Mindfulness has become something of a wellness buzzword in recent years, however it isn’t all about yoga and spiritual retreats, although that’s a part of it. Mindfulness can be achieved in a multitude of different ways and places. You can boost your mood simply by taking a mindful walk.
Take a tech detox
Digital detoxing is a great way to holiday for ultimate relaxation results. Although in an increasingly digitally connected world finding places that are truly wifi-free can prove tricky. Fortunately for seekers of digital sanctuary, Cymru is blessed with numerous options, including One Cat Farm, a bijou glamping site hidden away near the coast by Aberaeron. Stay in hand-built eco-cabins surrounded by meadows, trees and a wildlife pond. It's remote enough for complete peace and quiet - apart from the usual countryside sounds! The dark skies make it perfect for sitting by a campfire, staring up at the canopy of stars above.
Located just an hour's drive from the coast, The Dreaming Retreat in Rhaeadr Gwy (Rhayader) offers a complete escape into tranquility. This enchanting retreat invites you to disconnect from the chaos of modern and reconnect with nature as you partake in organised daily wellness activities, all set against breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended retreat, you’ll leave feeling revitalised and ready to tackle life.
Read more: Switch off with an eco-break in Cymru
Meditative moments
If you’re looking to really ‘check-out’ of reality, then why not book yourself onto one of the numerous solitary and silent retreats around Cymru? The Seren Centre on Gŵyr (Gower) offers you the chance to reconnect with both yourself and nature against the backdrop of a picturesque forest, wildflower meadows and the beautiful beaches of the north and south Gŵyr coasts.
Adventure Tours UK offer several different wellness breaks including an earth-conscious surf and yoga retreat where you can enjoy mornings spent surfing on the waves and evenings unwinding in clifftop yoga sessions.
Read more: Discover the ultimate wellness therapies and retreats in Cymru
Feeling crafty?
According to research, art therapy and crafts are proven to boost self-esteem, and improve mood and brain function. Aside from these benefits, it’s often just really good fun to learn a new skill and create things with our hands. Make It In Wales is a collective of around twenty Welsh designer-makers who specialise in the likes of knitting, sewing, jewellery making, paper-folding, tapestry weaving, stained glass making, photography, dressmaking and natural dyeing. Make It Wales runs classes and courses in venues across Mid and West Wales, including Aberteifi (Cardigan), Llanbedr Pont Steffan (Lampeter) and Abergwaun (Fishguard).
Read more: Learn a new skill on a holiday in Cymru
Cae Lal is a quiet place in North Wales where you can relax and enjoy nature. It’s an eco-friendly retreat that helps you slow down and live more mindfully.
Wake up to the sound of birds and the gentle rustle of trees. Stay in cosy cabins, fun pods, or spacious bell tents – all designed to fit perfectly with the natural surroundings. Walk through fields of wildflowers, explore woodland paths, or simply sit and watch the clouds drift over the Snowdonia mountains.
In the evening, gather around a warm campfire under a sky full of stars. Share stories, enjoy a hot drink, and feel the simple joy of being outdoors. If you love adventure, take a dip in a nearby river or visit the rugged coastline before returning to your comfortable retreat.
At Cae Lal, every moment helps you reconnect – with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. It’s more than a stay; it’s a true Welsh wilderness experience.
Find your hygge
Hygge is the Danish art of living well. A notion that fits in with the concept of mindfulness, and one which you can completely immerse yourself in at the glorious fforest Farm in Aberteifi on the west coast of Cymru. Find your Hygge at fforest’s 500 acres where you can choose from a range of accommodation including shacs, lofts, domes and cabins. Walk the river gorge and reed beds down to Aberteifi or into Cilgerran and enjoy serene mornings and stunning starry skies from your accommodation. Light the wood-fired sauna after a river or sea swim. Enjoy their cosy pub, Y Bwthyn or a supper night at Woodland restaurant. Watch the sun rise and set, and listen to birdsong at dusk. And simply surrender to the majesty of Welsh nature at its finest.
Read more: Head to fforest for a feast.
Cooking on the coast
Cymru has some of the most spectacular coastline in the world, but what many people don’t realise is just how bountiful it is, packed full of delicious natural, raw ingredients that form the basis of some incredible dishes. You just need to know where to look, and what to look for. So if wild foraging piques your interest why not book yourself onto a fishing and foraging course in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park? Try a Seashore Foraging Course with Wild About Pembrokeshire in Tyddewi (St Davids). Here you’ll discover how to find sea vegetables, including dulse, sea spaghetti and the famous Welsh favourite, laver. Then you’ll be shown how to prepare and cook your haul around a beach fire.
Be safe!
Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.
- Find safety advice for exploring Cymru's National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
- Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Cymru.
