3 Days Weekend Meditation and Yoga Retreat in East Sussex, UK

"My weekend with Charlotte was absolutely wonderful. Gayles is a beautiful setting and the food was absolutely amazing. Despite my apprehensions about the dormitory room, I was extremely comfortable and relaxed. The facilities were extremely high standard, including the yoga studio which was well equipped and peaceful. Charlotte is an extremely kind, considerate and intuitive yoga teacher. She knew when was the right time to push and challenge me and when I needed to rest or take a break. Her laid back and relaxed attitude made me feel totally at ease, both in the yoga studio and outside of it where she was very approachable and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend this retreat and I will certainly be going back there myself. "

BookYogaRetreats website, edited

"I've been on 2 retreats at Gayle's with Charlotte. Gayle's is a beautiful venue, even though its dorm accommodation it is really comfortable with top notch bedding and the option of a single bed if you can't handle a bunk. The location is stunning. I think the group dynamic does effect the retreat to quite an extent. On the second retreat most people were experience retreaters and dropped into the rhythm of breakfast, yoga, meditation, periods of silence, walks and the de-stress eating plan really easily. Its a great opportunity to detox from mobile phones and the busyness of the outside world but some people found this quite challenging. The food at Gayles is excellent; they are especially good at really tasty, wholesome vegetarian cuisine.Charlotte really puts a lot of effort into her classes, they are well planned and expertly taught. I really enjoy the restful and restorative element to the practice which makes a massive difference to my body which is often in fight or flight mode - this type of yoga really brings me back down to earth. Having said that on retreat there is also the chance to go into a stronger practice which I am normally resistant to but enjoy the benefits when I get there. This is a great value retreat with an excellent teacher in a stunning location."

BookYogaRetreats, edited

"I've been wanting to email you all day to thank you for an amazing weekend but the hours have just evaporated! Life is somewhat hectic for me at the moment and your weekend was such a highlight. Thank you for sharing all your experiences and knowledge with us; you are such a lovely person."

BookYogaRetreats, edited

"I booked this retreat as I'd heard good things about Charlotte's teaching and I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the group setting, eating meals together and chatting, also with the space to get some well-needed time alone.Ive been doing yoga for many years but had been having back problems after having a child and been a bit trepidatious in my practice. Charlotte is very knowledgeable about how to modify and practice safely to support and my back was happier rather than the twinges I often get. She has a wide repertoire and we did some really playful and creative stuff which really helped me get back in touch with my body. She was very helpful to the beginners in the group too and able to accommodate all levels. The mindfulness aspect really moved this from just an exercise class to a safely held space to explore all the stuff we hold on to - not always easy, but definitely releasing.Charlotte was very supportive and always available to talk, whilst also stepping back and giving us the space to just be. I've booked another retreat for next year as I felt so good when I came home."

BookYogaRetreats, edited

"I have been on a number of retreats with Charlotte and always come away from them feeling restored, relaxed, and re-energised. As well as being hugely knowledgeable, Charlotte has a warm, friendly and approachable teaching style that makes yoga accessible and relatable. Charlotte's kind, mindful approach means that she pays close attention to the individual needs of her students, encouraging those of all abilities to develop their practice in a safe, supportive, fun environment."

BookYogaRetreats, edited

"This was my second retreat at Gayles with Charlotte. The last one was in sunny June the year before and this time I came back for a break during a very busy time at work in mid-November. Gayles is set in the Sussex countryside, ideal for a Friday-Sunday weekend retreat without having to take a day's leave.When I arrived the farm was all quiet and other participants were chatting in the communal area, reading or resting. It was dark when we did our first yoga session and meditation, followed by dinner and then time for relaxation - so quite different from the summer sessions and I love that you can really experience the seasons at Gayles.It was bliss to not have to think about what to get and cook for breakfast, lunch and dinner and to know that what I was having was nourishing and tasty. I usually long for a glass of wine but didn't miss it - the retreat is really about being around people who for different reasons are taking a break, work on their health or enjoy some me-time. We shared the space among 18 adults and Charlotte organises the times of the yoga sessions (3 per day), meditation, walks and optional nutrition talk in such a way that there was a good balance between activity and own time.Since I have a dog, I opted to read that novel I hadn't touched since summer - but on previous occasions we've been on wood walks, a stroll to the sea or exploring the Gayles' grounds (swimming pool a great option in summer). Tip: bring a small torch and easy shoes to slip in and out of as indoors is shoes off. Also, I'm a light sleeper but they supply earplugs, which worked fine.As an academic, I need to switch off and I know I'll do that with Charlotte without the sessions being too spiritual or feel like a package holiday. She is mindful that you don't injure yourself and I really love that she allows me to be kind to the body through gentle but also strong yoga. The meditation is about (self) compassion and stillness of mind and I use the recording she sent afterwards on a weekly basis. I've been on three retreats with Charlotte now and booked in for one in January and one in July 2016. Overall, I'm very happy and I look forward to the next retreat."

