5TH MAY - 9TH MAY 2025

Dreams of Ananda

A collaborative and personalised retreat from The Dreaming and Ananda, bringing the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation from the foothills of the Himalayas, to the mystical lands of Mid Wales. 

Welcome to Ananda

We are honored to present this exceptional retreat, created in collaboration with some of the world’s foremost practitioners from Ananda in the Himalayas. This spiritual soul journey will immerse you in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation, held by the deep listening lands and offerings of The Dreaming.

This unique healing retreat is crafted to restore your mind, body and spirit to a state of 'Ananda,' the Sanskrit meaning of Bliss. We will empower you with the invaluable knowledge of your personal ‘dosha’ (Ayurveda body type) and guide you in Yoga and Meditation practice that is rooted in authentic, ancient Indian philosophy. You will gain new perspective and learnings to apply to your life and create lasting change to your state of health and mind.

Led by our expert facilitators, The Dreaming’s Founder and Custodian, Charlotte Church, esteemed Ayurvedic Physician, Dr Harilal, and Ananda’s Head of Yoga, Malati Mehrish, this blend of East and West brings you the pinnacle of expertise in spiritual healing and growth.

The natural synergy between Ananda and The Dreaming; to create a place of healing and spiritual awakening, along with a sense of complete surrender to the beauty of our natural surroundings, is what binds us together. It is our shared commitment to reciprocate with kindness and reverence to the environment that nurtures, protects and heals us.

From the forested foothills of the majestic Himalayas surrounding Ananda to the magical woodlands of The Dreaming in Wales, mindful, sustainable and ancient philosophy and practices bond our teams as collective voices in the world of wellness.

2025 DATES

Dates : 5th - 9th May 2025

Check In : 3PM

Check Out : 10AM

Address : Rhydoldog House, Rhayader, LD6 5HB

PRICING

Prices start from £2160 for this transformational 5 day retreat, with personalised Ayurveda consultation and plan. Head to our bookings page for info.

This retreat is brought to you by The Dreaming in collaboration with Ananda Retreats

Your Teachers

  • Charlotte Church is an award-winning singer and composer, the founder and lead facilitator of The Dreaming, and one of the most innovative and exciting sound healers working in the world today.

    Inspired by her own journey as ‘The Voice of An Angel’, and later as a voice for political change where she held press and media to account on issues like phone hacking and invasion of privacy, emerging as a prominent anti-austerity activist who also used her voice to campaign against misogyny and sexism, Charlotte now wants her life experience and work to empower others in discovering their authentic selves, and to understand and harness the power of their own voice in the world.

    Through exploratory vocal practices, breath work and finding a deep connection to joy, Charlotte shares her knowledge and practices with guests so they can start to explore what might be holding them back, and gently guides them back into the light.

    From her teenage years, Charlotte has understood the significant power of voice. Following the remarkable success of her debut album ‘Voice of an Angel’ at the age of 12, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, she found herself performing for Popes, Presidents, and Royalty across the globe. By 2007 she had sold 10 million albums worldwide and as she toured the world, collaborating with vocal giants like Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Josh Groban, and Usher, she realised the profound spiritual impact her music could have on people, deepening their connection to nature and inspiring a return to child-like curiosity and play. She now feels that she wants to return to this by harnessing all that she has learned to help others.

    “I have a very deep love for humanity, and it pains me to see what this tumultuous world is doing to people’s mental health and wellbeing. Through experiences like The Dreaming, my goal is to equip people with tools they can take home, also empowering them to be healers in their own communities."

  • A yoga practitioner for over two decades, Malati has a commitment to bring alive the science of yoga for health, harmony, positivity, & fulfillment. She studied multiple courses at the Bihar School of Yoga and also has a BSc & a Marketing MBA. As a yoga therapist & teacher she has taught groups, individuals, schools, sportspersons, businessmen, children, seniors, and terminally ill people. She has anchored yoga outreach programs across Karnataka & compiled and edited books on yoga.

    Malati has taught at YTTC for five years, learning a range of subjects including Shad Darshana, Tantra, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga & Yoga Vidya.

    She has pursued several courses at the Bihar School of Yoga - Progressive Yoga Training, Yoga Teachers Training Programme, and Kriya Yoga Course.

  • Dr Harilal is from a traditional Ayurvedic family situated in Southern Kerala. With over ten years of experience in the Ayurvedic sciences, he has practised in many parts of India under different gurus. He completed his graduation from Sree Narayana Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and pursued a Diploma in Yoga from Sivandha Yoga Vidhya Peedam. Dr Harilal is greatly interested in Ayurvedic herbs and their medicinal uses, and studied Ayurveda Medicinal Preparation from Thriruvanthapuram Ayurveda College.

