Ireland
Wellness & Wilderness:
A Yoga + Hiking Retreat In Ireland
The Deerstone
County Wicklow, Ireland
October 17-24, 2026
with Melanie Caines
Ireland is calling! Journey to the rolling hills of County Wicklow and experience the magic of immersing yourself in nature. Embrace the peace and the stillness, enjoy yoga twice a day, soak up the warmth of the wood-fired sauna, and savour food lovingly prepared with local produce. We’ll visit nearby villages, experience incredible views on our guided hikes, and spend time connecting over an open fire. This cozy Irish adventure is the nourishment your body, mind, & soul are craving.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-20 people
Exclusive use? Yes we will be the only staying guests at the property.
THE DEERSTONE
NESTLE YOURSELF IN NATURE
The Deerstone is a 6 acre sustainable luxury resort surrounded by traditional sheep farms, the rolling hills of Wicklow National Park and the Inchavore river. Located an hour away from Dublin city and only a few minutes’ walk away from quaint Laragh village on the outskirts of stunning Glendalough, The Deerstone is the perfect base to explore all that “the garden of Ireland” has to offer.
A LUXURY HIDEAWAY
Nestled in the picturesque valley of Laragh, held by heather-filled hills, and bathed by the song of the Avonmore River, The Deerstone stands as a serene oasis. Our retreat centre is held within a tapestry of natural wonder, mere minutes from one of Ireland’s most renowned tourist destinations, Glendalough. Our unwavering commitment is to safeguard and celebrate the sensational beauty that surrounds us.
Read more about The Deerstone’s commitment to sustainably here.
NOURISH YOURSELF
At Deerstone, we believe that food should nourish both body and soul. All meals during your retreat are lovingly prepared using local Irish produce and ingredients from our very own polytunnel, supporting sustainability and mindful living. Dining at The Deerstone is an experience unto itself.
YOGA SHALA
The Deerstone’s sustainable, A1 timber-built Roundhouse with cork flooring, overlooking the Avonmore River, is designed to connect you with nature while offering all the comforts needed for your practice. The space is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION
The Dingley Dell Woodland has been designed to provide a nourishing and revitalising experience:
Communal Wood-Fired Sauna | Four Ice Baths | Hydropool Swim Spa | Massage Treatment Room | Meditation Trail | Reflection Nook
You can also enjoy:
Massage Treatment Room: for healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The Woodland Trail: a peaceful small path through nature for mindfulness and quiet reflection.
Reflection Nook: a serene corner to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
Outdoor Fire Pit: a gathering space to connect and share.
THE BARN
A gorgeous, cozy space where you can unwind: enjoy the warmth of the woodstove, overhanging heaters, and blankets and the bar area with an Honesty Bar stocked with wine, beer, and other refreshments, so you can help yourself and settle into the relaxed vibe of the space.
OUR HIKES
Our three hikes will be curated by Bespoke Treks and Hikes, a family-run business, led by the adventurous duo Paul and Maria, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in Leadership & Management, Group Coordination, Training, Coaching, and Mountain Guiding.
Our adventures:
Laragh, Wicklow Way to Trooperstown (6.2km / 2 hrs)
Meet your guide and depart from The Deerstone on foot for your first hike in the Glendalough Valley. We leave your luxury accommodation on foot and immediately start our hike along a quiet road for about 800m.Then we start hiking some wild trails that will take us wandering into some mixed forests and across the beautiful Glenmaenass River (we will keep our eyes open for the wild deer and some amazing flora along the way). Eventually this will bring us uphill along wide trails along the famous long distance trail called the Wicklow Way. As we leave the forest and head along the boggy hills we will have amazing views over the valleys and landscapes to the magnificent Wicklow National Park and far beyond. Finally, we will head back down through the forest on a maze of little trails back eventually to the Deerstone.
Trooperstown & Annalong Way (10km / 3.5hrs)
Today’s hike will take us into the stunning Wicklow hills. We will stroll out of our beautiful accommodation, along a quiet road up onto the forest trails and finally up on to our peak for today’s high point at approximately1450 feet – Trooperstown Hill. From this peak we will get a beautiful view down into Glendalough’s glaciated valley and on to the granite mountains of Wicklow. We start to descend and join the Annalong Way, which guides us back through the open bogland filled with purple heathers and mountain flora. Finally, we arrive back into the forest, across the Avonmore River and return to The Deerstone.
