Scotland 2027 -
Sacred Fires & Enchanted Waters
A Beltane Pilgrimage Through Scotland
Join us April 24 – May 2, 2027 on a magical adventure of ancient cities, enchanted seasides, and mystical forests.
Join us for an unforgettable eight-night journey through the mystical heart of Scotland as the land awakens into spring and the ancient festival of Beltane returns.
Together we will wander paths lined with bluebells, explore sea caves etched with mysterious symbols, walk the cobbled streets of medieval St Andrews, sail to an island sanctuary of seabirds and sacred stories, and culminate our journey at Edinburgh's legendary Beltane Fire Festival.
For six nights we will be based at beautiful Madeira in Fife, surrounded by rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, and centuries of folklore.
This portion of the retreat allows us to settle into the rhythm of the land. Mornings begin with mantra and yoga. You may find space in the break times for journaling, or quiet contemplation. Days will be spent exploring nearby sacred sites, historic villages, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Evenings will gather us together for restorative practices, ritual, and connection.
For our final two nights, we will move into the heart of Edinburgh.
Scotland's capital is a city where history and myth exist side by side. Ancient closes, hidden courtyards, volcanic hills, and centuries-old architecture create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
We will have time to explore the city's rich history, magical corners, independent shops, and cozy cafés before gathering for the grand finale of our journey.
Sacred Fires
As we travel through the week, the energy of fire becomes our guide.
In Celtic tradition, Beltane marks the beginning of summer and celebrates fertility, vitality, creativity, and the return of light. Fire ceremonies were once lit across hilltops throughout Scotland to bless communities, livestock, and crops for the season ahead.
We will honor these traditions through gatherings focused on intention, renewal, and personal transformation.
On the evening of April 30, we will join thousands of celebrants on Calton Hill for Edinburgh's world-famous Beltane Fire Festival.
Inspired by ancient Celtic traditions, the festival is a breathtaking spectacle of fire, drumming, performance, ritual, and community. As darkness falls, the hillside transforms into a living myth where the May Queen, the Green Man, and elemental forces enact the eternal story of death, rebirth, and renewal.
Together we will welcome the turning of the season and step across the threshold into summer.
Enchanted Water
Water is one of the great teachers of Scotland.
As the retreat unfolds, we will follow the edge of the North Sea, exploring a coastline shaped by tides, storms, stories, and centuries of pilgrimage. Here, sea caves open into hidden chambers, fishing villages cling to ancient harbors, and every shifting horizon seems to invite reflection.
For many cultures, water has long been associated with healing, intuition, purification, and transformation. Scotland's sacred wells, springs, and coastal landscapes continue this tradition, offering places where the veil between the everyday and the enchanted feels remarkably thin.
As part of our exploration of the element of water, we will also embrace one of Scotland's most beloved modern rituals—the seaside sauna.
Along the Fife coast, wood-fired saunas overlook the North Sea, creating a powerful contrast between fire and water, heat and cold, stillness and awakening. We will have the opportunity to experience this uniquely Nordic-Celtic practice, moving between warming fires and invigorating sea air while surrounded by some of Scotland's most breathtaking coastal scenery.
These experiences are more than relaxation.
They are invitations to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the elemental forces that have shaped both this landscape and the human spirit for thousands of years.
In a retreat devoted to Sacred Fires and Enchanted Waters, there may be no more perfect expression of our theme than gathering around a fire-heated sauna beside the sea.
Highlights of the Journey
Wemyss Caves & the Bluebell Woods
One of Scotland's most mysterious treasures lies hidden along the Fife coastline.
The Wemyss Caves contain the largest collection of ancient Pictish carvings found anywhere in Britain. These symbols, etched into stone centuries ago, continue to inspire speculation and wonder.
Nearby, spring transforms the woodlands into carpets of bluebells, creating a dreamlike landscape that feels lifted from a fairy tale. We will spend time walking these enchanted paths, connecting with the season of renewal and the wild beauty of the Scottish spring.
St Andrews: Saints, Spirits & Stories
St Andrews is also one of Scotland's most fascinating spiritual and historical centers.
We will explore the atmospheric ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, wander medieval streets, and uncover stories of saints, scholars, healers, and those accused of witchcraft during Scotland's turbulent past.
Standing where ancient pilgrimage routes once converged, we will contemplate the layers of history, faith, power, and mystery that still linger in this remarkable town.
Isle of May Puffin Adventure
A highlight of our retreat will be a boat journey across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May.
This protected island sanctuary comes alive in spring with thousands of nesting seabirds, including Scotland's beloved puffins. As we walk the island trails, we will witness one of nature's most joyful spectacles while surrounded by dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and endless sea views.
The Isle of May has long been regarded as a place apart—a liminal landscape where land, sea, sky, and spirit seem to meet.