    His specialisations include musculo-skeletal diseases, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, skin diseases. He has a high success rate in treating IBS and Rheumatoid Arthritis and expert in Panchakarma

Ayurveda is a Way of Life

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian tradition dating back 5000 years, forms the cornerstone of Ananda’s holistic approach to wellness. Emphasising the need to cleanse, rejuvenate, and revitalise the entire being, Ayurveda guides Ananda’s personalised treatment plans, herbal supplements, and lifestyle recommendations to balance the mind, body, and spirit.

In today's modern era, Ayurveda's relevance is undeniable. Its focus on prevention and holistic well-being offers a profound antidote to the stresses and imbalances of hectic lifestyles. At Ananda, Ayurvedic principles are integrated into everything they do. Ayurveda isn't just a practice; it's a way of life.

The Healing Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda’s emphasis on prevention and holistic well-being offers a profound remedy to the stresses and imbalances of modern life.

Its healing power benefits the body through various mechanisms, primarily by balancing the three doshas ; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, ensuring optimal bodily functions. Dietary recommendations and herbal remedies enhance digestion, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Detox therapies eliminate toxins from the body, promoting cellular rejuvenation and boosting immunity.

Ayurveda addresses inflammation, stress-induced health problems, sleep disturbances, and hormonal imbalances through remedies, treatments, dietary adjustments, and supplements. By balancing energy levels and optimising bodily functions, Ayurveda enhances vitality and energy levels. Its preventative approach and advice on lifestyle promotes long-term health and wellbeing, providing benefits beyond mere symptom relief.

Ananda’s commitment to this ancient science is evident in the use of authentic ingredients, traditional treatment rituals, and therapists trained in Ayurvedic schools.

Ananda integrates traditional Ayurveda and holistic healing with yoga and meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonise energy.

The Retreat

One to One Ayurveda Assessment Appointment

As well as being led and held by our expert leaders from both Ananda and The Dreaming, you will receive a one-to-one appointment throughout your stay at the retreat with Ayurvedic Physician, Dr Harilal.

This 60 - 75 minute session will focus on restoring balance and harmony within the body through:

Diagnosis: Assess your health through pulse diagnosis, observation, and detailed questions about lifestyle, diet, and symptoms.

Dosha Evaluation: Determine your dosha (body type) — Vata, Pitta, or Kapha — and identify any imbalances.

Personalised Treatment Plans: Create individualised treatment plans that may include dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and specific therapies.

Diet and Nutrition: Advice on diet and nutrition tailored to your dosha and health conditions.

Herbal Medicine: Advise on natural herbs and supplements to support healing and balance.

Detoxification: Recommend detoxification processes such as Panchakarma to cleanse the body of toxins.

Yoga and Meditation: Suggest yoga poses and meditation practices that support overall health and well-being.

Preventive Care: Focus on preventive measures to maintain health and prevent disease, emphasising the importance of a balanced lifestyle.

Food & Refreshments

All your food and refreshments are included in the retreat cost. Our delicious home cooked cuisine from our Head Chef, Zac, will feature Ayurvedic meals suitable for all dosha types, with a co-created menu from Ananda and The Dreaming.

Surrender to Nature’s Embrace

As custodians of these magical Welsh lands, we embrace the belief that all beings are interconnected, woven into the same wondrous ecosystem that enriches the tapestry of life.

At The Dreaming, you are immersed in Nature’s embrace, allowing you to unplug from the chaos of the modern world and realign with the earth's grounding and healing rhythm. Our curated offerings connect you to the great outdoors through mindful activity and ceremony. These practices are designed to bring true tranquility and peace, fulfilling the deep yearning of your mind, body and spirit.

These lands that surround us are yours to roam, to receive all her abundant, bountiful glory that will nourish your mental state, nervous system, spirit and soul.

Feel the Frequency

Charlotte’s life long work as a world renowned singer culminates in a wonderful symphony of sound experiences, bringing about creativity, deep rooted expression, and healing that soothes our overworked nervous systems.

From the freeing of your voice in Charlotte’s Vocal Check Ins, to the joyous experience of dancing at Dawn in our Celestial Blessings Silent Disco, music and sound is the heartbeat of The Dreaming, not only exploring play and fun, but to bring about a shift in stagnant and stuck energy, through resonance, sound and dance.

Sound and resonance healing properties can bring balance and harmony to our bodies. Every cell and organ in our body has a natural frequency, and sound healing uses specific tones to restore this balance.

Certain sounds can also change our brainwave patterns, helping us relax, reduce stress, and think more clearly. The vibrations from sound can release emotional blockages, promoting emotional well-being. Physically, sound waves can stimulate cell repair and improve circulation, which aids in recovery and pain relief. Additionally, resonance helps balance our body's energy centres, (chakras) boosting overall health and vitality.