Wicklow Way to Glendalough (12km / 3.5hrs)
This hike will take us straight out the Deerstone again and along a quiet road for about 13km, then at the old mills we will start hiking some well-kept trails that follow the pilgrim route along the Glendassan River to the world-renowned Glendalough National Park and St. Kevins ancient Monastic city. We will find ourselves walking through beautiful forests, alongside the slow and meandering Glendassan river. Truly our energy levels will lift as we continue into breath taking valleys and landscapes of the two lakes. You will start to understand why St. Kevin founded his monastery over 1500 years ago in this secluded piece of Heaven. Finally, we will stop to visit the monastic ruins and the Viking round tower. Your guide will tell you about it’s amazing history, how the monks lived and the impact the Vikings had on their difficult but devout lives. Maybe we might have time for a rewarding quick pint and then pick up our bus for the quick trip back to the Deerstone.
accommodations & Fees
LUXURY ECO-COTTAGES
All of our accommodation has been conscientiously designed to take full advantage of the incredible mountain views and to allow our guests to feel connected with the landscape at all times.
The furniture, fittings and materials used throughout the Deerstone have been sourced locally and as sustainably as possible.
Each cottage has 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a bespoke, Irish-made kitchen combined with comfortable lounge area, a private hot tub with outdoor shower, plus luxury Irish linen and natural wool-filled bedding, VOYA organic toiletries, bathrooms and spa towels, wireless Bluetooth speakers, and WiFi.
Single Occupancy
(1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom)
$3550 USD
Double Occupancy
(1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom: 1 or 2 beds)
$3075 USD per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Ground transportation from/to Dublin on arrival and departure days (one group pickup & drop off)
- Daily meditation With Melanie
- 2 yoga classes a day (total of 12 classes) with Melanie
- 3 hikes with a local guide
- 3 fresh, healthy meals a day (1 dinner out not included)
- Use of the saunas, cold plunge, hydroswim pool, & hot tubs
- Internet/Wifi
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight
- Alcohol
- One dinner out
- Optional extra excursion/activities
- Gratuity
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Massages
Electric Bike Rental
Visit the villages of Laragh, Glendalough, & Roundwood
SCHEDULE
Morning Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time or Hike
Lunch
Free Time
Late Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, October 17
Arrival day: welcome circle & dinner
Sunday, October 18
First yoga class
Friday, October 23
Last yoga class & dinner
Saturday, October 24
Breakfast & departure day
TRAVEL
The closest airport is Dublin International Airport (DUB): arrival day is Saturday, October 17 (check in 3:00pm) and departure day is Saturday, October 24 (check out 11:00am).
It is approximately a 1 hour drive from Dublin airport to The Deerstone. There will be a complimentary group pickup at 2:00pm in Dublin on October 17 and a complimentary group drop off leaving The Deerstone for Dublin at 11:00am on October 24. If you require transportation outside of these days/times we can help you to arrange that (a fee will apply).
What’s nearby:
Village of Laragh: 15min walk
Village of Glendalough: 5min drive
Village of Roundwood: 10min drive
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A $500 USD non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due April 17, 2026
• Remaining balance is due June 17, 2026
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Will my ride meet me at the airport?
Yes! We will have all of your flight arrival (and departure) information and will arrange for ground transportation to meet you upon your exit of the airport.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
The Nova Yoga Retreat an amazing experience! The instructors created a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relaxed than I was during this retreat. I challenged myself both physically and mentally and I felt stronger in both ways by the end of the week. I made new friends, learned new yoga skills, breathed in the epic beauty of the countryside and really enjoyed the excursions! A beautiful country and yoga retreat experienced with an amazing group of strong, vibrant women! I can’t wait to plan my next trip with Nova Yoga Retreats.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
Melanie has created a unique and magical experience that allows people of all ages to deepen their yoga practice in beautiful and comfortable locations. Mel makes you feel safe, able, and confident. She offers opportunities to modify all poses to accommodate your body. Her suggestions and "challenges" allow for growth in both body and mind. You leave the retreat feeling empowered and refreshed. I just returned from my second retreat with her, and am looking forward to planning my next one. Absolutely amazing experiences.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!
From the retreat lodgings to the food to the excursions and of course yoga for all levels and styles, it was a travel highlight of my life!
Highly ecommend this enriching yoga retreat experience. This was my second time attending a Nova Retreat, and I’m already looking forward to returning. It’s a truly enriching experience—an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, mindfulness, and a warm, supportive community. The setting in Marrakesh adds a unique and magical dimension to the retreat. The culture, the atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings make it an unforgettable place to recharge. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone seeking rest, renewal, and inspiration to take this time for themselves—you won’t regret it.
I met some incredible people, ate some amazing food, and deepened my yoga practice. The tranquility and grounding was just what I needed. I would highly recommend Mel’s retreats for both the inexperienced and experienced traveller because you can really cater to what you want and need, and you will meet similar people with whom you can enjoy the journey.