Accommodation Retreats : Take time out at a well-being hostel

Lots of hostels have ideal locations for organised retreats; quiet, remote and in stunning scenery.  A few very special places provide accommodation with an atmosphere where sole travellers can  take time out to focus among new people or simply enjoy being alone.   Self catering facilities and communal meals at these places provide opportunities to focus on new relationships.  Often these hostels will be close to religious sites or pilgrimage routes  and some are run on ethical grounds by religious organisations.

At the end of the pilgrim route on Mull, just a short ferry ride away from the Isle of Iona,  Achaban House has comfortable soft carpeted rooms and  large airy social spaces imbibed  with a tranquil atmosphere.   It is set in a natural environment surrounded by wildlife.   Achaban House is a much loved place by guests looking for peace, simple companionship and an easy daily pilgrimage to the monastic isle.

Iona Hostel is on the island itself,  close to Iona Abbey,  started by St Columba in the 6th century, and now home to the Iona Community.  A contemporary take on pilgrimage is as ‘transformational journeying’ and Iona Hostel has offered warm and homely sanctuary to individual travellers and groups of pilgrims for many years.  Iona is described as a ‘thin place’ between the physical and spiritual and travellers come from around the world to experience its unique quality and astonishing beauty. Transformation needn’t be big and momentous but can be gentle and warm, like sitting on the beach below Iona Hostel and watching the sun sink quietly over over the Western Isles.

The Old Red Lion in Norfolk enjoys the special atmosphere of Castle Acre village, once a medieval walled town, which lies within the outer bailey of an 11th century castle.  On the Peddars Way ancient trail  the Old Red Lion carries on the tradition of serving travellers who seek refreshment and repose. There are quiet areas for reading and meeting and the flint and timber-walled pub cellar and garden room are used for regular yoga classes and organised retreats.

Knoydart Bunkhouse is on a remote peninsula on the west coast of Scotland  and is accessible only by boat or a long hike.   People who reach this wild location jutting out on the Atlantic coast say “just to be there is good for the soul”. Surrounded by sea and rugged, mountainous terrain and a National Scenic Area of mountains, glens and coast , Knoydart is a haven for wildlife. Bring walking boots and binoculars and you’re set for a retreat to remember !

The Penquoit Centre in rural Pembrokeshire is close to the peaceful Cresswell River Estuary.  The unique blend of artistic conversion and ancient buildings in this backwater location makes the  Penquoit Centre ideal for group retreats of 10 to 25 people.  There is shared dining on large wooden tables and an event room with plenty of space for group activities.  The centre is surrounded by wildlife and there is easy access to the large courtyard from all the buildings.  From the mid-1980s the Penquoit Centre has been host to many retreats and creative courses.

Hebden Bridge is an old mill town reclaimed by artists, writers and green & New Age practitioners of alternative therapies.  Hebden Bridge Hostel reflects its host town and is often used by yoga and zen groups for retreats and workshops.