Forest Bathing, Ceremonial Cacao & Fireside Connection
Sunday 24th January 2027 | 11am–4pm
Private Woodland at Hever Castle, Kent
£75 per person - including ceremonial cacao, seasonal lunch and refreshments
A NEW YEAR. A GENTLER BEGINNING.
January arrives with so much noise.
New goals. New habits. New expectations. The familiar pressure to become a better version of ourselves.
But step into the winter woodland and Nature tells a very different story.
The trees are resting. The earth is quiet. Beneath the surface, life is continuing at its own pace, without urgency or expectation.
What if we allowed ourselves to begin the year in the same way?
Join me and my wonderful friend and guest facilitator, Sam Whitaker, for a nourishing winter retreat in the beautiful private woodland at Hever Castle.
Together, we'll slow down, reconnect with ourselves and Nature, share a beautiful ceremonial cacao journey and gather around the warmth of the fire.
A whole day to step away from the demands of everyday life and give yourself permission to simply be.
No resolutions. No reinvention. No pressure to arrive feeling a certain way.
Just space to rest, reflect and reconnect with what matters to you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Gentle Qigong & Grounding Movement
We'll begin by arriving in the woodland and gently reconnecting with our bodies through mindful breathing, grounding and simple Qigong-inspired movement.
An opportunity to soften the busyness, release some tension and settle into a slower rhythm.
No previous experience necessary.
Ceremonial Cacao Journey with Sam Whitaker
At the heart of our retreat is a beautiful, gently guided cacao ceremony.
Using ceremonial-grade cacao, Sam will lead us through intention-setting, meditation, drumming and a deeply reflective inner journey.
Cacao has a long history of ceremonial use and is often associated with connection, reflection and opening ourselves to a deeper awareness of how we feel.
You'll be invited to settle comfortably, turn your attention inwards and create space to listen to yourself.
There is no particular experience you're supposed to have, no expectation to share and nothing you need to achieve.
Simply an opportunity to pause and explore what might be asking for your attention as a new year begins.
Quiet Time in Nature
Following the cacao ceremony, you'll have some time to yourself in the woodland.
Perhaps you'll find a quiet place beneath a tree, spend time journalling or simply sit and observe the winter landscape.
A chance to allow your experience to settle, without rushing straight into the next thing.
Seasonal Nourishment Around the Fire
We'll gather around the warmth of the campfire to enjoy a delicious homemade seasonal lunch, warming drinks and sweet treats.
Time to share conversation, enjoy one another's company or simply sit quietly and soak up the atmosphere.
There is something rather special about gathering around a fire in the depths of winter.
Winter Forest Bathing
Winter invites us to see the woodland differently.
Without the abundance of summer foliage, new details reveal themselves. The shapes of bare branches, the textures of bark, the soft winter light and the quiet activity of life beneath our feet.
Through gentle sensory invitations, we'll explore the woodland at an unhurried pace, allowing ourselves to become more present and connected to the natural world.
And perhaps we'll discover that even in its quietest season, Nature has plenty to share.
Reflection & Closing Circle
As our day draws to a close, we'll come together for a gentle moment of reflection.
Not to create another list of things we should be doing, but to consider what we'd like to carry with us into the months ahead.
What might we need more of? What are we ready to make space for? And what might happen if we trusted ourselves to unfold in our own time?
An opportunity to leave feeling a little more grounded, connected and ready to meet the year ahead.
THE WISDOM OF WINTER
We're so often encouraged to begin January at full speed.
But winter reminds us that rest is not the opposite of growth. It's part of it.
Beneath the seemingly still landscape, roots are holding, life is being sustained and the foundations of another season are quietly taking shape.
Perhaps we don't need to rush into the new year with all the answers.
Perhaps we can begin by listening.
You don't need to become a new version of yourself. Perhaps you simply need some time to reconnect with the one who's already here.
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF...
You're feeling the pressure of a new year and would welcome a gentler beginning.
You've spent so much time looking after everyone else that you'd love some space for yourself.
You're curious about ceremonial cacao, Forest Bathing or mindful movement.
