Posts Tagged ‘retreat’

• Who is this holiday for? Suitable for anyone wanting a true Ayurveda experience and to discover Sri Lankan Buddhism
• When to go? All year around although January to April have the least rain
• Price? From £1,275 per person
• Type of Holiday? A guide tour of Sri Lanka focussing on Buddhism and Ayurveda

To make a reservation or for further information - Contact Us

This exceptional holiday combines a cultural tour of Sri Lanka with a stay at an Ayurveda Resort on the southern coast. The perfect getaway for people wishing to see some of this fascinating country but also experience the relaxing and rejuvenating qualities of Ayurveda.

Day 1 – Arrive in Sri Lanka
You will be met on your arrival and travel to nearby Colombo, where we check in to our hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to meet with a Buddhist monk who will talk to you about meditation and its importance to their way of life.
Dinner and Overnight at Ceylon Continental Hotel.

Day 2 – Galle
After Breakfast we travel to Galle. Galle was once the chief port of Ceylon. It is still well known for hand-made lace. You can also visit the Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres) which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. It has now been classified as a World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay at Closenberg Hotel.

Day 3 – Yala National Park
Breakfast at the hotel and a morning to relax. In the afternoon we take a safari trip in the Yala National Park by jeep. Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka and is the home of wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here.
Dinner and Overnight stay at Yala Village Hotel.

Day 4 – Meditation and a chanting ceremony
After breakfast we proceed to Tissamaharamaya. You spend the whole day at the Nimalawa Aranya Senasuna Monastery at Kirinda taking part in Meditation and experience a chanting ceremony with the monks.
Dinner and Overnight at Yala Village Hotel.

Day 5 – The great sculptures of Buduruwagala
We take breakfast at the hotel before leaving for Buduruwagala. The great sculptures of Buduruwagala date back to the 9th or 10th centuries. The central figure of the group is Buddha, 51 feet (15.5 metres) from head to toe. The statue is attended on either side by figures of two ‘Bodhisattvas’, each of 40 feet in height. It is approached through a jungle area until suddenly the face of the Buddha statue emerges through a dark arch of forest. Thereafter, you have the chance to have a conversation with the chief monk at Buduruwagala. We then proceed to Nuwara Eliya and enroute stop for a refreshing cup of quality Ceylon tea.
Dinner and Overnight stay at the Grand Hotel.

Day 6 – Kandy
After breakfast we head off to Kandy and enroute visit a tea plantation and factory. In the afternoon we have a city tour of Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. We also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the evening we get to witness a Kandyan Dance.
Dinner and overnight stay at Earls Regency Hotel.

Day 7 – Ayurveda Centre
This morning we begin the journey out to the coast and the southern coastal resort of Beruwela. Our destination is the Neptune Ayurvedic Village where you will spend the next 6 nights. With a calm and serene setting the whole resort, close to the beach, was created to be conducive to the Ayurvedic way of life. The wonderful landscaped gardens and numerous ponds provide a soothing and rustic environment that is ideal for a programme of Ayurveda while friendly staff make you feel at home.
Ayurveda as the name implies (Ayu: life, Veda: Knowledge) is the “Art of healthy living”. Ayurveda is the oldest complete medical system in the world with a history of nearly 5000 years. The traditional medicine was developed by ancient sages through keen observation of life and its functions. Ayurvedic philosophy postulates that the development of each of us from birth is governed by the varied combination of the five basic forces of nature – Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Ether. Add to this, three other classifications called Vatha, Pitha and Kapha and this is the Ayurvedic Practitioners starting point.

On your arrival at Neptune Ayurveda Village you will receive a welcome foot oil massage followed by a meeting with the Consultant Chief Doctor who will examine you and provide an individual treatment plan based on pulse diagnosis. The selection and frequency of treatments will be at the discretion of the chief doctor while they will be administered daily by well-trained friendly therapists under supervision from two resident physicians.
All food at the resort is prepared under strict supervision of Ayurvedic doctors so that it is healthy and nutritious. Meals are served in an open-air restaurant and are often served as a buffet. In keeping with the Ayurvedic way of life, no alcohol is served. There is an Ayurveda library on site that contains extensive information of Ayurvedic wisdom, a nursery of herbs and an Ayurveda pharmacy where guests may purchase additional remedies to take home. Aside from relaxing walks though the pretty gardens, the beach is close by for strolls while there is plenty to see and do in the local area.

Day 13 – Depart from Sri Lanka
At an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the airport (approx. 90km) for your return flight.

Costs per person excluding flights
2 people travelling from £1,475 per person (twin/double rooms)
1 person travelling from £1,850 per person (single rooms)

Group Tour Departures

20 Mar 2010 – 01 Apr 2010 – £1,275 per person (Available)
01 Feb 2011 – 13 Feb 2011 – £1,355 per person (Available)

Flights
We do not sell flights but can give advice on times and routes.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation in standard rooms on half board basis for 6 nights from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7 at hotels specified or hotels of a similar standard.
Full board inclusive of all therapy at the Neptune Ayurveda Village from arrival on day 7 to departure on day 13. (please note that this does not include alcohol which is not served)
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
Entrance fees to Yala National Park, Buduruwagala, Kandy Temple , Cultural Show.
Cost of the Yala Jeep safari.
Services of an English Language Speaking Chauffeur Guide.

