Brown paper packages tied up with strings”…along with holidays, retreats and a really well made Gin & Tonic served in gorgeous glass complete with festive foliage and a bag of nuts … ten lords a leaping would be lovely too but I guess I need to keep it real! “these are a few of my favourite things”- sorry, you’ll be singing that all day now!!
Talking of music and tuning in to the usual selection box of Christmas carols on my many taxi-ing jobs, in all honesty, I’m struggling to get my baubles around the fact that it’s nearly mid-December?! I feel it has snuck up on me in a stealth-like fashion, plus the fact it is just too warm! ... hmm... I might regret typing that! I'm hoping that festive feeling will embrace me when we adorn our tree tomorrow, armed with a large Baileys ... sorry gin my old friend, but there is a time and place for Baileys and for Mariah Carey and this is it!
So what have I been up to lately at Gin & Yin HQ?
Hosting... “The best Monday I’ve had in a long time” commented @Cocktailgeneration
Two weeks ago I collaborated with the fabulous team at No. 97 in Surbiton, along with the marvellous gin-fluencer, yes, they really do exist Cara Mills (Gin & Interiors) and the perfect festive house styling fairy Francesca Smith (The House of Renaissance) for a fun Monday night out, with 50 ladies enjoying seasonal canapés; gin tastings, a festive styling workshop and generally getting sociable - all in all a top night, so much so I’ll be organising another one in the Spring, watch this space! To see photos from the night on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ginandyin/photos/tab=album&album_id=2448935818466277
What’s next? As I stare out of office window (aka top bedroom!) to gloomy skies, I can’t tell you how excited I am about my ‘Review & Renew’ New Year Retreat to Southern Goa in January – this really will be a wonderful adventure and an incredible way to start 2019 – I have just finalised the itinerary, which consists of a mix of yoga in an oceanfront shala; a earthing barefoot walk; a sunrise boat trip; delicious food with our feet in the sand; sun-downers under the most amazing Indian skies; mini-wellness workshops; an authentic Goan cooking class and of course time built in to ‘just be’ enjoy local treatments; local boutiques and to relax and recharge ready for whatever 2019 brings.
To see the full low down, click on the link below - There is still time to bagsy yourself a beach bungalow - one could have your name on it, next to mine xx
Review & Renew Retreat - Goa
Dept: Thurs 10 – Land Back: Thurs 17 January 2019
Voted the Best Yoga, Mindfulness and Fitness Breaks for 2018 by The Guardian - "I would give it a seven star !!!! The place is beautiful the beach clean and the staff impeccable.. great place for solo travellers to make friends too!! Totally relaxing had a great time thank you guys"
(You can also pay in instalments too as I appreciate it's an expensive time of year!)
(6 Night Retreat - Join Me - £950pp)
Open & Balanced Retreat - Marrakech
Thurs 27 - Sun 29 June 2019
Daily yoga; authentic hammam & massage in the Medina; guided tour of Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Lauren Museum; welcome cocktails; 1 night out in Marrakech
(3 Night Retreat – £150 deposit secures your place - £680pp - Twin occ only avail - come with a friend, your mum or sister for some quality time)
Last but not least - if you're struggling with a present idea for someone you care about - or would like to drop a hint for yourself or what the heck, self gift and pop this under your tree, this could be the perfect tonic for your New Year!! Drop me a line to get your mitts one.
Sending love and best wishes to you all - live well, drink gin (responsibly) and make time for yourself xx
Ruth x
Founder – Gin & Yin Retreats