This retreat is designed for seekers, storytellers, nature lovers, and anyone longing to reconnect with wonder. Through sacred gatherings, seasonal rituals, shared meals, and immersive experiences in some of Scotland's most enchanting landscapes, we will honor the ancient dance between fire and water, light and shadow, earth and spirit.
All are welcome. No yoga experience necessary.
Room options in fife
beautiful Shared and Private cottages and treehouses
Set amid a secluded, 10-acre woodland retreat, every room option at Madeira is special. You choose whether you want to be aloft in a treehouse (ideal for couples) or nestled in by the gardens in the terraced cottages. You can’t go wrong in any of the rooms!
The cottages and treehouses all have comfortable living room areas, small kitchenettes, and warm and cozy bedrooms. The soft color palettes of the rooms complement the lush, surrounding landscapes.
Single Beds Garden Cottage - Shared
The Garden Cottage will be a social hub. If you love being in community, this is the space for you! A three-bedroom cottage, has two rooms with twin beds. The Garden Cottage has a beautiful outside sitting area and a large hot tub for a soak with your new best friends.
**If you have a roomate request please share it upon registration.
King Bed Garden Cottage - SOLD OUT
The Garden Cottage has a large kitchen–dining–living area with a wood-burning stove and a sunroom overlooking the garden. In this three-bedroom cottage, there is one private king room. Perfect for the person who likes to be social but also have a space to retreat to. The Garden Cottage has a beautiful outside sitting area and a large hot tub for a soak with your new friends.
Single Beds Terraced Cottage - SOLD OUT
The terraced cottages are at the center of Madeira, with each of the five spaces offering a shared twin bedroom. Every cottage has its own private living area, making it perfect for two friends, or allow us to match you with the perfect roommate. There is a communal hot tub just outside the front doors, and access to the magical gardens only steps away.
**If you have a roomate request please share it upon registration.
King Bed Treehouse - SOLD OUT
The treehouses at Madeira are private King homes. With a distinctive Scandi style, these spaces invite quietude and rest. The King bed is located up a set of spiral stairs. Each one has an outdoor tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventuring.
**If you want to share a King Bed with a partner or a friend the second person is $2200 - and you will need to email for a code for the second registant.
Our final 2 nights in Edinburgh will be at a centrally located hotel, within walking distance of the public transport and the Old Town sites.
Spend 6 nights with the Yoga Farm Team making our way to some of Fife, Scotlands most magical places. We will spend time both in community delving into ritual and the arcane as well as days on the road exploring sacred sites. Then travel with us to Edinburgh for our final two nights at a boutique hotel as we dance and welcome in the summer with their world famous Beltaine fire ritual.
DATES:
8 nights
April 24 - May 2nd 2027
pricing
Private King Rooms
SOLD OUT
Shared Twin Rooms
starting at $4000
*All prices are per person and signify the bed size. There is an option to add a second person to a King Bed in the Treehouses for $2200
Email retreats@yogafarm.us to enquire about sharing a King bed.
Spend 8 nights with us as we explore the magic of the Scottish lowlands.
You can expect:
Guided excursions throughout Fife and Edinburgh
Visits to sacred, historic, and folkloric sites
Seasonal Beltane-inspired practices and rituals
Group gatherings and reflection circles
Nature immersion and coastal walks
Puffin boat excursion to the Isle of May
Free time for personal exploration and rest
Shared meals, connection, and community
Spend 8 nights with us as we explore the magic of the Scottish lowlands.
You can expect:
Guided excursions throughout Fife and Edinburgh
Visits to sacred, historic, and folkloric sites
Seasonal Beltane-inspired practices and rituals
Group gatherings and reflection circles
Nature immersion and coastal walks
Puffin boat excursion to the Isle of May
Free time for personal exploration and rest
Shared meals, connection, and community
Spend 8 nights with us as we explore the magic of the Scottish lowlands.
You can expect:
Guided excursions throughout Fife and Edinburgh
Visits to sacred, historic, and folkloric sites
Seasonal Beltane-inspired practices and rituals
Group gatherings and reflection circles
Nature immersion and coastal walks
Puffin boat excursion to the Isle of May
Free time for personal exploration and rest
Shared meals, connection, and community
All Yoga Farm Retreats are fully nonrefundable. Please purchase travel insurance when registering.
Our Home in Fife
For six nights, Madeira in Fife will be our sanctuary.
Tucked away near the charming fishing village of Pittenweem and just minutes from the coast, Madeira feels less like accommodation and more like a hidden world waiting to be discovered. Set within gardens, woodland, and peaceful estate grounds, it has become known as a place for slow living, meaningful gatherings, retreats, and creative renewal.
The moment you arrive, the pace changes.