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights
Video and Camera permits.
Christmas and New Year’s eve supplements at hotels. Please contact us for details.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Any other services not specified above.
Travel Insurance.

Please note that the visits to wild life parks will be at client’s own risk. The jeeps available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of the vehicle which is used on the tour).

When to go?
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate. There are no seasonal variations. The bi-annual monsoon rains provide the only seasons. Colombo and the South West experience rain from April to May and September to October. The East coast gets its share of rainfall from November to January.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone wanting an intimate and friendly yoga holiday
• When to go? The ideal months to visit are April, May, June and September and October, although all year is possible.
• Price? From £210 per person
• Type of Holiday? Yoga retreat in rural Spain

To make a reservation or for further information email lizyoga@hotmail.com

With great weather, superb food and a wonderfully friendly people, Spain is a great destination for a yoga holiday.

The Casa Blanca Yoga and Reiki Therapy Centre is in the province of Almeria, Andalucía. Surrounded by orange and lemon groves and views to the mountains, combined with the weather this is tranquillity at its best. The ideal destination for a yoga holiday.

Liz Stanford is your resident teacher. Her style of Hatha yoga involves slow and purposeful movements and breathing with an emphasis on releasing tension and resistance in the body, raising your energy levels and so making the postures easier. Consistently setting the standard in teaching, Casa Blanca has gained a number of awards in recent years. In 2005, it was recognised as a ‘Renowned Yoga Institution’ by the Satyananda Yoga Research Centre in Kerala and in 2006 they featured in the Footprints guide book ‘Body & Soul Escapes’. In 2008, Liz was recognised as a Distinguished Teacher by Yoga Alliance International.

Casa Blanca is a traditional Spanish manor house built over 150 years ago in the village of Arboleas. It has been lovingly restored by Liz and Paul who have kept the traditional charm and character of the building. Your accommodation is in twin rooms located in the main house. The village of Arboleas is situated around thirty minutes drive from the beaches of Mojacar and Garrucha and only an hour’s drive from the airport at Almeria. Alicante airport is about a two hour drive away. We advise hiring a car for your stay, as this gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area, which has plenty to offer. The centre is situated just 10 minutes drive away from the centre of the village with bars and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine. Also very popular are the local markets where you have your choice of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables or just about anything else that may take your fancy.

Included in your stay are twice daily yoga sessions (morning and early evening) with Liz and in the one week package, up to 4 Reiki sessions are included. If you have time, trips to one of the local beaches can be arranged, or maybe an excursion into the country to see the Saliente monastery. Alternatively, you may wish to visit a Moorish stronghold on a cliff top or just stroll through the villages and colourful open-air markets.

Costs per person excluding flights

7 nights – £635 sharing a twin room

7 nights – £665 single room

Weekend Rate (Thursday to Sunday)

3 nights – £210 sharing a twin room

*Special offer for 4 or more people on weekend rates* – only £170 per person

Flights

We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times.

Car Hire

The price of your 7 nights includes transfers to and from Almeria airport (this is not included in 3 night package). We strongly advise hiring a car on arrival as this will give you the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside, history and beaches of the surrounding area. Driving in Spain is safe and easy. A week’s car hire starts from just £75.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation for 7 nights (3 nights if weekend break) at Casa Blanca
Transfers from Almeria airport on the 7 night package only (100 euro return for 3 night break)
All vegetarian food & drinks
Local trips – 2 per stay on average, 1 on the 3 night break.
Morning and early evening yoga sessions
Up to 4 Reiki sessions per week stay (Not included in 3 night package but are available at extra cost of 25euro per session)

The price does not include the following:
Flights
Transfers from airports other than Almeria (No transfer included in 3 night package)
Car Hire
Travel insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

When to go?
Spain can be enjoyable any time of year. The ideal months to visit are April, May, June and September and October. At these times you can rely on good-to-excellent weather, yet avoid the high heat and the main crush of tourists that arrive in July and August, but there’s decent weather virtually year round.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone with an interest in Yoga
• When to go? Courses run from April through to the end of September
• Price? From £495 per person
• Type of Holiday? Yoga retreat in rural France

To make a reservation or for further information email alex@passeroses.com

The perfect location for a Yoga holiday, Les Passeroses is a very old stone built farm house and attached barns situated in the Charente area in the South West of France, inland from Bordeaux. The current owners have sensitively renovated the buildings to ensure that its character remains while offering the facilities to become a dedicated Yoga centre. The secluded position in over three acres of rural farmland is perfect for a peaceful and undisturbed retreat, yet it is easily accessible. The extensive gardens host many lovely plants and lots of wildlife including green frogs and an amazing number of butterflies.

The aim at Les Passeroses is to welcome you to a homely, special atmosphere during your visit, yet allow you your own space and privacy. They definitely seem to have achieved this judging from the generous comments in their guest book!

For the 2010 season Les Passeroses is open from May through to October. They are again lucky enough to be playing host to many returning and new yoga teachers offering a wide variety of yoga styles and with something to suit all.

