SCOTLAND: The Highlands Retreat, April 27 – May 4, 2025

Journey to the enchanting Scottish Highlands for a week in the wild, untamed landscapes of this magical country. 

The location is a Private 23,000-acre Wilderness Reserve Estate. This utopia is just an hour’s drive north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It’s dramatic glens, colourful hills, glistening rivers, many hill lochs, and wild nature will capture your heart.

The elegantly restored Victorian lodge is the epitome of luxury accommodation in the highlands. A majestic south facing aspect over looking native birchwood and caledonian pine forests hundreds of years old. The Lodge is located at the end of a 12 mile single track road along the Carron River, offering ultimate privacy, relaxation and endless opportunities to explore.

Its ongoing mission is “rewilding” – a process of reintroducing original plant and wildlife species – and its commitments to sustainability and ecosystem regeneration are singular. It has recently added a self-sustaining hydroponic garden, trout farm, bee hives and fruit trees acclimated to the Highlands to provide food year round.

In the main lodge there are 6 beautifully appointment ensuite bedrooms.  A large drawing room, dining room, snooker room, sauna and fitness room.

Additionally, a mile from the main lodge is the Eagle’s Crag. It is a three bedroom lodge offering seclusion amidst the panoramic hills and reforested riverbanks.  This lodge offers wonderful comfort with it’s own living space. Of course full use of the common areas in the main lodge are available.  Bikes are available to get back and forth and a car will be available if inclement weather.

This tailored retreat will reconnect you with your own wild inner life force (shakti) as we draw from the awe inspiring surroundings. 

Late Spring is lending itself to longer days of light in this northern latitude, giving extra hours to soak up this spectacular setting. As we explore the wild highlands we will also explore with a sense of curiosity in our yoga and meditation practices.  

Twice daily yoga, meditation and breath work classes takes place in this environmentally conscious stand-alone yoga structure overlooking the beautiful gardens and nestled near the main lodge.  

Other nature activities:

For competent cyclists, there are 15 well-maintained mountain bikes for free usage, and 6 e-bikes available for rent, allowing you to enjoy miles of stunning Highland scenery.

Included in the retreat are 2 ranger guided hikes. The bluffs and remote Highland glens offer a wild spectacle for hikers of all skill levels. Walk through the most northerly stand of original old-growth Caledonian forest, take a stroll over to the historic Croik Church, or hike up the middle ridge for a once-in-a-lifetime view of both the East and West coasts of Scotland. There are recommended walks for different fitness levels, and Highlands hiking trail maps are always available for extra hiking.

Previous Retreater Kind Words:

“Elaine puts her heart and soul into every detail! Great coordination and communication with our group.  She created a lovely community within our retreat participants.” Margie V.

“Elaine’s retreat was meticulously organized, yet there was loads of time for spontaneity and fun. All of the yoga, sound healing, and breathwork sessions were thoughtfully designed to keep everyone–from first-timers (like me!) to yoga regulars–engaged and energized.” –John G.  

“What a gift. I opened up my stuck back and can breathe properly again due to Elaine’s excellent teaching.  The Yoga, meditations, sound healing and and everything was just the best experience ever.”  K.P.S.

INCLUDED in RETREAT PRICING:

• Twice daily yoga, meditation, breathwork
• 3 daily meals artfully prepared meals from our private chefs. Packed lunches will be provided on our day-trips and hikes
• 2 Ranger-Guided Hikes for various levels but participants need to be agile on feet
• 1 Expert ranger-guided vehicle tour of the reserve, during which we will venture through Alladale’s reforested glens, soak up the stunning views and keep our eyes out for native wildlife. This is not your generic tourist outing, but rather an exhilarating adventure into the breathtaking wilds of the Highlands.
• 1 Day Trip to the seaside town of Durnock and Dunrobin Castle. This famous seaside castle on the east coast of the Northern Highlands is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300’s. We will tour this beautifully preserved grand piece of history, home to Clan Sutherland, and also attend an amazing falconry display in the gardens
• Bagpipers
• Mountain bikes, sauna, fitness room 
• Wellington and hiking boots available for all sizes, along with backpacks and water bottles
• Pickleball court
• Time to enjoy this otherworldly remote setting, and great conversations fireside. Settle in to the quiet peace of this extraordinary place and marvel at the beauty around every bend. From pristine rivers and picturesque glens to majestic red deer and colorful hillsides  

Not Included:

• Airfares
• Airport transfer
• Tips
• Additional paid activities
• Trout fishing/fly fishing
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Massages/Spa Services
• Alcohol beverages
• Whisky tasting

ACCOMODATIONS:

MAIN LODGE is comprised of 3 Superior Rooms and 3 Standard Rooms:

Rowan Supierior Room– The largest room is beautifully equipped with cedar wood furniture, large sitting area and a stunning en-suite bathroom with his and hers basin, double ended bath and shower. Classic sash windows overlooking north-east facing Amat. This room also comes with an extra sofa bed in its own separate nook

Double occupancy: $4000 per person 

Triple occupancy: $3800 per person

Either a king bed or 2 twin beds, plus the sofa bed.  

