Travel Matters will be partnering again with a renowned hotel on the banks of Loch Rannoch. This outstanding new retreat runs for four nights and five days, co-facilitated by a creative expert. Morning swims in Loch Rannoch with invaluable information on safely swimming in cold water and the health benefits therein, will be followed by a workshop until lunchtime, then the afternoons are yours! We suggest that you roam through the hotel’s grounds and into the surrounding countryside, its cascading burns and the nearby ancient woodlands; where you will have the opportunity of seeing the local Golden Eagles, Ospreys, Otters, Red Squirrels and Sea Eagles. After a day of unleashing your creativity, please consider making the most of Rannoch Spa, which includes a 12-metre heated pool, steam room and sauna to propel your wellness journey.
During your experience, you will be guided by a travel expert & cold water immersion enthusiast (Open Water Lifeguard/’OWL’) and a Triathlete, coach and skilled painter.
You are cordially invited to take a step into the great unknown, and emerge rejuvenated, creative and powerful…
We will swim in Loch Rannoch each morning, with the impressive Schiehallion Mountain as your backdrop. Here, you will learn how to safely swim in cold water with breathing techniques, how to heat up your core and understand what happens to our bodies during and after immersion. You will experience the transforming benefits of cold water to the system, from improved circulation, muscle relief from pain and mental health. We will encourage you to feel the full benefits of cold water to body and mind by not wearing a wetsuit! Whether you just put a toe in, or swim for several minutes, we go at your pace.
The Creative Workshop
We invite you to develop your drawing skills and explore your connection to the detail of the landscape around. The workshops will be co-facilitated by Georgia Jackson, artist and coach, whose role is to encourage you to look for the inspiration the natural world can provide and express that in a number of different ways in your sketchbooks. This might include drawing, sketching and collage, use of pens, graphite and coloured pencils. For many people, immersion in the cold water can help with this connectedness and the flow of creativity. We have no doubt that the stunning backdrop of Loch Rannoch as the seasons change will prove to be the ideal muse.
As well as equipping you with all the technical aspects you will need during your creative periods, there will be additional exercises incorporated into each 2-hour workshop. We hope this will encourage reflection and awareness of posture and the process of drawing, sketching and crafting (including mindfulness and movement practice).
Georgia’s goal is to help you connect with the detail of the landscape around you, develop your observational skills and explore ways to express that connection in a sketchbook. Some people choose to share their work or creativity, as it can feel beneficial. You are free to decide what you want to create over these mornings. There will be one-to-one sessions with our hosts, to discuss your particular project should you so wish and a chance to share some of your ideas & thoughts with the group if this feels beneficial.
Your Accommodation
Our elegant hotel partner invites you to experience unparalleled tranquillity nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Embrace the charm of this historic hotel, where breath-taking landscapes meet warm hospitality.
Guests will be able to enjoy beautiful interiors, reflected in the stylishly appointed rooms that blend modern comfort with traditional elegance. Depending on your booking preferences, you will either be hosted in a double room for sole occupancy or a twin/double bedroom, all of which have a private en-suite bathroom. All bedrooms have outstanding views of rolling hills, the countryside and Loch Rannoch.
What’s Included...
- Breakfasts, Lunches & Evening Meals will be catered for by the hotel’s kitchen team giving you time to enjoy the majestic views over Loch Rannoch.
- All activities are included.
- A donation to our partners Trees for Cities (who will plant some trees and help us keep tabs on our overall Carbon Footprint.)
- A contribution to a Bursary Fund, enabling an anonymous individual, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford such an experience.
- Supervision from an ex certified Open Water Lifeguard/OWL.
- Access to the spa & leisure facilities
Cost
Single Occupancy (based on private bedroom) = £1,625pp
Two Sharing (based on sharing a bedroom) = £1,325pp
5% early bird discount until 8 March 2025
5% early bird discount until 8 March 2025