High quality guest accommodation is spread over five rooms at Les Passeroses, and a further three rooms at The Stables a few minutes walk up the lane. All of the rooms except two have en suite bathrooms, which are either brand new or have been updated in 2009. Accommodation is mostly in twin rooms, but up to three can be converted for use as doubles. All rooms have original features ranging from old oak beams or floorboards to stone window sinks and in-wall cupboards. The spacious rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with solid furniture, some with metal bed frames.

Yoga takes place in a large converted barn with oak floor and dramatic tented ceiling and is fully equipped. Light floods in to the large space from three huge windows which have views in to the garden and across the rolling fields. Each course has a morning and an evening yoga session on each full day of the holiday, unless otherwise advised at the time of booking.

There is a tempting 12×5m swimming pool, comfy wooden loungers and plenty of terraces on which you can relax or sunbathe. A large Moroccan inspired lounge provides a cool and relaxing place to read a book from the library, drink tea or chat with other guests. Massage therapies such as reflexology are available in the garden chalet with a qualified therapist.

Delicious and plentiful homemade vegetarian food is served on the covered dining terrace around a large table.

Les Passeroses is committed to being as eco-friendly as possible for your yoga holiday and they already have many measures in place. These include almost total recycling, food composting, water & electricity reduction and using eco-friendly cleaning products. They have also installed a house water filter so that there is no longer a need for bottled water. Next year they will be using home-grown organic produce from the new vegetable beds.

Courses and costs per person excluding flights and transport
(Based on twin sharing room)

2010 Yoga Holiday dates coming soon.

All prices are for a 7-night, one week holiday beginning on a Saturday, *except for Martin & Silva Rogers which is 6 nights including a Shiatsu session. Limited single rooms are available for a supplement of £125 per person for the week. We are able to arrange car hire for collection from your arrival airport or train station. Alternatively, transfers can be arranged from either Angouleme airport or train station taking 30 minutes and costing 30 Euros return per person. Call us for details.

Flights & Trains
We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times. We can book Eurostar for you for green, stress free travel and you reach Angouleme with just one change in Lille. Please contact us for prices and times.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation for the length of the holiday
All course tuition and all Yoga equipment
Full board with vegetarian food beginning with an evening meal on the start day and ending with breakfast on the final day
Fresh and dried fruit is always available
Tea and coffee

The price does not include:
Travel to Les Passeroses
Any trips out of the centre
Wine
Any therapies/treatments
Please note that body soaps or shampoo are NOT provided
Travel Insurance

When to go?

From April onwards, temperatures start to rise sharply after a relatively short winter and there is a much reduced chance of rainfall and daylight hours gradually start to increase in length. Temperatures in the middle of summer can reach 27c or higher and for the majority of days, the weather will continue fine, dry and sunny. The sun should stay bright for up to 8 or 9 hours per day. Evenings are warm and sometimes may feel sticky as maritime winds lose potency and strength before reaching the city. Rain when it occurs takes the form of light drizzle that may last for several hours.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone with an interest in yoga and well-being
• When to go? Courses run from April to end of September
• Price? From £420 per person
• Type of Holiday? Yoga retreat and courses in rural France

To make a reservation or for further information email nigel.shamash@club-internet.fr

If you are looking for a yoga holiday suitable for all, then La Roane will have a yoga course for you.

La Roane, only one hour’s drive away from Toulouse in the south of France, is a peaceful and secluded yoga retreat, set in a 20 acre woodland with wonderful walks to explore and is a paradise for nature lovers. One week Yoga holidays run from May to October and early booking is essential due to their popularity.

I cannot think of a better way to spend a week. Everything was just perfect. – J. Griffith, Jun 09

‘Roane’, pronounced ‘ro-anne’ means ‘red’ in the local patois and the name is taken from the colour of the soil. In the surrounding area, you will find an abundance of wildlife including deer, hare, buzzards, singing frogs and butterflies (over 40 species of butterflies identified this summer!) and wild flowers.

Guests are housed in 3 beautiful buildings set around a large oval-shaped pool in a lovely sunny spot in the centre of the garden. Accommodation is in comfortably furnished single and double rooms. One of the highlights of La Roane is the food. Delicious vegetarian food is served, freshly prepared for each meal with love and attention. Good local wine is provided free of charge with the evening meal. Drinks and snacks are available at all times.

2010 Yoga Holidays

1 – 8 April

Nigel Shamash & friends: Spring Awakening – £450

Spring with all its promise is in the air! This week is about living your life to the full, cherishing each moment and renewing your passion for life.

A mixed bag of activities with special emphasis on singing and yoga. The singing will be mostly informal, with no pressure to perform : non-singers are welcome. We will sing a variety of songs from all over the world as well as some old favourites, plus chanting and vocal exercises. There will be a pre-breakfast exercise routine using sound, movement, chi kung and laughter therapy. Yoga sessions will take place every afternoon before dinner. These will have a special emphasis on breathing, relaxation, chanting and meditation, rather than on physical exertion. There will be plenty of other activities such as dance, massage and, nature walks.

