What awaits you on this retreat
Nervous System Reset Retreat Weekend in Dorset – Rest, Heal & Reconnect
Imagine arriving after a long day, driving through private woodland and open fields, and reaching a secluded space—completely removed from traffic and the noise of the world. Set on a private 70-acre estate in Dorset, this retreat offers true peace and privacy.
This weekend is an invitation to step away from the demands of modern life, reconnect with your inner calm, and gently reset your nervous system. Surrounded by the beauty of the Dorset countryside, you’ll find space for both quiet reflection and meaningful connection, supporting deep rest and restoration.
With just nine guests, this is an intimate and exclusive retreat held in a beautiful country house. Enjoy a warm, welcoming home with private gardens and a wild swimming lake to explore. There is plenty of space for solitude, as well as shared moments through yoga, meditation, sound healing, and nourishing meals enjoyed together.
With time for rest, self-reflection, and gentle activities, this retreat offers the perfect environment to reset and return to yourself. Located near Dorchester, the surrounding land also invites mindful walks through nature.
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
On Saturday afternoon enjoy a guided contrast therapy session with wood fired barrel sauna and cold plunge. You are free anytime over the weekend, to enjoy cold water wild swimming in the private lake just steps from the house.
Take one of our paddle-boards out on the lake and find peace and stillness surrounded by nature and the peace of this beautiful tucked away space. The lake has several pontoons where you can launch your board or just sit and enjoy the view on one of the many hidden sun loungers
Over the weekend we will share two blissful sound bath healing workshops with gong and seven chakra crystal bowls, a truly transformative experience. 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.
Saira’s retreats are gorgeous. A lovely blend of relaxation, sound healing and tools to reset the nervous system. Add in a stunning location, incredible food and fabulous people, what a great retreat. Louise S - Retreat guest
Accommodation Options
Beautiful and luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms with baths, roll top baths or showers for you to enjoy.
Main house:
- Solo Luxury Ensuite Super King Double Room £799
- Solo King Double Room with Shared Bathroom £679
- Solo Double Room with Shared Bathroom £659
- Shared Garden Twin Room with Shared Bathroom £579pp
- Shared Twin Room with Shared Bathroom £529pp
Barn:
- Solo Ensuite Double £679
Accommodation is arranged over the ground and first floor in the beautiful main house, a converted barn with vaulted ceilings, cosy woodturners, grand piano and surrounded by light and lovely views.
The yoga space and one more simple double ensuite bedroom are in the barn adjacent to the main house.
Bathrooms are shared by up to two rooms only.
All rooms have views of surrounding countryside and large garden.
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, enjoy a swim or walk, sit by the lake on a lounger and read or join us in the sitting rooms for tea and chats.
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 It's time to enjoy the wood fired barrel sauna and cold plunge, or swim in the lake. Or perhaps have a treatment with Iona, relax with a walk, take out a paddle board, cosy up with a book, have a chat or a nap
4:00 pm Raw cacao drinks and vegan cakes
4:30 pm Heavenly sound healing gong bath with Saira
6:00 pm Restorative yoga with Saira
7:15 pm Plant based supper
8:30 pm Chai drinks around the fire in the garden, maybe an evening swim, paddle board or walk, or a super early night, its all up to you.
8:30 am Breakfast smoothies
9:00 am Meditation by the lake plus a cold water swim in the lake if you are brave enough - entirely optional
10:00 am Energising vinyasa flow yoga with Saira
11:15 am Plant based brunch
12:00 pm Group mindful walk around the lake and woodlands to ease back, ground and have space before the retreat ends.
1:30 pm Tea and Cake
2:00 pm Retreat ends, see you 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, there are also bathrobes for each of you.
Don't forget swimsuits and extra towels for the sauna and if you feel brave enough to swim in the lake.
We have all the yoga kit you might need, but you are welcome to bring your own. If you prefer to bring your own blanket and pillow please do. 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 Wareham and Dorchester in Dorset. By train you can easily arrive at Moreton Station and get a 10 min taxi from there.
Lakeside House DT2 8UF - use the postcode or the map link below to be taken to the location.
Directions: We will send you clear directions after booking. We are on a private estate close to Warmwell, Dorset, this venue is not located at Silverlake but is very close by.
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.