Five easy ways to practice mindfulness on the coast of Wales

Mindfulness has become something of a wellness buzzword in recent years, however it isn’t all about yoga and spiritual retreats, although that’s a part of it. Mindfulness can be achieved in a multitude of different ways and places. You can boost you mood simply by talking a mindful walk.

Take a tech detox

Digital detoxing is a great way to holiday for ultimate relaxation results. Although in an increasingly digitally connected world finding places that are truly wifi-free can prove tricky. Fortunately for seekers of digital sanctuary, Wales is blessed with numerous options, including One Cat Farm, a bijou glamping site hidden away near the coast by Aberaeron. Stay in hand-built eco-cabins surrounded by meadows, trees and a wildlife pond. It's remote enough for complete peace and quiet - apart from the usual countryside sounds! The dark skies make it perfect for sitting by a campfire, staring up at the canopy of stars above.

For a complete escape into tranquillity consider The Dreaming Retreat in Rhayader. This enchanting retreat invites you to disconnect from the chaos of modern and reconnect with nature as you partake in organised daily wellness activities, all set against breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended retreat, you’ll leave feeling revitalised and ready to tackle life.

large white building framed by colourful leaves and plants.

One Cat Farm, near Aberaeron, Ceredigion and The Dreaming, Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, Mid Wales

Meditative moments

If you’re looking to really ‘check-out’ of reality, then why not book yourself onto one of the numerous solitary and silent retreats around Wales? The Seren Centre on Gower offers you the chance to reconnect with both yourself and nature against the backdrop of a picturesque forest, wildflower meadows and the beautiful beaches of the north and south Gower coasts.

Adventure Tours UK offer several different wellness breaks including an earth-conscious surf and yoga retreat where you can enjoy mornings spent surfing on the waves and evenings unwinding in clifftop yoga sessions.

Seren Retreat

Accommodation

Swansea

Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

Adventure Tours UK

Attraction

Ruthin

One Cat Farm

Accommodation

Lampeter

Feeling crafty?

According to research, art therapy and crafts are proven to boost self-esteem, and improve mood and brain function. Aside from these benefits, it’s often just really good fun to learn a new skill and create things with our hands. Make It In Wales is a collective of around twenty Welsh designer-makers who specialise in the likes of knitting, sewing, jewellery making, paper-folding, tapestry weaving, stained glass making, photography, dressmaking and natural dyeing. Make It Wales runs classes and courses in venues across Mid and West Wales, including Cardigan, Lampeter and Fishguard. However, if you prefer your craft in the great outdoors, Cardigan Bay Active in Ceredigion offers wilderness bushcraft training courses that cover everything from the basics of fire lighting and wilderness cooking, to using tools and making shelters.

woman stood looking at sewing and woman sat at sewing machine.

Make It Wales classes and courses in Mid and West Wales

Find your hygge

Hygge is the Danish art of living well. A notion that fits in with the concept of mindfulness, and one which you can completely immerse yourself in at the glorious fforest Farm in Cardigan on the west coast of Wales. Find your Hygge at fforest’s 500 acres where you can choose from a range of accommodation including shacs, lofts, domes and cabins. Walk the river gorge and reed beds down to Cardigan or into Cilgerran and enjoy serene mornings and stunning starry skies from your accommodation. Light the wood-fired sauna after a river or sea swim. Enjoy their cosy pub, Y Bwthyn or a supper night at Woodland restaurant. Watch the sun rise and set, and listen to birdsong at dusk. And simply surrender to the majesty of Welsh nature at its finest.

Read more: Head to fforest for a feast.

Accommodation at Fforest loolking out to the countryside

fforest, Mid Wales

Cooking on the coast

Wales has some of the most spectacular coastline in the world, but what many people don’t realise is just how bountiful it is, packed full of delicious natural, raw ingredients that form the basis of some incredible dishes. You just need to know where to look, and what to look for. So if wild foraging piques your interest why not book yourself onto a fishing and foraging course in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park? Try a Seashore Foraging Course with Wild About Pembrokeshire in St Davids. Here you’ll discover how to find sea vegetables, including dulse, sea spaghetti and the famous Welsh favourite, laver. Then you’ll be shown how to prepare and cook your haul around a beach fire.