A gentle process of renewal in a loving and supportive environment.

17 – 24 April

Helen Noakes: Yoga with Helen – £450

8 – 15 May

Enzo Dipietro/Tristrem & Yvonne Carlyon: Fun week of Cookery and Yoga – £450

Following on from the hugely successful courses in the summers of 2008 & 2009, Enzo, Tristrem and Yvonne are returning for another celebration of cookery and yoga. The ever popular Enzo will share his vast experience of cuisine with passion and artistry, using seasonal fruits and vegetables where possible. Enzo has grown his own food virtually since childhood and received the Italian ‘Young Chef of the Year’ award in 1982. His highly entertaining style of teaching is peppered with vignettes of wisdom about cookery, growing food and life in general. Sophie Colin, a native French speaker, returns to translate for Enzo which she does with grace and sensitivity.

Whilst Enzo is in the kitchen with one group, Tristrem will be working with the other group so that each group has one session of yoga and one of cooking on a daily basis. Tristrem is a highly accomplished and dedicated teacher. There will be a mixture of dynamic and meditative work, with great respect for the welfare of each person. In addition to all these delights, the residents of La Roane, Nigel Shamash and Derek and Liz Mantle, will organise other activities such as singing, bicycle rides, table tennis and nature walks.

22 – 29 May

Sarah Warwick: The amazing power of your voice – £450

5 – 12 June

Anne Armstrong: Circle Dance – £420

Circle dances are drawn from many different cultures and traditions. They can be meditative, lively, playful, healing and fun. No partners are needed to take part and all are welcome. Anne Armstrong returns to La Roane bringing a great wealth of experience, ability and enthusiasm. She has been involved with circle dancing for over 15 years and leads a number of groups in the UK. She creates a very convivial atmosphere in which everybody feels relaxed and inspired.

3 – 10 July

Karen Long: Yoga with Karen – £450

A truly invigorating week! No need to be an experienced Yogi or at the peak of physical health. Even the less experienced or less flexible will find ways of practicing the postures (asanas) that give maximum benefit. There will be a short pranayama (yoga breathing) practice before breakfast and 2 main sessions per day covering the classic postures of yoga. The morning session will be awakening and invigorating, whilst the afternoon session will have a quieter, more restorative focus.

Karen has been practicing yoga for about 20 years and is a certified Iyengar teacher. She teaches classes and runs workshops in London with infectious enthusiasm.

17 – 24 July

Davy & Janaki: Yoga with Davy and Janaki – £450

Enjoy allowing your body and mind to experience many strands of yoga under the tuition of Janaki and Davy. Each day there will be two sessions where you can experience Janaki’s unique style of hatha flow yoga and Davy’s dynamic ashtanga style. In addition, there will be the chance to explore pranayama, meditation and visualisation with plenty of time for advice and help with your yoga practice. Beginners and more experienced yogis alike are welcome and over the week you can explore backbends, twists, balances and inversions, and much much more, going as far as your mind and body will allow. You will have a lot of fun and laughter and surprises!

Janaki has been teaching and practising yoga for many years and graduated from Sivananda Vedanta Ashram, Kerala in 1998. Davy has been teaching and practising for almost 10 years. They share a sense of fun and passion for yoga and believe it should be inclusive and available to all.

31 July – 7 August

Davy & Janaki: Yoga with Davy and Janaki – £450

Course as above.

21 – 28 August

Maria Holland & Lynne Adamson: The elements of change – £450

4 – 11 September

Tristrem & Yvonne Carlyon: Letting go and coming home with Yoga – £450

During the course of the week, we will bring an understanding of yoga as a science, a holistic healing art, and a spiritual practice. This is yoga that is adapted to meet individual needs, in the tradition of T.Krishnamacharaya. We will encourage you to set your own goals and work towards them. We will work with playful warm-up exercises derived from Tai Chi and Qi Gong, classical yoga asanas, moving meditations and deeply restorative Yin Yoga postures to nurture our physical and energetic bodies, moving into profound and healing stillness in guided relaxation and meditation. As blockages are gently released, the potential arises for renewal and coming home to our true selves. Everyone will receive individual attention and be offered appropriate modifications to help them get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from the practice.

TRISTREM has had a deep and abiding interest in Yoga and Vedanta for over thirty years. He travels frequently to India to pursue his studies. He has studied Jungian and transpersonal psychology. He trained as a yoga teacher with Simon Low’s Yoga Academy. His style is clear, intelligent, accessible, nurturing and great fun.

YVONNE started teaching yoga in 2000. She offers a gentle flowing Hatha yoga, characterized by her understanding of alignment, which has come from her many years of practicing Iyengar yoga and, more recently, Anusara yoga. She also works as a health kinesiologist and a photographer.

Costs per person excluding flights and transport

£420 to £450 per person per week in a twin bedded room

A limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of £50

Transfers from Toulouse airport are available at £60 return per person and you can also be collected from the train station of your choice. Prana are also able to arrange car hire for collection on your arrival. Call us for details.

