 pm | Lunch
2-4:00 pm | Yin & Nidra | Emma Landolt
4:00-4:30 pm | Closing

Exploring the Area

Walks: Forest Way, Ashdown Forest
Cafes in Forest Row: Tablehurst Farm, Seasons
Places to Visit: Eridge Deer Park, Wakehurst Place

Free Transfer from Train & Arivals

4:20 pm option FREE pick up from East Grinstead Train Station (must be booked separately by clicking on button below.
If you do need to cancel this pickup, please do so at least 48 hours in advance so a space can be released to the waiting list, if necessary.
If you are arriving later than 4:45 pm or for the 4:20 pm train, please email us in advance.

Prices & Payments

Residential – £435
A non-refundable deposit of £120 is required on booking a Residential Place.
Includes:
accommodation x 2 nights
breakfast x 2; lunch x 2; dinner x 2
yoga sessions x 6
admin fee
Not included: treatments, massages, one-to-one private tuition, snacks and drinks

Non Residential – £325 (limited to 5 spaces only)
A non refundable deposit of £75 is required on booking a Non-Residential Place.
Includes:
breakfast x 2; lunch x 2; dinner x 2
yoga sessions x 6
admin fee
Not included: accommodation, treatments, massages, one-to-one private tuition, snacks and drinks

Deposits & Payments
£240 of the fee is taken on behalf of Emerson College (£120 for Non Residential)
The deposit is non refundable and non transferable.
Final payment is then taken four weeks after booking. Please note that if you book within 30 days of the event, full payment will be taken.
Please ensure that your card details are saved so that the second payment can be automated. Thank you.