Retreat programmes - Alternative Orkney Islands Holidays

"I arise today through the strength of the universe:
Light of Sun - radiance of Moon.
Splendour of fire, speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind, depth of sea,
Stability of Earth, firmness of rock"
(trans Kuno Mayer)

Go slowly, breathe and smile.

The song of the Earth has been sung since the beginning of time, but we can no longer hear it. By exploring the natural wisdom of Earth, Air, Fire and Water our mind, body and spirit can learn the tune and the song of the Earth may return to us.

We invite anyone to embrace their sense of adventure and get away from it all with our alternative island retreat breaks at Via House.

A Meditation Retreat - Via Four Elements Walking Meditations (click for more info)
Holistic and alternative retreat holidays offered - an exploration of meditation and mindfulness with nature. Exhilarating landscape trails combined with relaxing beachcombing art. Mystical sacred sites, ancient Orkney stories and legends by the peat fire.

An Island Retreat - Tai Chi, Chi Kung and the Four Elements (click for more info)
Tai Chi meditation walks and spiritual nourishment with Chi Kung breath, capture the natural power of wind and sea, earth and sky while relaxing in the creative expression of Tai Chi and the quiet energising of Chi Kung body movement.

An Island Calendar - Via Retreat Weeks (click for more info)
Break your routine - follow the year's natural cycle of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Seasonal meditation in remote island landscapes, spiritual attunement with nature, refreshing and nourishing the mind, body and spirit.

Residential Staff Training Courses (click for more info)
Tai chi and the Four Elements / The Power of Storytellling
These residential courses are of particular value to anyone working in the fields of education, mental health, social care and additional support needs.

Alternative Retreat Holidays for Groups (click for more info)
The perfect relaxing rural break with friends and colleagues. Alternative Retreat holidays with bespoke courses. Consider our alternative group options at Via House.

Peat Fire Tales of Orkney (click for more info)
Enjoy Orkney Islands and Scottish folklore, legend and myth with Peat Fire Tales Evenings at Via Folk Art Studio. Island music, song and dance that reveals the storytelling and ancient oral traditions of the Orkney Islands. Three times weekly, March to September, open to ALL Orkney visitors. Available all year round for groups and private parties. Enjoy 'A Taste of Orkney' - a select evening of tales and sketches from six islands by candlelight once a week.

Personalised, bespoke weeks / weekends

Offered on request, Lynn will create a programme tailored specifically for you. You can choose a range of retreat activities and explore the wonder of Orkney at your leisure. The retreat is what you make it.

Healing arts Sessions

The following healing arts sessions are available for you to try on any of our retreat holidays as an optional extra:

Sensory Workshops

Earth

Listen to the spiritual song of the Earth. Healing Native American drumming and drum washing. Walk the path of the sacred stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.

Air

Be still with the power of meditation and breath - bone-breathing, Chi Kung breathing, North Atlantic sea breezes.

Fire

Bathe in island sunsets, sit by the fire in Via's library. Listen to the island's legend and lore in our Peat Fire Tales evening.

Water

Awaken the senses with our exhilarating seascape walks - beachcombing and rock pools, seas and seals, lochs and birds.

Escape from the mainland of everyday and travel to an island retreat.
Enjoy the freedom, safety and tranquility of Via House, take part in retreat activities or
choose your own personalised island break. Please contact us to find out more!!