
Anam Cara: A Journey of Yoga & Connection
Nestled between the rugged mountains, winding stone walls, and wild Atlantic coastline of Connemara, Anam Cara: A Journey of Yoga & Connection invites you into a week of gentle movement, deep rest, meaningful connection, and quiet wonder. Anam Cara is an Irish term meaning “soul friend” and some might be familiar with John O’Donohue’s book of the same name. Designed especially for yogis seeking nourishment, reflection, and ease, this retreat blends inclusive yoga practices with the timeless beauty and spirit of the Irish landscape. Together, we will slow down to the rhythms of nature through accessible yoga, mindful breathing, guided relaxation, and moments of stillness woven throughout each day.
Beyond the yoga mat, we will explore the rich cultural soul of western Ireland through storytelling, Irish folklore, Celtic spirituality, and the enduring traditions that connect people to land, ancestry, and community. We may gather beside a fire for stories and music, wander coastal paths and green hillsides, or reflect quietly in places shaped by centuries of myth and pilgrimage. No prior knowledge of yoga or Irish history is needed—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be gently cared for.
Layla welcomes all bodies, abilities, and experience levels. Whether you come seeking restoration, inspiration, connection, or simply a pause from everyday life, Anam Cara: A Journey of Yoga & Connection, offers space to reconnect with yourself in one of the most breathtaking corners of Ireland.

- 6 nights accommodations
- 3 meals per day (excluding alcoholic beverages), starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day
- Group Ground Transportation to/from Shannon Airport (SNN) to Retreat Center
- Local Connemara Excursion
- One Thermal Spa Experience
- Daily yoga practices
- Personal retreat time (having time to nap, explore, walk, read, and just be)
Accommodations
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delphi Valley, this retreat center is a hidden gem. Deep within the wilderness of Connemara and South Mayo, there are breathtaking mountain vistas and stunning views of the banks of the Bundorragha River.
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mweelrea mountain range, this center has all the elements for a magical retreat experience. The rooms, facilities, and the studio are set up to bring a state of comfort and tranquility, providing you a home away from home in this special Irish retreat getaway.

All of the rooms have breathtaking scenery. Wherever you lay your head, you’ll have an incredible view! Gourmet menus offer the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the extremely soft cotton bed linen, plump pillows, and downy quilts. Locally made, organic bath and shower products are available for use. An award-winning spa where you can reconnect with peace and tranquility. All spa products are certified 100% organic. The Yoga Studio is a space of energy and serenity, custom-built, featuring large open windows and stunning views of the inspiring landscape.

With more than fifteen years of teaching experience, Layla Reed brings a warm, grounded, and deeply human approach to yoga and wellness. An experienced ERYT-500 and YACEP-certified teacher, Layla also holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a background that informs her thoughtful, accessible teaching style and her ability to create spaces where people feel genuinely welcomed, supported, and at ease.
Layla’s classes are known for their gentleness, inclusivity, and sense of authentic connection. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that yoga is truly for everybody and every body. Whether guiding a restorative practice, yin yoga, mindful movement, breathwork, or meditation, she encourages students to approach themselves with curiosity, compassion, and balance rather than striving for perfection. Her retreats and workshops often weave together yoga, mindfulness, Ayurveda, music, storytelling, community, and nervous system care in ways that feel nourishing rather than intimidating. Students are drawn not only to her calming presence and intuitive sequencing, but also to the sense of belonging and warmth she cultivates both on and off the mat.
In addition to teaching yoga, Layla recently completed her Master of Social Work and has a longstanding interest in mental health, self-care, and holistic wellbeing. Her work reflects a deep respect for the ways movement, rest, nature, ritual, and shared story can support healing and resilience across all stages of life. Outside the studio, she is an avid reader, home cook, gardener, hiker, and lover of meaningful conversation. She believes some of life’s greatest gifts are found around a shared table, on a quiet walk outdoors, or in the simple act of breathing together in community.
During this special retreat in Connemara, Layla will guide participants through gentle yoga practices inspired by the rhythms of nature and the restorative spirit of the Irish landscape. Alongside movement and rest, guests may explore elements of Irish folklore, storytelling, Celtic spirituality, and the rich traditions of connection to land and community that have shaped western Ireland for generations.

While on your retreat, you will also have the opportunity to take part in adventure activities and wonderful excursions. Some of the possible options include:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Archery
- Climbing
- Surfing
- And much more…
*Activities are not included in the price of tuition unless listed under “What’s Included”. Activities and availability are subject to change.

Please be sure to review Our Policies.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.
Getting There
True Nature specializes in curating and offering the best retreat experiences. For your flights, we recommend that you use Google Flights or a trusted travel agency.
You will be booking your flights for Shannon Airport (SNN). Before booking tickets, please be sure you have received your official confirmation note that the retreat has met its minimums. There will be one group airport shuttle each way based on our flight window guidelines. Be sure your flights align with the provided flight windows if you wish to use the group shuttle. The drive time to the center is approximately 2.5 hours.
Travel Insurance
We cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Often for less than $150, you can purchase a travel insurance policy and be protected in the event that you need to make a change or need to be covered financially prior to or during your trip.
We have partnered with Trawick International (available for U.S. Residents only). Read more about their policies here. We encourage you to research the insurance company and policy that best meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have questions about traveling abroad? After you register, we will provide you with a Participant’s Package with helpful information. Also, be sure to check out our Participant FAQs. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us at info@truenaturetravels.com and let us know how we can help!

Save $300 on full-price (shared only) ends July 1st!
Shared Accommodations – $3395 USD (Full Price $3695)
Single Accommodations – $4095 USD
Deposit & Payment Requirements
To secure your tuition rate and reserve your spot, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of registration:
- $350 for registrations made more than 90 days before the trip.
- $1,000 for registrations made 60–90 days before the trip.
- Full payment is required for registrations made within 60 days of the retreat.
A non-refundable $50 payment processing fee will also be added to the tuition at registration.
If you select Deposit Payment, depending on when you registered, your remaining balance will be split into 1-3 payments and processed with your credit card on file on the dates indicated on your Confirmation Letter.
Follow this link to review our payment schedule policies.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.
Cancellation
- Initial deposits and the $50 registration fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- 50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before a retreat excluding the initial deposit and the $50 registration fee.
- 89 days prior to a retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Full tuition is refunded* if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $50 registration fee is not refundable.
- True Nature Travels is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
*Refundable amounts do not include applied credits.
If you wish to cancel your spot on a trip you must submit your cancellation by email to info@truenaturetravels.com.












































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