SYC x Amber Scott Yoga Retreat Review - PART TWO

Above: Sunrise at Trasseria

 Following on from the last blog post all about my Spanish Yoga getaway. On the Saturday morning we awoke early again to indulge in another yoga practice by Amber, and this one really pushed it (in a good way!) I stretched muscles that had never been stretched before, and really pushed myself and I could feel the benefits straight away. if you're feeling stressed or have a lot going on, I would honestly recommend some time to do yoga, I'm a full convert, whether it be at home watching youtube instructors or signing up for some local classes, it really not only helps your body but your mind too.

After the class we had a beautiful breakfast followed by an intense three hour hike to really blow away those cobwebs. It felt so refreshing to be able to walk and talk with some really inspiring women, open up and get out of my comfort zone.

We then sat down to another beautiful feast of handmade food, they were really spoiling us! I've never eaten so well. After eating we had a bit of downtime, which meant I could shoot with the retreat photographer, Natasha Marshall, and we got some really great shots, the Trassiera Villa being the perfect backdrop, as well as all the pretty land around it! And of course the weather, how I've missed the sunshine. 

Saturday evening came, and another yoga lesson, this one being a little specialer (and easier after the hike!) I was really getting into at this point, honestly it's a wonder what it can do for your head. After the lesson we were treated to a crystal bowl sound session by Gabrielle Hailes, which I've never experienced before-it's a healing using sounds, like a large bowl, and it is very intense at first, it's so hard to explain, it's not frightening but it does stir up some feeling inside you, Gabrielle explained that the best way is to embrace it, which I allowed myself to do and it did evoke a sense of calm inside. 

I was so glad I went and experienced this, I couldn't recommend it enough, whether you're beginner or expert, going on the retreat did wonders for me, not only for body but for mind too.

To find out more about SYC and their events, click here

Weekly Wednesday SYC yoga classes in London: http://secretyogaclub.co.uk/syc-weekly

Gabrielle Hailes teaching: http://secretyogaclub.co.uk/gabrielle-hales/

Amber Scott teaching: http://www.amberscottyoga.com

And their next retreat in Italy looks to be amazing! http://secretyogaclub.co.uk/villa-lena-retreat

 

All photos of me: Natasha Marshall

SYC x Amber Scott Yoga Retreat Review - PART ONE

Well, where do I begin reviewing the Secret Yoga Club Trassierra retreat? Honestly this retreat could not have come at a better time for me. 

A couple of weekends ago I was invited to take part in the Secret Yoga Clubs Trassiera Villa intimate yoga retreat. SYC was founded by Gabrielle Hales and the retreat hosted by Amber Scott in Spain, focusing on a weekend full of yoga, meditation, relaxation, guided hikes and Mediterranean food, intentionally created to focus on individual attention for each guest. Of course I jumped at the chance. Despite being slightly nervous of being a beginner to yoga myself (my mum is a yoga teacher but I’ve not had many lessons myself) I was determined to get out of my comfort zone and give it a try.

After getting the plane all by ,myself (another first and I really liked it, I love airports) I arrived at Seville to be greeted by the other lovely ladies who would be joining the retreat. It was a real mixture of fascinating and inspiring women whom i got to know all about over the weekend.

We arrived at the stunning Trassiera Villa around nightfall, and after being led to my stunning bedroom see below, when can I move in? We were straight into out first yoga class, a decompression practice, which is not as scary as it sounds, led by Amber Scott and it was a lovely introduction into the couple of days of yoga that followed ahead. We focused on stretching out our bodies, guided by Ambers softly spoken and calming manor, I felt the tension that had been built up over the past few weeks beginning to be relived already. 

After our practice a stunning feast of fresh  Mediterranean food was served, and we all got to relax and get to know one another a little better. 

The location of the retreat suited it perfectly, the Trassiera Villa was breathtaking, both at night and in the day, it really was like staying in a fairytale. I went to bed that night exhausted but relaxed, and had one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in ages.

On Friday morning, terrified of over sleeping and missing the first yoga class at 8:30 I set about five alarms (anyone who knows me knows I am late for absolutely everything) and my nerves were starting to get the better of me over taking part in the first yoga class, thinking that everyone would be looking at me knowing I didn’t know what I was doing. I needn’t have worried, the retreat was aimed at all levels of yoga, whether be a beginner or an expert, and I couldn’t have wished for a better teacher in Amber. Both Amber and Gabrielle helped guide anyone who needed a hand, and i definitely did plenty of times, and it was such calming experience to be in the yoga studio with her. After a leisurely breakfast we set off on our first hike of the weekend, with the weather being slightly cooler it was the perfect setting for a breathtaking walk around the acres of land surrounding the villa, finishing off with a picnic on the hill.  I then indulged in a massage, kindly provided through the Trassiera, I haven't had one in years!

To be continued…

Starry Eyed

Top: OOTO*
Jeans: ASOS
Hat: Brixton*
Belt: Vintage

Photography: Hannah Mae Clark

I'm so bored of winter. Wake me up when it's spring please. Trying to change in the midst of howling cold wind in the middle of Hampstead heath is not my idea of fun. These shots came out super well though, thanks to the amazing Hannah.

I can't believe this time last year I was in the middle of Joshua Tree, time is flying by, and so much can change in a year. I'm so lucky to be living a dream of opening a shop right now so let's stop moaning about the weather. Here's to warm weather soon and thinking positive thoughts.

Waiste Vintage Pop Up Shop

Dress: Waiste Vintage
Fringe Vest: Colour Me Vintage*
Boots: Free People via ASOS
Hat: Brixton*

Photography: Jasmine Farram

So it's official, I've got my very own shop! It's not just mine though, my boyfriend found it for us, and we're in it together. Waiste Vintage pop up shop is located at 3 Gardner street, Brighton and will be open for at least 6 months from now.

We've handpicked the best 60s and 70s mens and womens vintage, bags and belts, a mixture of English and Americana pieces, and decorated it so it looks like it's straight out of Laurel Canyon Los Angeles.

Alongside our own handpicked vintage we are currently stocking in store: Aura and Aura, Hazy Dayz vintage, Made by Rosy jewellery, Nostalgic Feather, Nikki Strange, 1point6designs jewellery and the whole of the third floor will be run by Spiderplant Shop. We're going to be having a whole other load of other brands and vintage coming soon too!

Magic Spells

Kimono: Tamga Designs *
Maxi Dress: Raga

Photography: Hannah Mae Clark

Casting spells for sunshine, wearing this pretty kimono from Tamga designs. only 50 have been made and the traditional ikat weaving is made in a remote island in Indonesia, in partnership with a local NGO that works towards the preservation of traditional textiles. So I'm pretty honoured to be able to wear this all the way over here in the UK.

It's been a crazy few weeks, and I haven't had a day off for 11 days. I'm currently writing this standing in my very own shop (which still hasn't sunk in yet) in Brighton. The one thing I've always wanted, the dream has finally become the reality and I'm still in disbelief! If anyone fancies a visit it's 3 Gardner Street Brighton, it's a pop up but it's going to be here for a while.