Retreats on offer at tiny island which has no electricity or gas
IF YOU’VE ever dreamed of escaping the rat race and getting away from it all, this is the place to do it.
This tiny island off the Welsh coast has no electricity, internet and humans are by far outnumbered by the wildlife.
Flat Holm Island sits just five miles off the South Wales coast near Penarth.
Now groups of people wanting to get away from life for a few days can go on a “wellness retreat” to the tranquil island in the Bristol Channel.
The two-day breaks run through the Cardiff Harbour Authority involve meditation and vegan food – and cost £60 per person.
Each retreat includes a return boat trip to the island, relaxing yoga, Reiki, reflexology and meditation sessions, vegan food and drink, and basic accomodation.
The two options for accommodation are a basic shared, single-sex dormitory or camping.
Guests at the dormitory are asked to bring a sleeping bag or single duvet, and tents and sleeping bags are not provided for camping.
The upcoming trip in September is sold out but people can register for the waiting list.
Additional retreats will be taking place in summer 2020.
A group of 26 people recently spent two days on the island and had a tour given by the resident wardens.
Kate McCarthy, who went on one of the retreats, said: “It was such a magical experience. Everything was seamless.
“The staff were so wonderful and so helpful.
“It really was a very special experience and a very happy and memorable weekend.”
The island recently had some more unofficial guests, when three drunken soldiers washed up after their night out went horribly wrong.
In order to access the island, the Cardiff Harbour Authority said visitors need to be fit and psychically able to climb 40 steps and walk on a shingle beach.
The retreats are not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or neck pain, or with injuries that could be aggravated during the boat travel.
Visitors will be required to fill in a medical form which will only be shared with the therapists.
There is no mains electricity or gas on the island and water “should be used sparingly”.
Dogs are not island.
Refunds will be given if places are cancelled at least 28 days before the retreat.
Cardiff council cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury, said: “For somewhere so close to the mainland, Flat Holm feels incredibly remote, it’s really unique and for such a small place it’s packed full of historical, natural and cultural features.
“We want to make the island available to as many people as possible.
“These weekends are a great way of bringing that Flat Holm experience to a completely new audience.” allowed on the