The Big Retreat Wales

Looking for something wholesome to do over the Whitsun weekend, away from the city? Fancy a break from your busy lifestyle to recharge and reset? Sounds like the Big Retreat Wales might be what you're after. This unique wellbeing festival, now in its second year, is a chance to spend three days of relaxation and discovery in the breathtakingly beautiful village of Lawrenny in Pembrokeshire National Park. From an old castle terrace high above the Cleddau Estuary, attendees can get a sweat on with fitness classes and dance sessions, reconnect through yoga, pilates and meditation, learn new crafts, rediscover old past-times, be inspired in the talk tent and practice a weekend being in a mindful, positive space of wellbeing. Or, if slower living is more their thing, they can enjoy workshops in spoon carving, den building, willow weaving, didgeridoo playing, jewellery making, monoprinting and more, or simply chill out in a hammock with a good book. This year's programme is even bigger than last year's, with over 200 events, classes, workshops, activities and walks taking place in marquees, all-weather buildings and out in the fresh air. The yoga tent has 26 hours of yoga classes across many different disciplines, including acro yoga, gentle hatha yoga, relaxing yin yoga and flowing ashtanga yoga. Taking place on the central terrace are back to back fitness sessions including HIIT, Zumba, pilates, cross training, Mundo Dance (led by its creator and Cardiff favourite, Yonier Garcia), hula fitness and TRX suspension training. For those who want to venture off site, there is a group 5km run, a 6km walk from Lawrenny to Cresswell Bay and shore walks to the nearby waters with park rangers. Little ones aren't forgotten about, either; under 12s get in free and can enjoy kids' yoga, kids' fitness classes, bug hunts, bushcraft, foraging, shelter-making, music, arts and crafts and running freely around the gorgeous countryside spot. This year, Majical Youth are bringing their vintage swing boats and a selection of games to the main Festival Terrace, encouraging the younger generations to drop their screens and gadgets to have fun outdoors. Of course, all that excitement requires a lot of energy, so there are plenty of foodie treats planned for tasty replenishment, from campside cook-outs and street food stalls to demos and tastings. These include The Apprentice's Alana Spencer demonstrating her Ridiculously Rich cakes, Jackie Pallet sharing healthy Indian cooking, The Bug Grub Company turning critters into culinary delights and The Voice's Ragsy donning his new persona as the Rock 'n' Roll Chef. In the evenings, musical entertainment comes from Rusty Shackle, Climbing Trees' Matthew Frederick, Mazaratis, Jodie Marie, Cappa Ceilidh Band, Ofelia, The Sun Dogs and a handful of other soloists and groups to unwind with under the stars. Tickets include access to all on-site fitness classes, relaxation sessions, workshops and live performances. Professional massage therapies, reiki, paddle boarding, canoeing and coasteering incur a all additional cost. To find out more about the best festival in Wales to leave you inspired, rejuvenated and restored, visit www.thebigretreatwales.co.uk