Yoga with Alex
Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It is a journey of discovery — an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, to find stillness in a busy world and to explore the extraordinary relationship between body, breath, mind and consciousness.
Here at Cwm Connell, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast, I offer a welcoming and nurturing space in which to explore that journey.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for many years, my classes invite you to move with awareness, breathe more deeply, challenge yourself when it feels right and, above all, enjoy the experience.
I teach Anahata Yoga — a beautiful, flowing practice that weaves together movement, breath, meditation and the deeper philosophy of yoga.
Come as you are. Discover what yoga can bring to your life.
A beautiful place to practice
Our purpose-designed Yoga Shala at Cwm Connell is a wonderfully peaceful space in which to practice. With its oak floor, gentle infrared heating and the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside, it offers an environment where you can leave the outside world behind.
There is something very special about practising yoga here. The sounds of nature, the changing seasons and the proximity of the sea all encourage us to slow down, become more present and reconnect with the natural rhythms of life.
My classes are open to local students, visitors staying in our cottages and anyone wishing to explore yoga in a friendly and supportive environment.
Weekly Anahata Yoga Classes
I teach two regular classes each week in the Yoga Shala:
Monday evenings — 5.30pm
Thursday mornings — 8.00am
Classes combine flowing movement, traditional yoga postures, breathwork, relaxation and meditation. Each practice is an invitation to explore your own possibilities, developing strength, flexibility and balance while cultivating a greater sense of inner calm.
I encourage everyone to work at their own level, offering variations and adaptations so that the practice remains accessible, enjoyable and rewarding.
There is always room for a little laughter too!
Practice Online
If you can’t make it to Cwm Connell, you can still join us.
All my regular classes are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to practice from wherever you are. Recordings are also provided after each class, giving you the freedom to revisit the practice whenever it suits you.
Whether you join us in person or online, you’ll be part of our growing yoga community.
Private and One-to-One Yoga
Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries happen when we have the opportunity to explore our practice individually.
Private sessions allow us to focus on your particular interests, needs and aspirations. We might work on specific postures, develop a personal sequence, explore breathing techniques or delve more deeply into meditation and yoga philosophy.
Yoga is an extraordinary journey, and there is always more to discover.
One-to-one sessions generally last 60 minutes. Private group classes can also be arranged, including for guests staying at Cwm Connell.
Please contact me to discuss what you would like from your practice.
To join a class or find out more, email alex@cwmconnell.co.uk
My journey into yoga
My own journey with yoga began with an experience that profoundly changed the way I saw myself and the world around me.
On a yoga retreat, I discovered a sense of peace and connection that I had never experienced before. It was as though a door had opened onto an entirely different way of understanding life.
That experience sparked a fascination with yoga that has continued to grow ever since.
What began as a physical practice became something much deeper — an exploration of breath, awareness, consciousness and the ancient wisdom that lies at the heart of the yoga tradition.
Today, yoga is central to my life, and sharing its extraordinary possibilities with others is one of my greatest pleasures.
I taught yoga in Hampshire for three years before moving to Pembrokeshire, where I now teach regular classes, workshops and retreats at Cwm Connell.
My approach to teaching
I believe yoga should be both profound and joyful.
My teaching of Anahata draws on the rich traditions of Hatha and Tantra, combining physical practice with pranayama (breathwork), mantra, mudra, meditation and yoga philosophy.
I love helping students discover that yoga is not simply about achieving a posture or becoming more flexible. It is about developing awareness, understanding ourselves more deeply and bringing greater balance into our everyday lives.
Some days our practice may be strong, flowing and energising. On others it may be gentle, contemplative and deeply restorative.
There is no perfect practice. There is only the opportunity to become more present, more connected and more fully ourselves.
Training and Experience
I completed my initial 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Laura Gilmore at the Bristol School of Yoga in 2018, followed by training in Anahata Yoga with Peter Clifford in 2019.
In 2021, I completed Laura’s 500-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training course and have continued to broaden my understanding through further study.
My additional training includes:
- Yin Yoga with Melanie Cooper
- Restorative Yoga with Anna Ashby
- Advanced Hatha Yoga with Meni Farkash, completed in November 2023
My studies continue to deepen my appreciation of yoga as a complete and evolving practice, encompassing not only the physical body but also the subtler dimensions of breath, energy, mind and consciousness.
Testimonials
I have just come back from a 3 day yoga retreat run by Alex. This is my third retreat at Cwm Connell all run by Alex.
