On a cold January morning, under a sky that felt endlessly grey, the idea of escape seemed indulgent.
The year had only just begun, yet it already felt as though it was racing ahead, and many of us were still recalibrating after the Christmas and New Year rush, easing back into work, routine and responsibility.
So, a fellow Bloom wellbeing writer and I headed off to what promised to be a truly indulgent day, a one-day retreat hosted by local East Belfast studio, Yoga Quarter.
What unfolded was a day centred on connection, calm and thoughtful pause.
Held at The Goat House Retreat in Cranley, near Downpatrick, the setting quietly supported the tone without overshadowing it. The welcoming, restored stone barn offered a cosy lounge space, complete with original stonework and a vaulted ceiling. Chairs invited you to sink into them, with cosy blankets draped nearby. A table was laid with different teas and wonderfully good coffee. It was the kind of environment that encouraged you to exhale before the day had even properly begun.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a softness to the day. Everyone was invited to share what they hoped to gain, whether rest, clarity, connection or simply time away from the noise of January. There is something quietly powerful about stating an intention out loud. It shifts you gently from simply turning up to fully arriving.
Each guest was welcomed with a carefully curated goody bag, a thoughtful nod to the supportive local wellbeing community around Yoga Quarter. Inside were lip balms from Northern Ireland brands Plumpy Balms and Linewoods, and a range of other wonderful brands including Tisserand with their De-Stress Routine Mist and Roller Ball, and a winter stock up of Vitamin D3 from Healthspan. There were turmeric and ginger shots and kefir drinks from Agua De Madre, and SPF50 from Q+A Skincare for brighter days ahead.
Nourishment, the Thoughtful Way
The day began with a beautifully prepared lunch of comforting tomato and miso soup, served with incredible home-baked bread from local caterer Sarah who runs the fabulous Little Pink Kitchen.
In the evening, Cajun spiced tofu and sweet potato skewers were served alongside coconut rice, pineapple and sweetcorn salsa and mixed leaves, followed by rich vegan chocolate pots that were truly divine.
Nothing felt rushed. There was time to sit, to talk, to properly taste and enjoy the thoughtfully prepared food by Sarah our very own East Belfast caterer.
A Gentle Afternoon
After lunch, the rhythm softened further. Some guests curled up in the lounge area with books. Others stepped outside for a brisk winter walk in the fresh Mourne air. A small group gathered for mindful art, painting delicate stained-glass style designs and rediscovering the quiet pleasure of creating without pressure.
There was laughter. There were deeper conversations. There were also long, comfortable silences.
This is the beauty of a one-day retreat. It offered space without overwhelm. Connection without obligation. Solitude without isolation.
90 Minutes on the Mat
The heart of the day was Susan’s 90-minute yoga practice in the wonderfully spacious Mourne Yoga Studio. Her teaching was steady and grounding, attentive to the energy in the room and inclusive in its approach. The session blended strength and softness, movement and stillness.
There was time to build warmth in the body, to stretch into areas tight from winter hibernation and to properly rest at the end. Blankets were pulled up. Shoulders dropped. Breathing slowed.
The retreat closed with a beautifully prepared dinner, and the atmosphere was noticeably quieter than it had been that morning. Faces were softer. Conversations gentler. There was a shared sense that something subtle but meaningful had shifted.
Why Retreats Matter
“Retreats create space for people to reconnect with themselves and with others,” believes Susan. “When we step away from our daily roles, even briefly, we remember who we are underneath the noise. The people are at the heart of Yoga Quarter. These days are about connection as much as movement.”
That sense of community was tangible. People arrived alone and left with new friendships forming. Familiar faces reconnected. Plans were made for future classes.
Beyond One Day
For those tempted by a longer escape, Yoga Quarter returns to Tarifa, Spain, from 17 to 22 May for its second year at Huerta Belinda. Two places remain at the time of writing. Bloom’s writer Mars Webb attended last year with her daughter and described it as a truly special experience, a week of sunshine, movement and shared moments in a stunning setting.
New dates for Goa, India in 2027 will be announced shortly.
But as this January retreat demonstrated, restoration does not require a passport, just the willingness to step, briefly, away from the everyday.
Visit www.yogaquarter.com or even better visit one of their classes.