You're craving meaningful connection, both with yourself and with other women.
You love the idea of a whole day immersed in Nature, with no demands or expectations.
You simply feel ready to pause, reflect and be nourished.
Come alone or with a friend. You'll be warmly welcomed either way.
Everything we offer is an invitation, never an obligation. You are free to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
YOUR WINTER WOODLAND RETREAT
Sunday 24th January 2027
11am–4pm (arrival from 10.45am)
Private woodland at Hever Castle, Kent
£75 per person
Your retreat includes:
Grounding meditation and gentle Qigong-inspired movement
Ceremonial cacao journey with Sam Whitaker
Quiet time for reflection and journalling
Guided winter Forest Bathing
Nourishing homemade seasonal lunch, warm drinks and sweet treats
Fireside connection and closing reflection
Use of sit mats, ponchos and woodland facilities
Places are limited to keep the gathering intimate and personal.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
SCHEDULE
10:45am – Meet at parking location provided upon booking
11:00am – Welcome Circle & Grounding Meditation
11:20am – Qigong-Inspired Movement
11:40am – Cacao Ceremony with Sam Whitaker
1:15pm – Quiet Time in Nature & Reflection
1:35pm – Seasonal Campfire Lunch & Time to Rest
2:30pm – Forest Bathing Journey
3:40pm – Closing Circle, Gratitude & Integration
4:00pm – Retreat Ends
Timings are approximate. The day will unfold at a gentle pace rather than being rigidly scheduled.
PREPARING FOR THE CACAO CEREMONY
To help you prepare for the ceremony, Sam recommends having a light breakfast and avoiding food for at least three hours beforehand.
Where possible, please avoid caffeine and other stimulants on the day, or for at least three hours before the ceremony, as cacao itself contains the naturally occurring stimulant theobromine.
Please give a little thought beforehand to anything you might like to bring as an intention for the ceremony. This doesn't need to be anything profound — simply something you'd like to explore, reflect upon or give a little more attention to.
If you take antidepressant medication or have a heart condition, please let us know before attending so Sam can advise you appropriately.
LOCATION & WHAT TO BRING
Our retreat takes place in a beautiful private woodland on the Hever Castle estate, separate from the main castle grounds.
The terrain is relatively flat and we'll be walking only short distances at a gentle pace.
As this is an outdoor winter retreat, please dress warmly with plenty of layers, sturdy waterproof footwear, a warm coat, hat and gloves.
We also recommend bringing a blanket or sleeping bag for the cacao journey, along with a yoga mat if you'd prefer to lie down, or a camping chair for additional comfort.
Toilets are available approximately a 10-minute walk from the woodland.
Full joining instructions, parking details and information about preparing for the cacao ceremony will be sent before the retreat. We'll also ask you to complete a short health and dietary information form.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Tansy Dowman | Tansy in the Wild
I'm Tansy, an award-winning Nature Connection Guide, certified Forest Bathing practitioner, wellbeing facilitator and TEDx speaker.
My work is rooted in one simple belief: We are Nature.
Through mindful movement, sensory connection and time spent outdoors, I create opportunities for people to slow down, reconnect with themselves and rediscover their relationship with the natural world.
Sam Whitaker | Cacao Ceremony Facilitator
Sam brings the beautiful practice of ceremonial cacao to our woodland gathering, guiding us through meditation, drumming and gentle inner exploration.
Together, we'll create a warm, welcoming space for rest, reflection and meaningful connection.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF NEW BEGINNING
You don't have to arrive with a plan.
You don't have to know what you want from the year ahead.
And you certainly don't have to become someone new.
Just come as you are.
We'd love to welcome you around the fire.
Tansy & Sam x
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gifting someone with a wellbeing experience not only gives them that much-needed time out to rest and recharge. It also leaves them with a lasting memory of joy and contentment.
Gift vouchers are available for all my events including this one. You must specify which date you wish to book when purchasing as I am unable to hold spaces for these events.
About Hever
This retreat will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
Tickets
Places are limited and cost £75pp