I cannot recommend this weekend highly enough. It is a fully emersive experience including asanas, meditation, breath work, sound baths, mantras and philosophy. I loved every moment!
The accomodation and studio are beautiful and very welcoming. Our chef constantly produced wholesome hearty vegetarian food including sweet healthy treats, she was happy to adapt meals to suit any dietary requirements.
Cwm Connell is a very special place, peaceful, warm and welcoming with excellent access to the coast and Cardigan. A perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in Nature and the changing seasons.
I am already on the list for next year!
An outstanding retreat that connected me to my true essence of peace, love.
Alex teaches from the heart. His extensive knowledge and clear passion for yoga allows him to deliver both the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice in a gentle, calm and supportive way. The Anahata Yoga Retreat was wonderful; well planned and inspiring while at the same time relaxing and restorative.
A truly amazing retreat. Alex is a joyful teacher who is bursting with knowledge.
I had a wonderful time at Cwm Connell’s yoga retreat with Alex! This was only the second time I’d done yoga and I felt so refreshed afterwards! Diolch!
Wonderful Yoga practice with Alex, he is always mindful of all the needs of people in the class.
Alex teaches a broad range of yoga practices. He intuitively knows when to give additional prompts His teaching is a great balance of physical yoga and reflective holistic practice.
A fabulous spring retreat day with Alex at Cwm Connell. The 5 Element form practise in the early morning sunshine over looking the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, was memorable. Alex’s teaching is wonderfully calm and relaxed, supportive. We were encouraged to push to find our ‘edge’ but also to explore alternative ways to reach poses if, like me, we were rather stiff and un-supple. A really great yoga experience in a fabulous environment.
I loved my time at Cwm Connell. Alex is supportive, gentle and inspiring. The West Wales landscape and Alex’s guided yoga make for a genuinely restorative experience.
Alex’s classes are incredible and I can’t recommend more highly. His depth of knowledge, his passion and understanding makes for a wonderfully nurturing experience, leaving you completely refreshed, enlightened and calm.
Alex’s Autumn Equinox Yoga Retreat was fantastic. His knowledge and guidance through practice was exceptional. The day was extremely well planned and a very calming and rewarding experience. Sad not to live nearer for more regular yoga with Alex.
I recently attended Alex’s Autumn Equinox Yoga retreat in the wonderful yoga hall at Cwm Connell. The hall was warm and light; the retreat fully attended with a combination of Alex’s regular students and others like me who’d travelled, knowing we’d be in for a treat. Three sessions of Anahata, Hatha and Restorative Yoga later, a wonderful lunch and evening banquet, I was gently restored. Thank you Emma and Alex for your wonderful hospitality.
We really enjoyed the beautiful Yoga practices, Reflexology, yummy food (please may I have the biscuit recipe?!!!), great company in the breathtaking surroundings! We had a wonderful sunny weekend staying in our stunningly beautiful & luxurious cottage, where every single thing had been carefully considered 🙏🏽 Looking forward to running Juicy Yoga / Meadowside Yoga Retreat here in the future 🧘🏽♀️
Cwm Connell is yoga heaven, with the biggest warm welcome, the entire day felt like a gigantic hug. Fantastic teaching and yoga practices set in nature. And your food was absolutely divine. Thank you so much, I left feeling super grounded and very much cared for. Can’t wait to find an opportunity to come back!
Thank you, thank you Alex and Emma – for the inspirational teaching and sense of deep harmony in your beautiful yoga hall. Delicious food and delightful company – you really cast a spell over all of us with your Magic of Yoga retreat.
Alex is a consummate professional with a calming voice and manner. Reassuring, helpful and knowledgeable I always look forward to his classes every week. He also brings a sense of fun to his yoga classes and his knowledge and experience of all aspects of yoga is without question. And to top it all he is a lovely human being as well! I would highly recommend Alex without question.
I have been going to weekly classes with Alex since September and enjoying them immensley. Alex is welcoming and warm and he is able to hold the group extremely well. He brings something new to each class and his passion for his practice is obvious, which he delights in sharing. He is not afraid to challenge us to find our own limits whilst at the same time creating an inclusive environment. I look forward to the classes each week.
Alex is a truly inspirational teacher. We are so lucky that he provides this motivational strengthening and holistic approach. His voice should be recorded as it has a great tone and resonance. I always feel relaxed and uplifted as well as knowing I’ve worked hard and taken this precious time for me.