Flights
We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation for the length of the course
Full board including wine with evening meal
Drinks and snacks
Course fee
Excursions

The price does not include the following:
Travel to La Roane
Additional excursions not mentioned in the course
Travel Insurance

When to go?
The seasons in this part of France are much more pronounced than English seasons; summers are hotter; winters are colder; spring suddenly bursts open and autumns are like an Indian summer:-
May & June: Spring flowers and snow-capped mountains. Usually sunny, in the mid to high 20C, but with occasional showers. Evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater.
July & August: The hottest months, but the countryside is still beautifully verdant. Temperatures often up to mid 30C. Occasional rain, or a dramatic evening thunderstorm.
September & October: The summer heat has passed, but it is still warm and sunny. This settled weather often lasts well into November and even December.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone with an interest in Yoga and well-being
• When to go? The retreat is open from mid May to mid October
• Price? From £295 per person
• Type of Holiday? Yoga retreat in the south of France

To make a reservation or for further information visit http://www.yogafrance.com/

A self catering yoga holiday in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Relaxed, friendly and suitable for all levels of yoga.

A peaceful valley in the foothills of the French Pyrenees provides the location for the beautiful 17 acre estate of Domaine de la Grausse, the ideal retreat for a weeks holiday of Yoga and relaxation. In 1772, the Vicomte de la Grausse abandoned his ancient Chateau Fort, circa 12th Century, built on a rocky bluff to defend the narrow pass into his valley. Re-using a lot of the stones and wooden beams from the old chateau fort, he built a small rural chateau, complete with a fortified tower and a magnificent wooden spiral staircase, on the valley floor just below the rock face. Today, Domaine de la Grausse has been fully restored and modernised. It lies in a small tranquil valley surrounded by wooded hills, wild-flower meadows, green pastures and bordered by a bubbling tree-shaded brook.

A wonderfully relaxing yoga holiday. You can do as much or as little as you like. – P. Boundy, Aug 09

Dagmar is your resident Yoga teacher. With over 25 years of teaching experience, originally training with the British Wheel of Yoga in the UK, Dagmar develops her classes over the weeks holiday to enhance the skills of all her students from beginners to the most practiced. Dagmar has studied and is influenced by the Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda and Desikachar methods and incorporates elements of each in to two one hour sessions every day. Morning classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 am and evening classes from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. There are two large fully equipped yoga studios. One is situated on the top floor of the chateau, with French windows overlooking the estate and the spring-fed lake. The other yoga studio is located in a renovated stone barn which is partly built into a dramatic vertical rock face; a perfect cool location for warm summer days. To help you unwind and de-stress, Dagmar also offers guided meditation on Monday and Thursday evening from 9:30 to 10:00 pm. This can be an ideal yoga holiday introduction for beginners or a different approach for the adept.

A wide range of holistic treatments can be booked and paid for locally. There are dedicated rooms to provide the following individual treatments:

• REIKI – an ancient hands-on healing system, based on channelling universal energy.

• GENTLE MASSAGE – A relaxing massage combining elements of Swedish, Shiatsu (Pressure Points) and Asian techniques to achieve full body balance. The natural healing powers of essential oils penetrate the skin and enhance both physical and mental well-being.

• ENERGETIC MASSAGE – A traditional relaxation massage incorporating long, smooth strokes to major muscle groups to promote relaxation, improve circulation of the life-energy and create an overall sense of well-being. The energy circuit is opened and the energy can flow again. For stress, headaches, tiredness, etc.

• ASIAN PRESSURE POINT MASSAGE – For stress, muscular pain or restrictions in the circulation of life-energy.

• TACHYON TREATMENT – Using TLC BARS (tachyonised crystals), energy will be directed to the painful areas, or pressure points in the body. This treatment is particularly effective for acute health problems, e.g. back pain, migraine, etc., and chronic physical and mental problems.

• FOOT REFLEXOLOGY – Thumb and finger pressure are applied to specific points on the feet bringing welcome relief to corresponding regions of the body.

The Accommodation

Spring Cottage

Guest accommodation is in two self-contained traditional stone barns, beautifully converted and restored to a high standard using original materials. There are three bedrooms; two on the first floor with a double bed and twin beds respectively, and one on the ground floor with twin beds. Each bedroom has its own en-suite walk-in shower and WC. It has a fully equipped kitchen/dining room, with timber ceiling and views of green meadows and rolling country side. You may often see deer coming down to the lake to drink in the early morning! The spacious, cool and comfortable lounge has the unusual feature of local stone walls containing in-bedded fossilised sponges from a past era. French doors lead from the lounge onto a terrace bordered by a rock garden filled with flowers to attract a multitude of butterflies; ideal for ‘al fresco’ dining or drinking.

The Grange
The ground floor was originally the manger, stables and winery. It has now been converted into 4 double and one single bedroom, all en suite. The first floor, which used to be the hay loft, has been converted into 2 double bedrooms, two fully equipped kitchens and a large lounge which opens onto a full length balcony for dinning and relaxing in full shade. A spacious terrace adjoins the Grange, for those guests who wish to relax in the sun. It has a pergola fitted with a semi-shading roof for those who prefer to avoid full sun.

