We are huge fans of Creacon Wellness Retreat here at Positive Life. In our Autumn 2021 issue, we were pleased to feature them in the ever-popular Short and Sweet section. Read on to learn all about the amazing retreats, food, classes and other services they offer.
Creacon Wellness Retreat
Rest and Restore: The Bliss of Creacon
For our Winter 2020/21 issue, our publisher Paul got the chance to visit the amazing Creacon Wellness Retreat, and learn how the centre has grown since it first opened. We highly recommend it as a getaway destination, once travel becomes possible again.
Creacon Magic: Wexford Wellness With Heart
We are huge fans of Creacon Wellness Retreat here at Positive Life, and in our Winter 2019/20 issue, we were pleased to feature them in the ever-popular Short and Sweet section. Read on to learn all about the amazing retreats, food, classes and other services they offer.
The Vitality Vibes: Highlights From the Fantastic Vitality Expo
We’re still on a high after attending the wonderful Vitality Expo in the RDS last weekend. For an in-depth tour of the atmosphere on the day, and a behind-the-scenes insight into the people who made the event so great, make sure you watch the live video we recorded over the weekend, showcasing the presenting skills of our very own Paul Congdon! Catch it here.
We wanted to put together this list of our best picks from the show. If you didn’t get the chance to go, consider this a recap of the best and brightest offerings!
Tried and Tested
Eskimo 3 Fish Oil
Eskimo-3 aims to differentiate themselves from many other fish oil brands through an unwavering commitment to high quality. They are proud to be one of the purest, safest and most environmentally friendly fish oils on the market.
Rossmore Health
Rossmore Health, located in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, is a family owned business founded in 1997. They stock a huge range of natural products, covering areas such as weight loss, energy boosters, immune enhancers, detox, skin care, joint care, sugar free candies and snacks (diabetic friendly), and food supplements.
Macánta Nutrition
Macánta Nutrition Ltd. is an Irish company based in Galway producing high quality nutritional supplements that are available exclusively within Irish Health Stores. The word Macánta itself means honest/sincere, and to the company, it represents the standard for everything they do. In the design and development of their products, product integrity and quality are number one priorities.
Wild Nutrition
Wild Nutrition was formulated by the best-selling nutritional author, practitioner and speaker, Henrietta Norton BSc DipNT. The company’s Food-Grown® supplements provide superior nutritional support throughout the key stages and events in life. In 2018, Wild Nutrition won the Best Natural Supplements honour at the Beauty & Wellbeing Awards.
Pravera
Pravera is dedicated to helping people lead a healthier life. The company specialises in offering its customers the best possible product options in the fields of cosmetics, skin care, natural household cleaning and more. Some of its brands include Lavera, Primavera, SoulTree, Khadi, Organyc, Organii, and EcoCosmetics.
Nature’s Plus
Nature’s Plus has worked hard to earn the loyalty of millions of satisfied consumers and health food retailers worldwide with their emphasis on high quality at every stage, from manufacturing to on-time delivery to their work with retailers. Nature’s Plus is committed to supplying superior quality natural vitamins and nutritional supplements.
April Danann’s Shroom Coffee
Holistic coach April Danann takes great care when producing her amazing Shroom Coffee. The coffee is blended with medicinal mushrooms: reishi, shiitake, cordceps and lions mane. It also contains organic cocoa powder, cinnamon, roasted dandelion root and chicory root. Delicious! Click here to read all about it.
New Technology
Abundance and Health
We were very impressed by Altrient C, Abundance and Health’s innovative vitamin C sachets which promise up to 98% absorption, thanks to liposomal technology. Liposomal Encapsulation Technology consists of microscopic healthy fat particles which are made up of phospholipids, along with water soluble vitamins and minerals. This technology has been used for many years as a way of delivering small amounts of therapeutic substances to the specific tissues of the body, without affecting any other part of the body.
TurmeriX
Turmerix is a new company that specialises in producing high-quality, fast-acting turmeric powder. This powder also contains an “X-blend” of supporting spices and herbs: cinnamon, coconut powder, green tea, liquorice, kelp, fennel, vanilla, aniseed, caraway, ginger, clove, cardamon and more.
Ooom Snacks
Many of us are on the lookout for something that can reduce stress and help us achieve a sense of balance. Stefan and Lorenzo – the dynamic duo behind a brand-new food company called Ooom Snacks – have come up with a nutritious solution. Ooom products have a measurable anti-stress effect, due to the presence of adaptogen plants. These plants can increase our body’s ability to resist the detrimental effects of stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.
