‘Melbourne Vegan Guide goes to Mat & Table’ Itinerary!
3-5 May, 2024 at The Farmstead, Yarra Valley
Friday, May 3
4pm Your Getaway is Calling: It’s finally time! Guests are welcome to arrive at The Farmstead from 4pm. This gives you time to meet your hosts & fellow Mat & Tablers, get settled in your room, & explore the amazing property in which we get to call home for the weekend.
5pm Post-drive Stretch: Let’s kick off our weekend with an energizing 60 minute flow with Sarah to drop you into the present moment that is your Mat & Table getaway. Can’t make it to Yarra Valley by 5pm? No stress. We (& your drink) will be waiting for you whenever you can join.
6:30pm Bubbly, Bites & Billiards: Like any fabulous dinner-party, we’ll start with something to wake up our palettes & curb any post-flow hunger. Wear something you feel comfortable & great in, grab some bubbly & meet your fellow Mat & Tablers over a game of billiards or a chat by the fire place.
7:30pm The First Supper: You’ve heard of the last supper… well, this is just as spiritual of an event. Grab a seat at the table & continue your chin wags over handpicked Victorian wines while beloved vegan cookbook author & our private chef for the weekend, Yolanda Whelan, serves up our first feast.
Saturday, May 4
Early riser or don’t like to practice on an empty stomach? No worries, we wouldn’t dare leave you hungry. The kitchen will have fruit, granola, yoghurt, fresh bread, jam & coffee/tea by 7am each morning.
8:30am BIGGGGG Stretch: After a sleep in, we’ll start the day with morning meditation & a dynamic 75 minute flow with Sarah designed to kick start your weekend.
10am Morning Glory: Take your time refueling your body with an abundant brunch spread full of sweet & savory options. Oh, & of course, coffee.
10:45am The Valley Is Your Playground: The next few hours are completely yours. Winery hop throughout the Yarra Valley? Drive the Black Spur? Visit charming Healesville? Alternatively, why not book a massage with Mat & Table therapist, Courtney, or snuggle up by the fire with a book? Yum. There’s plenty of time… use it however you fancy.
3:15pm Yin Bliss: After your explorations, we'll regroup for a slow-paced grounding yin practice with Sarah. Get cuddly & let yourself drop in to a state of bliss.
4pm Canapés, Chianti & Clay with Alicia McVilly: Presence can be achieved in many ways on & off the yoga mat. One way is the art of handbuilding with clay. So we recruited the very talented ceramicist, Alicia McVilly, to guide us through a Canapés, Chianti & Clay workshop. Each guest will learn handbuilding skills from Alicia & be able to create their own ceramic pieces that will be fired, glazed & ready for pick up post Mat & Table. Plus more snacks & wine!
7:30pm The Grande Finale Dinner: “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing & devote our attention to eating.” — Luciano Pavarotti. Wear something that makes you feel extra special! Chef Yolanda is pulling out all the stops for the special last night dinner. Come hungry, we cannot wait to treat you!
Sunday, May 5
7am Cool Runnings: It’s not only a classic movie, but a dreamy (and very optional) way to start your Sunday morning. Up your heart rate with Renee whilst soaking in the epic valley scenery & crisp country air.
8:30am Easy Like Sunday Morning: Let’s start our last morning bridging the body & mind together with the breath. We’ll drop into a nurturing pranayama practice & Slow Flow with Sarah.
9:45am Welcome to Brunch City: Population you. For the final time, grab a seat around our gorgeous table, pour yourself a cuppa & fill your plate with Chef Yolanda’s delicious breakfast staples.
10:30am Frolick or Kick Back: Take what you need during this time. Want to adventure about the Valley? Frolick away! Keen for a slow Sunday? There’s plenty of places to kick back & put your feet up.
12:30pm ‘Teach me how to Tofu’ with Renee: Join Melbourne Vegan Guide founder & your cohost Renee Buckingham to learn your way around the plant-based kitchen staple, tofu! Renee will share how to make a few of her favourite dishes using this malleable ingredient (chocolate mouse anyone?). Leave feeling inspired & rejuvenated with new recipes & tricks to use at your next dinner party or night in on the couch.
2:30pm Love You & Leave You: There is no rush. Take your time gathering your things. We’ll regroup for a proper farewell before we say our ‘see ya laters!”
* Timings & itinerary are subject to change—as life naturally does all the time!
