A business created by mothers for mothers
We first met in Tenerife when we were 15 years old and, despite life taking us on different paths, we always stayed connected. Years later, we both found ourselves back on the island, pregnant just three weeks apart. Sharing that journey side by side deepened our friendship in ways we never expected and ultimately led us both to have empowering home births. Through this experience, a shared passion was born: to uplift women, advocate for mothers, and create spaces where women feel informed, empowered, and connected.
Women's circles have been a transformative part of both our journeys. Although we're often like yin and yang, sun and moon - approaching topics from different perspectives - we consistently arrive at the same belief: women thrive when they are connected to themselves, trust themselves, and feel supported by community. Held Within Retreats was created from that belief. Our mission is to create nurturing spaces where women can slow down, reconnect, and remember that they were never meant to do motherhood alone.
Kayleigh | Co-founder & Circle Facilitator
Hi, I'm Kayleigh.
I'm a mama, women's circle facilitator, and founder of Root & Rise, based here in Tenerife. Originally from the UK, I've spent much of my life between the UK and Tenerife. I have called this beautiful island home for the past decade.
Women's circles have been a deeply transformative part of my own journey, offering connection, support, and a space to return to myself. After years of finding solace in these gatherings, I felt called to begin holding them for other women. What started as small circles with friends and family has grown into work that I feel truly honoured to do.
My commitment to supporting women has led me to undertake professional womb facilitator training, helping me deepen my knowledge and expand the ways I can hold space for women through different seasons of life. Alongside this, I hold certificates in Psychology, which continues to shape my understanding of human connection, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of feeling seen, heard, and understood.
Before stepping into this work, I spent many years working in administrative and community-focused roles, including within the coliving sector. These experiences taught me so much about building meaningful communities, organising events, creating welcoming environments, and bringing people together with intention - skills that now weave naturally into the spaces I facilitate today.
I am passionate about creating spaces where women can slow down, reconnect with themselves, feel held and ultimately empowered. I believe that when women gather with intention, we remember the wisdom, intuition, and strength that already exists within us.
Women are full of magic; sometimes we simply need a space that helps us remember.
A space for women to reconnect, rise, and remember their magic ✨
Join me on instagram
@rootandrisetfs
“... Kayleigh has created such a safe and beautiful space to reconnect with your mind and body.
It was incredible to harness the energy of womanhood and the magic these circles create.
From the crafted personal touches to being accepted and secure amongst a group, this experience is something l will hold with me.”
— Nicola P.Ellie | Co-founder & Childcare Lead
I am so happy you have found us and I look forward to hopefully meeting you and your little ones.
I am a mother to three wonderful boys, a qualified Early Years Practitioner, and hold a Master's degree in Education.
Supporting children and families has been at the heart of my work for many years. I have had the privilege of working in nurseries and schools, leading children's activities within family holiday settings, and coaching young people through cheerleading. Each experience has strengthened my passion for creating environments where children feel safe, valued, confident, and free to be themselves.
I believe childhood should be filled with freedom, wonder, and opportunities to explore. I love watching children follow their interests, play creatively, spend time in nature, and experience the simple joys of being barefoot, curious, and connected to the world around them.
Becoming a mother has been one of the most beautiful and transformative experiences of my life. It has also taught me how easy it can be to place our own needs at the bottom of the list whilst caring for everyone else.
Held Within was born from a shared desire to create the kind of space many mothers are longing for — a space to slow down, reconnect with themselves, build meaningful connections with other women, and spend intentional time with their children.
I have always loved bringing people together. There is something special about gathering in community, sharing stories, learning from one another, and creating meaningful connections. Hosting and creating welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable, supported, and truly seen brings me so much joy.
I am passionate about creating environments where both mothers and children feel seen, supported, and valued. Spaces where there is no pressure to be anything other than you.
I truly believe that when mothers are nurtured, rested, and held, the ripple effect extends far beyond themselves.
I cannot wait to welcome you to Held Within and share this experience together. 🤍
Want to hear more from me?
Come and say hello on instagram!
@ellielivingandlearning
"She has a natural ability to connect with people, especially children. She inspires confidence, makes everyone feel included, and
always leads with patience, understanding, and kindness."
— Amanda, P. Margaret | Head Chef & Children's Yoga Facilitator
Originally from Scotland and now calling Tenerife home for the past 14 years, Margaret brings over 40 years of professional culinary experience, along with a deep passion for wellbeing, family, and nourishment.
As our Head Chef, Margaret leads our retreat catering with a philosophy rooted in the belief that "food is mood" - that what we eat has a profound impact on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. Inspired by her childhood spent cooking with her grandparents and surrounded by seasonal home-grown produce, she creates wholesome, vibrant meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious.
Alongside creating beautiful meals for our retreat guests, Margaret will also be sharing her love of yoga with our youngest attendees. She holds a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training qualification from Rishikesh, India, and is a Traditional Kundalini Yoga Teacher.
As a mother of grown twins and now a grandmother, she brings both professional training and a lifetime of experience nurturing children. She helps create a joyful space where little ones can move, explore, and connect through yoga.
Whether through a lovingly prepared meal or a children's yoga session, Margaret's intention is simple: to help everyone feel nourished, supported, and cared for.
Healthy body, healthy mind.
Eva Schubert
Yoga Instructor
@yogatenerifewitheva
Eva is a dedicated yoga teacher based in Tenerife with over 10 years of personal practice and teaching experience. Her approach combines the traditional wisdom of Classical Hatha Yoga, the deeply restorative qualities of Yin Yoga, and a gentle, cycle-aware practice designed to support women through the different phases of life.
With warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for holistic well-being, she creates spaces where women can reconnect with themselves, find balance, and experience deep relaxation. Over the years, she has accompanied and taught at numerous women’s retreats, guiding participants through practices that nurture both body and mind.
During the Mother & Child Retreat, Eva will offer accessible and nourishing yoga sessions tailored to the needs of mothers, providing moments of calm, strength, self-care, and connection. Her classes invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a meaningful pause within the beautiful experience of motherhood.
Dr. Heidi Bamford
BA, DC
@tenerifechiropractic
Dr. Heidi Bamford is an internationally trained chiropractor and applied kinesiologist with over 20 years of experience supporting women, children, and families. Having trained and practised in the USA, UK, and Australia, she takes a gentle, holistic approach that helps people restore balance, improve function, and support their body's natural ability to thrive.
Passionate about women's wellbeing, Heidi helps mothers feel stronger, more energised, and more connected to themselves. For the past five years, she has been serving the Tenerife community, offering personalised care to families seeking a natural approach to health and wellbeing.
Her philosophy is simple: Feel Better. Move Freely. Live Fully.
Guests may choose to book private one-to-one sessions with Heidi during the retreat for additional personalised support. These optional sessions are not included in the retreat investment.