Hifas Da Terra
Hifas Da Terra is a Spanish biotechnology company founded in 1999. The company is committed to improving people’s quality of life using the previously untapped medicinal properties of mushrooms. This emerging science is called mycology. Hifas Da Terra’s range includes medicinal products, food, skincare goods and supplements.
Other Blissful Picks
Creacon Wellness Retreat
Creacon Wellness Retreat in New Ross, Co. Wexford, is dedicated to giving guests the most relaxing retreat experience possible when they visit, offering comforting and nutritious food, spacious rooms, and a range of interesting activities through a daily opt in/out schedule that includes Five Tibetan yoga, Gentle Hatha Yoga, Japa Meditation Class, Mandala Class and more. Tara Congdon wrote about her experience with them in our most recent Autumn 2018 issue. You can read Tara’s full article here.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honouring the vision of their founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating their profits to help make a better world. These fantastic products are available in Ireland through their wholesaler, Life’s Great.
Genovese Foods
Genovese Foods is an award-winning producer of pestos, tapenades and mayonnaise, with a passionate clean food ethos. Their ranges include: Genovese, Oh Mayo and the brand-new Veggie Earth, which was launched at the Vitality Expo. It contains delicious pestos, tapenade and veganaise (a type of mayonnaise produced without eggs).
Mag365
Mag 365 produces high-quality dietary supplements to assist individuals in achieving optimum health, while simultaneously providing education on how a healthy lifestyle and supplementation can increase quality of life. Their powdered magnesium supplements contain a highly bioavailable active ingredient called magnesium citrate. All natural ingredients and no fillers.
Alison Canavan
The acclaimed wellness coach Alison Canavan gave a great talk at the Expo – and Paul caught up with her for a quick chat which you can watch here. Alison runs a highly successful series of health and wellness shows around the country called the Full 360 Tour. Check her website for full details! You can also read her most recent article for us here.
Monmore Organic Male Grooming
We were intrigued by the products of men’s skin care brand, Monmore Organic Male Grooming. The company describes themselves as “an Irish brand with Italian quality”. They create unique combinations of ingredients which are carefully blended to ensure the collective works as one, smell subtle, feel good and leave skin and hair in prime condition.
Grown Clothing
Grown Clothing is an Irish ethical clothing company inspired by the sea, coast and wildlife of Ireland. They use only organic, post-consumer and earth friendly materials to make their garments … and the clothes themselves are of an amazing quality!
Kama Hemp Juice
This juice packs a powerful punch! Kama Hemp Juice is high in calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, provitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and iron. The company grows their hemp organically, under the sun, wind and rain, on our family farm in Co. Monaghan, Ireland. They harvest and juice the crop at the very peak of its growing season to ensure that its nutrition is preserved at its best.
Creacon Wellness Retreat in New Ross, Co. Wexford, served as the perfect getaway location for Tara Congdon, who described it as “a blissful place.” Learn more about it below!
A Beacon of Bliss
Total relaxation in Co. Wexford
by Tara Congdon
I recently had the enormous pleasure of taking a trip to Creacon Wellness Retreat. Creacon is cosily nestled a stone’s throw from New Ross in Co. Wexford. On entering the little driveway, a cute Buddha welcomed me with a smile from the garden, and as I parked, my eye was drawn to a sign that said, ‘it’s a wonderful life.’ My usual frantic adrenalin immediately began to settle itself.
I tumbled out of my car and into reception, passing sweet chimes on my way, setting the tone for my adventure. An aside – bags hanging out of me and arriving late, just a few minutes before dinner, I was distracted from the fact that my top had pretty much come undone and so I stood in front of Veronica, the receptionist (decorated receptionist, I might add: Veronica won the 2017 Receptionist of the year award) in my bra – I have to say I would highly recommend it as an icebreaker because it gave us a great belly laugh and we were solid buds from then on.
From the minute I saw my beautiful bedroom, named Hawthorn, and my big cosy double bed, all of my busy world faded away and I was completely enchanted by the place. There is Anespa Alkaline mineral ion water in the bathrooms – it helps relax the entire body, helps improve dry skin, poor circulation, eczema, insomnia, stiffness, fatigue, rheumatism and much more.
