The Zest Life

The Zest Life Award-winning yoga and wellness retreats with over 15 years of experience and expertise.

As we head into a new year, this natural turning point feels like an invitation to pause rather than push. To reflect wi...
01/01/2026

As we head into a new year, this natural turning point feels like an invitation to pause rather than push. To reflect with kindness, not criticism. To plan in a way that’s sustainable.

I like to think more about "better way of life" choices rather than one-week blitz regimes. For me, the focus will be on better sleep and bedtime routines. What will yours be?

If any of this post resonates, maybe read it again slowly. Sometimes growth isn’t about doing more it’s about doing less, better, and with intention. Wishing a happy, joyful and zest filled new year to you all.






20/12/2025

✨ Festive Flow for the Weekend ✨

If the festive season has your head spinning a little faster than usual, this one’s for you.

Our Festive Flow Series, created by Zest Life founder Laura, is designed to be dipped into over the holidays — a moment (or three) to move, breathe and stretch… and stay vaguely sane 🎄

✨ The series includes:
• Part 1 – 10 mins: Gentle warm-up
• Part 2 – 10 mins: Sun salutations & standing flow
• Part 3 – 18 mins: Twists, forward folds, backbends & of course… savasana

Perfect for squeezing in between wrapping, cooking and refereeing family dynamics.

Head to the link in bio to enjoy the full sessions in real time.

And yes… no comments on the tree decorations. I blame the children.🤪

Have a fantastic Christmas, and we’ll see you on the other side ✨

Are you feeling the Christmas guilt already? You're not alone! I feel it too, it really is all too much. I remember a yo...
19/12/2025

Are you feeling the Christmas guilt already? You're not alone! I feel it too, it really is all too much. I remember a yoga teacher of mine once saying "too much of anything is a bad thing".
The Christmas holidays are laden with too much everything and when it comes to food it can feel like a diet battlefield. Trying to maintain the perfect regime is a recipe for stress, not cheer. This year, why not ditch the pressure to 'stay on track' and embrace a more relaxed approach.
Our new article explains why it's okay (and essential!) to practice self-compassion this season, and how learning mindful enjoyment can help you savour the treats without the mental anguish.
Stop fighting the festive chaos and start enjoying it the Zest Life way!
www.zestlife.co.uk/why-it-s-okay-to-let-go-and-enjoy-yourself-this-christmas

Are you feeling the Christmas guilt already? You're not alone! I feel it too, it really is all too much. I remember a yo...
19/12/2025

Are you feeling the Christmas guilt already? You're not alone! I feel it too, it really is all too much. I remember a yoga teacher of mine once saying "too much of anything is a bad thing".
The Christmas holidays are laden with too much everything and when it comes to food it can feel like a diet battlefield. Trying to maintain the perfect regime is a recipe for stress, not cheer. This year, why not ditch the pressure to 'stay on track' and embrace a more relaxed approach.
Our new article explains why it's okay (and essential!) to practice self-compassion this season, and how learning mindful enjoyment can help you savour the treats without the mental anguish.
Stop fighting the festive chaos and start enjoying it the Zest Life way!
www.zestlife.co.uk/why-it-s-okay-to-let-go-and-enjoy-yourself-this-christmas

15/12/2025

African Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Stew - I had this for 3 mid week lunches last week! It’s a nutrient dense dish full of antioxidants.

It really is a bowl of pure comfort, creamy, gently spiced and deeply nourishing. A meal in itself or serve with nutty brown rice. Protein packed and perfect for cosy winter evenings. 🌿🍠🥜

INGREDIENTS (Serves 6)
Olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small green chilli, chopped
1 leek, finely sliced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 litre water + 1 vegetable stock cube
2 large (or 4 small) sweet potatoes, diced
1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 × 400g tin black beans or kidney beans, drained
Fresh parsley or coriander

METHOD
Heat a little olive oil in a pan. Add onion, garlic, chilli and leek. Cook 2–3 minutes.
Add the spices and grate in the ginger.
Add the sweet potato and cook 5 minutes.
Add water, stock cube, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and peanut butter. Simmer 25 minutes until soft.
Stir in the drained beans and cook 2 minutes.
Add chopped herbs, season and serve with rice or warm pitta.

During this busy festive period, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel drained, both physically and mentally. To help...
08/12/2025

During this busy festive period, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel drained, both physically and mentally. To help combat burnout it is essential to plan in a little ‘me time.’ This deliberate act of self-replenishment helps to build resilience and ensures you maintain the inner strength needed to enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones.

Find out more in our latest blog article: www.zestlife.co.uk/why-taking-time-for-yourself-is-the-foundation-of-wellbeing

A versatile and warming winter food, roasted butternut squash is not only delicious, but bursting with goodness and nutr...
03/12/2025

A versatile and warming winter food, roasted butternut squash is not only delicious, but bursting with goodness and nutrients. Perfect for serving as a main meal, or a side dish, this recipe combines the nutty flavours of squash with the rich umami taste of miso, plus it's quick and simple to prepare!

Read more: https://www.zestlife.co.uk/recipe-roasted-winter-squash-with-miso-tahini

🧘‍♀️ Calling all Yoga Teacher Trainers ✨If you’re planning to deliver a YTT in 2026 or 2027 but are still searching for ...
30/11/2025

🧘‍♀️ Calling all Yoga Teacher Trainers ✨

If you’re planning to deliver a YTT in 2026 or 2027 but are still searching for the perfect venue, we’d love to hear from you.

Offering to you our beautifully restored barn in the heart of North Wales, UK with:

🌿 Peaceful, nature-led surroundings
🏡 Spacious, intimate teaching spaces
✨ A setting designed to hold deep, transformative work

We also offer bespoke wrap-around support, drawing on our 15+ years of retreat experience to take care of everything behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best: teaching.

Complete the form in the link in bio.
Or comment "TELL ME MORE" and we’ll send you all the details.

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Your Zest Life Retreats

The Zest Life was created from a love for yoga and the outdoors by founder Laura Bell in 2011. Our philosophy is really very simple. We have a gorgeous, luxury venue in the heart of north wales where we invite you to come and stay for a few days. You get to do as little our as much as you like during that time, with activities to energise and inspire such as hiking Snowdon, Stand Up Paddling and wild swimming to activities to calm and restore such as yoga, meditation and beach walks. We show you some of Wales most spectacular scenery and with a fantastic, positive team that will cater for your every need, you will feel nurtured and refreshed by the time you leave. “30 best wellness breaks in the UK” The Telegraph, May 2018. “The 25 greatest yoga holidays on the planet” The Telegraph June 2017. “Top yoga retreat for activities” The Guardian 2017. “One of the top ten yoga retreats in the world” The Times 2016. “Top six yoga retreats to visit in Europe” The Independent 2014.