Ecstatic Dance Summer Retreat • 22-25 August
Join us for a transformational 4 days of community living on the enchanting lands of Embercombe, nestled in the heart of Devon.
Date and time
Location
Embercombe
Higher Ashton Exeter EX6 7QQ United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Sign-up on our main platform WeTravel for lower booking fees: https://tri.ps/barcT
PROGRAM
Click here to see full program description (subject to change).
ABOUT EMBERCOMBE
Embercombe is an eco retreat centre overarching a beautiful and wilding 50 acre valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. 'It is place to find a deep connection with nature – wild nature around us and wild nature within us. It is a place to breathe, to reconsider, to regenerate and to relearn. It is a place to get clear on what it is you have to offer the world and become passionate about who you are and what you do.'
ACCOMMODATION: 3 NIGHTS
1. If you choose the accommodation option, you have the choice between a shared or private yurt with compost toilets and running water nearby. Full bathroom facilities with hot showers are available in the main building. Linen is provided.
2. If you choose the camping option, you need to bring your own van and camping gear (ex. sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, blanket).
FOOD: 9 MEALS
All meals are included (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners). Organic, vegan food is lovingly prepared on site using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know when booking.
ABOUT EMBERCOMBE
Embercombe is an eco retreat centre overarching a beautiful and wilding 50 acre valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. 'It is place to find a deep connection with nature – wild nature around us and wild nature within us. It is a place to breathe, to reconsider, to regenerate and to relearn. It is a place to get clear on what it is you have to offer the world and become passionate about who you are and what you do.'
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
We ask participants to arrive between 4-6 pm on Friday 22 Aug to allow time to check-in, explore the grounds and settle in before we start. The retreat will start with dinner at 6:30 pm.
The retreat will end after lunch at 3 pm on Monday 25 Aug.
WHAT TO BRING
-Towel
-Torch (head torches are really useful)
-Clothing & boots suitable for the outdoors
-Rain jacket & wellies
-Ear-plugs (if sharing a yurt)
-Hot water bottle
-Toiletries (natural & biodegradable products please)
PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 30 days before.
Sign-up on our main platform WeTravel for lower booking fees: https://tri.ps/barcT
GETTING THERE
Embercombe, Higher Ashton, Exeter, EX6 7QQ
+44 (0) 1647 252983
By train
Exeter St David’s is the closest station which serves most of the UK. It’s approximately 7 miles from Embercombe. We offer a return shuttle to/from Exeter train station for £38 both ways (add-on when booking).
By bus
There is a 360 Dartline bus service from the Central Bus Station in Exeter which stops 1.3 miles from Embercombe. Look for route name Exeter-Dunchideock-Bridford and get off the bus at the Belevedere Castle stop. On leaving the bus, continue along the top road. After 400 yards you’ll reach the Belvedere Castle entrance on your left. Opposite, there is a little road going down to the right, signposted Trusham and Ashton. Follow this road for approximately 20 minutes until you reach Embercombe’s main gate on the right.
By car
-From the Southbound A38: Follow the signs to Exeter Race Course. Climb the hill slowly and get into the left hand lane, at the top of the hill (Haldon Hill) take the left exit marked Dunchideock and Exeter Race Course. Pay particular attention as you do not get much warning of the exit! Turn right at the roundabout at the end of the sliproad towards Dunchideock and follow this road through Haldon Forest. After 1.7 miles, the road goes downhill into trees and just opposite is a forest car park area on your right. Take the sharp left turn signposted Trusham & Ashton. Entrance to Embercombe is 1.2 miles down on the right.
-From the Northbound A38: At the top of Haldon Hill (A38) take the exit marked Dunchideock and Exeter Race Course immediately after the petrol station. At the ‘T’ junction turn left and follow the road through Haldon Forest. After a 1.7miles, the road goes downhill into trees and just opposite a forest car park area on your right, take the sharp left turning signposted Trusham & Ashton. Entrance to Embercombe is 1.2 miles down on the right.
-Satellite navigation systems: We recommend that you don’t use your Sat Nav system to reach Embercombe. They’ve been found to be unreliable in the rural areas around Embercombe and visitors often arrive at the wrong address.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! The majority of our participants come on their own, and many not knowing anyone else. Our retreats are highly inclusive and welcoming, and the program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercices and a daily sharing circle in small groups.
Yes! While we would suggest that you try at least a conscious dance session (of any modality) to get a feel first, we always have a handful of participants who have never done Ecstatic Dance before coming on retreat. And for many of them it's also their first retreat.
No. Our retreat is a closed container: we start and finish together. We are limiting the number of participants in order to create a more intimate gathering. There is one program and all the activities, including meals, are communal. We also ask participants to turn off their phones.
Yes, all accommodations are equipped with a wood burner to keep you warm at night. The main hall and other facilities are also heated.
No. Part of the reason our retreats are so powerful is due to the energy field we create together as a group. Having participants arrive later or leave early clashes with this group field. If you come on retreat with us, we ask that you commit to staying for the entire duration.
Our retreats are not suitable for children.
Unfortunately not.
In the unlikely case that we have to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be offered. Deposits are non-refundable. In case of cancellation from your side less than 60 days from retreat start date, no refunds or transfers will be offered.
If you find someone to take your booking, there will be a £35 admin charge to transfer your booking to another person. If the retreat is fully booked and you want us sell your booking on your behalf, we will retain your deposit and refund you the balance only if we find a replacement.
Organised by
Ecstatic Dance UK is a conscious dance events company based in London. Our mission is to create a safe, sacred space for people to come and express themselves through movement, regardless of age, gender, background or social status. We aim to make Ecstatic Dance more accessible to everyone, especially those who think dance is 'not for them'. We believe dancing is a form of therapy and can help us connect to ourselves and to others. We embrace inclusivity, freedom of expression, openness and positivity. Come and dance with us!