“Dear Eleanor

Having been back about 10 days, I have had time to really reflect on the retreat and what it has given to me, in terms of mental clarity and physical release of stress.

It is easy to say that the week exceeded my expectations – it did, in every regard – but it is harder to articulate the depth of the impact of learning to breathe properly and truly understanding the power of it as a tool to manage stress and improve sleep and general well being. The privilege of 12 classes over 5 days was that we saw such fast progress in our ability to understand and apply the breathing techniques that you taught us. What has been very encouraging is how I have instinctively reached for those techniques since I have been back – whether in a stressful situation or simply struggling to sleep.

But the week was so much more than the breath work – the hiking was sublime and Martina was a truly fantastic guide. The Hotel Miramonte was a delight – welcoming, charming, funky, hospitable and very very relaxed. Lying in my hammock, watching the stars, before rolling into a supremely comfortable bed was such a treat – I miss that every night.

And thank you too to Ernst for his knowledge and his enthusiasm, and for sweet talking us into the art exhibition at the Astoria Hotel after it had actually closed – another treat I will not forget.

That Bad Gastein attracted Wes Anderson is not a surprise – its quirks are enchanting – and I will definitely be back – as soon as I can manage it.

Thank you to you all.”
Joanna from London (Breathwork for Mental Clarity Retreat, Bad Gastein, June 2025)

““Pure astonishment!

There’s a tremendous power slumbering within me. I’ve just never noticed it before because I’ve always taken it for granted. And suddenly, thanks to Eleanor, I’m getting to know this magnificent powerhouse: my breath!

In a truly breathtaking breathing seminar, Eleanor showed me how to use my breath and direct it to every corner of my body. To wherever energy, stress management, or meditative relaxation is needed.

She taught us how to fly like an albatross, jump like a dolphin, or hiss like a snake… depending on the need or situation! She also showed us that Eleanor, as an experienced free diver, can even waltz with manta rays with the right breathing!

Rating: Highly recommended!!”
Peter from Salzburg (Breathwork for Mental Clarity Retreat, Bad Gastein, June 2025)

“Dear Eleanor, Sophia and Martine

It’s hard to fully express how grateful I feel for the extraordinary time I was lucky enough to be with you all in Bad Gastein. Your generosity, warmth and support lifted me every day, including being face-down in the snow.

I have gained much, much more than I thought possible. I think life-changing is the word.

The poems and stories will be cherished always.”
Inez from London (Breathe to Begin Again Retreat March 2025)

“Attending The Breathing Practice’s breathing awareness retreat was a transformative experience. The combination of breathtaking scenery and expert guidance in mindful breathing techniques left me feeling rejuvenated and centred. I took many learnings away with me about how to breathe better and how to use breath work to manage every day stresses. Hotel Miramonte was the perfect place for the retreat – cozy, welcoming and with a great atmosphere, and situated perfectly in the valley. I would definitely recommend.”
Daniel, CEO Berlin (May 2023)

“A fascinating initiation to breathing techniques in Eleanor’s expert hands. I highly recommend her classes for anyone wanting to understand their body better.””
Sue Palmer, Avocat, Paris, France

“Completing one of Eleanor’s breathing class leaves you centred and calm and ready for your day. When pressures build you can then revisit the exercises and restore yourself in a few moments.””
Rachel McColm, A&E Consultant, NHS England

“Eleanor is a charming and skilful teacher, who puts all comers at ease, and who brings long experience and innovative method to her class. I leave each class feeling sharper mentally, and very much at rest.””
Calum J, Operations Manager, International Private Security Firm

“With Eleanor’s backdrop of freediving, wild swimming and adventurous photo-journalism, you know you ‘re in for a treat! Her professional guidance and steady kindness leads you into a thoroughly disciplined experience of breathing exploration. Thank you Eleanor!””
Liz Lark, Yoga Teacher and Yoga Trainer at The Life Centre, Founder Member of The Life Centre, London

“I never knew there was so much to breathing and breath control and I’ve learned so much. Eleanor teaches a great online class and I feel better after.””
Jennifer Arnold, Publicist, NYC, US

“Who would have thought breathing exercises could be so diverse and relaxing. Thanks Eleanor for brilliantly guided, super enjoyable and beneficial “breathing with meditation” sessions. I always leave refreshed and relaxed.””
Aude, Entrepreneur and Lecturer in Sustainability Leadership, London

“We find the classes very relaxing, friendly and helpful. Eleanor has a very calm and reassuring manner which puts us at ease.””
Ken and Vijaya (both retired), Cambridge

“The Breathing Awareness retreat offered a new way to bring calm and get in touch with your inner-self. Eleanor did a great job with her soft manner and her great voice. Her varied background of sports, journalism and corporate is great and the discipline from her sports carries over into her lovely teaching. A nice combination!””
Carola K. Head of Marketing, Hamburg

“I’ve been attending Eleanor’s Monday evening online Breathing Practice classes for some time now. I simply can’t recommend them highly enough. Every class gives me an unexpected level of relaxation, despite busy days or work pressures. At the end of the class, I feel mentally entirely refreshed. It’s like having had a soothing interior shower and cleared the mind.””
Inez T, Actress/Translator, London

“I enjoyed 5 days of Eleanor’s October breathing retreat in a wonderful room with stunning views of the valley and mountains of Bad Gastein. Eleanor is an empathetic teacher and very competent. She has a great awareness of what participants need. She is an incredibly interesting person and I trusted her expertise immediately. The exercises during the classes were sometimes challenging and it was amazing how many breathing exercises I managed to do, even the challenging ones. I very much recommend the combination of breathing classes and hiking or walking in this marvellous landscape of Bad Gastein. A special experience was the “bedtime breathing“. Breathing practice before falling asleep was just perfect for relaxing into breathwork from the comfort of my own room. Joining a group of participants on the one hand, but at the same time private in your own room and with guidance from Eleanor leads perfectly into a refreshing sleep.””
Brigitte, Communications Director/ Editor-in-Chief, Vienna