Before you come
A retreat experience with La Crisalida Retreats is dedicated to supporting you on your health and wellbeing journey. This page contains information to help you prepare for your retreat at La Crisalida, so that you can make the most out of your stay with us.
After you book your stay
Take out travel insurance
Remember to take out your own travel insurance policy as soon as possible after booking and before travelling to join us. Check that it will cover you for any delays or problems with flights or unforeseen personal emergencies that might give rise to the need for a late cancellation.
Complete your health questionnaire and information form
One of our reception team will send you a confidential health questionnaire and an information form a few weeks before you are due to arrive. Please complete and return these before you arrive.
Do let us know your expected arrival and departure times. This helps us to get your room ready on time and to have a meal ready and waiting for you.
Overseas guests – check your travel details
Check if there are any visa requirements required for travel to the UK from your home country. Make sure your passport is in date. We strongly recommend that you read your airlines travel advice before travelling.
One week before you leave home
Modify your diet
The retreat provides all your food and/or juices during your stay. We offer a plant-based (vegan) diet at the retreat, which can be a change for many of our guests. We do not serve caffeine or alcohol and sugar comes in its natural form (in fruit, not processed). Sometimes, a change in diet can lead to symptoms like headaches, tiredness, grumpiness or nausea. To minimise the chance of these symptoms we recommend that you cut out (or at least reduce) the amount of caffeine, chocolate, sugar (including sugary or energy drinks), tobacco and alcohol you consume. If you would like to learn more about the detox process, we suggest you read our blog article: detox – what is it and how does it work? (opens in a new tab)
We also suggest you increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fluid, significantly in the days running up to your retreat – drink lots of water! This helps to ensure you are fully hydrated when you arrive, to help you feel at your best.
Consider booking a treatment
Our holistic treatments can help to take your relaxation and rejuvenation to the next level. Massage can be a wonderful way to help your body relax and feel rejuvenated. Learn more about the benefits of massage for relaxation (opens in a new tab). A list of available treatments can be found on the treatments page. Please contact our reception team who will be happy to arrange this for you.
Life and success coaching, or Transformational Coaching with John Brant, co-owner of La Crisalida Retreats and master trainer of NLP is also available. John is a qualified life and transformational coach who is passionate about helping others to find success on their own inspired path. Life coaching can be a fantastic tool if you need to move on from chronic stress, resentment, anxiety or depression or just want to get clear on how to move forward successfully with your life. Learn more about life coaching and its benefits here (opens in a new tab).
The day before you leave home
Get ready for your journey
Make sure you have all tickets for travel, passport or ID card (if travelling to the UK from abroad) and perhaps some money for the journey. If you are flying to the retreat, make sure you have checked in and sorted your boarding pass. If you are driving, make sure you have your route planned and any items you need for the car (including petrol!). Book a taxi from the train station if you are travelling by train. More information on getting to us is available on the retreat location page.
Clothing – what to pack
We are a casual retreat, so the main clothing you will need is for exercising and taking part in the activities (and sleeping!).
For yoga and exercise classes bring yoga leggings, jogging pants or shorts, plus tops (short-sleeved and long-sleeved). Ideally these clothing items are comfortable and you can move freely in them.
For the walks you will need walking boots and socks or a good pair of trainers (ideally waterproof as sometimes we walk through long grass). You might also want to bring a second pair of trainers for some of the exercise classes. We recommend long trousers for the walks and well as wet weather gear (rain coats). Think about bringing layers! A rucksack or bag will help for the walks, plus water bottles and a walking stick if you want one.
Summer, bring your sunbathing gear with sunglasses and sunscreen, as we have lots of outdoor space to enjoy the sun.
Toiletries and medications
Shampoo, body wash and handwash are available in the bathroom in your room. We also have a small supply of free conditioner and body cream. We are in the process of replacing the room toiletries with a lovely natural Welsh product and will update this page when done. Bring your deoderant and tooth brush and paste. Remember to bring a sufficient supply of any medication that you are taking.
Books, painting, crafting items
Pack a book or something you would love to read. A small (and growing) book exchange is available at the retreat. We also have a selection of books to borrow, on topics related to health, nutrition, yoga, mindset, personal development and more. There is plenty of quiet space around to enjoy any crafting you are doing, knitting, sewing, painting and so on. You might also like to pack a notebook or journal, to jot down thoughts and ideas that come up during your retreat.
What you do not need to pack
We supply all the equipment that you need. When you arrive we will give you your own yoga equipment (mat, blocks, blankets and strap), to use during your stay. You are of course welcome to bring your personal yoga mat with you, if you prefer. All other activity equipment, like rebounders, will be provided.
Towels and bedding are provided – your room is cleaned and reset daily. Beds and towels are changed regularly. All apartments contain a hairdryer, and you can borrow an iron and ironing board from reception. Laundry facilities (wash and tumble drying) are available on site (extra charge applies).
When you arrive at the retreat
Check-in
Upon arrival ead to reception to check in. We will ask you to complete a registration form and also a consent form. Visitors from overseas will need to present your photo ID (passport or identity card).
Your room is guaranteed available from 2pm. If we know you are arriving earlier we will do our best to make the room ready earlier. However changing facilities and luggage storage are available if you arrive earlier than this, and you are welcome to join in with the activity programme from the moment you arrive. We will always count you in for meal times, so do let us know your arrival time (we will save you a plate if you arrive after a meal time). You will also receive your copy of the activity programme.
Welcome tour and chat
After you have settled in to your room, one of the reception team we will give you tour around the retreat. This helps you to familiarise yourself with where everything is and the facilities you can enjoy during your stay.
Within 24 hours of arrival you will join our welcome chat, which takes place every day to explain how to get the most out of your La Crisalida retreat experience. This is an ideal opportunity to ask one of our health and wellbeing mentors any questions and meet other wonderful guests from all parts of the world participating in the retreat experience. Many of our guests depart La Crisalida having made new friends.
Local shops and pharmacies
Our lovely UK retreat centre is located in a rural area, so access to shops and pharmacies is a little restricted. If you have a car, you can drive to the nearest larger town (Newtown, 20 minutes). The village of Caersws is a walk across the fields (not really accessible on a night). We therefore recommend that you bring everything that you need. Some items are available to purchase at the retreat.
More information?
We hope that you find our tips useful and help you prepare for your La Crisalida retreat experience. Please feel free to contact our reception team if you have any questions or if you would like any further information.
Kickstart your healthy lifestyle, de-stress and find the authentic you.
La Crisalida is the retreat for you!
Your choice!
Enjoy our healthy juices or fabulous, fresh, home cooked plant-based meals.