Flow: A Winter Retreat by the Water

You are invited to take time to nurture yourself down by the flowing river, along the most pristine coastline, and in the forest. This winter retreat embraces the concept of hygge, or coziness and comfort.

Take a little time away from it all and be nurtured in nature, less than 2.5 hours from Perth. You can be as active or as restful as you wish, with options including gentle guided yoga and meditation, forest, beach or riverside walks, massage, connection with self, nature, friendly people, or simply sit on one of the spacious decks by the flowing Capel River to restore your calm. It is a perfect place to watch the rain, read, and sip tea, wrapped in a soft blanket.

The Venue

When you arrive at the Stirling Estate Chalets, you might be lucky enough to see some of the farm animals grazing beneath the old trees. Lush and green mid-winter, the restored farmland is surrounded by forest. The sounds of the gently burbling river, bird life, and the remarkable quiet beneath it all is immediately relaxing.

The retreat is hosted across two chalets with a maximum of 10 people per chalet. With spacious decks on both the upper and lower floors, there is ample room to relax and watch the changing colours of the sky. Whenever you choose to retreat to your room, each bedroom is a peaceful, uncluttered, beautifully designed, airconditioned space.

Your comfortable, modern, eco chalet accommodation is fully equipped, wheelchair accessible, and has a range of bedroom choices. Choose a private room with ensuite, private room with shared facilities, or a shared room. Attend as a couple, bring a friend, or travel solo and make new connections on retreat.

Activities in the Area

Capel is Chandrika's home town and it has retained it's country town charm. The retreat is fully catered, however the local IGA supermarket is 4km from the chalets for anything you may need.

Stunning Peppermint Grove Beach is a 1.5km walk or short drive away. Perfect for winter walking as it is almost deserted.

Ludlow Forest is a short 8km drive away where you can get amongst the remarkable tall trees in the last remaining Tuart forest on earth!

Feeling adventurous? Within Ludlow Forest is a high ropes course with flying foxes.

The owner of the chalets is an old family friend, Greg Norton, and he offers high adrenaline buggy rides on the farm.

Talented massage therapist Chelsea Branson will be available on Saturday and offers 45 minutes of bliss that will leave you feeling like you've had a month long holiday (fees not included in retreat).

If you have a Stand Up Paddleboard or kayak, the river is perfect for paddling. As a winter retreat, brave souls may even want to do some cold water swimming!

The bird life is amazing! Bring binoculars for bird watching delights.

More chilled out local activities include all the attractions of southwest including Ironstone Gully Falls near Donnybrook, the Dolphins of Bunbury, and Busselton Jetty.

Food & Drinks

All meals are provided and feature all the colours of the rainbow in delicious, healthy, vegetarian experiences, lovingly prepared to nourish all your senses.

Tea, coffee, fruit and snacks are all provided.

No alcohol will be provided and we encourage you to take a break in order to get the most from your retreat experience. There will be ample relaxation on offer.

The Schedule

You will have opportunities for quiet reflection, free time, and relaxed social connection, along with the following scheduled activities (may vary slightly):

Friday July

Arrive at Stirling Estate Chalets from 5pm and settle in

6.30pm Retreat opening and orientation

7pm Nourishing vegetarian dinner

8.30pm Yoga Nidra/Progressive Muscle Relaxation (deep rest meditation)

Saturday July

7am Gentle Yoga/Guided Meditation

8am Breakfast in riverfront chalets

9am - 12pm Free time (massage by appointment)

12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch on the lawn

2pm - 5pm Free time (massage by appointment)

5.30pm Sharing Circle - a facilitated discussion/reflection on yoga philosophy and finding flow

6.30pm Grazing Platter dinner

8pm Movie screening (contemplative film)

Sunday July

7am Yin Yoga/Guided Relaxation

8.30am Breakfast in riverfront chalets

9.30am Meditation and closing circle

10am checkout

Your Hosts

Hosted by Chandrika Gibson and Satyam Brown, owners of Surya Health who are experienced yoga and meditation guides, retreat hosts and mental health professionals. We will be onsite throughout the retreat.