5 - Day Backbend 2 Retreat August 2027

Winter Backbends Two at Griffins Hill Retreat offers a focused, nourishing continuation of the April Backbends retreat, guided by senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Frank Jesse. Set in the quiet winter landscape, the retreat creates space for steady practice, reflection, and deep learning. Backbends Two builds progressively, refining understanding of spinal extension while cultivating strength, stability, and clarity. A key emphasis is the intelligent use of chair yoga, allowing practitioners to access backbends safely, precisely, and with greater sensitivity. Inversions are introduced and developed with care, supporting confidence, alignment, and restorative balance within the nervous system.

Through detailed instruction and skilful sequencing, Frank supports students to work methodically, respecting individual needs while exploring new possibilities. Sessions are complemented by time to rest, walk, and absorb the atmosphere of Griffins Hill, enhancing both practice and wellbeing. This winter retreat is ideal for dedicated students seeking depth, continuity, and a grounded, thoughtful approach to backbends and inversions within a supportive, disciplined Iyengar framework.

Be your best self: refreshed, relaxed, invigorated. 

“Griffins Hill remains a gracious home away from home for me. I am both renewed and inspired by my retreats to this wonderfully hospitable and friendly rural sanctuary.  Frank, an Iyengar yoga master, is both gentle and knowledgeable, imparting individualised instruction to all. His warm sense of humour assures everyone gains from every session. The food, skilfully prepared from the large kitchen garden by Jane Gibb, a fabulous organic vegetarian cook, is a memorable and integral part of the experience.” David, Coochiemudlo Island, Australia

Meals: Retreat meals are vegetarian cuisine with home grown organic produce forming the base ingredients. Quality coffee and black or green tea are provided. Feel free to bring your favourite herbal teas and soy milk (cows provided). Please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements.

Your five schedule is as follows

Your retreat schedule
Day One
12:30pm Welcome lunch. Retreat gates open
2:30 – 5:30 Coming Together Yoga Workshop
7:00pm Damn delightful dinner
9:00 Rest

Day Two and Day Four
7:30 Light refreshments
8:00 – 11:00am Deep Yoga Workshop
11:30 Brilliant brunch
1:00 Explore, rest or indulge in a massage
4:30 – 6:00pm Restorative yoga
7:00 OMG dinner
9:00 Deeply satisfying rest

Day Three
7:30 Light refreshments
8:00 – 11:00am Deep Yoga Workshop
11:30pm Scumdumptious brunch
1:00pm Explore, rest or indulge in a massage
4:30 – 6:00pm Restorative yoga
7:00 – 9:00pm Divine dinner

Day Five
7:30 Light refreshments
8:00 – 11:00am Bringing it Together Yoga Workshop
11:30pm See you next time brunch
2:00pm Farewell (feeling fabulous)