Short Course: The Creative Pause Wellness Retreat

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to pause? This retreat is your invitation to step away from the whirlwind of daily life, and into a space for self-reflection, immersion in nature, authentic flow, and meaningful human connection. Across four days, your tutors Ehireme Omoaka and Leah Salm will guide you through a blend of dynamic and restorative yoga, massage, journalling, and meditation.

Each practice is designed to help you break through barriers and find clarity in your artistic pursuits. Yoga and meditation sessions focus on opening the body and calming the mind, encouraging new perspectives and making space for inspiration to drop in. Massage provides a nurturing reset, releasing tension and fostering comfort, while guided journalling offers space for reflection, self-discovery, and new creative pathways. You’ll also visit Matchbox Sauna, to embrace the earth’s elements and feel restored. All aspects are accessible and adaptable; no previous yoga experience is necessary.

Nestled in the beautiful Devon countryside, you’ll begin each day with an energising yoga practice and end with restorative yoga or meditation. In between, there will be inspiring workshops, nature walks, and time for self-reflection and exploration. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, relaxation, or a moment of change, this retreat welcomes and supports every aspect of your journey. Curated especially for writers and artists, this experience is for anyone who wants to take a gentle yet powerful step towards creative renewal.

*Please use the expandable links below to reveal timings and further details of the course schedule.

Room with indoor shared bathroom: £640

Room with shared bathroom accessed via outdoor covered pathway: £590

Concessions: Room with indoor shared bathroom £448

Concessions: Room with shared bathroom accessed via outdoor covered pathway  £413

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, we offer limited concessionary places at a 30% reduction. You can select this option at checkout if available.

Physical Access at Totleigh Barton:

We do not currently recommend this house if you are a wheelchair user. Totleigh Barton is a sixteenth-Century manor house and has many steps and tight corners. In the future we hope to redevelop the property to provide level access. For additional detailed information on physical access in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining, shared spaces and the grounds please visit our dedicated access page.

Please see our access page for general access information for residential courses.

Our grants scheme may be able to cover a portion of your course fees. Disability costs and additional living/support costs are taken into account when considering your grant application. You may also be entitled to concession pricing on selected courses.

If you have any questions or concerns and want to chat to a member of staff prior to booking please contact us on access@arvon.org

Totleigh Barton, the first ever Arvon centre, is a 16th-century manor house in one of the most peaceful and idyllic parts of Devon.

Totleigh Barton is a thatched manor house with single occupancy rooms and shared bathrooms. The house offers many comfortable lounge and spaces to relax and write throughout the house and a renovated barn offers a comfortable space for evening readings. Mobile and Wi-Fi signal is limited. We invite you to think of a retreat to this beautiful old house as a full ‘digital detox’ – a chance to make real progress with your writing with no distractions.

All your meals are provided, locally and sustainably sourced wherever possible. Help yourself to breakfast, our team will prepare lunch, and dinner is prepared in groups each evening using the delicious recipes and ingredients provided.

Totleigh Barton lies two miles from the village of Sheepwash, with walks along the River Torridge nearby. There is a beautiful and productive garden and quiet spaces on-site for writing.

See here for more information on Totleigh Barton.