Creacon serves Kangen water, which is alkaline water. Some of its benefits include: relief of IBS and Acid Reflux, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, and alleviating stress and anxiety!
At dinner, I was served up the most delicious menu of nutritious, wholesome and healthy plate of food – homemade marinated salmon served with basil mousse and garlic crostini, followed by a vegetarian ragu and polenta. Later, I had some chamomile tea with cookies in the heart room.
The café has recently opened up daily to the public too. The chef is Gaetano Pernagallo, who believes ‘food is medicine.’ The benefits of each dish are listed on the menus. Something I really liked is how everyone seems to gravitate together for meal times – including the staff – and it’s like chowing down with your family. It’s warm, with lots of storytelling and great craic too.
Some of the other lovely treats I discovered during my stay at Creacon were the bijou conservatory area for quiet time and meditative colouring, the yoga/meditation room equipped with cushions and cosy mats, the relaxing heart room, sometimes showing an inspirational film, and the upstairs yellow room with the most snug couches.
There is a daily opt in/out schedule, including things like Five Tibetan yoga, Gentle Hatha Yoga, Japa Meditation Class, Mandala Class … there really is something for everyone! If you wish, you can book a consultation or private session. Everything is put together so carefully to nurture and love its guests. Nothing is missed.
I am blessed to have had this experience. If I was to put my finger on one stand-out from my stay, it was, without a doubt, the people: staff and guests. Funny, witty, warm, honest, down to earth people – I immediately felt like part of the family … and I just felt completely at home. Creacon is a blissful place!
If you’re looking for a tranquil getaway destination to nourish the body and spirit, as the searing heat of summer gradually gives way to a more autumnal feeling, look no further than Creation Lodge Wellness Centre, located in Co. Wexford. Creacon was founded by Derek O’Neill, with the aim of providing a safe haven for guests who want to escape from the busy outside world for a while.
The quality of Creacon’s accommodation is second to none. Their guest suites – available with king-size beds, double beds or twin beds – come equipped with nutritious snacks, alkaline Kangen water and lightly scented relaxation mists to help encourage total relaxation and enable guests to enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Creation also boasts a personal fitness studio, an art room, a library, community loungers and beautiful lush gardens to explore and enjoy.
A wide range of treatments are offered at the Lodge: under their Spirit healing programme, Heart Healing, Prema Birthing, Rising Star and Relationship Rising Star treatments are offered. For the Mind, hypnotherapy, mindfulness training, NLP and psychotherapy sessions are available. For the Body, the range of physical treatments include acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, cranio-sacral reflexology, massage, organic natural facials and Quantum Biofeedback. For more in-depth descriptions and reviews of each modality, just click on the links provided.
As if all of that weren’t enough, they also offer classes on yoga, meditation, essential oils, Tibetan bowls healing and many other topics – to browse the full programme, just click here.
Of course, no description of Creacon’s facilities could be complete without mentioning their scrumptious food. Resident master chef, Gaetano Pernagallo, prides himself on designing meals that are designed to provide optimum nutrition and wellness, while also appealing to the taste buds. Based on the philosophy that ‘food is medicine’, Creacon uses only high-quality ingredients – many of which are grown in their own gardens – all specially chosen for their seasonal and environmental appropriateness. To view the café menu, just click here. A juice cleanse programme is also available.
You can find out more about Creacon by calling 051 447 666, emailing info@creaconwellnessretreat.com or visiting their website or Facebook page.
Positive Vibes – Summer 2018: Your Guide to the Delights of the Season
Summer is well and truly at its peak (and our Summer 2018 issue has hit the shelves), so we just had to share the Positive Vibes section from the magazine, which showcases some of the most exciting events, courses, products, and tasty treats that Ireland’s holistic scene has to offer this season. Sit back, read all about it, and while you’re at it, make a note to pick up a copy of the Summer 2018 issue in your local health food store. You can also subscribe online to receive this issue, and three others, straight to your door.
