HIGHLIGHTS: SCENIC Glendalough VALLEY • ELEMENTAL CEREMONIES
WATERFALL / COASTAL TOUR • BREATHWORK • SPA TREATMENT • HISTORIC WALKS • SAUNA RITUAL • BOTANICAL WORKSHOP

OVERVIEW

RITUAL + RENEWAL

YOGA + CEREMONY + BREATH - This is a very special retreat and continued partnership for EPM. We will focus on an itinerary of true renewal with yoga, meditation, breathwork, daily ceremony (cacao, water, fire, altar-making, tea), and some nature and element-focused outings. Plus we will have a highlight on time to rest and renew with slower days, journal prompts for you to spend time on your own, and daytrips which nourish our soul. Then our days will be filled with meaningful work designed to renew our spirits and bodies. Join us for this intimate time and come with an open heart.

Nestled among the rolling green hills and rugged coastlines of Ireland, this wellness and ceremony retreat offers a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and inspiration. Surrounded by ancient landscapes, misty mornings, and the rhythm of the forests, participants are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover their true self.

Our time will be based around the elements which will provide a framework for this special itinerary. We will start the retreat with an opening sharing circle to set the space and intentions for the retreat, and end our time together with a closing circle as well to recount some of the things we will take away with us. Below is a list to give an idea of the special activities that we’ll be partaking in during this themed itinerary:

EARTH ELEMENT
Grounding yoga session, Forest Bathing Meditation Walk to Historic Ruins, Altar-making Workshop

WATER ELEMENT
Transformational Breathwork Session, Visit to Waterfall for Water Ceremony, Visit to Coastal Town and Nature Seaside Walk

FIRE ELEMENT
Transformational Breathwork Session, Pirtis Sauna Ceremoy, Botanical Workshop, Evening Fire & Cacao Ceremony

AIR ELEMENT
Yoga Nidra Meditation, Spa Treatments, Soundbath Healing, Heart Opening Hawthorn Tea Ceremony, Closing Circle & Breath

ACCOMMODATION

Our home for the retreat is Deerstone Eco Hideaway, a unique off-grid sanctuary tucked within the peaceful Irish countryside. Known for its handcrafted eco luxury lodges, natural surroundings, and commitment to sustainability, the space offers a rare sense of tranquility and connection to nature. With forest trails, open skies, and thoughtfully designed communal spaces, Deerstone provides the perfect setting to unplug from daily distractions and fully immerse yourself in rest, creativity, and meaningful connection.

With cozy accommodations, locally sourced meals, and the soothing presence of Ireland’s natural beauty, this retreat is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to reset, recharge, and return home with renewed clarity, creativity, and a sense of calm.

ACTIVITIES

Throughout the retreat, we will have the opportunity to explore some of Ireland’s most inspiring landscapes and cultural highlights through a series of carefully curated day trips and restorative experiences. One day will be dedicated to visiting the breathtaking valley of Glendalough (just walking distance from our hotel), nestled within the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. This ancient monastic settlement, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century, is surrounded by serene lakes, forest trails, and dramatic mountain scenery. Guests will have time to walk through the historic ruins, explore the peaceful pathways, and soak in the quiet beauty that has inspired pilgrims, writers, and artists for centuries.

Another day we’ll start off the day at a hidden waterfall where we’ll have a water ceremony followed by a breakfast then a visit to a historic estate and garden. Then we continue our water theme with a coastal excursion through the scenic landscapes of County Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland”, with a journey along the dramatic coastline, and a visit to a seaside town.

Back at the hotel, the program also includes deeply restorative experiences designed to balance exploration with relaxation. We will enjoy spa treatments that encourage rest and renewal, allowing time to unwind, as well as a hands-on botanical workshop will invite participants to connect with Ireland’s plant life and traditional herbal wisdom. A special sauna ceremony as well as a dinner in town and spa treatments on site are other fun surprises in store for us.

