Hi, I’m Lucy

a movement teacher and chef based between Bristol and London and the founder of LA Retreats.

I started practicing yoga in my early twenties whilst working in the bustling world of hospitality. An extrovert by nature, I hadn't realised how essential it was for me to sometimes have time to myself. Yoga gave me the space to move, to breathe, to completely switch off from whatever was happening off my mat. It was a surprising and transformative experience, one that I fell in love with.

A few years later I embarked on my yoga teacher training to deepen my understanding of my daily practice. Though I hadn't originally intended on teaching myself, encouragement from friends and family led me to start guiding classes. What began as a couple of sessions a week eventually transitioned into my full time job.

The switch from the vibrant, noisy late nights in bars and restaurants and kitchens to the calm world of yoga teaching marked a significant transition in my life. I adore teaching yoga and other movement, but a couple of years ago found myself missing the world of hospitality. I missed looking after gatherings of friends, family, strangers, orchestrating memorable first dates, assisting people celebrating their birthdays, graduations, promotions, or engagements. There’s something magical about gathering a group of people around a table laden with exceptional food and drink. The way it brings people together is truly extraordinary.

And so, LA Retreats was born, fuelled by my desire to return to hosting people, off as well as on the mat.

All photography by Abbie Merritt