Down To Flow Escapes: Top Mind And Body Fitness Retreats Worldwide-by Joanne Shurvell

Yoga can take place in all kinds of locations at DowntoFlow Escapes

Source:Forbes

“Using movement as our medium, nature as our tool and human connection as our crutch, we hope to help you grow in confidence and in doing so, enter your own state of mental clarity and calm.” Molly Robinson and Dylan Salamon, Founders of DowntoFlow Escapes

The Retreats

DowntoFlow Escapes are a sensational new range of luxury fitness retreats offered at unique worldwide locations, including the UK, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Bali and Sri Lanka. While the retreats are ideal for beginners and experienced yogis alike, these retreats offer serious instruction and advice; they are not cushy spa breaks. Founders Molly Robinson and Dylan Salamon are highly trained yoga teachers who have also just opened Flow Culture Studio, a movement studio based in south west London offering a full range of classes that, like their retreats, incorporate a well thought out blend of strength, cardio and flexibility training. Molly is also a qualified chef who worked for worked for Australia’s leading nutritionist and author Lee Holmes. She brings her extensive knowledge of nutrition to the business. Dylan, an ex-rugby player and power lifter previously developed yoga and anatomy training for organisations such as GymBox, Broga and The Royal Airforce.

Hot Air balloons from FlyAwayBalloon over the rolling green hills of Somerset, UK

At their retreats, Dylan and Molly help guests to achieve greater self confidence and mental clarity, what they describe as “a state of flow,” through yoga, pilates, hiking and other forms of exercise, breathwork and journalling. Retreats are generally one week long and a typical day could include a yoga class or bodyweight circuit training session, followed by a hearty breakfast made from locally grown food, an afternoon of walking and a picnic, ending the day with local sparkling wine and a healthy gourmet meal.

A 16th-century former cider press, now luxury farmhouse, is one location used by DowntoFlow 

A charming, former 16th-century cider press in Somerset, now luxury farmhouse, is a typical venue for DowntoFlow and was the location for a recent retreat. The sprawling home with Kit Kemp style decor, features an indoor swimming pool, large fireplace, snooker table and expansive grounds with wild flowers, lavender and views across the rolling green hills. It is an ideal setting for the excellent variety of fitness activities for mind and body, including movement classes, from yoga through to bodyweight circuit training, meditation and breath work plus walks around the picturesque farmland and a reservoir.

A footpath allows a circular walk around Clatworthy Reservoir, Somerset.

A really special and appealing aspect of a DowntoFlow retreat is the one-to-one support and motivation from Dylan and Molly. This includes discussions of longterm fitness and wellbeing. They are mindful of every goal and any limitations from injuries of each guest. They encourage each guest to do what feels right or go further where possible.

Swimming pool at Somerset retreat

Day one of the Somerset retreat included a session of reflection with Dylan discussing the benefits of journaling, followed by a country walk and then two sessions of Yoga on the lawn. The duo worked in tandem like that, supporting and motivating guests throughout the three days. Molly, the perfect host and Yoga teacher and Dylan, the supportive Yogi and personal trainer were both always available to discuss how to get the best out of the sessions. The theme of “Flow” was consistent throughout the retreat, with each session planned for movement of some kind and primarily outside on the lovely lawn or on the country paths.

DowntoFlow’s wellbeing partners and products

Pure Sport CBD balm for muscle and joints

Molly and Dylan choose the partners and products they work with very carefully and as a result, retreat guests often enjoy a wide range of wellbeing items that further enhance the experience. They work with a variety of partners, depending on the location but all share the same ethos. Chef Woody Pyke  (of Peckham Levels in London) prepared all the meals at the Somerset retreat, focusing on fresh, seasonal British ingredients, some grown at his own allotment. Other partners at the Somerset farmhouse included Ridgeview Wine, a sustainable, crisp, dry UK sparkling wine, served at dinner, Wunder Workshop, who provided immunity boosting turmeric lattes and Elizabeth Scarlett’s padded lavender scented eye mask aided sleep. Guests are well provided with fitness products too, some of which they can take home, including sustainable yoga mats made from natural tree rubber by Fable, gorgeous, soft leggings from Varley, a travel mug and water bottle from Sophie Allport and highly effective muscle and joint balm from Puresport CBD.

Upcoming DowntoFlow retreats

Elephants in Sri Lanka

Island Play (28 December – 3 January / Sri Lanka). Based in a lush villa right on the beach, this escape offers plenty of time for relaxation alongside regular yoga practice, exploration of local beaches and caves plus a chance to try surfing.

Rise & Release (5- 11 April  2022/ Portugal). This spring retreat combines movement, adventure and abstract art.

Playing with Motion (14 – 20 May 2022 / UK). With cold water therapy, farm yard fitness with logs from the trees for lifting and tires from the tractors to flip, plus runs through the rambling countryside, this sounds like it will suit anyone looking for tough exercise challenges.

Retreats at DowntoFlow start from £160 per night. This includes a Fable yoga mat plus all food and activities except travel and transfers.