The Wild Elemental Woman Retreat Next Dates to be Announced!
A Journey into the Five Elements at Bala Brook Dartmoor
There is a wild, free woman within each of us, waiting to be remembered.
Join us for six nights of retreat and remembrance—a return to your sacred birthright to be free, to be real, and to live in your element. Through nature and the five elements, we’ll reconnect with ourselves and come home to wholeness: reclaiming authenticity, deepening self-trust, and awakening sovereignty from the inside out.
Together, we’ll journey gently but honestly into the tender places—into what’s raw, vulnerable, and often hidden. We’ll meet the parts we’ve forgotten, listen beneath the noise, and return to the body as a place of truth: felt experience, intuition, and embodied knowing. This is also a space to name what isn’t true—to shine light on modern conditioning that numbs, distracts, and misguides us—so we can reflect, question, and reclaim what we know in our bones as wild, elemental women.
Retreat Highlights
Accommodation in the gorgeous eco-retreat centre in the heart of Dartmoor national park
Beautiful nature will running brook, access to wild moorland and a woodland on the land.
Daily elemental inspired yoga and meditation practices
Walks and adventures on the wild moorland
Daily group reflections on the five elements as living elements and phases
Some special Surprises!
Meditation & Movement Practices
Morning Movement:
Morning flow for getting into body, enlivening the spirit, and moving with the breath, suitable for all levels of practice and experience
Gentle qigong practice to connect with the energy body, open the channels and connect to heaven and earth
Afternoon Practice
Afternoon classes will be slow paced and restorative, cultivating yin energy, healing and regulating the nervous system
Special Offerings
Meditation and Sound Healing
Mindfulness meditation – to connect to what is, bring awareness to presence
Sound healing with a worldly instruments and a gong for deep relaxation and frequency recalibration
Sacred Sharing Circle
A safe heart centred healing circle for sharing in community. Through enquiry we explore the themes of the elements for deep self-exploration and return to a sense of belonging.
Zoe and Kate made a phenomenal team at the retreat, where the brook’s gushing cascades, flowing under a naked canopy of oaks, were companions to our exploration of the Water and Wood elements. Zoe radiates a pure and genuine warmth and has a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience in Eastern philosophies and practices.
She guided us through a range of body and breath work, meditation and sound healing, and is generous and intuitive with her holding and guidance. Her offering was the initiation I needed into rousing my neglected, slouched winter body awake, and this retreat offered a new impetus to bring a movement and breath work practice into my daily routine.
Kate is a feral alchemist, Boudicca of the kitchen, who cooks as she lives – in relation. Never before have I revelled in such innovative culinary creations with locally handpicked and processed ingredients. This retreat was a feast for every one of my senses and I left, not only nourished to my bone marrow, but more supple, and invigorated and inspired. Thank you Zoe, Kate, the brook and the oaks.
Accommodation and Facilities
The centre is set beside the river flowing down from the moor, and we have direct access to the moor for adventures into the wilderness of the untamed, moor land, to rewild our hearts and deeply connect with nature.
Sound of rushing water all around, the sublime presence of the trees, the proximity of the moor, the ever-changing colours, the darkness at night, the deep silence, all of this highly rejuvenating to the mind, body and soul.
The land of Bala Brook is sacred. It is an ancient land, which has profound healing quality felt by everyone who spends time there.
The centre comprises of a main house and a separate modern annexe called Shraddha.
The retreat centre is set in its own grounds besides a river flowing down from the moor, and we have direct access to the moor for adventures out into the wilderness of the untamed moorland. The retreat centre has been recently refurbished and it is run as possible on sustainable and ecological principles.
The rooms are beautifully finished and have a lovely homely country feel to them.
Words truly fail to capture the depth of gratitude I feel for the experience you curated for us amidst the serenity of the river and the company of amazing women. From the nourishing foods that replenished both body and soul to the renewing sound energy, yoga flows, and the heartfelt sharing of stories, every moment felt like a precious gift. It was more than just nourishing; it was truly transformative.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude for everything Zoe provided, and your unwavering commitment to ensuring my comfort and well-being throughout the retreat. Kates presence and support throughout the retreat were equally cherished, and I am grateful for all the love and care you poured into every aspect of our time together.
