Hotel review: How I disconnected to reconnect at Ballymaloe House's yoga retreat

From meditation to yoga to forest walks, Helen O’Callaghan tries a weekend retreat for the first time

Yoga instructor Dearbhla Glynn who along with Chef Niamh Fox are hosting rejuvenating yoga retreats at Ballymaloe House and Grainstore. Photo: Joleen Cronin

When I’m offered a two-day yoga retreat at Ballymaloe House, it’s an immediate yes. Yes to the luxurious country house hotel, and yes to the fabulous cuisine.

But the yoga – that’s more of an “hmmm…ok…I think…” Because I’m a total yoga novice and I wonder if, literally, this might be a stretch too far, especially with a body that’s not very pliable and a mind that’s always on.