Relax, recharge and rejuvenate this Summer
Walking and Cooking holidays in the glorious Scottish Highlands
9-12 or 13-16 August 2019
Awaken your Senses
Are you looking for a place to unwind, learn new things in a gorgeous, relaxing environment, and feel positive about your future health by creating a plan you can use every day? If so, this wellness break is for you.
Imagine waking up surrounded by the wild beauty of a romantic Highland landscape. Look over the sweeping majesty of Loch Ness while you learn to cook and enjoy eating fresh, local food and connect with your friendly hosts and fellow guests. Breathe deeply, savour the beauties of nature awaken all your senses, and revitalize your body as you walk in majestic surroundings. Escape from the ordinary, learn powerful techniques to nuture yourself every day, and enjoy the bliss of an island in time that's all for you.
All less than 2 hours' direct flight from London, Bristol Birmingham or Manchester.
Where you'll Stay
Welcome to Whins!
Susannah's gorgeous Highland home was built with hospitality in mind. It's designed as a friendly, welcoming space where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape to the full, and make the most of what the Highlands has to offer. You'll enjoy views of Loch Ness from every bedroom. Can you spot the Monster?
On sunny days you'll be able to open your own private door to the garden and bask in the invigorating Highland air in comfort and privacy. On cold days there are log fires, hot water bottles and warm drinks (including a wee dram o'whisky for those that like it!). In our huge living room, our giant picuture windows allow you to appreciate the ever-changing landscape throughout the day.
Accommodation is in twin bedrooms with shared bathrooms, so it's perfect for couples, or for two friends. We offer comfy beds with a choice of sheets or duvets to help you feel right at home as you snuggle down for a refreshing sleep. Single traveller who prefers their own room? Let's talk. We can accommodate you with one of our neighbours. You'll be in easy reach of us, but in a separate building, and there will be a surcharge. Please feel free to discuss this with us.
All this is less than 90 minutes by plane from London, Bristol, Birmingham or Manchester, and flights can start from as little as £90 return (the earlier you book, the better the prices). No need to hire a car; we can collect you from the airport or station and take care of the driving. All you need to do is relax and enjoy!
What People Say about staying with us
"A thousand thanks for the beautiful welcome and care and hostessing. I had a wonderful holiday and have returned inspired ready and eager to run and get going. The time, work, effort, thought and care that you put into everything was amazing. To get such a personalised holiday, tailored to all my interests and needs, as well as to everyone else's, is something so special and so precious, I can't imagine it happening anywhere else. Thanks again to you both for being such awesome hosts and giving me such a wonderful and memorable experience every time".
Gail, London
Our cooking and walking break offers you:
- The time to enjoy being YOU again.
- 3 nights in our welcoming 'home from home'
- Walks in the stunning Scottish scenery around Loch Ness (all abilities welcome)
- Fun, practical cookery lessons - top tips for healthy meals in minutes
- Delicious, wholesome food
- Guided journaling activities
- Time to yourself to explore the area, try optional experiences or just relax
All accommodation, in-house meals, tuition, recipes to take home, welcome gifts and transfers to and from Inverness airport or station are included in the cost of the holiday. Transport to and from Inverness, car hire if you require it (it's not compulsory; you can let us take care of the driving) and optional activities on the the second afternoon are not included.
Why you'll love us
- Relaxed & fun (we're not a bootcamp)
- Small groups (maximum 6 guests)
- Home-from-home atmosphere
- Friendly, experienced facilitators
- Healthy, hearty food (no faddy diets)
- Stunning scenery
- Opportunities to reflect & refocus your mind
- Time for YOU
This is a wellness holiday like no other. We teach practical skills in an informal, fun environment, making sure that your 'me time' is as relaxed, yet as productive as possible. We know how much you struggle to make time for yourself, so we're committed to ensuring that you get real value from your visit.
Cooking and Eating Together
"Food brings people together on many different levels".
Does the thought of healthy cooking conjure images of limp lettuce leaves, or leave you panicking over the time and expense that you think is involved? Fear not! In my classes I’ll show you how to prepare healthy meals in a short amount of time with ingredients you can buy anywhere. Even if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re multi-tasking and have limited time. Even if, like me, you hate green smoothies. And they definitely won’t be boring.
During your holiday you’ll enjoy 4 cooking lessons designed to make healthy eating delicious and simple. You’ll get a chance to eat everything we make, and you’ll have a recipe file to take home with you packed with everything we’ve done, plus some extra ideas and a meal planner to use every week.
