We can’t help but return to Gayle’s Retreat again for our seventh year - It’s beautiful, tranquil and rejuvenating and every group of gay, bi and queer men just love it!
Retreats are a blessing giving you time and space from the everyday demands of life to gently let go of your stress and strain. Often we don't realise that we have been operating on empty for far too long. On retreat we can truly rest and experience the nurturing support of each other in community.
We will be sharing with you different restorative practices including mindfulness, relaxing and restorative yoga and movement, Tension/Trauma Release exercises, authentic relating games, nature based practices, meditation walks and opportunities in your free time to wander through the beautiful grounds and along clifftop paths.
Our location is set against the backdrop of the stunning Seven Sisters coastline in the gentle ambience of Gayles Retreat, atop the cliffs where we will be nourished by their delicious plant-to-plate homegrown vegetarian food.
We have the opportunity to experience the changing seasons together, noticing the wild things in nature as well as noticing our own nature within; what gladdens our heart, brings us joy and supports us to rest and feel safe together.
This event may be for you if you are ready to explore:
- mindfulness practices
- daily yoga/movement class
- connection with other gay men
- Shiatsu partner massage techniques
- self massage with the raku (wooden stick in Maori)
- authentic relating
- practices to support recovery from burnout
- small group support & sharing
- free time to relax and unwind by the swimming pool
- nature walks
- wander under the trees and rest in one of our hammocks
- fireside sharing circle under the stars
- homegrown organic vegetarian food
- digital detox from your tech
Andy Butterfield and Tom Cowan are your hosts from Into The Heart Retreats.
Tom is a person-centred counsellor, eco-therapy facilitator and Vajrasati Yoga teacher based in Brighton offering 1 to 1s and group work. He facilitates spaces for gay, bi and queer men to flourish and thrive.
Andy teaches classes and offers 1:1s in somatic therapy, yoga and tantra in London and online. His approach is about tapping into and harnessing the innate power, wisdom, healing and pleasure in the body and he loves holding meaningful spaces for people to meet themselves and others in friendship, intimacy, joy and healing.
Their expertise includes: Vajrasati, Yin & Hatha flow yoga, Shiatsu, Trauma/tension release exercises, meditation, mindfulness, nature connection practices and more.
Our beautiful surroundings of Gayle's Retreat is nestled deep in the Sussex countryside, a haven of peace, calm and much needed breathing space. Conveniently close to London/Brighton with excellent bus/train links and plenty of parking should you wish to drive the 90 minutes from London to the sea.
Prices include teaching, accommodation, three delicious vegetarian meals a day and all beverages and snacks; fruit, hot drinks etc.
Prices and accommodation
The accommodation allows for you to have your own room or to share with up to five others.
Dorm (sharing with a maximum of 5 other people) - £380*
*2 bursary spaces are available for those that would benefit from financial support @ £300
Attic Double Bedroom Hideaway with En-Suite (only one available - for two people who will share a double bed) - £940 or £640 single supplement.
Quiet Single Room with shared bathroom - £520
Camping with horsebox bathroom (4 spaces available) - £330. Tents, pillows and towels provided.
Secure your place with a non refundable £150 deposit and we will contact you to organise payment of the balance which must be settled 6 weeks before the event.
Food at the event is vegetarian, much of it organically grown and freshly prepared on the premises.
With sufficient notice it's possible to provide vegan, dairy-free and wheat-free options.
Arrivals from 1700 on Friday for dinner at 1830.
Departures after lunch by 1500 on Sunday
Cancellation policy:
Please note the deposit is non refundable.
For the May retreat
- Full refund of balance if cancelled before 28th Jan
- Full credit of balance if cancelled before 28th Feb
- 50% credit of balance available if cancelled before 28th March
- No credit available if cancelled on or after 28th March
For the September Retreat
- Full refund of balance if cancelled before 28th May
- Full credit of balance if cancelled before 28th June
- 50% credit of balance available if cancelled before 28th July
- No credit available if cancelled on or after 28th July
Take a much needed break and book your place now. Join our small group of friendly gay, bi and queer men for a nourishing experience of rest, relaxation, connection and rejuvenation.
We look forwarding to welcoming you our 2025 May and September Into The Heart Wellbeing Retreats.
Andy & Tom
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