Embers – A Retreat for Rest, Depth & Renewal
With Shifu Yan Xin, Suphi McCabe, Amy Jennings and Isis Neal
Theme:
The descent into winter, a time to turn inward, rest, and reconnect with inner wisdom. Inspired by the Celtic festival of Samhain, this retreat invites release, reflection, and renewal.
Silent Mornings:
Silence will be observed from wake-up until lunch on Days 2 and 3. Guests are encouraged to embrace this as a meditative practice. No phones in public areas throughout the retreat.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Monday, 2 November
3:00 pm: Check-in & Herbal Welcome Tea
4:30 pm: Opening Circle: Shaolin Wholistic Experience
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Yoga Nidra
Day 2 – Tuesday, 3 November
(Morning in Silence)
8:30 am: Silent Morning Meditation & Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast (in quiet reflection)
11:30 am: Sensory Nature Walk (Silent)
1:00 pm: Lunch & Gentle Return from Silence
2:30 pm: Free Time: Use of Facilities, Relax, or Book a Massage
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Fire Ceremony
Day 3 – Wednesday, 4 November
(Morning in Silence)
8:30 am: Silent Meditation & Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast (held in silence)
11:30 am: Silent Reflection Time / Nature Immersion
Personal space for walking, journaling, or rest.
1:00 pm: Lunch & Closing of the Morning Silence
2:30 pm: Piritus Sauna Experience – Group A and B
A guided heat and cold ritual combining wood-fired sauna, plunge pool, birch leaves, and breathwork to encourage release, renewal, and grounding.
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Bedtime Guided Relaxation
Day 4 – Thursday, 5 November
(Silence lifts for final day)
8:30 am: Closing Practice: Shaolin Wholistic Experience
10:15 am: Breakfast (shared conversation encouraged)
11:00 am: Check-out
Leaders
Shifu Yan Xin is a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Disciple, a master teacher, and the living heart of KungFu.Life. His presence is quiet but powerful, his teachings ancient yet deeply alive—rooted in the wisdom of the Shaolin Temple and expressed through the fullness of his life experience. From a young age, Shifu Yan Xin was drawn to the martial path. A spirited and fearless boy in a northern Chinese village, he would leap off walls pretending to be a ninja and challenge his friends to playful duels. When he begged his parents to let him train at the Shaolin Temple,…
Learn more about Shifu Yan Xin
Suphi, a native of Alabama, loves nothing more than growing and cooking fresh, soulful food. She also offers Pirtis Sessions—a cosy, heart-warming sauna experience to relax and connect. Both passions let her share warmth, nourishment, and a little Southern sunshine wherever she goes!
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Amy Jennings is a botanist, conservationist and beekeeper with a deep appreciation for plants and nature. A masters in biodiversity conservation allowed Amy to further explore her interest in ethnobotany, which looks at the connection between people and the plant kingdom. This research took her to countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, India, Tibet and Tanzania. Amy runs an organic farm, Glendalough Organics, where she practises sustainable growing methods, Amy also runs meditation retreats where she teaches mindfulness techniques that help connect people with the natural environment.
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Isis Neal has been working with food for over thirty years. Classically trained in French method her style of cuisine and approach to cooking and health evolved over time. Influenced by the places she’s lived and exceptional people she’s worked with. Formative years spent in Southern California, Dublin, time spent in Brazil and Paris as well as a passion for ethnic flavours have culminated in a unique culinary style. With a focus on health and vitality her food is colourful, seasonal and delicious while also being nutritious and nurturing. The first half of her career her craft was honed in…
Learn more about Isis Neal