Costs per person excluding flights and transport

16th May to 4 Jul – £355 Single or £295 shared
4th Jul to 26th Sep – £415 Single or £355 shared
26th Sep to 10th Oct – £355 Single or £295 Twin / Double

All prices are for a 6-night, one-week self-catering yoga holiday beginning on a Saturday. We are able to arrange car hire for collection from your arrival airport or train station. Call us for details.
Flights
We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times.

The price includes the following features:
Self-catering en-suite accommodation;
2 yoga sessions daily (except Saturdays and Sunday morning);
2 meditation sessions weekly.

The price does not include the following:
Travel to Domaine de la Grausse.
Food.
Travel Insurance.
Holistic treatment (Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, etc).

When to go?
The seasons in this part of France are much more pronounced than English seasons; summers are hotter; winters are colder; spring suddenly bursts open and autumns are like an Indian summer:-
May & June: Spring flowers and snow-capped mountains. Usually sunny, in the mid to high 20C, but with occasional showers. Evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater.
July & August: The hottest months, but the countryside is still beautifully verdant. Temperatures often up to mid 30C. Occasional rain, or a dramatic evening thunderstorm.
September & October: The summer heat has passed, but it is still warm and sunny. This settled weather often lasts well into November and even December.

How easy is self-catering?
Guests have the use of 3 spacious kitchens, each equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, fridge and freezer. You are provided with basic supplies for your arrival day…tea, coffee, milk, juice, bread, cheese, biscuits, honey, fruit and, of course, a bottle of wine!
There is a small village shop/cafe/bar just 10 minutes walk away, or 5 minutes on one of the bikes. Which sells a good range of groceries including fresh produce, bread, etc. A little further on, you can buy delicious fruit pies from the renowned Croustades de Clermont, baked daily in their wood-fired oven. In the next village, Maury, there is an excellent delicatessen specialising in regional products.
The nearest town, Le Mas d’Azil, is 5 miles away. It has two supermarkets, a butcher, a baker/patisserie, chemist, newsagent, etc., plus a bank with cash machine. There are also two restaurants, a cafe and a good Pizzeria, for take-away or dine-in.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone looking for a relaxed and friendly yoga retreat
• When to go? The yoga retreat is open from mid March to the end of October
• Price? From £470 per person (see below prices in Euro)
• Type of Holiday? Yoga retreat in rural Italy

To make a reservation or for further information visit http://www.sunflowerretreats.com/

A truly unforgettable experience, this Yoga holiday in the heart of the Sabina Mountains, will allow you to unwind, relax and physically, mentally and spiritually recharge. Just an hour and a half from Rome, the tiny medieval village of Casperia, with cobbled streets too narrow for anything but pedestrians, sits atop a hillside surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forest clad mountains. The village of Casperia, with fewer than 350 inhabitants, is one of the last villages in Italy untouched by mass tourism. The medieval structure and atmosphere of the village give you a unique feeling of being in a historic place in time-gone-by. Casperia is a hilltop village where you can watch the changing scenery from every angle. The night sky is a star covered phenomenon not to be missed.

My first ever yoga holiday but certainly not my last. I’m coming back next year. – S. Dawson, Jul 09

Your holiday will be a unique experience where you can choose to simply relax or select from the many relaxing or active experiences on offer. Locally, you can arrange excursions, treatments or activities – whether you take part is up to you.

On your yoga holiday you can choose to:

• Practice yoga daily
• Spend the day revitalising your body and mind at open-air roman baths and wild hot springs
• Relax and recharge mind, body and soul by choosing from a large selection of holistic therapies
• Enjoy the sauna, created exclusively for guests in the village of Casperia
• Enjoy the friendly and social atmosphere during meals in excellent Italian restaurants
• See the beautiful Sabina countryside on horseback
• Swim at the local pools, or discover unspoilt mountain streams where you can spend hot afternoons bathing and resting in the beauty of nature
• Relax with a good cappuccino or an afternoon tea in local village cafes
• Take a walk across the mountains or valleys, or visit other neighbouring medieval villages and stop to enjoy the local cuisine
• Cycle on panoramic country roads, discovering the area and stop for a dip in a stream
• If you like to paint or take photographs, bring your own equipment and you will be inspired by the amazing variety of scenery
• Experience an Italian cookery class using local organic products
• Learn Italian; Italian lessons can be arranged for those who want to begin to learn the language or brush-up their Italian

Whether you take part in any of the activities and excursions that are available is your personal choice. Local payment is required.

The accommodation at the resort is for a maximum of 20 people per week. There are three different accommodation options available for your stay.

Option 1 are the Village Houses

Accommodation is in characteristic traditionally-furnished medieval village houses. They have breathtaking panoramic views and are in supreme locations in the village of Casperia. Each house has a small terrace where you can have your meals, read or sunbathe. Shared bathrooms and kitchens are provided, with facilities that are characteristic of a traditional Italian village house, rather than bang up-to-date. Single travellers will be accommodated in rooms for two people of the same sex although single rooms may sometimes be available with payment of single room supplement.

Option 2 is Casa Latini

Casa Latini is a lovingly renovated 13th century building for the exclusive use of Sunflower Retreat guests and is elegantly furnished in boutique-style with a Latin and Eastern influence. One level boasts a thousand-year-old cave which has been converted into an unusual luxury bathroom.