This is my first time practising yoga so wasnt sure what to expect, but I’m loving it.???? Alex passes on his passion and knowledge in a beautifully calm manner, enabling, tranquility and mindfulness, while pushing us to increase physical strength and flexibility. Thanks Alex.
I have just completed Alex’s excellent Magic of Yoga programme. I am a beginner and Alex has a brilliant way of explaining what we are going to do, with extra thoughts about Yoga and what its essence is. Loved the course and believe it has started my life-changing path to improved health and being well.
Alex’s attention to the unique requirements of different students has allowed me to grow in confidence, both in improving postures and trying new asanas. Yoga has provided me with benefits both mental and physical, improving my strength, flexibility and balance.
I started as a Beginner 6 months ago and am now an Improver (hopefully!), I really notice my own progress which makes the courses feel rewarding.
Alex brings a great level of knowledge and fun to the classes which have combined an enjoyable, social workout with mindfulness, balance and increased strength. I am hooked!
I came to yoga with very little expectations. I have suffered with frequent back pains for most of my adult life and I can say that after a terms worth of lessons my whole body feels so much stronger and flexible. Yoga not only gives me much needed physical exercise but mental calmness too.
New to yoga last year, but already I’m hooked! Alex is incredibly patient and encouraging during his classes, but be in no doubt, you definitely come away knowing you’ve moved your body in ways you didn’t know were possible!
Alex runs a super weekly class that has greatly improved my suppleness and mental outlook. He transcends the yoga postures and brings a very holistic mental and physical approach to his classes. Very approachable, he oozes tranquility, but knows when to push the class to its limits.
The dance of breath, movement and consciousness
Anahata Yoga is a beautiful style of traditional Tantric Hatha Yoga, with it’s roots in Assam in northeastern India.
It is a practice that celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti — consciousness and creative energy — through flowing movement, conscious breathing and meditative awareness.
Unlike approaches that focus primarily on holding individual postures, Anahata Yoga often takes us through graceful, rhythmic sequences known as kriyas, where movement and breath become inseparable.
Traditional practices such as the Five Element Form, the Dance of Shiva and Shakti and the Dance of the Three Warriors invite us to explore the relationship between our physical bodies and the subtler energies of life.
Through pranayama, mantra, mudra, meditation and movement, we begin to discover the deeper dimensions of yoga.
At its heart, Anahata Yoga is a celebration of life — an opportunity to experience the joy of movement, the power of breath and the stillness of awareness.
It is yoga that reaches beyond the mat and into the way we live our lives.
Time to reconnect, restore and rediscover
Sometimes we need more than an hour on the mat.
My yoga retreats at Cwm Connell offer the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and immerse yourself in the practice of yoga.
Through a carefully balanced combination of Anahata Yoga, pranayama, meditation, philosophy and restorative practices, we create space for reflection, renewal and personal discovery.
And where better to do this than surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast?
Our retreats are relaxed, welcoming and inclusive, with plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, connect with others or simply be still.
Whether you join us for a day or a longer retreat, my hope is that you leave feeling refreshed, inspired and a little more connected to yourself.
Explore our upcoming yoga retreats at Cwm Connell.
Saturday 15th May 2027: Anahata Yoga Spring Day Retreat
Join us for a day of Anahata Yoga and discover The Dance of Shiva and Shakti. We journey from our physicality to the subtler layers of our being, letting go of what has been and setting intention for the months ahead.
There will be 2 Anahata practices during the day. We start our day with Charanas, Pranayama, Mantra & Meditation before practicing The 5 Element Form, the traditional morning practice of Anahatha Yoga. After brunch we will explore The Dance of the Goddess. In the afternoon we will slow it all down with a Sound bath from the wonderful Ash. All teaching will be inclusive and appropriate for all.
All of the activities and classes are entirely optional, you may prefer at any point to chill out in the hot tub and sauna or in the paddock, go on a mindful nature walk or take some time for meditation. Or you can just hang out, relax and have a chat…..
The day will be catered with snacks and brunch with delicious vegan lunch from our lovely retreat chef.
There is nothing quite like immersing yourself in a day of yoga. Take a day for yourself or bring a loved one, family or friend.
For those not local we are offering all weekend cottage rentals with 20% off so you can spoil yourself and make a weekend of it.
Om shanti. Namaste. A&Exx 🙏🕉💚
