From £925 3-7 June 2027
A retreat in the rolling Borders countryside
A 5-day, 4-night yoga, meditation and qi gong retreat in the Scottish Borders, near Selkirk. Set in a Victorian mansion on a private 100-acre estate perfectly time as we head towards midsummer when the days are at their longest.
Daily Yoga & meditation practice, wild swimming, sound bath, plant-based food, hot tub, infrared sauna, crafting and an evening talk on the Scottish witch trials.
Long ago in the Scottish Borders, the Mairches gathered each midsummer to mark the turning of the year. Communities in the Scottish Borders still gather every year to celebrate their historic boundary markers known as "Common Ridings" or "riding of the marches." We come to do the same, as gentle we embrace slow living through breath, movement and good company.
Where you'll stay
A private Victorian mansion
set in 100 acres
Our retreat home is a charming Victorian mansion, built in 1874, set in 100 acres of estate land in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Offering Twin rooms, doubles and king size beds with views out to the countryside. Inside, you'll find a yoga studio with a spectacular view over the boarders countryside, an in in-house library room, log fires, cosy sofas, an infrared sauna and mini gym room.Outside, an ice bath, hot tub, fire pit, vast rolling hills and plenty of wildlife.The house is lovingly preserved with original features and made all the more welcoming by its wonderfully warm and vibrant lady owner. The house exudes very relaxed grandeur. It's homely yet spacious with plenty of inviting corners to unwind and explore in peaceful freedom.
Daily yoga retreat schedule in the Scottish Borders
A gentle rhythm, nothing is compulsory, plenty of quiet time, nature.
Embrace living slowly
7:30 am - Pre-practice fruit and tea
8:00 am - Morning yoga - a slow, breath-led practice (2.5 hours):
10:45 am - Brunch: a vibrant, plant-based brunch by an amazing chef.
12:00 - 5:00 pm - Free time. walks, the loch, hot tub time, infrared sauna, the library, crafting, or sleep.
5:30 pm - Evening yoga- slow, restorative, meditation or qi gong, on one evening a sound bath.
7:15 pm – Dinner: two courses, plant-based, eaten communally.
Evening - Scottish witch trials talk on one evening and rest, read, chat.
Our 5 days end - with a gentle group closing ceremony
Is this retreat for me?
Whoever you are, you're met where you are
Complete beginners
Every practice is offered with options, You're guided through it all
Burnout & anxiety
Paula is a yoga therapist. The practice is offered to work with your nervous system
Solo travellers
Many guests come alone.
Twin share or single occupancy, your choice
Nature lovers
100 acres of estate,
a private loch, walking, fire-pit, big skies
The midsummer experience
Yoga, wild swim, sound bath, witch trial talk, meditation, rest, nature
In the height of summer, when the sun lingers until 10 p.m. and the air hums with solar energy, we will gather to absorb the season’s heightened offerings and move together toward the solstice.Our time in Scotland will be a yoga-spirited adventure in the 'Mairches’, where we use our yoga practice to embrace living slowly for five days. As well as the daily practices, we will take walks, enjoying a hike to a private borders loch, to swim if you wish to, or simply to sit on the bank and listen to the water. Wild swimming isn't compulsory: some come for the walk in the stunning scenery. One of the evening practices a sound bath gathers us to immerse into a gentle somatic sound experience. Another evening, a local historian leads a fireside talk on the Scottish witch trails, a part of the Borders' history that live just below the surface.Through the gift of yoga, you will be immersed in heartfelt practices, atmospheric moments and the grounded wisdom of those who have walked these lands before.A retreat that connects us deeply to past and present.
Under the
Scottish stars
Accommodation
Lakshmi - SOLD
£995 per person
Shared twin bedroom, private bathroom with bathtub and walk in shower.
Kali - SOLD
£995 per person
Shared twin bedroom, private bathroom with bathtub and walk in shower.