The final menu will depend on the dietary needs of the group, but all recipes are free of gluten and refined sugars. They’re designed to make the best use of fresh, straightforward ingredients you can buy anywhere, and to be simple yet fun to prepare, without the need for fancy equipment.
Here’s a sample of what you might expect to learn: • The three in one soup method • Fish without fuss • Great ways with pulses • No bread? No problem. Portable meals with style • Amazing bakes (no sugar needed)
There will be plenty of chances to enjoy healthy, hearty meals without lifting a finger. Every morning you’ll be able to sample something different from our breakfast buffet, and your farewell dinner is cooked entirely by Susannah, so you can relax with the friends you've made.
Cookery lessons are informal, fun and fully interactive. There’s a maximum of 6 people in every class to make sure you get plenty of individual attention. Whether you’re new to cooking or you’ve had more experience you’ll learn something new, and leave inspired to bring new tastes and techniques to your kitchen.
Walking in Nature
"Take a quiet walk in nature. It will nurture your mind, body and soul".
Do you spend the majority of your day indoors under stress, and surrounded by people who are equally stressed? Does it get you down? We know that feeling! We also know that ignoring it could be a costly mistake. Heather and Susannah have both experienced significant health issues as a result of chronic stress. Perhaps you have too, or you're worried that you might. We're here to help.
Did you know that people living in urban areas have a 20% higher risk of anxiety disorders and a 40% higher risk of mood disorders than those in rural areas? But something as simple as walking in nature for 90 minutes can help turn off the areas of the brain associated with depression. There's nothing better than being surrounded by incredible scenery to lift your mood.
Walk with us and you'll experience some of the most stunning scenery the Highlands has to offer. Smell the woodland pine, stride through carpets of purple heather (with Heather!), and enjoy the magnificence of majestic waterfalls. Just being in this environment is one of the best stress cures we know, and we're excited to share it with you.
Your day incorporates longer walks (up to 2 hours) and shorter rambles. You don't have to be super-fit or experienced to join us. As long as you're comfortable with a steady-paced walk and gentle to moderate slopes you'll be just fine. We walk in all weathers, but you'll be surprised how often Scotland is blessed with glorious sunshine. We always wish for 'Heather Weather', and more often than not, we get it!
Combine the best exercise we know with some of the most gorgous scenery in the country and watch your stress drift away effortlessly as you build strength, confidence and tranquility.
About your Facilitators
Susannah Alexander
Susannah is a nutritional therapist, cook and educator, who can't wait to welcome you to her home, and share her passion for the Highlands with you. She has been a keen cook since childhood, and has studied cookery and enjoyed cuisine all over the world. Susannah specialises in working with busy professionals who want to gain more energy, safeguard their long-term health, and develop achievable, healthy habits for life. She has taught cooking and healthy eating to all ages in many unusual venues. As well as achieving first class honours in nutritional therapy, she has studied recipe development and creative curricula, and holds diplomas in adult education and educational leadership.
Heather Waring
Heather works with women who want to step off the treadmill for a little while; take some time out and do something for themselves. They may be at a crossroads in their lives and looking to get clear on the way ahead. She offers them the space and time to focus on themselves by taking them walking. In doing so Heather helps them create a life that they love, one that provides self-worth, value, fun and laughter and that they want to get out of bed for every day. Her walking is sometimes virtual, sometimes 121 and often in small groups both in the UK, France and Spain. Heather says: "I give women the space by taking them on transformational walking experiences often along ancient paths like the Camino de Santiago where by tapping into the ancient wisdom and our own wisdom my wonderful women can reflect and in so doing rediscover, reconnect and re-ignite their spark, just like I did".
Interested in learning more?
If this sounds like the perfect experience for you, please book a chat with Susannah to answer any qestions and secure your place. It's FREE, and there's no obligation to purchase. We hope to speak with you very soon.
Or book with us now, to secure your place at a one-time-only price.
If what you've read so far has excited you, and you'd love to come and stay with us, we're delighted! Remember that we only have 6 places on each break, so to secure yours, please click this button and you'll be directed to our secure pay service. As we are currently piloting our experiences, we're offering all this to you for the special investment of £350.00. Your payment includes all accommodation, classes, meals and materials. We won't be offering this price again, so do take advantage of it while you can!
© 2017 | Nutrition with Susannah