Date: Tuesday 29th Dec, 2026 – Friday 1st Jan, 2027
Location: Florence House, Southdown Road, Seaford
Prices (all-inclusive):
£775 shared accommodation
£895 single accommodation (shared bathroom)
£945 single accommodation (private bathroom)
£1,350 Two-Together option (shared room, total for two people)
By the end of the year, many of us feel stretched, tired, or simply in need of space to breathe.
This New Year Nurturing Retreat offers three restorative nights on the Sussex coast, with yoga, meditation, reflection, nourishing food, and time by the sea.
It’s a gentle invitation to let go of the passing year and begin the next feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease.
The atmosphere is warm, supportive, and welcoming.
Solo travellers are very welcome.
Here’s what previous guests have shared:
“Highly recommended.
After many years of disappointing New Year’s Eves in pubs, this was a very welcome change and will definitely be my preferred way to spend the New Year in the future.
The workshops and classes throughout the retreat were extremely high quality and set us up beautifully for the New Year. Jo built a safe, fun environment with a good mix of socialising and quiet time alone if we preferred.
The food was delicious and the accommodation very comfortable. I could say more, but perhaps it’s best just to say — go! You won’t regret it.”
– Kerri
Rest, Restore, Renew.
At the end of the year, it’s common to feel tired, stretched, or simply in need of time for yourself.
Our New Year Nurturing Retreat offers the chance to step away from the busyness of the season and into a calm, restorative space where you can breathe, rest, and begin the new year feeling grounded and renewed.
Held at the much-loved Florence House on the Sussex coast, this retreat brings together nourishing practices, gentle community, beautiful surroundings, and time for quiet reflection.
It is a spacious, supportive way to enter the new year.
What Makes This Retreat Special
“There is still time.
To change your life.
To fall in love.
To dream and plan…
To be the person you have always wanted to be.
There is still time. Make the most of it.”
— Topher Kearby
This retreat is created with that spirit at its heart.
A nurturing start to the year.
Designed for those who want rest, clarity, and a soft landing into January, this retreat offers three days of gentle, restorative practice and deep replenishment.
A warm, welcoming atmosphere
Most participants come on their own, and many form easy, supportive connections. Whether you’re attending your first retreat or your tenth, you will be welcomed with warmth and care.
Coming together
If it feels easier to step into this retreat with someone you trust, the Two-Together option allows you to attend side-by-side while still being fully part of the wider group.
A meaningful New Year’s Eve in the comfort of the yurt
Instead of noise or pressure, we share simple ceremony, gentle reflection, and light-hearted connection. Guests often tell us this becomes their favourite New Year tradition.
Beauty as a healing force
Florence House sits close to the sea and clifftops, surrounded by natural beauty. The quiet, the light, and the landscape support a deep sense of calm and restoration.
High-quality teaching and a thoughtfully crafted programme
Yoga, meditation, energy work, Tai Chi, reflective practices, nourishing food, and time by the sea come together to offer a deeply supportive beginning to the year ahead.
Why People Return
“I was looking for a retreat where I could truly rest for the New Year, nourishing, by the sea, easy to reach from London, with great accommodation and food.
I’ve had the pleasure of joining this retreat for three consecutive years, and it has been a complete joy each time. Jo and Carl create a safe, supportive space to rest and explore the practices they offer.
It’s a journey you sign up for, and one I treasure, in Seaford and with them, both of which hold a special place in my heart.”
– Donna
What’s Included
Across the retreat, you will enjoy:
Gentle, flowing, and restorative yoga
Meditation and deep relaxation
Energy work and Tai Chi
Opportunities for reflection and journaling
Optional massage or therapeutic treatments
Coastline walks and fresh sea air
On New Year’s Eve, we come together in the yurt for a warm, gently-held celebration. Weather permitting, we welcome the first morning of the new year with a peaceful walking meditation by the sea.
What You Can Expect
This retreat is designed to be deeply nourishing and deeply enjoyable. You will have ample time to rest, read, walk, or simply be still. Nothing is compulsory; you are always invited to follow your own rhythm.
Yoga sessions include asana, pranayama, mudras, yoga nidra, and guided meditation. You are always encouraged to move at a pace that suits you.
The library, lounge, and yurt are usually available throughout your stay as peaceful spaces to rest and reflect.
The Venue: Florence House
Florence House is known for its warmth, comfort, and welcoming atmosphere. During your stay, you will enjoy:
Comfortable, characterful bedrooms
Excellent vegetarian meals prepared with care
Cosy communal areas and fireplaces
Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces
Easy access to clifftop walks and the beach
Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, taking any notified needs into account.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is ideal for anyone who wants:
A restorative start to the new year
Time to reflect, breathe, and reset
A supportive and welcoming community
Gentle practices suitable for all experience levels
Time by the sea and connection with nature
Whether you come with a friend or on your own, you will be warmly welcomed. In fact, most of our guests join us solo.
Practical Details
What to bring Warm layers, slippers or indoor shoes, waterproofs, walking shoes, a torch, and your yoga mat (plus any props you prefer). If you cannot bring a mat, please let us know.
Food Meals at Florence House are freshly prepared, plentiful, and delicious. Please let us know any dietary needs in advance.
Phones & quiet time We ask that phone use is kept low and avoided in communal areas to maintain a peaceful environment.
Arrival & departure
Check-in: From 3:00 PM on 29 December
Welcome meeting: 4:00 PM
Departure: After lunch on 1 January
Travel: There is on-site parking, and Seaford station is around one mile away.
A Gentle Beginning
This retreat offers time and space to rest, restore, and renew. So you can enter the new year with more clarity, ease, and a deeper sense of wellbeing.
We would be delighted to welcome you.
Retreat Booking Terms & Conditions
- Booking & Payment
Your place is confirmed once your booking form and non-refundable deposit have been received. The remaining balance must be paid in full six weeks before the first day of the retreat. For the New Year retreat 2026, this date is Tuesday 17th November. - Cancellations
The booking deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel your place, any refund of the remaining balance will be at the discretion of Joanne Sumner Wellbeing unless a replacement participant is found. If your place is filled, all monies paid, including the deposit, will be refunded. - Transfers
Bookings are made for the specific retreat and dates advertised. Transfers to another retreat or course may be offered at the discretion of Joanne Sumner Wellbeing and are subject to availability. - Cancellation by Joanne Sumner Wellbeing
If a retreat is cancelled by Joanne Sumner Wellbeing, you will receive a full refund of all monies paid or be offered the opportunity to transfer your booking to another retreat. Joanne Sumner Wellbeing cannot accept responsibility for travel or other costs incurred by participants. - Travel Insurance
We cannot accept responsibility for costs arising from disruption to travel arrangements (including missed, delayed or cancelled flights or trains) and strongly encourage participants to have adequate travel insurance before setting off. - Health & Participation
By booking, you confirm that you are fit to participate and will advise us of any relevant medical conditions or accessibility requirements. All activities are optional, and participation is at your own risk. - Conduct
We aim to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment. Joanne Sumner Wellbeing reserves the right to ask any participant to leave if their behaviour is unsafe, abusive or significantly disrupts the experience of others. No refund will be given in these circumstances. - Acceptance
Payment of your deposit confirms that you have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions.