CUISINE

Healthful, local food is part of the retreat experience. After a welcome cocktail reception, we will be indulging in a variety of fare during our week - from cozy meals at our hotel to a few meals out in town. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients—often locally sourced from nearby farms and Irish producers—celebrating the natural flavors of the region. Our program includes daily breakfast and dinner, and selected lunches (there are a couple occasions where meals are during freetime for guests so they can arrange as they prefer).

*In the yogic tradition, most meals on our retreats are vegetarian. When the company was founded, we wanted to create consistency and integrity within our yogic lineage as well as finding the most consistent way in each location to leave a light footprint. We know not all our guests are vegetarian, but we ask that they be open and understanding of the principles that guide this choice for just the few days that we are together. Plus, a couple of the provided meals at sea-based locations will have an option for seafood, and of course guests can choose whatever they prefer from menus when we are on our own for a few meals during the week. Special allergies can be addressed and noted.

WELLNESS + CEREMONY

Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and vinyasa flow. Plus meditations such as yoga nidra, guided meditation, and walking meditation will be offered. Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga and meditation classes during our time together will take place at beautiful setting in the castle, while some of our ceremony spaces will vary between the garden, forest, outdoor fire circle, and terraces.

Our sessions of movement, yoga, breath, and ceremonies will be led and shared by our two facilitors: Special Guest Collaborator, Michele Anne Barocchi, and EPM Founder, Erin Lewis.

MICHELE ANNE BAROCCHI
Michèle Anne Barocchi MPH PhD (Scientist, MAPS Italia - President, Transformational Breath® Facilitator, MAPS MDMA-AT trainee, Teacher and Founder of Inbodhi Yoga, E-RYT500, Certified Vedic Chant Teacher) defines her experience as a long journey that, through different disciplines and techniques, has led her to work with the human body and its capacity for self-healing. The journey began with a PhD in Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of California, Berkeley. The lifestyle of a medical resident can be very stressful, and Michèle found relief in the regular practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga at a small studio in San Francisco. She soon realized that she had found a simple yet powerful tool for connection.

In August 2015, Michèle personally experienced the importance of the teachings she had learned, especially the power of breath. Involved in a nearly fatal car accident, she used breath to stay conscious and survive until help arrived. The accident resulted in the amputation of her left leg and confined her to bed for 8 months, giving her the opportunity to explore non-physical forms of connection and healing. A year after the accident, she encountered Transformational Breath®, a technique that deeply supported her journey towards reclaiming her personal power and helped her let go of a toxic relationship and any remnants of victimhood. Once again, breath saved her life.

She soon completed professional training as a Transformational Breath® facilitator and studied healing techniques from Amazonian tribes, such as the Paqo Andino - Despacho rituals - from the sacred mountain traditions of Peru. Her mission as a facilitator of these practices is to support others in learning the necessary means for healing, thus making each individual independent in their transformation journey.

Currently, Michèle is collaborating on the creation of MAPS Italia, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about psychedelic medicine, research, and therapy in Italy. This initiative has the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of psychedelic science and its therapeutic applications in the country. It is essential to support and collaborate with initiatives like MAPS Italia to promote dialogue, research, and education on psychedelic substances and their potential benefits for mental health and well-being. What matters is not what happens to you, but what you do with that experience.

ERIN LEWIS

Eat Pray Move founder, has practiced yoga since 1998 and has trained in various disciplines from Ashtanga, the Rocket series, core power yoga, as well as the Strala method, and also incorporates practices from the yin, restorative, and yoga nidra styles as well. Having taught in studios in Florida, New York City, and Florence, Italy, Erin has also led thousands of guests around the world for over 13 years on EPM yoga retreats. She continues to evolve in her personal practice which naturally makes its way through her teaching. She loves sharing not only the asana (movement) limb of yoga with others, but also the many other facets which lead to life-changing shifts in our daily habits. Throughout the years she has deepened her study with ongoing education and certifications and finds there to be truth in what Sri K Pattabhi Jois famously stated: "Practice, and all is coming." She’s been blessed throughout her yoga practice to be surrounded by beautiful teachers who grow with their students, adjust lovingly, and practice what they teach...and continues to strive to be such a facilitator of yoga herself.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

WHAT PAST GUESTS ARE SAYING

DETAILS / PRICING