Catherine Reynolds | Jun 27, 2018


Yoga teaches you how to listen to your body.

That was the message at a yoga retreat in Sydenham last weekend hosted by Liz Huntly and her husband Roland Jensch, owners of yoga studio 330 in Kingston. Speaking from her family’s historic 13-acre farmhouse on Stage Coach Road as dozens of guests enjoyed yoga in the barn and yard, Liz says, “It’s a good way to stay fit.”

Named the Groove Yoga Gathering, the retreat has attracted 100-200 people annually since its inception in 2015. It is described as a small, intimate festival with a range of classes from beginner to advanced. Visitors travel from as far as Toronto and Ottawa for the classes, many of which offer live music and locally & internationally recognized teachers.

“It’s a great way to get people from outside this region here,” says Liz who believes yoga is growing in popularity.

“Because it is our home, it has a friends and family feel,” she says kindly. “We feel this is a special property. It’s a beautiful place to be for the weekend.”

Located a few minutes from downtown, the farm has a tranquility about it, even with guests camping in the apple orchard. Goats can be heard in the background and vendors sit patiently outside the barn, offering fresh food and handmade products.

“While the Groove Yoga Gathering has its roots in this Ontario festival, it has since created gatherings worldwide with events in Germany, Croatia, India and Nepal,” explains the 33-year-old who travels the world to host similar retreats.

“What sets Groove events apart is their smallness. Participation is generally capped at 100-200 participants. This means the Groove experience is intimate, authentic and personal. Each location is carefully selected and programming is designed to reflect local culture and traditions. Our original version flavour is good clean fun, country-style.”

Liz started practising yoga 15 years ago for improved physical health, but was soon appreciating the mental health benefits.

“There isn’t a part of my life that it doesn’t effect,” she says with a smile.

Gently rocking Liz and Roland’s three-month-old son while standing in the farmhouse kitchen, Tess Huntly talks about the festival with enthusiasm.

“The gentle and inclusive style embraces people wherever they’re at,” she says,. “You feel you can do it at your own pace.”

Sitting in a tent attached to their 1974 Volkswagen Bus with two Dalmatians at their feet, festival participants Marta Lambert and Alex Mitchell have been attending the retreat for years.

“It’s great,” says Alex who was raised in Battersea,

“I love it,” adds Marta. “It’s such a neat space.”

To learn more about this festival or yoga, please contact Liz Huntly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 343-884-8435.

Support local
independant journalism by becoming a patron of the Frontenac News.