Ancient trees shelter the property, winding pathways invite exploration, and beautifully crafted cottages and treehouses create a sense of comfort, privacy, and connection with nature. The estate was intentionally developed as a space where people can gather, reflect, create, and reconnect with what matters most.
Our group will have access to the unique gathering spaces throughout the estate, including indoor and outdoor retreat areas designed for workshops, rituals, storytelling circles, meditation, and community connection. Surrounded by gardens and woodland, these spaces offer the perfect setting for our Beltane-inspired practices and seasonal celebrations.
Madeira's location also places us at the heart of the East Neuk of Fife, making it an ideal base from which to explore St Andrews, the local villages, the Wemyss Caves, coastal trails, sacred sites, and the Isle of May. Evenings where we have adventured, we will return to the quiet sanctuary of the grounds, gathering together beneath the trees and stars to reflect on the day.
There is a quality many guests describe when speaking about Madeira—a feeling that the land itself holds a gentle magic. Whether sitting in the woodlands with a journal, sharing stories around a fire, wandering the gardens at dawn, or simply breathing in the sea air, Madeira offers the kind of atmosphere that transforms a trip into a pilgrimage.
Meals
lovingly prepared meals created from the abundance of locally sourced ingredients
Working with local caterers, our retreat will showcase the seasonal ingredients of the area. We'll come together as a community for most meals, fostering connections with fellow guests. On some excursion days, participants will be responsible for their own lunches and dinners, giving them the opportunity to experience different cuisines.
Guests will be picked up at the Edinburgh airport at the beginning of the retreat, and we will take the train directly from the heart of Edinburgh back to the airport on the final day. All transportation to off-site activities will be included. If you plan to rent a car while there and drive yourself to the retreat center, just let us know!
TRANSPORTATION
MEET Your RETREAT HOSTS
JEANNIE & Matthew O'NEILL
Jeannie and Matt have been traveling and adventuring together for over a decade. Their combined love of history and magic makes this a dream trip for them to share with our participants. Both have spent years as secondary school teachers, and their knowledge of ancient places will contribute to vibrant storytelling and historical insights at the tour sites.
Jeannie has led thousands of students through foundational and advanced Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs. She curates each retreat with Yoga Farm to showcase both the physical locations and the desired personal experiences. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning and sharing the path she has walked.
Matt is a natural-born storyteller with a passion for research. As we travel across the countryside, we will be delighted by his tales of folklore and the magical stories of the region.
JESSICA ENGLISH
Jessica has spent her life crafting experiences and leading people on adventures.
She is thrilled that in her role at Yoga Farm she gets to continue to explore this passion, working alongside Jeannie to bring Yoga Farm out into the world via retreats.
Jessica’s passion for travel has been well honed over the years, and she has an eye for amazing spaces and unique opportunities, as well as a skill at making a retreat feel seamless and the participants feel welcomed and at home. She takes care of all the details so you can let yourself simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Jessica believes in the transformative power of coming together in community, in a space that is out of your element. She knows that the curriculum created for the retreats YFI holds will leave the participants feeling more centered, whole and aligned.
sabrinA trapani
She leads from the belief that everything you need is within you. Through these practices we learn and unlearn, we embrace our uniqueness and truly embody the essence of who it is that we are, and how to use our energy to live our dharma | path. Understanding the love and courage that it takes to find one’s way, she is devoted to holding space for others. We feel and fuel our dreams through our presence in practice, learning to trust our intuition, tap into our truth and lead a fulfilling life of authentically.
Sabrina has studied with Yoga Farm Ithaca since 2020 through our Radiant Warrior, Kundalini Warrior, Spiritual Warrior, Kundalini Rebirthing and more! She will assist in morning practices and workshops.
Student Reviews
The Yoga Farm retreat I went on was a life changing experience. I felt loved, accepted, cared for, and inspired the entire time. For me, it was the culmination of years of practice in self-healing, awareness and growth. It was a time and place which gave me the space to explore that growth in a loving, supportive, safe and BEAUTIFUL environment. It cultivated and inspired the motivation I needed in order to make significant life changes. The lessons I learned there helped to guide me on my path towards chasing my joy and trusting my deepest intuitions. Yoga Farm is a family and community unlike any other. I cannot wait for the next retreat!
Heather G
On my retreat with YFI, everything that I needed to support my journey of healing and growth was available: delicious, nourishing meals, wise and generous teachers and compassionate community. I gained clarity of purpose and am now able to embrace ALL of who I am and the incredible opportunities that await.
Deborah D
What I learned on retreat with Yoga Farm
Chanting is now an act of time travel.
A space I re-enter any time I'm in need.
Where I feel each of you in my bones, in my cells, in my soul.
You inspire laughter and tears and remind me of the full spectrum of this existence.
And I remember all the pieces that make me whole.
The pieces that were reflected back to me, gifted to me.
And I return home.
Symphony H