Gayles is an independent, family-managed retreat facility and we particularly value visitors with a more serious (but not humourless!) approach, who come hereto learn and are open to self-development in whatever area; be it spiritual, psychological or emotional exploration or purely extending their physical practice. We try to encourage experienced teachers who offer well-informed, grounded, safe and properly held courses. The immediate ambience and the surrounding countryside are quite uniquely special and ideal for allowing you the space to step back from the hectic pace of the everyday, to reflect and reconnect. With this in mind, we ask that the people who come here respect that Gayles is also a family home, participate fully in the activities and appreciate that your experience will be enhanced by your willingness to learn. Although the facilities and catering are all of very good quality, Gayles is not a spa-type facility and would not be the right place for you if you are looking for a pampering weekend.

Roz's retreats are suitable for both complete beginners and advanced practitioners. The physical practice of asana is taken to the level that Roz sees in front of her at each retreat. Participants are only expected to follow through with what they feel comfortable with. Every posture is moved into in steps increasing the degree of difficultly with each step. Beginners might like to stay at the first step whereas experienced practitioners may like to follow through the whole sequence.  

The meditation is mainly guided offering a number of different approaches. There is a half hour unguided session of meditation on the morning of the last day, however the yoga/meditation hall is open at all times for individual if they would like to immerse themselves in longer periods of meditation outside of scheduled activities.

Our day retreats are £125 and our weekend retreats cost from £300–£600 depending on accommodation choice.

Unfortunately, being only a small retreat we are not able to facilitate people arriving early, leaving late or staying beyond a retreat. Gayles is situated in a very tourist friendly area and it is usually easy to find a B&B or hotel nearby. A Google search for what you would like in East Dean, Birling Gap, Eastbourne or Seaford should find you somewhere accessible by bus. If you are driving, Alfriston and Jevington are also within comfortable striking distance.  

You can read our Covid-19 guidelines here.

In order for you to make the most of your time here, we respectfully ask that you turn off any electronic devices when you get here, or at least use them to a minimum. You are welcome to give either of the mobile numbers below, and/or our email address, to people who may need to contact you urgently.

The retreat mobile numbers are 0796 749 829 or 07721 023 845, our email is info@retreattogayles.co.uk

We limit our retreats to a maximum of 15 people although there may be less, depending on accommodation requests.

Yes, Roz's retreats do qualify for Continuing Professional Development Points and she is happy to give a certificate of attendance on request.

The physical practice of asana that Roz teaches is known as Vini Yoga. Moving with the breath and preparing the body for each posture before the final static hold. The priority is function over form, allowing each person to find their own way into the postures. Roz does not move around the class adjusting people's positions however she will offer guidance if needed.

Roz's retreats are suitable for both complete beginners and advanced practitioners. The physical practice of asana is taken to the level that Roz sees in front of her at each retreat. Participants are only expected to follow through with what they feel comfortable with. Every posture is moved into in steps increasing the degree of difficultly with each step. Beginners might like to stay at the first step whereas experienced practitioners may like to follow through the whole sequence.  

The meditation is mainly guided offering a number of different approaches. There is a half hour unguided session of meditation on the morning of the last day, however the yoga/meditation hall is open at all times for individual if they would like to immerse themselves in longer periods of meditation outside of scheduled activities.

We understand that the idea of not being able to talk can trigger anxiety. But if you need to talk Roz is available if you have any concerns. She has also worked for many years as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. We just ask that you are mindful and respect other people's need for silence.

Our main accommodation offering is two shared dormitory spaces. We also have limited options on single or twin/double rooms alongside camping (tents provided). Details of the spaces are can be found on our ABOUT page and you will be given available options during the booking process.

We are deeply concerned by environmental and ethical issues and try to support nature and good practice in the way we live our lives and maintain things here, this includes:

Reducing our carbon footprint with solar power and batteries supplementing our electricity use. Almost all the lighting everywhere is now low energy and the outbuildings have modern, super-efficient electric radiators. We also use a ‘green’ electricity supplier.

We source as much of our food ingredients as we can from our own organic gardens.

Shopping responsibly and buying from local independent stores as far as we are able.

Managing the grounds in a nature-friendly way and actively encouraging biodiversity. (We leave certain areas to develop as wild and in 2020 we made our own traditional chalk dew pond to help support birds, bats, insects and other wildlife).

Composting and recycling as much as possible.

We encourage visitors to car share or to use public transport when they come here.

You can participate with friends and family, although we ask that you observe the silence even if sharing a room (which for some people may prove difficult).

We will be walking for up to two-and-a-half hours so please keep an eye on the forecast and bring suitable clothing, including waterproof walking boots and a little backpack or similar. Please can you also bring your own water bottle. Our outdoor unheated pool is open from May to September and weather and tide permitting during weekend retreats we will be walking to the beach on the Sunday morning, so for those who would like to swim please bring swimming gear plus beach shoes.

The facilities at Gayles are all in separate buildings, they are quite close together but it would be sensible to bring footwear that is easily put on and taken off. Also, fairly loose comfortable clothes are a good idea for the yoga and meditation sessions. There will be some free time for yourself on the retreats and if you would like to spend it in the grounds you might like to bring a journal, drawing materials or a spiritually uplifting book along with a rug with you.

Although you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, meditation cushion and blanket we do have our own here for you to use (Covid restrictions allowing). Basic toiletries are supplied along with towels and bed linen.

The simple answer is no. You can take photos before or after the retreat starts, but during the retreat we ask that there are no distractions. Even if you have a camera (not a camera phone) we ask that you do not use it during the weekend, or day retreat.

All our food is vegetarian (and often vegan) and we are happy to cater for gluten and/or dairy free or vegan diets if you let us know at least five days before the retreat begins. Although we will do our best to cater for you if you have more particular requirements, our resources are limited and we ask that you discuss your needs with us before you book.

Yes, we provide towels and basic toiletries. Feel free to bring along your own if necessary.

Smoking/vaping is not allowed in any of the buildings but is permitted in certain areas in the grounds. Alcohol consumption is not permitted during any of our WYMS retreats.

Yes, our outdoor unheated pool is open from May to September.  

You are welcome to go for a walk on your own during the scheduled free periods.

We will offer a full refund (minus admin fee) up to 21 days before your retreat takes place. After that we can only offer a full refund (minus admin fee) if we can fill your place. You are welcome to offer your booking to a friend or family member, just let us know so we can send them a booking form to fill out.

Any refunds will be subject to a £25 administration fee.

No, we respect your privacy and if you contact us we do not share your details with anyone else (other than via Cloud Storage or for overriding welfare or legal reasons) and you can read our full Privacy Policy here.

The mobile coverage at Gayles is intermittent so we recommend that you email us first and we will usually reply within 24 hours. If your query is urgent you are welcome to telephone us between 8:00am and 6:00pm or to message us anytime. Our contact details can be found below or on the CONTACT page.

Yes, we are happy to facilitate bespoke retreats for your group, organisation or company. Please email us to discuss your requirements.