I particularly enjoyed connecting at the river and taking a dip. It was a moment of pure bliss and serenity that I will carry with me always. I feel truly blessed to have crossed paths with such remarkable souls, and I carry the memories of this retreat with me as a source of inspiration and gratitude
nourishment…
Home-cooked, plant based, five element inspired meals by Kitchen Alchemist Kate
Mid-morning brunch with local, seasonal, wild harvested foods to satisfy every taste
Early evening dinner of home-cooked, plant based, delicious meals
Kates famous ‘Potions’ (local herbal elixirs) served once a day (often by the river!) for super healing
Wide selection of self-service tea all day
Shared meals with new friends for soul nourishment
Discussions on foods as medicine, five element cooking and nourishment
what you will take home…
How to relate and understand the elements within and without
How to create seasonal rituals to support emotional wellbeing and spiritual growth
Self-care tools, practices and meditations
A sense of being free, more relaxed and connected to the natural world
A new found sense of belonging to life
A deeper connection to your intuition, and courage to follow it
A deep sense of community and connection to other women
What to expect…
Professional and highly personalised care from Zoe and Katie
Nutritious, healthy homemade meals
To be in outstanding natural beauty of the idyllic Dartmoor National Park
Homely accommodation in a beautiful setting in rural nature
A perfect balance between activity & rest
A reconnection to yourself
Stress relief
Deep relaxation and rejuvenation
Ancient wisdom teachings and information that can support your life
A real understanding of the five elements and how to work with them in your life
New found appreciation for the seasons and all they offer
Meet your team…
Zoe nash
Alchemical Acupuncturist, Ceremonialist, Sacred Sound Musician, Yogini and Lover of Life.
I have devoted my entire life to holistic wellbeing, Eastern philosophies and following the Tao, and am passionate to share these teachings through discussions, as well as providing a lived experience of the elements through yoga, qigong, sound, ceremony, food, herbs and nature connection, with you.
After many years of living abroad I have now come home, home to Dartmoor, and am especially excited to share this beautiful mystical part of the world with you now, and integrate these ancient teachings into this landscape..
My intention for this retreat is provide the most authentic, transformational, joyful and recalibrating retreat experience, that also provides a deep dive into the five element philosophy so to share this wisdom in a way that is embodies these teachings, that is engaging, accessible and relatable.
katie (& the crow)
Holistic Chef. Water Woman. Herbalist. Earth keeper.
I am a lover of the wild in all of us; and spend my time teaching, cooking, and sharing what I know through forays, workshops and online encounters.
I take mindful care about the tracks I leaves on this earth -physically and energetically – and make considered choices in
sourcing and gathering every ingredient, from vegetables, to seaweed to honey, as well as how I travel, and who and what I invests in locally. I find my food for these retreats in the hedgerow, the garden, seashore, and through a wide network of wonderful local producers I know personally.
I have cooked for retreats, events, in the refugee camps of Europe, runs workshops, and I guide my wild and alchemical teachings online. My intention for this retreat is to share food that enhances your connection to the five elements, the seasons and the flavours of food, and show how what we eat and where we buy it is our most vital link to our spiritual and earthy life.
“There can be no growth if we do not remain open and vulnerable to what is new and different. I have never seen anyone take a risk for growth that was not rewarded a thousand times over.”
JOHN O’DONOHUE
What’s Included!
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Six nights accommodation
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Full board in beautiful eco retreat centre in the heart of Dartmoor
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Two movement classes/ activites a day
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One meditation /ceremony a day
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2 abundant delicious meals made by Kate (Holistic Chef) plus a yummy homemade midday snack
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All yoga equipment
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Wild brook on the land for private river dips and plunges
- Plenty of other surprises!
Whats NOT Included ..
- Personal expenses
- Airfares and travel costs
- Insurance
- Airport transfers
Cancellation Policy …
- A reservation requires a deposit (1 part of 3 payments) or full payment
- The deposit is non-refundable, although is transferable to our next retreat if you have to cancel
- The remaining payment is required 30 days before arrival
“Longing is the voice of your soul, it constantly calls you to be fully present in your life, to live to the full the one life given to you. Rilke said to the young poet, “Live everything.” You are here on earth now, yet you forget so easily. You traveled a great distance to get here. The dream of your life has been dreamed from eternity. You belong within a great embrace that urges you to have the courage to honor the immensity that sleeps in your heart. When you learn to listen to and trust the wisdom of your soul’s longing, you will awaken to the invitation of graced belonging that inhabits the generous depths of your destiny. You will become aware of the miracle of presence within and around you.”
JOHN O’DONOHUE
Sample of the days…
water – rejuvenation
We begin the day by greeting the brook together, with the option of a nourishing plunge into Water, followed by a fluid-flow yoga practice to awaken softness, movement, and ease. At brunch, we’ll enjoy naturally salty, kidney-nourishing foods, then head out for an afternoon excursion to Holne, Bench Tor, and the River Dart.
