Therapists ran reiki, reflexology, yoga and mindfulness sessions and a delicious menu of vegan food was sourced from Cardiff Market-based business, The Greenery.  Participants also found time to take an eye-opening tour of the island with the resident island wardens.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury said:  “For somewhere so close to the mainland, Flat Holm feels incredibly remote, it’s really unique and for such a small place it’s packed full of historical, natural and cultural features.

“We want to make the island available to as many people as possible. These weekends are a great way of bringing that Flat Holm experience to a completely new audience.”

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, added “During Wales’ Year of Discovery we are encouraging people to discover something new about Wales – and about themselves too. These weekends fit the bill perfectly and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support their development.  Our ability to market Wales to new and ever-changing markets is reliant on having a great story to tell – and part of that includes investing in experiences and places that appeal to future visitors.”

There’s already a waiting list for the next retreat, planned for Friday 6 September – Sunday 8 September. More retreats are planned for next summer and Cardiff Harbour Authority are asking people interested in escaping to the island to register their interest at www.cardiffharbour.com/events/retreat  

Kate McCarthy, one of the people who sped across the Bristol Channel to take part, said: “It was such a magical experience. Everything was seamless. The staff were so wonderful and so helpful. It really was a very special experience and a very happy and memorable weekend.”

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – RuralDevelopment Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund forRural Development and the Welsh Government.