Folding In

Samhain Retreat

1st - 3rd November, 2024

Samhain is the pagan predecessor of Halloween, All Hallows and All Souls – the time when the physical and spiritual worlds merge and the veil is thinnest. The third and final harvest signifies summer's end, as we begin our descent into the dark half of the year into the season of death, decay, slumber and renewal.

The Earth would die
if the sun stopped kissing her ~ Hafez

The word Beltane is said to derive from old Irish, meaning 'bright fire' or 'fire of Bels'. It is a magical pivot within the Wheel of the Year, representing our emergence from the darkness into the most expansive, radiant part of the year. At this peak of Spring when all around us sings with life, it is impossible to ignore the calls for growth within us too!

Retreat Venue

Our venue is a hidden piece of English history elegantly evolving as a destination for Holistic Practices, Healing and Well-being.

Mountfield encompasses magnificent house, tranquil studio, and enchanting gardens, all nestled in the heart of Tonbridge town, a short 35-minute train journey from central London.

Discover this urban retreat, offering ample space to lose yourself in its vast, sprawling rooms and sit beside a crackling fire or a serene spot for reflection.

Unwind and rejuvenate amidst the gardens with a massage in the treatment hut, nestled beneath the ancient boughs of a majestic Yew tree. Mountfield's facilities include a wood-burning sauna, invigorating ice bath, steam room and modern amenities, all thoughtfully integrated for you to receive the replenishment you need.

Mountfield, Tonbridge Kent

Retreat Gallery

Garden.
Sauna.
Studio.
Group Room.
Sound Journeys.
Ritual & Craft.
New List Item
Ceremony.

What to Expect

A supportive container

We will journey through an alchemy of the elements, exploring the landscape within while connecting with the Spirit of the land that holds us.

Each day will begin with an inner orientation through embodied movement before venturing into the wilds for mountain hikes, Forest Bathing and water immersions. To draw us into the nights, we will end the days with restorative movement, sound meditations and storytelling through the spheres of Cello, Crystal Alchemy singing bowls, voice and Shamanic drum.

More About Mountfield

The ancient stone buildings dating back to the 17th century have been sensitively renovated and restored to provide a comfortable stay to guests throughout the year. The hamlet consists of a large mansion house and a newly constructed, large wooden barn (The Yoga/Meditation Hall), and five other smaller buildings, one of which is inhabited by the owners.

The Meditation Hall is a striking and spacious eco-building (150m²), where we will gather morning and night to explore movement practices, host group work and sharing circles. The high ceilings and grass topped roof make the acoustics fantastic for sound journeys and give it an immersive, yet contained feeling.

The property also boasts a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a large bio-pool with a natural, biological filtering system (no chemicals) surrounded by large decking areas, lawns and gardens. There are several drywall terraces where fruits and vegetables are grown organically—drawn from the earth to the table for seasonal, self-sourced meals year-round.

Vilalte is nestled in acres of pristine forest, offering adventurous trails between enormous granite boulders and ageless oaks. Inside the property grounds, you’ll find an ancient stone circle, called Cromlech. which we will use in ceremony and is available for your own meditations and practices. Vilalte's pure drinking water comes from a private well and is mechanically then UV-filtered, while a natural spring provides the water for the garden.

Your Guides

Garwyn and Verity bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse spiritual traditions and progressive practices as they continue to expand their repertoire.

They artfully weave Eastern and Western traditions to understand the powers of nature, the rhythms of the cosmos and our place within it. Practices that effectively heal, inspire and transform – cultivating a deeper connection to self, each other and the natural world.

Embrace this spiral with a clear & grounded heart.

Garwyn

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Garwyn spent six years living in Germany, studying at the Folkwang University of the Arts, where he completed his bachelor's degree. He later moved to London, receiving a master's degree from the Royal Academy of Music. An avid chamber musician, Garwyn has also had the opportunity to perform as a soloist and an orchestral musician in various venues and countries, from small churches in Italy to concert halls in China. While classical music is his primary area of focus, he also has had the pleasure of collaborating and performing with various artists within the fields of dance, contemporary music, folk, improvisation, jazz, and even poetry.

In 2019, after being confronted with a life-threatening illness, the direction of Garwyn's life took a significant shift on a journey of healing and spiritual development. His own process of physical, psychological, and emotional recovery led him to explore and train in different forms of healing modalities, including Humanistic Counselling, Somatic Bodywork and Movement Therapy; various forms of energetic healing, including Shamanic healing and Reiki, and most significantly using sound as a healing modality through sound journeys, baths, and medicine music.

Verity

Verity Megan is an advanced Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Ayurvedic consultant, Reiki Practitioner and Sound Healer, training as a Somatic Therapist. But beneath all the labels, she considers herself a Pilgrim of the heart.

After a decade-long international career in fashion and the arts, Verity embarked on a transformative journey toward a more purposeful existence aligned with her own values and healing journey. In 2016, she transitioned into holistic therapy and Yoga teaching, driven by a profound desire to share integrated, gentle, compassionate, seasonal approaches to well-being.

In a society obsessed with outward appearance, Verity's encourages you to explore what’s within, empowering others, namely women, to rediscover their intuitive nature and remember themselves away from the pressures and demands of modern life.

The Details

Dates & Times

Arrive 4:00 pm Friday, 1st November 2024

Depart 2:00 pm Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Investment

We are offering tiered accommodation options, enabling you to enjoy the weekend according to your commitments and budget. You can drop in for the daytimes or extend your stay for two nights over the weekend, choosing from shared or single-occupancy deluxe rooms.

Non-residential

Weekend without accommodation - £395

Residential

Triple room with shared bathroom - £450

Twin room with shared bathroom - £495

Private room with double bed and ensuite - £595

Early Bird Blessing Save £100 if you book before 1st August 2024

A £200 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your place, with the balance due on or before 1st October, 2024. There is the option to pay in instalments.

If you feel a whole body 'yes' to journey with us, can you express your interest by registering below. If this sparks your curiosity you can send any questions or queries directly, via email.