Our reflection space invites us to meet fear with honesty and compassion, guided by the elemental wisdom of Water and the spirit of the Kidneys—our deep reserves, intuition, and grounded knowing. We’ll also explore the menstrual cycle and the menopausal years through a spiritual lens, honouring the Water element as a home of deep rest, renewal, and the Tao. The afternoon brings restorative yoga and spacious downtime, followed by a warming dinner—a vegan, bone-nourishing stew. In the evening, we’ll close with a Taoist Bone Washing meditation, and a simple tool to take home from this element: permission for rest and renewal.
wood – direction
We begin with a fascia-flow practice to cultivate flexibility, expansion, and a sense of forward movement. Brunch is cleansing and enlivening—detox-supportive dishes with apple shots, herbal infusions like local nettle and dandelion root, and plenty of dark leafy greens to nourish the Liver and support clear vision.
Our reflection space is about finding your inner compass: clarifying direction, reconnecting with what you truly want, and exploring the actions that bring dreams into lived reality. We’ll weave in the elemental wisdom of Wood and the spirit of the Liver, alongside a spiritual lens on the pre-ovulation phase and the puberty years—times of budding growth, possibility, and identity formation.
In the afternoon, we’ll head into the woodland to forage nettle, cleavers, burdock, and dandelion—forest bathing, learning plant medicine, and letting nature restore the nervous system. Dinner is blood-nourishing and supportive after a day of movement and clearing. In the evening, we gather for a Fire-infused session to fuel our dreams—singing with rattle, tending the “seeds” of what we’re here to grow.
fire – transformation
We begin with a sunrise meditation, followed by a yoga practice designed to awaken your inner fire and bring you into heart connection—warmth, presence, and aliveness from the inside out. Brunch is heart-opening and deeply nourishing, featuring supportive dishes and local hawthorn tea to gently nourish the Heart.
Our reflection invites you to listen closely: what is your heart saying, and who are you beneath the roles and stories? We’ll explore the elemental wisdom of Fire and the spirit of the Heart through a Chinese medicine lens, alongside a spiritual view of ovulation and the fertile years—times associated with radiance, expression, connection, and the courage to be seen.
In the afternoon, we move into joy through 5 Rhythms dance—an invitation to shake free what’s stuck and let life move through you. Dinner is a heart-warming meal to ground and integrate the day. As evening falls, we gather for the lighting of the sacred fire—an honouring of transformation, devotion, and the living flame within. You’ll also learn a practical tool from this element: how to make fire with flint and char cloth/charcoal, and how to tend the sacred woman’s fire—steadily, wisely, and with reverence.
earth – nourishment
We begin the day with barefoot yoga and qigong outdoors, letting the body settle into the steadiness of the Earth—grounded, present, and supported. Brunch is an earthy feast, paired with a mindful eating practice to reconnect to the sacredness of food and the simple medicine of sharing a meal together.
Our reflection turns toward nourishment: what it means to nourish and be nourished as a woman, and how to find balance between giving and receiving. We’ll explore the elemental wisdom of Earth and the spirit of the Spleen—centering, digestion, stability, and the quiet strength of being held. We’ll also have a heartfelt discussion on “coming back to life,” and the importance of staying awake to the ecological crisis we’re living in—exploring how we can take meaningful, helpful action without burning out.
In the afternoon, we’ll walk on the moor together, allowing the landscape to soften the nervous system and restore perspective. Dinner is another grounding, Earthy feast to integrate the day. As evening arrives, we gather in a singing circle—opening our voices to sing and chant, as wild elemental women have always done.
metal – surrender
We begin the day in sacred silence with a Taoist breathing practice and a gentle morning yoga session, creating space for the mind to soften and the breath to deepen. Brunch is immune-supportive and shared in silence—an invitation to slow down, listen, and receive.
Our reflection takes us on a walk to Black Tor, exploring the question: what does it truly mean to let go? Through the elemental wisdom of Metal and the spirit of the Lungs, we’ll explore themes of the shadow self, grief, death, and rebirth, alongside a spiritual lens on the pre-menstruum phase and the peri-menopausal years—times that ask us to release, refine, and return to what is essential. Together, we’ll craft origami boats as a simple ritual of surrender, letting go of what is metaphorically dying and making room for what wants to be reborn.
The afternoon offers a deep, delicious yin practice to nourish the nervous system and support release. Dinner continues the immune-supporting theme, grounding the body and strengthening breath and boundaries. In the evening, we close with a sound ceremony—gong bath and Tibetan singing bowls—allowing vibration and silence to do their quiet work.