Posts Tagged ‘yoga’

• Who is this holiday for? Suitable for people wanting to see the best of Sri Lanka and a true Ayurveda experience
• When to go? All year around. January to April has the least rain
• Price? From £1,299 per person
• Type of Holiday? A guided tour of Sri Lanka including Ayurveda treatments

To make a reservation or for further information – Contact Us

Our ‘Relax and Explore’ holiday tour of Sri Lanka is perfect for people wishing to see the sights of the country whilst also experiencing the excellent relaxation and Ayurveda facilities available. Every day ends with an Ayurvedic or relaxation therapy treatment, making this the most relaxed way possible to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka. This is a private tour which represents great value for money and uses excellent quality hotels.

Day 1 – Arrive Sri Lanka
On arrival you will be met by our representative at the airport and will be garlanded with freshly plucked temple flowers. Thereafter you will be introduced to your chauffeur and begin your unforgettable journey of discovery through this wonderful country. You will travel directly to Yapahuwa but not before stopping for a refreshing drink of sweet King Coconut.
On arrival at your hotel and to loosen the stiffness after a long flight, engage in a jetlag relieving massage of approx ½ hour. Thereafter you’re free for leisure & relaxation while sipping on a hot cup of Ayurveda tea.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Yapahuwa Paradise.

Day 2 – Yapahuwa
Wake up fresh and have breakfast. Afterwards travel to one of the capitals of ancient Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa. We visit the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, which was a citadel built on a huge rock boulder. Yapahuwa was a military stronghold against foreign invaders for many years and a beautiful Royal Capital in the last quarter of the thirteenth century. Well defended with double ramparts and moats, Yapahuwa holds many delights for visitors. These include the remains of the King’s Palace, royal audience hall and other stately structures, shrines and baths, surpassing all these however are masterpieces in stone of incredible delicacy and elegance. A collection of fascinating antiquities including an exquisite stone figure of God Vishnu, on the stone filigree windows from the Temple of the Tooth and a collection of Chinese Pottery at the Archaeological Museum on the same site. Yapahuwa Rock Temple, which is built into the boulder, has a 13th century bronze Buddha and ancient wall paintings and sculptures.
We head back to the hotel for lunch and then engage in a full body massage (approx. 40 mins) to soothe the body after a busy morning.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Yapahuwa Paradise.

Day 3 – Yapahuwa to Kandy
After our breakfast we start the journey to Kandy. Here we check in at the Tree of Life Hotel and have our lunch. In the afternoon you a choice of complimentary relaxation treatment including Head Massage with herbal Oil, Face massage with natural fresh cream, Body Massage with herbal oil, Steam bath or Sauna, Herbal bath with leaves, Herbal Tea
Dinner and overnight stay at the Tree Of Life.

Day 4 – Kandy and Peradeniya Tour
This morning we head off to the beautiful gardens of Peradeniya. Peradeniya botanical garden were first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and then expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. From here, we travel from Peradeniya to Kandy and have lunch at the Hill Top Hotel.
After our lunch we get know what Kandy is all about. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy still conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. 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 famous Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and take in a local cultural show before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight stay at the Tree Of Life.

Day 5 – The tea plantations
Have a fresh and healthy breakfast and then proceed to the breathtaking hill country of Nuwara Eliya, on the way visiting a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you can observe the full process of manufacturing tea. You can also see how tea is graded and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.
We then travel from the tea plantation to Nuwara Eliya and take lunch at the St. Andrews Hotel. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is also located here.
On arrival at our hotel for the evening you are treated to a refreshing Aromatic Bath. Pamper yourself while floating in the bath of local flowers with aromatic essential oils, to awaken your body and calm your soul. Served with complimentary chamomile tea. (approx. 25 Mins).
Dinner and overnight stay at Tea Factory Hotel.

Day 6 – Hambantota
Breakfast at the Tea Factory Hotel. We then travel to the south coast and to the Oasis Hotel where we arrive in time for a late lunch. The laid back and peaceful atmosphere finely complements the therapeutic Ayurveda programs offered by the hotel. After lunch engage in a full body massage. (approx. 40 Mins). Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at Oasis Hotel.

Day 7 – Yala National Park
After breakfast we have a safari drive 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. We return for lunch at the Oasis Hotel. In the evening you will be treated to a Head & Shoulder Massage. (approx. 30 Mins)
Dinner and overnight stay at Oasis Hotel.

Day 8 – Galle
After a tasty breakfast proceed to the heritage site of Galle which 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. This is a World Heritage Site. We take lunch at Closenburg Hotel before proceeding to the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort. The evening is at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort.

Day 9 – Wadduwa
We have breakfast at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort. The morning consists of a 15 minute consultation with the Ayurveda Physician, a full body massage (including head massage but not face massage) and a Herbal Bath. Lunch is taken at the resort before your afternoon consists of eye effusion (application of medicated Ayurveda eye packs to sooth irritated eyes) or Face Packs and a Yoga / Meditation Session.
Dinner and overnight stay at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort.

