Self-care & Nature Retreat for widows and widowers, 20-25 February 2022, Isle of Bute

As are all of our soul spas, this week is all about self-care and re-treating yourself. Spending time in nature, gentle yoga movements, walks, delicious food and drink, creative writing, printmaking and other creative things are on offer whenever you feel like it.

The still quite dark months are a good time for taking another wee break, one that is completely dedicated to self-care and enjoyment, without any pressures. The beautiful island scenery on the Isle of Bute and the cozy and welcoming feel of the house that is our venue offer the ideal surroundings for exploring things we may want to have in our lives going forward. While the elements do their thing outside – they can be wild in Scotland! – we’ll sit by the cosy log fire, hot drink in hand, and chat, write, create, read, or just be quiet.

The word Còsagach is the Scottish Gaelic word for being snug, sheltered and cosy….just what we need during the darker times of the year.

Optional programme

We’ll put together a light touch programme of yummy things and, as usual, everything is optional. It’s totally up to you when you join in and when you do your own thing. This is what I (Ute, founder of Fire & Rain) have planned with my co-host Sarah (yoga & creative writing teacher):

Hiking & exploring – walking allows us to really see, feel and smell the stunning environments of this island location. We will venture out on mindful walks to explore the natural surroundings and visit some of Bute’s best bits on an island tour.

Reflection and mindfulness – mindfulness is a kind way of being in the here and now. The advice grieving people often get is to just take one day at a time. And it makes sense. But sometimes you can only bear looking at one hour at a time, or even one minute. Mindfulness and living in the moment isn’t a complicated science but very simple, really. We will offer some simple tools and exercises to help you lean into this approach to living. We’ll also bring along our library of books and resources for you to rummage around in.

Yoga – yoga has helped us on our own journeys and the soul spa location is ideal for some mindful exercise. Join us on the mat in the mornings when Sarah, a qualified yoga teacher, will guide us through feel-good moves to wake up the body. Mats and blankets will be available. None of the sessions require previous experience and you don’t have to be particularly flexible or anything.

Creative writing & other creative stuff – you don’t need to be an artist and even if you think you have no creative bone in your body we can guarantee that you’ll be enjoying some or all of the activities we’ve built into the break. Nature offers beautiful materials, and we’ll bring along some more for you to create with. There will be short writing sessions and we’ve a few other tasty surprises in store for you to get your creative juices flowing.

Very importantly, there will be plenty time to relax and drift….and just be!

Thank you so much for your kindness and support. And for helping me to see a way to a positive future. Thank you too to everyone here. Can’t describe what it has meant. Sharing and learning. And enjoying such wonderful food together. C xxx

Location & accommodation

Beautiful Bute is one of the most accessible Scottish islands, just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde. The island has a rare blend of worldliness and wilderness. Its most famous attraction is the stately home Mount Stuart, which we will visit for a private tour. The spectacular Gothic house was the ancestral home of the Marquess of Bute and is known for its magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and design together with contemporary craftsmanship. Bute also has several beautiful beaches.

Our retreat venue is located in Rothesay and overlooks the Firth of Clyde. The house is comfortably furnished and with original features, there is plenty of space for gathering and creating, and also private areas for relaxing! All rooms are en-suite.

Bute is just a short ferry ride from Wemyss Bay on the mainland – for information on how to get to there please check out the practicalities pages.

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Cost & what’s included

• 6 days/ 5 nights en-suite accommodation in tasteful accommodation
• All meals – freshly made and where possible from local seasonal ingredients
• Snacks and beverages (coffee, teas, hot chocolate, fruit juices etc.)
• Daily yoga sessions
• Nature walks
• Island tour
• Creative writing & art sessions
• Fire & Rain journal
• Materials for creative activities
• Access to library of resources
• A few surprises

Price per person: GBP 1390 (twin room, sharing, an additional GBP 290 to have room to yourself).

The retreat starts late afternoon on 20 February and finishes in the morning (after breakfast) on 25 February. We will advise on which ferry to take and offer complimentary pick up from and drop off at Rothesay ferry terminal.

Reserve your space here!

The little things

Fire & Rain soul spas have been planned and designed with much attention to detail to make everything as enjoyable as possible for our guests. We keep adding things and ideas whenever we come across something inspiring or useful. And you don’t have to worry if you’ve forgotten our toothbrush or body lotion. Our hospitality basket will be filled with useful things, just in case.

I arrived with low expectations, but the love and kindness I received from you all allowed me to sing again, which was beyond anything I hoped for. Nothing will take away the pain of losing my darling Maggie but hearing all your stories gave me a sense of perspective which I don’t think I could have achieved without being with Fire & Rain. Thank you Ute, Lindsey and my new friends for allowing me to be me. Thank you Andy and Joan for your wonderful hospitality. Namaste. Bob xxx