Nope. This retreat is beginner-friendly, and you do not need any previous meditation experience to join.

You will also receive an exclusive Sloth Prep Audio before the retreat, helping you become familiar with Felix’s voice, teaching style and some of the themes we will explore together.

You are also very welcome to listen to some of Felix New’s other meditation tracks beforehand, if you would like an even greater feel for his approach before the day.

No.

The Sloth Retreat is a wellbeing and meditation experience, not therapy, counselling or mental health treatment.

The day includes guided meditation, mindfulness, nervous-system education, gentle parts work, somatic awareness, breathwork, group reflection and self-awareness practices. These may feel supportive, grounding or insightful, but they are not a substitute for working with a qualified therapist, doctor or other mental health professional where that support is needed.

Felix New is a meditation guide and coach, not a therapist. He has been teaching and recording guided meditation for 10 years and has completed training including the Guided Meditation Framework with Heather Hayward, Focusing Level 2 and training through the Jaw Yoga Academy.

Mo, founder of Soul Space Chester, is a yoga and meditation teacher, breathwork facilitator and creator of immersive wellbeing experiences. Her contribution to the retreat is offered within that wellbeing and meditation context rather than as psychotherapy or mental health treatment.

You do not need to be super fit — this is 'The Way of The Sloth', not a cross-fit bootcamp.

There will be some gentle walking around Chester Zoo, but the pace will be slow and mindful, with pauses along the way. You should be comfortable with light walking and standing, but the day is designed to feel spacious rather than strenuous.

Chester Zoo works hard to be as accessible as possible. They offer free carer entry for eligible visitors, accessibility support for mobility, hidden disabilities, sensory needs, and assistance dogs. Wheelchair and electric scooter hire may be available, but should be arranged with Chester Zoo in advance rather than on the day.

Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for gentle walking around the zoo.

As some of the day may take place outdoors, please bring weather-appropriate layers — such as a coat, umbrella, hat, sun protection, or anything else that helps you feel comfortable. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen for reflections, although this is optional.

Any extra snacks or nourishment. Meditation cushion/yoga mat anyone?! Bring what supports you.

We plan to visit the sloths as one of the highlights of the day, but animals have their own rhythms — especially sloths.

Where possible, the visit will be timed around guidance from the venue team and the natural flow of the day, but we cannot guarantee how visible or active the sloths will be. In true Sloth spirit, we will meet the moment as it is.

You are invited to take part, but there is no pressure to share anything personal. If you prefer to just listen, that is fine.

Some exercises may include gentle reflection or optional paired/group discussion, but you are welcome to participate in a way that feels right for you. The intention is to create a calm, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.

Pre-Retreat WhatsApp Group: Joining is completely optional. All essential retreat information, the Sloth Prep Audio and any important updates will also be sent directly by email, so you will not miss anything if WhatsApp is not for you.

No - Chester Zoo is our wonderful host venue only.

The retreat is independently organised and led by Felix New. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or delivered in partnership with Chester Zoo.

Zoo entrance and conservation work contribution is included in your ticket. The venue is providing our private room, food and refreshments. All retreat teaching, facilitation and organisation remain independent.

All images are copyright of Chester Zoo or Felix New.

The theme of the retreat is working with the sense of urgency many of us feel.

My hope is that you leave with a softer body, a steadier nervous system and a clearer sense of your own natural pace - alongside practical tools you can bring into everyday life. And just maybe, you’ll leave with a few lovely new friendships too!

The tools and practices from the retreat are designed to support grounding, mindful movement, nervous-system awareness, self-kindness, and the ability to find moments of calm even when life is busy.

The aim is not to live permanently at a sloth’s pace, but to discover a steadier pace within yourself - so the speed of the world does not always have to determine the speed inside you.

This will be a small, close-knit group of nervous system explorers. There will be up to 20 participants, plus Felix New and Mo as your retreat guides. There will also be 2 members of Felix's team present to support the flow of the day. We are intentionally keeping the group small to allow for depth, spaciousness, and a more personal retreat experience.

There may also be venue staff present at certain points during the day, for example when supporting the room, refreshments, lunch, or zoo logistics.

The retreat is designed to be gentle, calming, and spacious. We will explore nervous system awareness, grounding tools, and ways to slow down your inner world. There will be no pressure to share anything deeply personal, and you can participate in a way that feels comfortable for you. There is also space to explore by yourself if desired.

That said, Chester Zoo is a public visitor attraction and may be busy/ stimulating at times. Crowds, children, noise, movement, and other sensory input. We will move at a mindful pace and return to our private group room throughout the day, but please consider whether this setting feels right for you.

If you are currently experiencing anxiety or significant mental health difficulties, please speak with a trusted health professional before booking.