Blue Spaces Wellbeing

Why cadence breathing?

One of the things we like about cadence breathing is its simplicity. There’s nothing particularly dramatic about it. You’re simply giving the breath a gentle rhythm and staying with it for a few minutes.

You might breathe in for a count of four and out for a count of four, or find another rhythm that feels comfortable for you. The aim isn’t to take huge breaths, fill the lungs as much as possible or force yourself into a state of calm. We prefer to think of it as giving the mind and body something steady to return to.

When our attention is scattered, following the rhythm of the breath can create a small pause from everything else competing for it. There’s something reassuring about the repetition too. Inhale, exhale, repeat. Nothing to achieve and nowhere else to get to.

We also think this is why a few minutes can be enough. Breath practice doesn’t have to mean a long meditation or an intense breathing technique. Five quiet minutes, breathing comfortably and paying attention, can become a useful little anchor in the day.

And importantly, your breath doesn’t need to fit somebody else’s count. If four feels too long, make it three. If counting makes you tense, return to your normal breathing. A breathing practice should meet the person doing it, rather than the other way around.

Simple, quiet and repeatable. That’s probably why we keep coming back to it.

Less “retreat” from life. More space to actually enjoy it.

We are heading to Mallorca very soon and there’s still a last minute chance to come with us.

Think slow mornings, movement, sea swims, delicious food, long lunches, good conversation and plenty of time to do absolutely nothing if that’s what you need.

No pressure to transform yourself, no packed itinerary. Just a few days somewhere beautiful with space to move, rest, eat well, laugh and enjoy being away from the usual noise.

Last minute places available, link in the bio for all the details or dm us to ask anything! 💙

NIKITA: How has September been and gone already? It’s been a month mainly at home. Working, walking, and taking pictures of lots of blue spaces, it seems, from looking through my photos. One thing I have been enjoying is our Breath Tapas group that Laura started. Keeping me accountable to spending a few minutes of my day just being present, and doing some breathwork has been so lovely, and it’s been great doing it with our little community! And has also come in handy in airport queues and long journeys. And the month has ended with a few days in Greece, to do a little pre-retreat recce for our retreat in Zakynthos next September. What a place! I’ve never seen sea that colour of blue. I could live on burrata and greek salad. All the food actually. It’s been so delicious. And we’ve found some beautiful places for you all too. Next stop Mallorca. Trying to keep this summer going a bit longer…

Laura: This month, I noticed a really bright full moon on my way home from the sauna. I delighted in the transitional shift to more autumnal days. I nursed my poorly dog and enjoyed his cuddles on the sofa. I flew to Greece - and swam in turquoise waters. I worried about death and ageing. I met friends and we wandered art galleries then stayed up chatting till 3. I went to bed at 8pm twice. I struggled with zapier, websites and flodesk. I moved my body in the gym. I thoroughly enjoyed and felt helped by our wee Breath Tapas community. I drank red w**e. I had long calls with my sister. For now I’m working on noticing the small moments of calm and quiet amidst a life that is wonderfully on the go and trying to talk to myself with kindness. If this resonates maybe come join us in Mallorca, you’d be very welcome! 💙

Portugal, 16-20 May 2027. Our third year at this villa near Tavira, and there are only a few rooms left.

Five days of:
🌿 A swim in the natural pond every morning at sunrise
🌿 Yoga twice a day in the garden shala. All you can see is green. It’s incredible
🌿 A trip to a hidden waterfall to swim underneath it
🌿 An art workshop
🌿 An optional vineyard tour and w**e tasting
🌿 Optional 1:1 coaching
🌿 Every meal cooked for you

You can do as much or as little as you like. There’s always plenty of laughter, silliness and funny conversations over dinner. There’s also space for quiet and reflection, and time to work through whatever you’re carrying.

“Laura and Nikita created the perfect holding space, from movement practice to insightful conversation, nourishing food and time to just be. The retreat location was an abundant oasis that was inspiring and restful. Had such a wonderful time, thank you!”
2026 Portugal retreat guest

“I left feeling physically refreshed, mentally clear, and deeply grateful for the experience. If you’re looking for a retreat that combines wellness, authenticity, and community in a truly memorable way, I would absolutely recommend this one.”
2026 Portugal retreat guest

Early bird prices end Sunday 4th October.

Comment PORTUGAL and we’ll send you details of the remaining rooms.

We’d love to welcome you there 😊 x

What are our retreats like?

Well, there’s time and space to talk about the deeper stuff if you want it. A 1:1 with Nikita (accredited coach) and/or Laura (BACP registered psychotherapist). Or a 1:1 personalised movement session with Laura.

But there’s also plenty of time for the silly things. Laughs over dinner. Someone talking you into gettingn into the water when you’d absolutely no intention of getting in.

We’re here for it all.

Check out all our upcoming retreats in our bio. Or comment RETREAT and we’ll send you the remaining availability.

Laura & Nikita x

I know what fills my cup.

Quiet, being outside, getting away from the noise, just me and the dog and perhaps a good book.

But lately I’ve been thinking less about how I fill my cup and more about where it leaks.

Where am I choosing to give my energy? Where is it disappearing without me really noticing? And are my boundaries getting firmer because I have less empathy, or because I’m finally understanding my own capacity?

Perhaps looking after ourselves isn’t only about finding ways to refill.

It’s noticing the leaks too.

Sometimes a reset doesn’t need to be dramatic. It can simply be a few days away from the noise of everyday life, with space to move, rest, eat well, have good conversations and remember what it feels like to have some time for yourself.

We’re heading to Mallorca from 20 to 24 October for four nights in the mountains, and we have one ensuite room left 🌞

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, come with us 💛