An Extraordinary Day

Unveiling the self in a historic Welsh Castle

A magical day retreat at Plas Llanmihangel

Dear Friend

How are you feeling today? I’m in good spirits, after hosting a journaling day retreat in an enchanted Welsh castle.

One of my dear friends bought a 12th century castle a couple of years ago, as you do! I couldn’t believe it when she told me she had bought a 12th century castle.  Through sheer grit and determination, Leanne poured her heart and soul into refurbishing this grand residence. I’ve loved following her most extraordinary journey of bringing the castle back to life. So you can imagine how excited I was when I got the opportunity to stay the night and host a therapeutic journaling retreat for a few guests in a castle - a day of pure indulgence.

The day began with my guests settling into the castle’s Great Hall, a space that would soon become their sanctuary for self-discovery.  The ladies mingled over posh coffee and homemade shortbread biscuits, introducing themselves and sharing stories that resonated. Once everyone had arrived and settled, I opened up the retreat with a gentle therapeutic journaling session.  

After getting our creative juices flowing, it was story sharing time.  Now, I know what you’re thinking “share my innermost thoughts with strangers?” But let me tell you, there’s something quite soothing about sitting in a centuries old castle that makes opening up feel more natural.  The stories that emerged were beautiful, touching and sometimes really relatable.  We laughed, we nodded in understanding and yes, there might have been a tear or two.

Next up, we had a tour of the castle, guided around grand master suites, peaking into the east and west wings, then onto the enchanting tower suite, which was fit for a princess. Our lovely guide Becca peppered us with fascinating facts and juicy historical gossip. Did you know…?  Well, I’ll save those tidbits for when you join us next time!

By this point our tummy’s were rumbling louder than the castle ghosts.  By the time we returned to the Great Hall, our journaling table was covered with a smorgasbord lunch platter.  Picture local cheeses, fresh figs, artisanal breads and treats that had us all going back for “just one more bite”.  We grazed and gazed, chatting and giggling over our feast with ease.

Post lunch, it was time for some “YOU” time.  Armed with our journals, books and magazines, we scattered to find our perfect writing nook.  Some curled up in a window seat with views across the pond, others found cosy corners by the fire and a few explored the castle grounds, one found hugging the ancient yew trees!

As the day wound down, we regrouped to share our experiences about what we had discovered, not only about the castle but ourselves, and our new friends.  Into the afternoon there was lots more chitter chatter, group photographs and refreshment refills. The energy was palpable, eyes bright with creativity, minds whirring with new ideas and hearts full of joy that came from a day well spent.

The retreat ended with a final reflective discussion and a gentle stroll around the gardens. It was perfect timing, as we’d had rain in the morning, but the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, as if the castle was giving us a warm Welsh “farewell”.

If the walls could talk...

So, if you’re looking to escape the daily grind, process your thoughts or just fancy a day of writing and relaxing in a castle, why not join me next time?

This is what some of my guests had to say about their experience…

"An elegant and beautifully curated setting; stories and inspiration for writing whisper from every secret nook, object and wild space. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon”. Sarah

"Tanya has a wonderful way about her. She's a natural host and yet, delivers so much more. She genuinely wants everyone to understand the importance of stepping away from our daily hurly-burly lives and to reflect. The expertise she has in journalling is second to none. Previously a skeptic, I am now converted due to her professional approach and practical support. She has a keen eye for beautiful surroundings and the finer things in life and has found a real gem in Plas Llanihnagel. If you are looking for an escape to evaluate or to process how life is panning out for you - I wholeheartedly recommend you invest in Tanya at Ease Retreats. You will not be disappointed.” Amanda

Remember, sometimes to move forward, we need to step back - into history, into nature and into ourselves. I hope the stars align, so that one day, you’ll be able to join me for a journaling day retreat in Plas Llanmihangel

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

Come away to retreat 'with ease'

What’s On 'with ease'

Journal through July - a 30 day journaling challenge over on Substack Notes. Daily prompts and top tips to encourage you to “Rage on a Page”

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with 6 women and there are only 3 spaces left available. Starting from the 9th September 2024

More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop - 27th September 2024

Storytelling with ease & Tim Lott - This day retreat will cover both memoir and fiction.  It will concentrate on the emotional journey of being a writer; but also the practical aspects of how to get your ideas on the page; including creating outlines, generating story ideas and understanding story structure and character development.25th October 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale - there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! 18th-20th October 2024