A Day for Me
I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I hope, unlike me, you came looking for this—knowing you absolutely deserve a day to yourself.
I booked a place on this yoga retreat after getting a little sneak peek into one of Louisa’s Humming Tree Yoga classes. I was photographing a parent and baby yoga class, which understandably wasn’t as zen as an adult-only one, but even then, I observed how calm, nurturing, and competent Louisa was. When I later saw her promoting a Yoga Retreat in Edinburgh, I knew I’d be in safe hands.
My yoga practice has been patchy over the last few years—life, business, motherhood… it all gets in the way. I knew I’d be stiff, and I knew I wouldn’t be the most graceful in class. But I also knew that wouldn’t matter. There would be no judgment, just space—space for me to move, breathe, and reconnect.
The Setting: Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo
At first, it might sound a little unusual—a yoga retreat at Edinburgh Zoo—but the setting was perfect. Louisa hosts her retreats in the Mansion House, a stunning building within the zoo grounds, often used for weddings. Think grand staircases, elegant fireplaces, and huge windows that bathe the rooms in natural light. From the windows, the view is only trees, sky and the distant Pentland Hills. It felt far from the city, even though it’s right in the heart of it.
The Day: A Sunday in April
As a busy mum, April—school holidays and all—is a time when I’m constantly juggling. So giving myself a full day away felt like an act of self-kindness. I only needed to bring comfy clothes and a water bottle. Everything else was provided.
What We Did
Louisa greeted us with the warmest smile, and invited us to enjoy a breakfast of pastries and tea before we settled in for the day.
We began with introductions, and Louisa shared her own journey into yoga. Her voice—soft, resonant, and grounding, with a warmth that often carried the sound of a smile—set the tone for the entire day. In the morning, we moved gently into a flowing vinyasa practice, layered with mindfulness and breath work.
Louisa’s teaching is something special. Her guidance is clear and her presence reassuring. She offers plenty of adaptations, so you always feel supported—whether you’re a seasoned yogi or, like me, someone simply trying to move and breathe with a little more intention.
There were also optional goodies available—like hot eye masks and self-care treats—to enhance the experience even further.
Each section was perfectly paced. There were breaks for tea, snacks, chats—or just quiet reflection. Plus, a delicious, wholesome lunch prepared by the Mansion House team.
After lunch, we were invited to wander through the zoo, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the views across Edinburgh. Then we returned for the final restorative sessions; yin yoga and a relaxing yoga nidra.
How I Felt Afterwards
The next day, I still felt grounded and calm. That sense of deep peace and stillness has stayed with me. Louisa’s Humming Tree Yoga retreat wasn’t just a one-day escape; it gave me tools and space to reconnect with myself. Something I truly believe all women need—and deserve.
Whether you’re navigating motherhood, pregnancy, or simply the ups and downs of everyday life, I wholeheartedly recommend Louisa’s classes and retreats. She offers Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Yoga, and Women’s Yoga classes in Edinburgh that are nurturing, inclusive, and beautifully led.
You can find her offerings here:
🌿 Humming Tree Yoga
🌿 Follow Louisa on Instagram
As a maternity and motherhood photographer in Edinburgh, most of my clients are women navigating the same busy seasons of life as I am. If that’s you, I hope this inspires you to carve out time for yourself, to rest and replenish—maybe even on the mat.
You’re worth it.