Durga
£925 per person
Shared twin bedroom, sharing an adjacent bathroom with walk in shower. (shares bathroom with Parvati room)
Parvati
£925 per person
Shared twin bedroom, sharing an adjacent bathroom with walk in shower. (shares bathroom with Durga room
Garden room - SOLD
£925 per person
Shared twin bedroom, sharing an adjacent bathroom with a bath / shower. (shares bathroom with one other room)
Aditi
Single occupancy £1295
Sharing £995 per person
Super King bed, adjacent private bathroom with bath tub and hand shower unit on bath.
Saraswati
Single occupancy £1295 - SOLD
Sharing £995 per person
Super King bed with private en suite bathroom with a walk in shower.
Food
Plant-based, with emphasis on protein, loving cooked by an excellent local chef
All meals are plant-based and expertly prepared by a local Borders chef, with an emphasis on wholesome proteins to support energy, vitality and recovery.
Pre-practice fruit and nibbles, a hearty brunch and a two-course dinner each day.
Herbal teas and coffee available throughout. Gluten-free, allergies and dietary need, just let me know when booking.
Alcoholic drinks are not supplied or served at the retreat, however you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine / something to enjoy with your dinner time meal.
Paula Malloy leading yoga retreat in Scotland
Yoga therapist, senior yoga & meditation teacher.
I've been hosting retreats for 10 years, hosting annually in Scotland, Slovenia, Mallorca, Turkey, Spain, Morocco, Norfolk, Devon, Suffolk, plus single-day retreats at Luton Hoo near my studio in Hertfordshire.
I offer reflective, slow paced practices built around your nervous system and the way you actually feel that day.
Everything Included
4 nights 5 days retreating
Daily 2.5hr morning practice
Daily 1.5hr evening practice
Yoga, Qi gong, meditation, breathwork
Sound bath session
Guided walk + optional wild swim in loch
Hearty brunch & 2 course dinner daily
All tea, herbal tea, coffee
Afternoon Scones & clotted cream on arrival
Homemade afternoon healthy snack daily
Witch trials history talk
Hot tub, ice bath, mini gym room
Optional crafting session
100 acres of private land to roam
Nature everywhere
Peace and quiet
Finally
The amazing Scottish borders
Spread across 2,000 square miles of rolling wild land, widescreen hill scapes, and clear-running rivers, the Scottish Borders is a region steeped in history and beauty.
It is the easiest part of Scotland to reach, yet it holds some of the deepest stories.
Few places have witnessed more bloodshed, battles, and upheavals over the centuries and it was here, in the late 1600s, that Scotland’s final witch trial took place.
Today, the Borders exude a gentler spirit, a land of impassioned literature, slow-moving historic towns, and a rich textile heritage. Traditions are held close, yet a modern creative energy shines through in its independent shops, thriving arts scene, and outdoor pursuits. The rural scenery remains medicine for the soul, while its culture and tradition continues to inspire and educate all who take time to roam this land. This retreat is the perfectly opportunity to embrace living slowly in the natural rhythms of the wild Scottish land
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Frequently asked questions
Is this retreat suitable for beginners? Yes. The retreat is suitable for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Every practice is offered with simpler options and modifications. Paula is a qualified yoga therapist and senior yoga & meditation teacher , the focus is on a practice that suits the body in front of her, not on advanced poses, unless of course this is something you wish to try.
How much does the retreat cost and what's included? Prices for 2027 start from £910 per person (shared twin, shared bathroom) to £1,300 (single occupancy of an ensuite king room). The price includes 4 nights' accommodation, all yoga, qigong, meditation and breathwork sessions, a sound bath session, a guided wild-swim walk to a private loch (wild swim optional) an evening talk on the witch-trials in the borders, all food which includes brunch and a 2 course dinner daily, teas and coffee, afternoon snack, use of the hot tub, infrared sauna, library and mini gym, optional afternoon crafting session.