Willow Superior Room: Second largest room in the property with massive sitting area, this bedroom has a truly Victorian feel, large bow windows, high celling, and antique furniture can take you back to Victorian era. The en-suite bathroom is large and comes with both a bath and a shower. Room boasts stunning views, south-east facing overlooking Carn na Speireig. 

Double occupancy: $4000 per person

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

Aspen Superior Room: Third biggest room with the unbeatable views, south-east facing overlooking Carn na Speireig. Bedroom has its own unique design and a good size sitting area, ensuite bathroom with both bath and shower. 

Double occupancy: $4000

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

Holly Standard Room: This room has a lovely contemporary design with cosy sitting area, ensuite bathroom with rainfall shower. Views are north-west facing overlooking grouse park. 

Double occupancy: $3900

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

Alder Standard Room:  This room has a very chic design, beautiful Victorian sash windows north-west facing overlooking grouse park. Plenty of natural light, stylish ensuite bathroom with bath and shower. 

Double occupancy: $3900

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

Birch Standard Room: This room is slightly smaller than the rest in the Lodge but majestic views from the bedroom makes up for it. South facing overlooking Carn na Speireig, with great amount of natural light. This bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower. 

Double occupancy: $3900

or Single Occupancy: $4650

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

Eagles Crag Lodge.

This lodge will be available to book when the main lodge fills up. It is a mile from the main lodge. Mountain bikes are available to get back and forth or its a good 20 minute walk. At times a car can be available if weather is not suitable.

2 Ensuite rooms on main level.

Double occupancy: $4000 per person

or Possibly Single Occupancy. $4750

Either king bed or 2 twin beds.

1 large Loft for 2 people, twin beds ensuite

FLIGHTS/GETTING HERE:

The nearest airport is Inverness Airport. A group pickup will be arranged for arrival and departure days but it’s also possible to get taxis if your flight arrives later or leaves earlier than group shuttle.  Please book flights that arrive by 1 or 2pm on arrival day and that depart after 1pm on departure day. Please consult with Elaine about flights too.

The property was featured by Travel+Leisure Magazine as one of the top destinations for 2018 and voted Europe’s Most Eco-Friendly Boutique Hotel in 2019.

Along with the estates conservation work it supports scientific research, produces organic cosmetics, conducts education programs, and donates 7% of bookings to the European Nature Trust.  

PAYMENT SCHEDULE/TERMS & CONDITIONS

A $900 non-refundable registration fee is required to book and secure your spot and room choice.  

All Prices are Per Person. If you wish to pay in Euros or British Sterling then please contact me for pricing.

Cancellation policy: $900 registration fee is non-refundable unless the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Talk directly with Elaine about any concerns.

1st payment towards balance due September 1st 2025

Remaining payment due by February 1st 2025.

Once payments are made they are non-refundable.

NO refunds after September 1st payments (in case you pay in full at the initial registration). This is a strict policy. There are no refunds and no exceptions for any reason, including Covid, injury or any other illness.

If for some reason you need to cancel, you may be able to transfer your spot to someone else. However, the new person will need to pay a new registration fee. Any changes need to be approved by Elaine. If you signed up with someone to share a room, then your roommate needs to be ok with any change.

Please contact Elaine directly to make your reservation with your preferred room choice. 

***It is HIGHLY suggested to have your own travel insurance such as “cancel for any reason” in case you need to cancel last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you read what your insurance covers you for. You need to take full responsibility for your own health or if any health issues arise. Again, payments are non-refundable and it is not the responsibility of Elaine to refund for any part of your trip.***

What to Expect on a Yoga Retreat?

A yoga retreat is the perfect combination of traveling without the hassle of figuring out all the logistics. 

Everything on retreat is optional (even the yoga). You decide how much you wish to participate. But there is the healthy focus for your mind and body with daily practice offerings. It is a super opportunity to delve deeper into your yoga practice and to understanding yoga and meditation on a different level and ways to incorporate it into your everyday life.

Times of classes may change depending on the group and activities.  3 meals daily are included. Alcohol is permitted but respectful consumption and behavior is required.

Enjoy free time to relax when we are not doing trips. Massage and energy healing sessions can be booked.

Aside from yoga practice which is guided by Elaine, participants are responsible for what they do with their free time.

Who is it suitable for?

Single travelers, friends, couples are all welcome. If you are a go-with-the-flow type of person who has a good sense of humor, is up for a bit of adventure then this retreat should be a good fit. If you want to have a unique experience, be open to new experiences then sign up!

However, if you know you are high maintainence, if you need someone to do things for you all the time, if you are use to staying at hotels, resorts, high end places, then this most likely is not the trip for you!