A deep rest retreat like no other
Nervous System Reset Manor House Retreat in Dorset
Imagine arriving at a beautiful, bohemian manor house, tucked away in a small Dorset village, not far from the Jurassic Coast, where the pace of life immediately softens. As you pass through the gates and into the quiet embrace of this special place, the outside world begins to fall away, replaced by stillness, space, and a sense of deep exhale.
Set within gorgeous grounds, this Manor House retreat is designed as a sanctuary for nervous system reset and profound rest. This weekend is an invitation to step out of doing and into being, to gently unwind, regulate, and reconnect with your natural rhythm.
This experience will be both intimate and spacious. The elegance and calm of the manor create a nurturing backdrop for practices that support deep restoration. Each day unfolds slowly, with deeply restful yoga, guided meditation, and immersive sound healing, all designed to soothe the body and settle the mind.
Between sessions, there is time to simply be. Wander the gardens, rest in quiet corners of the house, or step outside to connect with nature. The surrounding landscape offers gentle walking paths, open skies, and a sense of grounding that naturally supports your reset.
Nourishing meals are shared around the table, creating moments of connection, warmth, and ease. There is no rush, no pressure, only space to soften, to listen inwardly, and to return to yourself.
This retreat is a chance to recalibrate your entire system—leaving you feeling steadier, clearer, and deeply restored.
Learn more about nervous system healing and resetting the vagus nerve on Sairas blog here , and explore her YouTube videos (Part 1 and Part 2 ) for further guidance.
Over the weekend you will enjoy our sessions of vinyasa, restorative yoga, and vagus nerve and nervous system resets with Saira, suitable for all abilities
Our in house, vegan chef Gilly from Wyld Green Kitchen will bless us with her creativity and nourishment through balanced and healthy meals, juices and snacks each day.
Take the short drive to Eype, a stunning beach along the Jurassic Coastline, for a group walk and option to swim if you wish!
Over the weekend we will share two blissful sound bath healing workshops with gong and seven chakra crystal bowls, amazing to help you rest, balance and re-align your energy field. Each day there will be time together spent in meditation and sharing mantras for positive affirmations.
On this retreat there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy a session with our holistic therapist, a massage, healing or perhaps a reflexology from £40.
Wow, what an experience! I had the pleasure of attending Saira's Vagus Nerve Reset Retreat Day yesterday, and it was everything I didn't know I needed. I left feeling so calm, refreshed, and grounded. You could feel how much love, care, and intention had gone into every detail, creating such a beautiful space to slow down, reconnect, and simply be. If you've been thinking about booking one, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. Thank you, Saira, for such a special day—I can't wait to come back! Sarah Jane - July 2026
Accommodation Options
This venue has an array of boho, quirky and artistic rooms. From a four poster with roll top bath, to an attic shared space, or an antique French bed with ensuite, we hope this retreat will suit everyone.
The manor is being renovated and many more rooms will now have ensuites which is wonderful.
- Feather – Stunning four poster bed ensuite with roll top bath in the room, garden view £849
- Classic – Super king bed ensuite with roll top bath and double garden aspect £849
Paisley – Magnificent small double four poster bed with private bathroom £799Lyons – Large antique bed accessed from living room with ensuite shower and toilet £749Cameo – Cosy French double bed with garden aspect and ensuite shower and toilet £749- Pond – Shared twin room with ensuite shower and toilet £699pp
- Bloomsbury – Shared twin room with ensuite shower and toilet £699pp
- Fern – Shared twin room with ensuite £699pp
- Little attic room – small double bed with ensuite shower and toilet, accessed through the Big attic room £499
- Big attic room – very large room with double bed, ensuite accessed via little attic room, or bathroom down a flight of stairs £399
Little and big attic room can be booked and used as a shared twin ensuite or separately where the big attic room would use the downstairs bathroom – the guests in Little attic room access via Big attic room, so please be aware this room is not completely private.
Schedule
4:00 pm Arrivals
4:30 pm You will be welcomed with tea, snacks and chats
5:30 pm Vinyasa flow yoga with Saira
7:15 pm Plant based supper from our chef Gilly at Wyld Green Kitchen
8:30 pm Chill time
8:30 am Breakfast smoothies
9:00 am Release stress from your nervous system workshop
9:30 am Energising vinyasa flow yoga with Saira
11:00 am Plant based brunch
12:00 pm Perhaps have a treatment, relax with a walk to Shutes lane or Colmers Hill, cosy up with a book, have a chat or a nap
2:30 pm Heavenly sound healing gong bath with Saira
4:00 pm Raw cacao drinks and vegan cakes
6:00 pm Restorative yoga with Saira
7:15 pm Plant based supper
8:30 pm Chai drinks around the fire
8:30 am Breakfast smoothies
9:00 am Nervous system reset breath work and meditation workshop
10:00 am Energising vinyasa flow yoga with Saira
11:15 am Plant based brunch
12:00 pm Group walk and maybe a cold water dip at Eype beach
1:30 pm Back to the manor for a blissful sound bath with Saira
2:30 pm Tea and cake
3:00 pm Retreat ends, until next time
Frequently Asked Questions
Your yoga retreat with us will be entirely plant based/vegan, refined sugar free and alcohol free. It is really important that you let us know of any dietary requirements, special diets and preferences, so that we can ensure you enjoy your delicious, healthy, nutritious meals. If you’ve never eaten plant based before, prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
Its a good idea to wear loose comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation. If the weather is cool, it’s also beneficial to bring warm layers so you can strip down to a vest top or t-shirt in the yoga class as you warm up. Bring thick socks for relaxation, if you like to be cosy.
We supply towels for your rooms.
Don't forget swimsuits and extra towels for a sea dip if you feel brave enough!
You are welcome to bring your own yoga kit, plus a blanket and pillow.. If you are coming by train get in touch and we'll make sure we have everything you need available.
There are no hairdryers, do bring your own toiletries, there are basic toiletries in the bathrooms but we recommend bringing your own shampoos etc.
A retreat is a great chance to catch up on a good book, perhaps a spiritual book that you’ve been meaning to read? We supply a library of our favourite spiritual books for you to use during your stay.
A journal is a wonderful idea if you’d like to keep notes of your own feelings and experiences during the retreat and also jot down any guidance, mantras or yoga poses you enjoyed while with us.
The venue is easy to travel to by car close to Bridport in Dorset. By train you can easily arrive at Dorchester, Crewkerne or Axminster Station and get a 20-30 min taxi from there.
Symondsbury Manor Bridport Dorset, UK DT6 6HD
Symondsbury Manor is situated in the beautiful village of Symondsbury. One mile from the sea at West Bay and from the market town of Bridport.
We always gently encourage a digital detox, a wonderful way to get some real space and truly retreat. Mealtimes and communal spaces are phone free which is a lovely way to connect with other guests without distraction.
Yes! Booking a treatment during your retreat stay can really enhance your experience. We send you a full treatment menu two weeks before your stay and ask that you book well in advance as spaces are limited, prices vary but average £60 per hour or £40 for half an hour.
Meet your host
Saira Francis has been a healer for over two decades, offering authentic support, compassion, and guidance to those in her community. Based in West Dorset, Saira is an experienced yoga teacher, holistic therapist, and energy and sound healer. Drawing from her own experience treading along the healing path, Saira can offer heartfelt support for those just embarking on or continuing their journey. Her dedication to helping others has guests returning to Mellulah Yoga Retreats over and again for her energetic guidance and practise.