Day 10 – Return to the airport for your flight
After the final breakfast in Sri Lanka (flight time allowing) we proceed to the airport for your departure. On the way you will be gifted with a box of pure Sri Lankan tea that you can savour once you are back to your home.

Costs per person excluding flights
2 people travelling from £1,299 per person (twin/double rooms)
1 person travelling from £1,725 per person (single rooms)

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

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation in standard room on full board basis for 9 nights from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10 at the hotels specified or at hotels of similar standard.
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
Entrance fees to Yapahuwa, Botanical Gardens, Kandy Temple , Cultural Show , Yala National Park , light Ayurveda treatment as mentioned in the program.
Cost of 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.
Travel Insurance.
Any other services not specified above.

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? 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? People with an interest in the history and culture of Buddhism
• When to go? The best time to visit India and Nepal is from October to April
• Price? From £1,650 per person
• Type of Holiday? A guided tour of India and Nepal visiting sites important to Buddhism

To make a reservation or for further information - Contact Us

Our Buddhist Trail tour lets you walk in the footsteps of Buddha, discovering the sacred places and teachings as you travel. A private tour with an English speaking guide and great quality hotels throughout, this is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Buddhism and experience these two wonderful countries. Experience the culture and history of Buddhism and meet the people whose lives today are still governed by this ancient wisdom.

Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi
A warm welcome on arrival by our representatives and a transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay.
Overnight at the Connaught Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Delhi
After breakfast enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, one of the tallest towers of it’s time and Humanyun’s Tomb- one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. We drive past India Gate and President House and other government buildings before visiting the Red Fort, the symbol of mighty the Mughal empire and Jama Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in India.
Overnight at the Connaught Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 3 – Delhi to Patna and Vaishali
Early this morning, we will be transferred to the airport to board a flight to Patna. You are met on arrival and taken to check-in at your hotel. We then set out for an excursion to Vaishali where Lord Buddha gave important teachings. At the time of the Buddha, Vaishali was a very large city, rich and prosperous, crowded with people and with abundant food. There were said to be seven thousand seven hundred and seven pleasure grounds and an equal number of lotus ponds.
Overnight at the Maurya Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 4 – Rajgir
After breakfast you travel to Rajgir and check-in at your hotel. Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site as the Buddha spent 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council was hosted here at the Saptaparni caves. Lord Buddha often went into retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his most devoted and prosperous devotees, surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddha’s followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture. We also visit Nalanda University. Founded around the 3rd century, this university was a centre for profound studies of the Buddha-dharma for more than a thousand years.
Overnight at the Indo Hokke Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 5 – Travel to Bodhgaya
This morning we travel to Bodhgaya, stopping en-route to visit the Mahakala Caves. This is where the Buddha did the severe penance that resulted in the familiar image of him as a skeletal, emaciated figure. After years of extreme self-denial at Mahakala, he realised its futility and walked down to Bodhgaya, where he eventually achieved nirvana under the Bodhi Tree. We arrive at Bodhgaya and check-in at the hotel for your overnight stay.
Overnight at the Indo Hokke Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 6 – Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, beyond any doubt is considered the most important site of Buddhism, the other three being Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini in Nepal; Sarnath near Varanasi, where he preached his first sermon (”The Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”); and Kushinagar near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he passed away. A giant Buddhist resort of international monasteries and temples has grown up around the imposing Mahabodhi temple, which holds the worlds most revered tree, an offshoot of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha sat.
Overnight at the Indo Hokke Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 7 – Travel to Varanasi
After breakfast, we leave Bodhgaya and head towards the city of Benares, better known as Varanasi. A legendary city considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Varanasi is generally believed to be about 3,000 years old and was a commercial and industrial centre famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works and sculpture. During the time of Gautama Buddha, Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi.
Overnight at the Ideal Tower Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 8 – Varanasi and Sarnath
We enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River, before a visit to Sarnath (Isipathana-Mrigadeva) the very well known “Gazelles Park” where the Buddha turned for the first time the wheel of dharma, and the first sangha of history was formed. After attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is in this place that the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Overnight at the Ideal Tower Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 9 – Kushinagar
After an early breakfast we head to Kushinagar, the place where the Buddha died. This event is called “The last Great Nirvana” (Mahaparinirvana). We visit the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, which is built on the place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana and the place of his cremation, which is a short distance away. Close to the Mahaparinirvana Stupa is located a 1500 year old image of the Buddha as he attained Parinirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Stupa is surrounded by ruins of ancient monasteries.
Overnight at the Royal Residency Hotel or similar including breakfast

Day 10 – Savatthi
A morning drive brings us to Balrampur. On arrival we check – in at our hotel. In the afternoon we get to visit the extensive ruins of this ancient city and the Jetavana Monastery. The Buddha passed the greater part of his monastic life in Savatthi.
Overnight at the Lotus Nikko Hotel or similar including breakfast and dinner

