A Weekend of Total Relaxation.

"I've been a few times for spa days and decided, after having a brilliant experience every time, to treat myself to one of their popular relaxation weekends. I didn't regret it. 

The relaxation sessions led by Edward were truly wonderful and helped me feel the calmest I can ever remember feeling. Over the weekend we tried Qi Gong, yoga and mindfulness meditation, but the most special part was the gong relaxation we did on both Saturday and Sunday. I'll be honest, I was sceptical that lying on the floor on comfy cushions listening to a gong would relax me, but I'm happy to report my doubts were quashed within about three minutes. 

The sessions are held in the beautiful old chapel studio, a bright and airy building just a few steps from the main building. It's equipped with underfloor heating and comfy yoga mats and cushions. There are also dormitories in the chapel building. 

Edward gave us ideas for practices to take home to recreate the feeling of calm we experienced over the weekend. As a very stressed and anxious person this is something I've decided to commit to - it's not exaggerating to say I'd never hoped I'd relax as much as I did this weekend, or find as much calm within myself. 

On a par with the practices we learned was the brilliant food. The food is all vegetarian and incredibly tasty. As a vegetarian of 17 years I thoroughly enjoyed every dish we were served, and the meat eaters amongst us seemed to enjoy it too. Particular highlights for me were the shepherd's pie, quiche, vegetable gratin and pear cake. The food is plentiful and comes regularly - there was no point in the weekend that I felt hungry. A pamphlet of The Tree recipes is available to buy (along with other treats such as lovely candles and the home-mixed aromatherapy oils used by the therapists) - if, like me, the food was a highlight of the weekend, this is a must. I've already made the oat biscuits this morning!

I had a hot stone massage which eased my painful shoulders, helped along by a soak in the hot tub. There's also a sauna tucked away at the bottom of the house. The hot tub is housed in a gazebo with amazing views across the valley. I could've stayed there all day. 

Our room was comfortable and spacious, especially the beds which made for a great night's sleep. A tea tray had a selection of lovely teas to try.

I honestly have no criticisms from any part of the weekend. I came away feeling rested, relaxed and calm. All being well, I'll definitely return next year for another dose of peace and contentment."

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                       "I've never come home from a trip away feeling as relaxed and in tune with myself, my friends and family as I do right now. It has left me with a profound sense of peace and understanding" Dave 

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                        I'm Torn in Two

"I am always pulled in two directions, thinking about writing a review. On the one hand I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing the yoga weekends are. At the same time I want to keep my thoughts to myself, because word has spread over the last few years and places book up really quickly.

You will not find a more relaxing part of the world - the countryside, the people and place itself are very calming. Edward, Claire and the people who help make your stay such a pleasure are so friendly and helpful, too.

The food is vegetarian but don't let that put you off. It is delicious, plentiful and you don't even notice the lack of meat. They also cater really well for other dietary needs.

Edward and his sister, Helen, run such good yoga weekends, you can't help but come away feeling calm and relaxed (and wishing you could stay there forever). 

I have been staying here for seven years in a row. We returned home yesterday after this year's visit - and we are already planning our next one. I think that says it all."

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                      "It was beyond all my expectations." Steve

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                 "What a truly wonderful experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone!" Sue

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                       Tranquil... just what you need!

In our busy lives, we need to find time to relax. A retreat weekend can really help calm the stress that we get. The Tree is a fantastic location for this. It's set in a truly stunning location and the staff are incredibly helpful, yet keep themselves away just enough to allow you to relax in any way you wish. With a hot tub and sauna it's also a great location to spend a bit of time and wash away life. The veggie food is fantastic too -a real highlight! I'll be back!

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                    Calming and inspiring weekend even if you've never experienced  yoga before

Firstly the drive to the Th Tree as soon as you enter the dales is beautiful, the actual location is stunning. My sister and I booked a yoga weekend with Edward and Helen his sister, and I was a little apprehensive as I'd not experienced yoga before. 
The small (although much bigger than it appears from outside) hotel is very welcoming and I felt at home immediately. Edward showed us around immediately, our room had everything we needed and the views were beautiful. There was a communal living room with plenty of room and contained lots of books. The place also has spa treatment rooms, a sauna and hot tub looking out to the moors.
The food is vegetarian and freshly home cooked and being a vegan I can say it was amazing as they will cater to your dietary needs. Claire is an amazing cook (I only wish I could have brought her home with me!)
The yoga was inspiring and the people who attended my weekend had previous experience to no experience and Edward and Helen catered to everyone's needs
I can highly recommend this weekend.

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                    I left having gained so much more than I imagined to be possible

I have just returned from the most amazing weekend away. I was booked onto one of the popular 'relaxation weekends' and was looking forward to spending some chilled out time with my mum and sister. Set in a beautiful landscape is the serene and peaceful Tree. Although we arrived early, we were warmly welcomed in to the house by Edward, the owner and our guide for the weekend. As other guests arrived, conversation flowed freely in the guest lounge and we quickly became acquainted with one another. Sitting down at the communal dining room to eat our evening meal together a few hours later, it felt as if we had all known each other for years. The food is wonderful; lovingly prepared and served by the small and very friendly team. Healthy but very hearty is how I would describe it - you're certainly not going to go hungry; especially with the freshly homemade cakes and scones that are served for afternoon tea! 
Over the weekend, my new friends and I took part in a range of sessions to help with relaxation, including guided meditation, massage, gong meditation, mindfulness breathing techniques and yoga. Although I took part in all the sessions that were on offer, there was absolutely no pressure to do so. There was still plenty of time during the weekend for me to spend reading outside in the beautiful garden; as well as 'get my bubble on' in the hot tub which has the most stunning view! It  is a magical place to reflect, revitalise and reconnect with yourself; and is certainly not somewhere you only stay once - we are already booked in again for next year! I left having gained so much more than I imagined to be possible, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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                       Deeper Relaxation - Mindfulness and "The Gong"

Arrived on Friday night 6pm-ish - welcomed by Edward and shown to Room 8; which was very comfortable with good amenities and an en-suite. Very comfortable bed and stunning views of the rolling N.Yorks hillside (as we found out when we awoke the next morning).

Being complete newbies to mindfulness, meditation; yoga and "The Gong", we came with an open mind; our minds were truly enriched by the expert-level guidance on offer at The Tree - Edward, a personal thank-you from us both, you have provided us the first stepping stone on the journey towards our enlightenment.

We booked some treatments and were very happy with the professionalism and approach that ensured we received an engrossing, engaging, relaxing session. Hot stones are a must! The indian head and shoulders massage released a lot of my tension, and i'm informed that the missus really enjoyed her foot pamper. Next time, I'll try the foot reflexology.

The jacuzzi was a scorching 34-37 degrees and available whenever we needed it, it's set in beautiful surroundings with a view of the hillside. The sauna is very large and would easily accommodate 8; perfect for helping the body and mind to further relax.

Being a strict carnivore I was a little concerned that the food was all vegetarian; this was very quickly banished when I tasted Clare and her teams homemade food; the dishes made you salivate! Nutritious, tasty and filling. A very high level of baking was also enjoyed at afternoon tea.

We came away with our next retreat booked in November and a renewed sense of self, not least a very real desire to eat more veggie food.

Thanks for being our home from home.

Sunny and Jane
x

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                    "I have just had THE MOST RELAXING afternoon of my WHOLE LIFE!!"

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