BookYogaRetreats, edited

"Many thanks for a great week of yoga and relaxation. You are a gifted teacher. The week really was balm for the body and soul and I felt so rested and refreshed when I came back."

Charlotte Watts, edited

"Lisa and I just wanted to say thank you so much for the fantastic week we spent with you at Les Passeroses last week. The Yoga and Mindfulness sessions were fantastic allowing us both to relax and improve our practice in what was an open yet safe environment. The venue was great and the group dynamic only added to our enjoyment. We have already been waxing lyrical to all who ask us about our week and comments have been made about how well we both look. Thanks again, your generosity, care, thoughtfulness and good humor was very much appreciated from the minute we met up in Paris to our goodbyes in London."

Charlotte Watts, edited

"After attending Charlottes classes and workshops for years, I finally went on a retreat with her and it was such a joy to be able to immerse myself in practice more and have the time to fully relax between sessions. Charlotte held and managed the group and programme really well, so we were free to enjoy ourselves fully and relax knowing that everything was in hand. She was friendly, fun and there to talk to if we needed."

December 30, edited

"Weekends at Gayles with Charlotte offer us the opportunity to relax and nourish ourselves in so many ways. We arrive as a couple and come away feeling like individuals. The programme is structured yet gentle, non-competitive and hugely restorative which is a relief in itself. It`s so lovely to be able to base ourselves in comfortable and beautiful surroundings a few miles from home. It takes going away for the weekend to another level."

December 3, edited

"I would not recommend Charlotte Watts as a mindfulness teacher or a yoga instructor. She is very narrow minded and rude. The retreat was supposed to be vegetarian, and as a vegan, I was assured I could be catered for. The food was bland at best. When others were given chocolate brownies, I was given fruit. Its unacceptable as I was paying the same money.Additionally some women attending the retreat brought meat which I found offensive, and Charlotte did nothing to manage this. The retreat itself was overly rigid and quite unwelcoming. I would never go to an event run by Charlotte again and I have actively encouraged friends not to."

November 26, edited

"Four days after the retreat I still feel as relaxed and calm and positive as I did whilst there! I loved the restorative yoga parts we did and feel very positive and motivated about taking this forward. I will go as far as to say I have raised happiness levels and I know that I can draw on Charlottes mindfulness approach on a daily basis to gradually improve my wellbeing (and parenting skills)."

2014, edited

"Thank you for an amazing weekend. Everything was perfect, I feel a lot more energised and like Ive had a holiday!"

2014, edited

"It was a brilliant weekend your kindness and firm but gentle holding of the sessions was perfect and much appreciated."

2014, edited

"Charlottes clear enthusiasm meant time practicing yoga seemed to fly by. Clear and concise instruction, delivered in a fun and friendly way, meant the yoga was the star of the show. Throw in incredible food, some de-stress nutrition talks, meditation, silent walks, massage from local therapists, and plenty of laughter and good company along the way, and you have a recipe for restoring body, mind and soul."

Charlotte Watts website, edited

"The time flew by and we felt really rejuvenated from the whole experience. Yoga with Charlotte was both restorative and energizing and she added to the depth of the yoga experience by taking us on mindful walks, leading mindful eating and evening meditations. I can honestly say that this was one of the best holidays Ive ever had!"

Charlotte Watts website, edited

"Charlotte, I just wanted to say a proper thank you for an amazing yoga trip. The setting, the people and most of all your whole approach to the holiday made it such a lovely experience to start feeling and thinking about things differently. I came home feeling calmer, healthier and more connected to my body than I can honestly ever remember!"

Charlotte Watts website, edited