There are two private levels: each level has a twin-bedroom, private lounge and en-suite luxury bathroom. There is a small single loft room en-suite with skylights and another small twin loft room en-suite with skylights and panoramic views. Please note that the twin loft room has limited headroom for tall people and can get hot in midsummer.

A spiral staircase on each level leads to the terrace area, where you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the rolling valleys and mountains of Sabina, and experience the wonderful sunset each evening over Casperia. There is also a communal lounge and dining area with a kitchen for self-catering.

Twin lounge rooms may be booked as a single by paying a single supplement.

Option 3 is Casa Bella Vista

Casa Bella Vista is a beautifully restored 13th-century historic house located on the walls of the village. It has a large kitchen on the ground floor, with an open fireplace and dining area. The house is tastefully decorated in a chic style, with travertine marble floors. The first floor lounge has panoramic views over the Sabina hills from its balcony windows. The second floor bedrooms and bathroom also feature marble floors and fittings and have the same stunning views.

Costs per person excluding flights and transfers

Accommodation Price per person and (Single Room Supplement)

Prices in Euro will be converted to Sterling at time of  full payment at current exchange rate

Medieval Village House -  €510 (€110)
Casa Latini (Twin room with lounge) – €650 (€150)
Casa Latini (Twin Loft) – €540 (€110)
Casa Latini (Single Loft) – €540
Casa Bella Vista –  €620 (€150)

All prices are for a 6-night, one-week holiday beginning on a Thursday.

Flights
We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times. Transfers to Casperia can be arranged from the airport if there are a minimum of two people and cost £40 per person each way. Alternatively, it is quick and easy to use the local rail system.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation and breakfast at the lounge-cafe
Fresh linen and towels.
1 yoga class daily (Friday through Tuesday).
A guided walk in the Sabina mountains.
All-week use of bicycles.

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights.
Holiday fees do not include flights or transfers – call us for further details.
Excursions, treatments or activities, other than the yoga classes.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Travel insurance.

When to go?
Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful and the temperatures are pleasant. Temperatures will rise in the summer months (June-September) but due to the altitude it is not uncomfortable in Casperia.

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• Who is this holiday for? Suitable for couples and singles wishing to explore rural Crete on foot
• When to go? Walks operate in Spring and Autumn
• Price? From £480 per person
• Type of Holiday? Walking and yoga holiday in rural Crete

To make a reservation or for further information email enquiries@westcreteholidays.com

What better way to discover the enchanting Greek island of Crete than with a walking and yoga holiday. Your hosts David and Juliet have created the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation to provide you with a wonderful yoga holiday that will leave you feeling relaxed and energised.

David, your host and walks leader, has lived in the beautiful area of West Crete for 13 years and has come to know it very well. For your walking week he selects a variety of easy grade walks to showcase just how lovely it is. The walks are a minimum of four hours per day, arranged so that there is always a taverna or a picnic at the end of the walk. Walks from May onwards include the famous Samaria Gorge, which is an all day expedition with a boat trip along the dramatic south coast where the mountains come down to the sea. On other days you will find that there are shorter and less busy gorges where you might want to look at wild flowers, griffon vultures and eagles or just admire the view. There are also ridge walks, plus one or two expeditions along quiet stretches of scenic coastline.

At selected times throughout the year, Juliet teaches morning Yoga classes to compliment the walks. A resident Sivananda trained teacher who has studied the Iyengar and Viniyoga styles, Juliet also incorporates meditation into the daily two-hour classes.

The west of Crete is a step back in time with ruins from the Minoan period, through the Greek City State period and Roman times and then to Venetian occupation. Clear evidence still exists in the countryside of this turbulent history right up to World War II. Kastelli, the local town also has a wonderful archaeological museum where you will find excavated items from places you visit. The air is clean, the area unspoiled and the people are open and friendly. You can often pick fruit while walking, warm from the sun. There’s time for the beach and a day trip to Chania or a self guided walk as you have one free day in the week.

You travel to Crete on a Tuesday with the first walk being on the Wednesday. Below is a typical one week programme, but each week will be different depending on the weather and the group.

• Wednesday – Deliana Gorge, up gorge, view church, view gorge from rim, long views to sea and to neighbouring gorges, see Venetian church with frescoes in Deliana village then taverna.

• Thursday – Melissourgio village, along spine of Rodopos peninsula with long views along coast both east and west, Ravdoucha village and Agia Marina church, coast path to Nopigia. Option to swim off the rocks.

• Friday – All day expedition to Samaria Gorge, sea trip to Palaeohora and return.

• Saturday – Later start after the Samaria trip. Vlatos, Milia – a unique reconstructed eco village- stop for lunch in their excellent restaurant, descend through chestnut woodland to small gorge, then ridge walk to Voulgaro.

• Sunday – Sirikari Gorge, lunch at Polyrhinia, up hill to see vista of district and archaeological remains (mainly Roman and Venetian) and walk down to Kastelli. Option to swim at Mavro Molo beach Kastelli.

