Saol Beo Retreats
INISTIOGE, Co kilkenny, ireland
Private retreats in nature for creativity, inner wisdom and recharge
Based near the historic village of Inistioge on the banks of the River Nore in southeast Ireland, these private, restorative retreats for women are the creation of multi-talented holistic therapist, coach and yoga teacher Tara O’Rourke. Tailored to your specific needs right now, Tara will devise and host your stay drawing on a plethora of activities, including yoga, meditation, life and business coaching, walks, holistic treatments and creative sessions with local artists. Come alone or bring a friend or family member.
our Reviewer elly reid says:
‘I find myself truly switching off and tuning in to my body’s needs. I haven’t felt quite so ‘held’ since childhood stays with my grandma’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Saol Beo means ‘live life’ in Irish, and these retreats prepare you to live yours well, whether you need deep rest, real change or a spark of creativity. Tara is an exceptional host, and we especially loved our uplifting ceramics class with talented Irish artist Olga Fitzpatrick. Pack good walking shoes and wet weather gear so you can explore the trails through Woodstock Forest’
Experiences
Before your retreat, you’ll meet Tara on a Zoom call to decide together which activities will work for you. Expect to start each day with mindful movement, stretches and yoga, and end it with guided relaxation and calming visualisations.
Other options for your retreat include business and life coaching, delicious skin and body treatments with Dr Hauschka products, and sessions in ceramics, mosaic art or painting with local artists.
There’s plenty of time for deep rest, and restorative walks along the trails of Woodstock Forest. Woodstock Gardens also has an arboretum, walled and terraced gardens and rose garden, and a conservatory café for tea.
Spaces
You’ll stay in a detached, contemporary bungalow, looking out on tall trees. The peaceful garden has various seating areas, including a terrace, a hammock and two chairs beside a firepit.
The simple, modern lines of the building are complemented by Tara’s natural flair for colour and décor. The sofa is laden with cushions and throws in hues of greens and browns, mirroring the shades of the garden. Walls are adorned with paintings, quirky objets d’art, and scores of interesting books.
There’s one en-suite bedroom and one bedroom with its own bathroom next door, so if there’s two of you, you both have plenty of space.
Sustenance
Tara is a careful and talented chef so you can expect some real treats at mealtimes. Menus are vegetarian and can be vegan. All ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and seasonal food is always used. The retreat caters for allergies and intolerances.
A big healthy brunch includes home-roasted granola, coconut yoghurts, black bean rosti, roasted spicy chickpeas, organic salads and sourdough and rustic Irish brown bread. Dinner might bring you satay quinoa balls with vegan unami sauce, butternut squash and lentil curry, or nutty bean and beetroot burgers. For dessert there’s local chocolatier chocolate.
Throughout the day you’re welcome to snack on nuts, chickpea dips, fruit and vegan cakes during the day. The retreat offers a wide selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee and organic cold-pressed juices. There is a strict no-alcohol policy.