Summer Vibes
“Summer moonlight / All soft and fair… Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere”
(Emily Bronte)
Bloom n’ grow
Get Elemental
Thirsty to drink from the font of feminine wisdom which lies within you? Facilitator Sky Buitenhuis invites you to embark on ‘The Heroine’s Journey’, a four weekend immersion into the wilderness of nature and the self, to emerge empowered and attuned within. Come share in the rich tapestry of women’s wisdom awaiting YOU.
theearthisdreaming.com/womens-courses
The Peace Team
Ready to share the bountiful benefits of meditation and mindful living? The Meditation Teacher Academy® is now offering a 200hour certified teacher training course which enables you to confidently teach a variety of chill-out techniques. Think loving-kindness, yoga nidra, mantra and mindfulness. Let the peace ripple on.
Brain training
Optimal Brain is an advanced, personal transformation system designed to help you get the best use of your brain. With training, you can enhance just about anything in the realms of brain functioning; relieving stress and anxiety and improving sleep cycles, focus, attention and retention. Do you brain a favour and have a gander.
Hope and healing
Disenchanted and ready to embrace a new health paradigm? Paulette Agnew, in her book FAB Health, shares the story of her recovery from Lyme disease. A compilation of personal experience, research and interviews with leading health professionals, Paulette offers hope and a simply explained solution to antibiotic-resistant illness through Frequency And Biomagnetic (FAB) medicine.
Self-nurture
Human connection
Camp out in the Heartspace this August during a six day extravaganza of playfulness, celebration, learning and transformation. Expect a diverse range of workshops from African dance to circus skills and yoga, helping to deepen your connection with yourself, others and nature. You can bring the kids along too! See the Heartspace Facebook event for details.
facebook.com/events/164139600894707
Summer Escapades
Creacon Wellness Retreat, nestled in the lush Wexford surrounds, is the perfect place to plot your next summer escape. Whether you’re going solo or attending a specialized retreat or workshop, Creacon offers an abundance of ways to relax and rejuvenate.
Travelling light
Downsize your baggage and travel ultra-light with Mooncup; a reusable, portable silicone menstrual cup to replace disposable tampons and pads. If you’re heading off the beaten track this summer, Mooncup will be your best travelling companion!
Summer sustenance
Brain Food
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a delicious variety of mushroom, with a special affinity for the brain. Mushroomstuff creates 100% organic, highly bioavailable, Lion’s Mane in capsule form to enhance and protect those precious neurons in your noggin’.
Impeccable pesto
Small-batch, unhurried production prevails in Stoneybatter, Dublin, where Genovese Foods have been crafting their gourmet, additive-, gluten- and GMO-free pesto products since 1999. The oldest producers of fresh pesto in Ireland, their flavoursome little jars are well worth the dip.
Rise and shine
Mushrooms are all the rage. We tried the mushroom coffee by Four Sigmatic: rich, earthy and delicious, it sends positive vibes coursing through your system. The mushroom works with the caffeine and neutralises the jitters, replacing them with a balanced feeling. Wake up and smell the mushrooms.
Mother natures’ bounty
Medical Medium Anthony William’s fascinating book, Life Changing Foods, reveals the healing properties on physical, emotional and spiritual levels of fifty fruits and vegetables which the earth provides us with. Discover the choices for healing, health and recovery you can make each time you sit down to a meal.
medicalmedium.com/life-changing-foods
Soul fuel
Way of the heart
Share in the “most healing, centring, transforming and enlightening thing” in Kevin James’ life this July, as he arrives to Dublin for an evening of chanting heartsongs, mantra and kirtan to reconnect with the intelligence of the heart. Come spread the love!
Spiritual momentum
Marianne Williamson will be winging her way to Dublin this October 10th for what’s sure to be an inspiring, uplifting and empowering seminar. Marianne is author of twelve published books and shares stories and wisdom on love, the spiritual journey and miracles. Check out the Seminars website for more.
Melting pot of positivity
Come simmer in the power of positivity and an atmosphere of inspiration, sharing and enlightenment during the summer series of Positive Nights. Bring an open heart and an open mind and expect to meet more of the same.
positivelife.ie/positivenights
Be the Divine You
Mother Meera, native to India and embodiment of the Divine Mother, will be in Dublin this July bestowing her blessing on all those who feel the call to enlighten their inner divinity. In total silence, experience a purification of consciousness and a bestowal of light upon the soul.
Teen Empowerment
Treasa Traynor, director of Chrysalis Wellness, is on a mission to bring the strengths of a yoga practice into school communities. Specializing in programmes such as ‘Time out for teachers’ and ‘Wellbeing workshops’ for teens, Treasa seeks to help young people and their teachers cope with the many challenges they face during the transition from childhood to adulthood.