A restorative afternoon of scent & yoga

This half-day sensory retreat is an immersive afternoon designed to explore the relationship between scent and our emotional wellbeing, followed by embodied rest through yin yoga and guided relaxation.

We begin by delving into the neuroscience of scent: how we smell, why scent bypasses rational thought and speaks directly to the emotional brain, and why our responses to fragrance are so deeply personal. We’ll explore the power of scent associations: how memories, feelings and meaning are formed by our early encounters with certain aromas, often without conscious awareness, and how scent can be used intentionally to support wellbeing in daily life.

In honour of the Spring Equinox, we will then explore a carefully curated selection of fragrances inspired by the vibrant energy of springtime - freshness, renewal and gentle expansion. Through guided smelling and group reflection, we’ll notice the feelings, memories and emotional responses each scent evokes, highlighting the subjective and deeply individual nature of scent perception.

After a short break with hot drinks and nourishing treats, the afternoon softens into a slow, grounding yin yoga practice. This session is designed to soothe the nervous system, invite the body into stillness and create space for integration. We’ll close with a guided relaxation, allowing the sensory experiences of the afternoon to settle and be absorbed.

This retreat is for anyone curious about the science of scent and art of perfumery, and for those seeking an inspiring, restorative afternoon that balances learning, sensory awareness and deep rest.

Your guide for this sensory retreat is Sophie Mawby, fragrance and wellbeing educator and founder of PARE Studio. Her work sits at the intersection of perfumery, neuroscience and wellbeing practices, shaped by two decades in the fragrance industry and years of facilitating embodied rest. Sophie is committed to demystifying fragrance and sharing its quietly powerful role in daily life, offering practical ways to approach scent intentionally to deepen self-awareness and support how we feel.

EARLYBIRD until 6th February