The Coach House Retreat
Monmouthshire, Wales
Stylish, private wellbeing haven for yoga, meditation, swimming, ayurvedic treatments and mindful mountaineering, in a wild welsh setting
Situated between the Black Mountains and Wye Valley, The Coach House Retreat offers a bright, peaceful two-bedroomed space to slow down and retreat either alone or with a friend or family. Experience private Insight Yoga and Buddhist Mindfulness sessions with owner Olivia Clarke. Unwind with excellent treatments. Reconnect with nature with river swimming, forest bathing, mountain walking, mindful mountaineering and kayaking.
our Reviewer Elle Franklin says:
‘Olivia is very open, warm and easy to talk to and we cover everything from Buddhism to politics to parenthood. Her love for the Black Mountains is evident, and the Yin principle of slowing down – of taking time to be in the moment, whatever that moment may be – is central to her vision for the retreat’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘This is an elegant cocoon in a place of wild Welsh beauty, yet only a short drive from two railway stations. It’s a great space to create – bring your unfinished novel or artwork or get into a photography project. Book a private themed retreat or ask Olivia to create one just for you’
Experiences
Olivia is a highly experienced Insight Yoga and Buddhist Mindfulness teacher, who offers private sessions, personalised towards each individual. She has trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), is a practitioner of the Buddha Dharma, a registered teacher of The Yoga Academy (Simon Low), a member of the British Wheel of Yoga and endorsed Insight Yoga Teacher with Sarah & Ty Powers, her primary teachers. Original-ly A Healing Shiatsu Practitioner (MRSS), she studied TCM, Five Elements and Meridian Theory with Chris Jarmey and Sonia Moriceau.
Treatments are carefully curated by Olivia, and pre-booked with expert practitioners. They include healing shiatsu, remedial, sports, ayurvedic, Thai and tula massages, and holistic treatments.
To reconnect with nature, enjoy brilliant sessions with local guides, including forest bathing with Carina Greenwood and mindful walking and mountaineering with Sue Brown. Wild swim, paddle board and kayak on the beautiful rivers Wye and Usk, guided by Angela Jones. Running and body conditioning sessions can be arranged.
There are many beautiful walks for all levels of ability on your doorstep. Round one off with a visit to Raglan Castle, a few miles away, enjoy several beautiful gardens nearby, including the Wild Garden of Nantybedd (an RHS partner garden), or visit the Garden Theatre at Arne Maynard's Allt y Bella in the summer, a 15-minute drive away.
Olivia also offers an Insight Yoga Residential Retreat at a larger venue, 15 minutes from Abergavenny and halfway up Skirrid Mountain in Monmouthshire, Wales. This is ideal for people who enjoy a deep dive into Buddhist mindfulness, yoga and psychology, as well as walking, wild swimming, sauna and treatments.
Spaces
The Coach House is open plan downstairs, with a kitchen, dining and living room area. It has been carefully furnished to create a versatile, calm and balanced space – perfect whether you're practising yoga or cooking a meal.
Enjoy squashy leather armchairs, original art and French windows looking out to a pretty patio garden planted with bay and lavender.
There are two stylish, cosy en-suite double bedrooms with built-in wooden wardrobes. White walls and bed linen contrast with strikingly patterned headboards and lamps. Framed ink drawings and fresh flowers on the bedside table add a personal feel.
One en-suite has a bath and shower. The other bathroom has a walk-in shower. There are fluffy towels, heated towel rails and Korres toiletries in both.
The whole space is toasty warm in the winter, with underfloor heating and generous radiators downstairs, and carpeted bedrooms.
Sustenance
The Coach House Retreat is self-catering, or Penny, the local caterer, can deliver fresh food for lunches and dinners.
The fitted kitchen has everything you need, including vintage china and a selection of herbal teas and coffee. There’s also a chimenea for summer barbecues.
A bespoke breakfast hamper is included with your booking with artisan bread, yoghurt, cereal, berries, smoked salmon, eggs and bacon. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
If you want to eat out, there are some great pubs and restaurants only a short drive away.
The Beaufort Brasserie in Raglan, The Clytha Arms, The Black Bear, Bean and Bread, The Chapel and The Angel are all recommended.