• Monday – Mouri village, Mouri Gorge, Levandies peak (panoramic view of area), down to Katsamatados village and taverna by river with hammocks. Short expedition to Agia Sophia cave and return through Topolia Gorge.

• Tuesday – A free day.

This programme can be varied according to the weather and the wishes of the group. For example, a round walk of Spilia to see churches including a couple of cave churches, or over the Gramvousa peninsula to Falassarna beach including seeing a remote monastery and Falassarna city state archaeological site, or a round walk at Latziana with panoramic views, charcoal burners and Agia Barbara church with temple ruins. And there are lots more!

Your stay is in attractive and comfortable ensuite twin/double rooms with private balconies or gardens. Stafilia House is villa style accommodation set in the village of Potamida in easy walking distance of mountains and coast. It was built in 1996 to a high specification using features from a ruin in the garden and with custom designed furniture and fittings.

Stafilia House is divided into two:

• Stafilia Apartment has one double/twin bedroom, a fitted kitchen, dining and lounge area. Here, the sofa easily converts for night use into a single/double bed. Outside is a shaded patio and garden. The toilet/shower room is equally accessible from both rooms.

• Stafilia Studio has a lovely dining and sitting room with integral kitchen and double bedroom and a toilet /shower room adjoins. There is space for an additional single bed or cot if required.

Food is vegetarian and catering for special diets is a specialty. One evening meal is included during the week and other dinners can be taken at a range of local taverna’s or can be cooked for you. Whatever you choose to do you will find that the hospitality sets this apart from other walking holidays – they really do take care of you. Both your hosts David and Juliet are therapists and should you want support with your health or to simply enjoy an aromatherapy massage – you can do just that.

Dates of 2010 programme

2010 dates to be published soon.

Costs per person excluding flights

7 nights – £480 per person
14 nights – £910 per person

Rates are for a twin room and if travelling alone you will be matched with a same sex roommate. If you would like a guaranteed single room it is possible to pay a single supplement. This costs an extra £120 per week. To avoid this, why not bring a friend? Our experience is that friendships are often made by sharing.

Non walking participants are also welcome

7 nights – £380 if sharing with a walker
14 nights – £760 if sharing with a walker
Please contact us for child prices

Flights

We do not sell flights but can give advice on the best options and times.

The price includes the following features:
Taxi transfers to and from Chania airport (Heraklion airport transfers are an additional £70 each way with up to 3 people sharing)
Accommodation at the Old Olive Mill
A welcome pack of teas, coffee and biscuits on arrival
Breakfast including home made jams, fresh orange juice and local yoghurt
A daily walk
One delicious evening meal
Morning yoga if taking a yoga and walking week
An information pack on the local area and Greek language

The price does not include the following:
Flights
Treatment or massage (50 euro)
Travel insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

When to go?
Given its geographical position at the southern-most end of Greece, it’s not surprising that Crete shares the same amount of sunshine as Cyprus, that’s an incredible 300 days a year. The winters are mild and damp and the summers long, with gradually ascending temperatures. The warm weather starts early in the year and stretches well into the middle of autumn. The dates of the walks have been carefully chosen to be comfortable but not too hot.

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All holidays, including yoga holidays,  have positive and negative impacts locally and globally. We believe responsible travel should maximise the benefits and minimises the negative effects of tourism.

The following are some tips on travelling responsibly:

• Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions – travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights. Ask us about rail or coach travel to your destination.
• Minimise flying time and stopovers – the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, or the cheap airfare deals that you just can’t pass up, offset the carbon emissions of your flight with ClimateCare.org. Your money is invested in carbon reducing initiatives around the world, offsetting the emissions caused by your flight.
• Read up on the local culture and learn a few words of the local language – travelling with respect earns you respect.
• Remove all excess packaging before you leave and recycle whatever is possible – waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries.
• Buy local produce in preference to imported goods and when meals are not included, use local restaurants and cafes rather than large hotel restaurants.
• If not included in your holiday, why not hire a local guide – you’ll discover more about the local culture and people’s lives and they will earn an income.
• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts.
• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places – if in doubt ask advice.
• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient – it’s a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
• Use water sparingly – its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people.
• Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong – cultivate the habit of asking questions rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers!
• If you’ve promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive.

Prana Holidays and the environment

We do our bit as much as we can. We recycle all possible materials we use in the office and use recycled paper for all our correspondence. Our electricity and gas comes from renewable sources.

We are happy to advise and book train and coach travel on our holidays. A lot of our destinations are reached by long-haul flights and we accept that this adds to carbon emissions and encourage all our clients to offset their flights.

Greenwashing

You may not have heard of the term ‘greenwashing’ but we are sure you have been subject to it. The term is generally used when significantly more money or time has been spent advertising being green (that is, operating with consideration for the environment), rather than spending resources on environmentally sound practices. This is often portrayed by changing the name or label of a product, to give the feeling of nature, for example putting an image of a forest on a bottle of harmful chemicals. Environmentalists often use greenwashing to describe the actions of energy companies, which are traditionally the largest polluters.

For further details, visit the Greenpeace website – http://www.stopgreenwash.org/introduction

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