Q&A with our 2025 retreat leaders
Escape to the serene countryside of East Sussex for a truly restorative experience with Croydon Yoga Hub’s upcoming retreat at Florence House. Led by studio director Laura and esteemed teacher Katharine, this four-day journey is designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit through a carefully curated blend of movement, breathwork, meditation, rest, and connection.
Nestled just moments from the breathtaking Seven Sisters coastline, Florence House offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and recharge, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, personal growth, or simply a chance to step away from the busyness of daily life, this retreat provides the ideal setting for renewal.
Curious to learn more? We sat down with Laura and Katharine to dive into all the details of this transformative experience. Keep reading to discover what makes this retreat so special!
What first drew you to Florence House?
Katharine: Florence House is special, it's the perfect combo of serene house and gardens overlooking the sea with plenty of space to explore and socialise but also find moments of quiet. The yoga space is beautiful with floor to ceiling windows, spacious but cosy. It's super easy to get to from Croydon or South East London but feels far enough away to give you space from your day to day life. Florence House also serves the most delicious food.
Are there additional costs for excursions, treatments, or special workshops
Katharine: We will be running workshops during the weekend that are completely free and part of the retreat schedule. There are additional costs if you would like to have a massage or use the beachside sauna.
What inspired you to create or host this retreat?
Laura: My four most recent retreats have all been abroad but I was called to organise a UK retreat this time around as I really wanted to embrace some of the beautiful scenery available here and I feel that being able to easily catch a train or make a reasonably short drive to the location takes so much stress out of going away, especially for a shorter trip. Once Katharine and I teamed up, I think we really inspired each other as we have a very complementary skill set and we each bring something different to the table.
What is the main focus of the retreat?
Katharine: We've chosen this weekend to allow us to focus on the shift between Spring and Summer. Reflecting on what we've begun to grow during Spring, enabling us to take a pause, before the height of Summer. We really want this retreat to mirror what is happening in the natural world and so you'll experience a careful balance of mindful, slower and steady practices alongside more dynamic, fast-paced classes.
What’s your teaching philosophy or approach to yoga?
Laura: Yoga is a system of personal transformation and there is a suitable access point for anyone who is interested in trying it regardless of their starting point. My teaching methodology is rooted in the Ashtanga lineage which has a strong focus on the physical practice as a way into accessing deeper meditative states, and my classes are therefore fairly dynamic but invite a strong inward focus. Katharine tends towards the softer styles of Yin and Restorative yoga which encourage deep relaxation and surrender. We're pleased to be able to offer our students on this retreat over 30 years combined experience with yoga between the both of us.
What will I get out of coming to the retreat?
Katharine: We hope you get what you need by coming on this retreat. That you'll come away with a renewed sense of self, calm and focus on where you've been and where you're going for the rest of the year. Restored, rejuvenated and ready for the faster paced months of the year.
What kind of other activities are included?
Laura: Both Katharine and I are leading a workshop during the retreat, separate to the two daily classes. We're also offering meditation, breathwork and yoga nidra everyday. There will be a bonfire social one evening, as well as opening and closing circles at the beginning and end of the weekend.
What are the surroundings like? Are there opportunities for exploring the local area?
Katharine: Florence House is nestled in a beautiful garden overlooking the South Coast. Seaford is a charming seaside town and just a little bit further along you have the white cliffs of Seven Sisters. There will be opportunities within the schedule to explore the local area and go out for a walk, swim or enjoy a cup of tea by the sea.
What level of yoga practice is expected?
Laura: To get the most out of the retreat, we would recommend that you already have a somewhat regular yoga practice and are familiar with the most common postures. However, we also welcome beginners if they are happy to skip the more demanding sessions. It's also not uncommon to have people being their partners who just want to soak up the ambience, enjoy the food and not partake in the yoga whatsoever.
What is the duration and intensity of the yoga sessions each day?
Laura: The yoga sessions will be between 60-90 minutes - luckily we don't have to watch the clock like we do in our normal lives so can allow for things to spill over if we're having a good discussion or need to spend a little longer in savasana. The morning sessions will be dynamic flows with options for all levels, apart from complete beginners. The evening sessions will be much slower paced and more suitable for all.
Will there be time for socialising with the group?
Katharine: There absolutely will be time for socialising as a group. Of course, if you want time on your own, know that there will also be time for you to do this too. You’ll have the chance to meet, and spend time with, like-minded people. We'll be eating together, sitting around a bonfire one evening and there will also be time between practices to sit and chat or go for a walk or swim with people you meet.
So do you want to step into summer feeling revitalised, centred, and inspired? Then join us for this enriching retreat experience and embrace the harmony of nature, yoga, and community.
More details can be found HERE