Recharge Your Mind and Body with a Yoga Retreat in Sussex

The Serenity Retreat:

Mindful Yoga, Somatic, Breathwork and Deep Relaxation for Wellness.

Friday 7th – Sunday 9th February 2025 (2 nights / 3 days)

Florence House holds a special place in my heart, akin to a cherished old friend. Over the past decade, we have grown, transformed, and gained wisdom together.

Nearly ten years have passed since my first visit to this inviting haven. Teaching and hosting a short weekend retreat every February has been a true privilege.

The incredible team, the expansive yoga Shala, and the cosy rooms have undergone significant changes, making it incomparable to any other venue.

Nestled on the initial steps of the Seven Sisters cliffs and just 15 minutes from Seaford’s delightful tea and cake shops, Florence House offers an ideal mid-winter retreat for indulging in my Serenity program and experiencing genuine relaxation and grounding.

In response to popular demand this year, we’re excited to announce an extension of the experience.

Join us on Friday afternoon for an extra workshop – arrive late in the morning, enjoy a light lunch, and commence your restful weekend right until Sunday lunch.

The Serenity Program:

Calming Yoga, Somatic Breathwork, Deep Relaxation for Wellness.

In the depths of winter, immerse yourself in tranquillity with “The Serenity Program” at Florence House. Discover a sanctuary where calming and gentle yoga, rejuvenating breathwork and deep relaxation techniques converge to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Through gentle somatic practices, find harmony and inner peace, guiding you towards profound serenity and a reassuring connection with the earth and your body.

Join Laurent on a journey towards holistic wellness, where each themed session is a mindful discovery and retreat, offering solace and renewal amidst life’s demands. Experience the transformative power of serenity at Florence House.

This program is ideal for anyone on a recovery journey, experiencing insomnia, or seeking ways to manage stress and anxiety. You’re welcome to join if you are looking for peace, quiet, and a chance to realign yourself.

Please note – you don’t have to do all the classes and workshops; practice at your own comfortable pace.

The grounding and settling down workshop

Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcomed and shown to your room.

Following a light lunch, Friday afternoon is dedicated to initiating the process of settling down, grounding, and letting go of all else – it’s your time for self-care!

During this initial session, after your journey to Florence House, Laurent will guide you through specific techniques to anchor your mind, body, and spirit.

Explore the potency of stillness within through gentle yoga, mindfulness practices, and meditation while learning the art of earthing and grounding.

Embrace tranquillity and discover your centre in this nurturing new space.

Wake Up with Breathwork, Pranayama and Meditation:

Morning is when our being is in a state of ‘yang’, awake and ready for the day.

It is the perfect opportunity to connect with our vital energies using ancient Pranayama practices and other recent breathing techniques.

Meditation will help you start the day with a clear and quiet mind during this early morning session.

The themed morning workshop:

Every morning, Laurent hosts a two-and-a-half-hour themed workshop blending traditional and contemporary yoga methods. This includes Scaravelli-inspired and mindful yoga, along with modern bodywork like somatic yoga, calming Qigong, breathwork, and meditation.

It’s a perfect opportunity to refine your practice at your own pace, acquire new tips and techniques, achieve your goals, and accommodate any health conditions or ailments.

Throughout the workshop, Laurent helps participants cultivate calmness and resilience. His expertise ensures that the sessions are accessible through personalised variations and accommodations.

The peaceful evening session:

Evenings are devoted to calming, meditative inward practices. Following daily activities, Laurent leads a 90-minute calming and restorative yoga session. This includes somatic exercises and movements to release tension, fostering deep relaxation.

There’s also dedicated time for breathing and meditation techniques to complement the gentle bodywork.

Laurent’s extensive repertoire of deep relaxation techniques and meditation instils a profound sense of physical, mental, and emotional peace and rejuvenation.

The after-dinner yoga Nidra and Deep relaxation session:

Sleep is vital to be healthy and happy.

This after-dinner 45-minute session is designed to show strategies and techniques to invite the right conditions to induce a good night’s sleep.

It is ideal for those grappling with fatigue, suffering from insomnia, and seeking stress relief.

In the face of those challenges, this session provides essential support and offers well-deserved moments of blissful relaxation.

Daily Schedule

Friday:

11:00 – 12:00 Arrival.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch.
15:30 – 18:00 Grounding and Settling Down Workshop.
19:30 – 20:30 Dinner.
21:00 – 21:45 Yoga Nidra – Deep Relaxation.

Saturday:

07:30 – 08:30 Early Morning Breathing and Meditation.
08:30 – 09:30 Breakfast.
10:00 – 12:30 Workshop – Yoga, Somatic, Breathwork and Meditation.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch.
14:00 – 17:00 Your own free time.
17:30 – 19:00 Gentle & restorative – Somatic Yoga.
19:30 – 20:30 Dinner.
21:00 – 21:45 Yoga Nidra – Deep Relaxation.

Sunday:

07:30 – 08:30 Early Morning Breathing and Meditation.
08:30 – 09:30 breakfast.
10:00 – 12:30 Workshop – Yoga, Somatic, Breathwork and Meditation.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch – Departure.

This schedule is subject to changes without previous notice.

The Venue

Only an hour and a half away from London, Florence House is the perfect venue for those who are keen to undergo an intense but relaxing weekend yoga experience, offering guests luxurious comfort, delicious vegetarian food and great service in beautiful settings on the south coast of England.

On the brow of Seaford Head, East Sussex, sits Florence House, kissed by sea air and surrounded by a rolling wild landscape. The beautiful interior of the house itself, the abundant gardens, the proximity to the sea and the wildness of the Downs make Florence House ideal for my yoga retreats. The house is set on 6 acres within an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the South Downs National Park and has views of Seaford Head and Seaford Head Golf Course. The beach is a 2-minute walk away.

Florence House offers rooms individually decorated to create a calm and simple space for you to enjoy a peaceful and quiet yoga weekend. There is a choice of rooms from singles to triples based on your needs. All the bedrooms have lovely scenic views either of the Downs or the Estate’s private gardens.

Accommodation

Early Bird Offer: £50 discount per person booking before 30th September 2024.

Standard triple room:

Based on 3 people sharing:

£475.00 £525.00 / per person.

Standard twin or double room:

Based on 2 people sharing:

£495.00 £545.00 / per person.

Single occupancy:

£575.00 £625.00 / per person.

Twin or Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom:

Based on 2 people sharing:

£595.00 £645.00 / per person.

Single occupancy:

£695.00 £745.00 / per person.

* The rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served. The rooms shown in the pictures might differ from your assigned room.

The Food

Florence House is renowned for its delicious and creative home cooking produced by its own chefs. Produce is locally sourced where possible or from their own kitchen’s garden. Every day, you will be served nourishing, exquisite vegetarian meals three times a day (accommodations for special dietary requirements available on request).