Where exactly is the Scotland yoga retreat? The retreat is held at a private Victorian mansion near Ashkirk, Selkirk, in the Scottish Borders (postcode TD7 4NY). It is about 50 minutes' drive south of Edinburgh, set in 100 acres of private estate land, with a yoga studio overlooking the Borders countryside.
Can I come on the retreat alone? Yes , the majority of guests come alone. The retreat is structured to feel immediately social (communal meals, group practice, shared experiences) while still protecting plenty of quiet alone-time. Twin-shared rooms are available at a lower price for solo travellers happy to share; single occupancy is also available.
What is qigong, and how is it different from yoga? Qigong is a Chinese movement and breath practice based on slow, flowing motion to cultivate energy ("qi") and ease tension in the body. Yoga is an Indian practice that includes poses, breath and meditation. Both calm the nervous system and complement each other beautifully, on retreat, you'll be able to experience both.
Optional Extra Excursions If you'd like to see a little more of The Boarders while on retreat, there are many places for you to explore. Melrose Abbey Famous for its iconic ruined Cistercian abbey, with views of the Eildon Hills. Floors Castle One of Scotland's largest inhabited castles, set within a beautiful estate. Jedburgh Abbey Another historic abbey and a key attraction in the Borders. Kelso A charming market town known for its large square and fine Georgian architecture Peebles A beautiful town on the banks of the River Tweed, popular for fishing and as a base for gardens Eildon Hills Offers excellent hiking opportunities and panoramic views Tweed Valley Known for its natural beauty, with options for walking and cycling paths St Abbs Head A nature reserve with dramatic sea cliffs, offering spectacular views
Check in and out The retreat is Thursday to Monday Check-in time is on Thursday after 3pm Practice on arrival day is at 5:30pm Check-out is Monday at 12pm
What food is served on the retreat? All meals on the retreat are plant-based (vegan and vegetarian), prepared by an amazing local Borders chef. (Truly amazing) The menu emphasises wholesome proteins to support both vitality and recovery. Each day includes pre-practice fruit and nibbles, a hearty brunch, and a two-course dinner. Tea, herbal teas and coffee are available all day. Special dietary needs (gluten-free, allergies) can be accommodated, mention them when booking.
Do I need travel insurance? Yes. Travel insurance is a condition of booking. It must cover cancellation, health, pandemics, activities such as yoga, walking, swimming in the loch if you opt for this and any additional excursions. The deposit (£250) is non-refundable, so travel insurance protects you in case life intervenes.
How do I get to the retreat from London? From London: train from King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (4-4.5 hours), then a connecting Borders Railway train from Waverley to Tweedbank (about 55 minutes). There is also a diret train from Stevenage to Edinburgh. From Edinburgh airport: tram or bus into Waverley City Centre, then the train to Tweedbank. Shared taxis from Tweedbank to the retreat can be arranged once you've booked.
Is wild swimming compulsory? No. The wild swim is optional. Nothing on the retreat is compulsory, you're welcome to drop in an out of any activity. There is a guided walk to a beautiful Borders loch, and getting in the water is entirely your choice. Many guests come for the walk and watch from the shore, the experience is just as restorative either way.
What is NOT included? Flights, travel, transfers to and from the airport or station (we can arrange shared taxis from Tweedbank at extra cost), travel insurance (essential), optional massages, optional excursions and transport for them, and any meals & drinks on optional excursions.
What is qigong, and how is it different from yoga? Qigong is a Chinese movement and breath practice based on slow, flowing motion to cultivate energy ("qi") and ease tension in the body. Yoga is an Indian practice that includes poses, breath and meditation. Both calm the nervous system and complement each other beautifully, on retreat, you'll be able to experience both.
Finally I am foremost a yoga therapist & teacher not a travel agent. I will endeavour to do my best to insure your yoga retreat is as wonderful as I know you’d wish it to be, so please do feel free to let me know if you have any further questions, or if I have missed any information that you might need and I’d be delighted to assist. I really do look forward to sharing this delightful retreat with you. Warmest love Paula