Reconnect, Release & Rise

A spring equinox retreat for women

19–21 March 2027 · Westwood Retreat Centre, near Huddersfield, HD7 4JY

You have been many versions of yourself. This spring, take a weekend to meet them with compassion — and make space for the woman you are becoming. Reconnect, Release & Rise is a deeply transformational retreat centred on the power of sharing and being witnessed. Through photographs, conversation, yoga, cacao, breathwork and sound, we’ll honour the women we’ve been, release what we no longer wish to carry, and turn towards what comes next.

You’ll be invited to bring photographs of yourself from different times in your life. Together, we’ll make space for the women we’ve been: the younger selves who still deserve our attention, the stories we’re ready to put down, and the strengths we’re ready to recognise. There will be opportunities to speak and be witnessed, with room to choose how much you share.

There is power in sharing your story and having it met with compassionate witnessing — being listened to without advice, judgement or pressure to make your experience sound tidy. There can be just as much power in listening to another woman and recognising a little of yourself in her.

Our home for the weekend is Westwood Retreat Centre, a beautifully restored 19th-century mission church nestled in the Pennines. Its stone walls, stained glass and great arched windows were made for a place where people gathered in prayer. That history is still present in the architecture: the way the light enters, and the way the space invites you to pause. Outside, there are breathtaking views across the Colne Valley with an incredible sense of spaciousness.. But it was the feeling inside that stayed with me. I gasped several times while being shown around. The photographs don’t capture its openness or the sense of stillness within those walls. My body said yes immediately and I'm so excited to share this beautiful space with you.

The weekend follows the rhythm of the Spring Equinox — a threshold between seasons, when darkness and light come briefly into balance before the days begin to lengthen.

We’ll use that natural turning point as the shape of our own journey through the weekend: not rushing towards a new version of ourselves, but making space to notice what is ready to move, what can be laid down, and what wants to come forward.

The Sanctuary - private suite

The Clerestory

The Lookout

Friday is about arriving — leaving ordinary life behind, settling into the space and slowing down with bedtime yin and sound.

Saturday takes us deeper — cacao, movement, breath and gong, time on the land, meeting the younger self, and gathering around the Equinox fire to honour what we’re ready to release and what wants to emerge.

Sunday turns towards who we are becoming — honouring our roots, returning to the present, and making space for the woman who comes next.

Like the Spring Equinox itself, this isn’t about rushing into bloom. It’s about noticing the turning.

We’ll work with the energy of the Spring Equinox through cacao, yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound therapy, journaling and ritual. Each practice offers a different way in — through the body, the breath, reflection, deep rest and sound — helping us explore what is ready to soften, what wants to move, and what we are ready to welcome forward.

We’ll balance inward practices with time on the land, nourishing food, conversation and rest, allowing the weekend to move naturally between dark and light, stillness and movement, releasing and becoming.

Food is a big part of how we’ll care for you at this retreat. Our private chef Susie will prepare Ayurvedic, organic, seasonal vegan meals, bringing attention to the ingredients, flavours and qualities that suit spring. Rooted in the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda, this approach to food works with the seasons to create meals that are nourishing, balanced and easy to digest. Each meal offers a moment to slow down, feel deeply nourished and enjoy being together around the table.

One of the outside spaces

This retreat is for you if you’re moving through a change, feeling ready for a new chapter, or simply longing for time that belongs to you. You may be used to holding space for everyone else. You may want meaningful connection with other women, or feel curious about what your old photographs might show you now. You don’t need yoga experience or a dramatic story to tell. You just need to come as you are.

The Hall

Westwood has been divided into five beautiful, self-contained flats. Each has its own bathroom or shower room, a fully equipped kitchen, and space to dine and relax. They’re designed for comfort and restoration. Staying together is part of the experience. There’s something lovely about making tea in a shared kitchen, talking over the day in your slippers, or sitting quietly beside someone who understands what you’ve just experienced. The flats give us smaller spaces to connect within the wider group, with room for both conversation and rest.

There are several sleeping arrangements available, so you can choose the level of privacy that feels right for you. Single beds in private bedrooms are £435, double beds in private bedrooms are £475, with some rooms also offering en-suite facilities. Beds within shared living spaces are £399, and the private Sanctuary Suite is £675.

Please see this separate document here for the list of beds available.

Booking your place

Your place is secured with a £100 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance can then be paid in full, or if you’d prefer to spread the cost, please get in touch to arrange an instalment plan. All balances must be paid by 21 February 2027.

What’s included

Your weekend includes:

Two nights’ accommodation
All retreat sessions and practices
Cacao
Organic, seasonal vegan Ayurvedic meals throughout the weekend
Tea, herbal infusions and refreshments
All bedding and towels
Plenty of time to rest, explore the land and enjoy the space

What’s not included

Travel to and from the retreat (although we’ll try to arrange car sharing) and travel insurance.

Please also bring yoga mat, cushion, blankets, eye mask, pen, paper, and your favourite mug.

Please note that this is an alcohol-free retreat.

Arrival & departure

Arrival: Friday 19th March from 4pm
Departure: Sunday 21st March at approximately 4pm

You’ll have time to arrive, unpack and settle before we begin together on Friday evening.

A full itinerary and details of the seasonal food will be shared nearer the retreat. For now, you can expect a spacious weekend of yoga, cacao, sound therapy, sharing, rest and time on the land, with nourishing organic meals prepared with an Ayurvedic approach.

Ready to join us?

To reserve your place, simply email me with your preferred accommodation option and I’ll confirm availability and send you the payment details.

Your place will be secured once your deposit has been received.

If you’d like to ask anything about the retreat before booking, please get in touch. I’m very happy to chat through any questions about the weekend, accommodation, food or accessibility.

Sara
hello@sarateal.co.uk
07817634235