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Padel is a game of strategy and explosive power; yoga is the practice of breath and alignment. Together, they create the perfect physiological balance. Join a community of like-minded movers for a weekend of sweat, smiles, and serious relaxation.
“I loved my weekend from start to finish - will be back for more!”
Your Weekend Itinerary: Padel, Yoga and Steam
A typical weekend with us is designed to move you, stretch you, and leave you completely recharged.
Day 1: The Arrival
18:00 – 19:15 | Welcome & Gentle Flow Yoga: Settle into the Whitstable vibe with a grounding yoga session to shake off the travel and prepare your body for the weekend ahead.
19:15 – Late | Wine-Tasting Social & Snacks: Meet your fellow retreaters over a curated selection of local wines and delicious seasonal snacks. The perfect low-pressure start to the weekend.
Day 2: Flow & Smash
Morning | Coastal Free Time: Enjoy a slow Whitstable breakfast, a walk on "The Street," or a browse through the Harbour Street boutiques.
Time TBC | Uplifting Flow Yoga with Dan Kilford: Join Dan at WYWC for a 90-minute session designed to energize the body and sharpen your focus for the afternoon's action.
14:30 – 16:30 | Coached Padel at Smash Padel: Two hours of expert-led coaching, skill-building drills, and fun match play on our premium covered courts.
17:00 – 18:00 | Harbor Sauna Recovery: Head to Seascrub Sauna in the harbor to soothe your muscles in the wood-fired heat while watching the sunset over the masts.
Day 3: Peak Performance & Restoration
09:00 – 10:00 | The Wake-Up Sauna: Start your Sunday with a private sauna session and a bracing cold-water dip to kickstart your circulation.
11:30 – 13:30 | Padel Tournament & Social Games: Put your new skills to the test in a friendly closing tournament. High energy, plenty of rallies, and lots of laughs.
14:00 – 15:30 | Post-Padel Flow & Closing Yin: We end exactly where we began—on the mat. This 90-minute session focuses on deep recovery and "Yin" postures to ensure you head home feeling light, flexible, and relaxed.
Smash Padel Whitstable
Whether you’re stepping onto a padel court for the first time or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, our goal is to ensure you have a fantastic time.
Both Saturday and Sunday feature a two-hour session led by LTA-qualified Padel Instructor Marianne Hewitt. Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered — Smash Padel Whitstable (opened in 2023) boasts three covered courts, ensuring the British weather never stops play.
For the Beginners: You’ll master the basic shots, learn the rules, and hit plenty of balls in a fun, encouraging environment. While previous racket sports experience is a bonus, it’s certainly not essential. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have the confidence and skills to get on any court and play a match.
For the Improvers: If you’re already a padel convert, we focus on the "next level." Expect technical and tactical drills designed to improve your court positioning and point-winning shots.
We provide all the equipment, so just bring your energy!
The Perfect Partnership - Yoga & Padel
At Down Dog, we believe that the best way to power up is to first find your centre. Yoga is the ultimate complement to padel—it primes your body for the physical demands of the court and settles the mind for focused learning.
We are proud to partner with Whitstable Yoga & Wellbeing Centre (WYWC), a holistic haven in the heart of town. This beautiful, fully equipped studio—complete with four serene therapy rooms—provides the ideal space to breathe and reset.
Your Practice with Dan: Dan’s classes are thoughtfully designed as balanced flows that connect intentional movement with the breath. Whether we are building heat to prepare for a padel match or winding down for a restorative evening, these sessions are inclusive and suited to every body.
Leave the mat feeling energized, relaxed, and ready for whatever the weekend brings.
Seascrub Sauna: Steam, Sea & Serentiy
here is no better way to cap off a day of padel and yoga than with a session in the authentic wood-fired sauna. Perched right on the water’s edge, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted sea views as the heat works its magic on your muscles.
Find Your Chill: For the brave (and the curious!), you can take your pick from:
A bracing dip in whisky barrels.
Refreshing cold-water buckets and showers.
A plunge into the Whitstable sea (high-tide permitting!).
In the warmer months, we’ll break out the Ice Bath for those looking for the ultimate zing.
The Extra Touches: Want to elevate your experience? Opt for a rejuvenating Seascrub or a blend of Essential Oils to truly transport your senses.
Our setup is wonderfully rustic and social, featuring communal outdoor changing spaces and showers. Public toilets are conveniently located just a short stroll away in the harbour building.
A few notes for your stay
All-Weather Play: Because our padel courts are covered, the schedule stays the same whether it’s beautifully sunny or a typical British afternoon.
What to Bring:
On the Court & In the Studio
Yoga Gear: Comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely.
Padel Wear: Trainers and comfortable activewear. (If you have your own racket, feel free to bring it, but we have plenty for you to borrow!)
Hydration: A reusable water bottle to keep you topped up during high-energy sessions.
At the Sauna & Sea
Swimwear: For the wood-fired sauna and those optional coastal dips.
Towel: For your post-sauna and swim dips. A dry robe is useful for changing on the beach or at the sauna.
Sauna Essential: A small towel or a sarong to sit on while in the sauna.
Winter Warriors: If you’re joining us in the colder months, neoprene gloves and boots are a game-changer for sea swimming!
Out and About
Comfortable Walking Shoes: For long walks.
A Layers-First Wardrobe: The Whitstable breeze is beautiful, but a light jacket or fleece is always a good idea for sunset drinks at the Neppy.
Make the most of your Whitstable weekend:
When you aren’t on the court or the mat, Whitstable is your playground. Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal stroll or an afternoon of adrenaline, here are our favorite ways to spend an hour or two:
Take a Dip: Whitstable is wonderfully tidal! For the best swim, aim for 90 minutes either side of high tide. If you're joining us in the winter, we highly recommend bringing along your neoprene gloves and boots for a cozy, bracing plunge.
Walk on Water: At low tide, head down near the Hotel Continental and walk out along "The Street"—a natural shingle spit that stretches into the sea. It’s the best place to look back and see Whitstable from a completely different perspective.
On Two Wheels: Hire a bike and enjoy a breezy cycle along the promenade to Herne Bay, or push a little further to the dramatic twin towers of Reculver Castle.
Get Active: Not finished with your workout? Hire one of the local public tennis courts, or take to the water with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak to explore the coastline.
Indulge: For the ultimate relaxation, book a holistic treatment at Whitstable Yoga & Wellbeing Centre. From massages to specialized therapies, it’s the perfect way to soothe those padel-weary muscles.