By tapping into these principles, sound and resonance therapies provide a holistic way to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

ACCOMMODATION

Luxurious rooms with modern amenities awaits you, each designed by award winning designers to provide comfort and tranquility.

Each rooms interior reflect our passion for other cultures. Natural materials and tactile draping create den-like spaces, whilst original floorboards and textured walls give coherence and a cosseting feel to the seven rooms, each with its own distinct name and character.

The essence of connection thrives through our shared rooms. Our distinctive approach assigns beds individually rather than by room, encouraging meaningful interactions with fellow guests.

Embracing shared living is ingrained in The Dreaming’s values, creating an environment where bonds flourish.

  • For 2 Individuals Sharing

    Inspired by Luna herself, The Moon is designed to honour the lunar goddesses. Using handmade natural materials, it is a purifying and calming space, with soft flowing white fabrics. Luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens, a spacious seating area, and an ensuite with moon-shaped bath overlooking the Moon Garden.

    It is south facing, overlooking the Elemental garden, with a breathtaking view of the Nant Caethon Valley.

  • For 2 Individuals Sharing

    South-facing with a balcony, to take in the breathtaking views of the Elemental garden and the Nant Caethon Valley, The Mystic’s furnishings have been hand-sewn using a collection of decadent Indian saris, drawing attention to the changing tones throughout the day in its spacious seating area, and luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens.

    Perhaps the most magical of all, this warm room also has an ensuite with a golden tadelakt shower, surrounded by botanical plants.

  • For 2 individuals sharing

    The best place to experience the breaking of day, The Dawn is south facing with a balcony to enjoy the view of the Elemental garden and the Nant Caethon Valley.

    The handmade soft furnishings were created using natural dyes to reflect the colours of sunrise, bringing a brightness to the room. With luxurious beds and fabric privacy screens, a seating area, rustic pine furniture, and an altar to honour the solar deities, a stay in The Dawn is an energy restoring experience. Its bathroom is across the hall, and has a Moroccan-inspired tangerine tadelakt shower.

  • For 2 Individuals Sharing

    Inspired by the wonders of mycelium (the network of fungal threads that connects all the plants of the forest together) The Mushroom is designed and crafted using rustic natural materials to achieve an earthy, grounded feel, dark antique wooden furniture and warm neutral tones in its spacious seating area, and luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens.

    It is south facing, overlooking the Elemental garden, with a breathtaking view of the Nant Caethon Valley, and includes an ensuite bathroom, with a walk-in shower, and a bath with a view, surrounded by a selection of botanical plants.

  • For 3 Individuals Sharing

    A stay at The Wanderer is an immersive experience, with natural materials and artefacts from Africa, Peru and Mexico. This is the room for explorers, and has a spacious seating area, and luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens.

    The room is south facing, overlooking the Elemental garden, with a breathtaking view of the Nant Caethon Valley, and includes an ensuite bathroom, with a shower and bath, and a window seat to take in the view.

  • For 1 Individual or Couples

    Honouring the design and forest reverence in Japanese culture, Forest Spirits is north facing and overlooks the ancient woodland.

    With traditional Japanese tatami flooring, a spacious seating area, and a luxurious king-size bed, the room also has an ensuite bathroom with a black tadelakt shower and a porcelain lotus sink. Immersive Japanese experience for all of the senses, including the scent of traditional Japanese Tatami Mats.

  • For 2 Individuals Sharing

    North-facing to the deep forests, The Womb is a celebration of womanhood. With soft flowing fabrics, all handmade and dyed using natural ingredients, it has the nourishing, secure feeling of being swaddled. Luxurious beds with fabric privacy screens, a seating area, and a playful ensuite with a pink tadelakt shower.

The Location

Nestled in the heart of the Elan Valley, Wales. Our retreat offers a serene and rejuvenating environment, away from busy work life, whatever the weather.

Set within forty seven glorious acres of ancient land, The Dreaming is a rural wonder which offers true serenity and blissful tranquility. Once a 15th century Cistercian monastery, this fabulous property passed through Georgian and Victorian aristrocratic families to the designer Laura Ashley and her family in the 20th century.

Laura Ashley directed her multinational interior design company from Rhydoldog House and then, in 2020, our founder Charlotte Church, with the help of talented collaborators, reimagined, refurbished and reconfigured it.

“Words can’t describe the energy that this place holds, from the minute you arrive you can feel the magic. We had the most beautiful weekend with the most amazing people, I will cherish the memories for a lifetime.”

- Claire Wright

The Nurturer Guest, 2024

“I knew my time at The Dreaming would be a wonderful break in stunning surroundings but I was not prepared for it to be life changing. You leave The Dreaming wondering, "Was I dreaming?" but thankfully, it's all real.”

- Kiri Pritchard McLean

Comedian, Writer & Former Artist in Residence