Day 11 – Lumbini
After breakfast we cross the border and enter in to Nepal. We head for Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born more than 25 centuries ago. Lumbini is in the foothills of the Himalaya, where the Buddha is said to have lived till the age of 29. Also here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond – where the Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he too, had his first bath.
Overnight at the Lumbani Hokke Hotel or similar including breakfast and dinner

Day 12 – Lumbini and Kapilavastu
Today we visit the Palace where Prince Siddhartha lived for more than 29 years. Here he saw sorrow and pain, disease and death. Finally when he saw a radiant happy Sadhu who had conquered all these, he decided to renounce all worldly riches and pleasures to seek truth and embark on the path of salvation. The place holds significant value for Buddhist pilgrims and has several Stupas. Archaeological excavations have revealed stone caskets containing relics believed to be that of Buddha’s.
Overnight at the Lumbani Hokke Hotel or similar including breakfast and dinner

Day 13 – Return to Delhi
After breakfast, you transfer to Gorakhpur railway station to board a train to Delhi. No visit to India is complete without experiencing a train journey. You will be travelling in 2A class. This provides seats by day, convertible to bunks at night. Coaches are not divided into separate compartments, but are open-plan, with berths arranged in bays of four (two upper, two lower) on one side of the aisle, and in bays of two along the coach side above and below the windows on the other side of the aisle. Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening.
Overnight onboard train

Day 14 – Depart Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and taken to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Costs per person excluding flights to India
Min. 2 people travelling from £1,650 per person (twin/double rooms)
Single room supplement from £550 per person

If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, this can be arranged as we have great deals on trekking packages and tours of the country. Call us for details.

Group Tour Departures

06 Nov 2010 – 19 Nov 2010 – £1,479 per person (Available)
04 Dec 2011 – 17 Dec 2011 – £1,535 per person (Available)

Flights
We do not sell flights but can give you information on times and airlines.

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
All hotels are on Bed & Breakfast basis except in Sravasti where hotel includes breakfast and dinner
Transfers, guided sightseeing and excursions in air condition transport
Airfare from Delhi to Patna
Services of local English speaking guides as per the program
Monuments entrance fees (single entry) during guided sightseeing
Train fare from Gorakhpur to Delhi in 2nd A/C class
Assistance on arrival & departure
All currently applicable tax

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights
Visa’s for India and Nepal
Expenses of a personal nature.
Any other services not specified above.
Travel insurance.

When to go?
We advise avoiding the height of summer when temperatures can be extremely uncomfortable. The height of winter will be cold in the northern regions. The best time to visit India and Nepal is from October to April. Around this time, the usually wet areas of Northeast become dry, making it easier to travel there. Visiting Nepal during this time you can expect great visibility, the air is fresh and the weather is good.

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• Who is this holiday for? Suitable for all with an interest in Yoga and India
• When to go? The best time of year is November to March
• Price? From £2,355 per person
• Type of Holiday? Luxury tour of southern India and stay at luxury Yoga retreat

To make a reservation or for further information – Contact Us

Prana Holidays exclusive 14-day Deluxe South Yoga holiday offers you the opportunity to experience the colours of the fascinating south, one of India’s most vibrant regions. Explore the tranquil tropical backwaters, lined with swaying palms and simple fishing villages and the unforgettable experience of spending the night on a unique houseboat or ‘Kettuvalom’. You then spend 7 nights at a wonderful Yoga retreat based at the fabulous Taj Green Cove Resort.

Day 1 – Arrive in Cochin
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will be met by our representative who will give you a warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and transfer you to your hotel by air-conditioned car. Your room is available for immediate occupancy.
Overnight stay at The Trident Hotel

Day 2 – Cochin
This morning after breakfast we leave for a Cochin sightseeing tour visiting the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday), built in 1568 AD. We view the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles. The tour includes St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European Church constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese, Chinese fishing nets strung out along the top of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace (Closed on Fridays), built by the Portuguese in 1557. The palace’s alternative name, the Dutch Palace, resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663. In the evening we witness Kathakali, the traditional dance show of Kerala with its colourful costumes and stories from the Ramayana.
Overnight stay at The Trident Hotel

Day 3 – Cochin to Munnar (150kms / 4hours)
After breakfast our drive takes us to the most popular hill station in India, Munnar which is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and excellent trekking make Munnar a unique experience. On arrival at Munnar we check in to our hotel. After our lunch we view the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres of lush green hills. Our next visit is to the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, set up for the preservation of the endangered nilgiri thar (mountain goats). The park has the largest known population of thar’s existing in the world and also shelters atlas moth, elephants, sambhar’s, gaurs, lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri, langur, tigers and leopards. Spread across an area of 97 sq. kms, the park is a breath-taking mix of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers. Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary.
Overnight stay at the Lake View Resort

Day 4 – Munnar to Periyar (100kms / 3hours)
Today we drive towards one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, situated on the Western Ghats. The sanctuary coverers an area of 777 Sq. Kms. and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu share the rest of the forest on the northern and north-eastern sides respectively. This sanctuary has a very large population of elephants, a large variety of monkey, spotted deer, wild bores and bison. After lunch, we depart on a ’safari cruise’ on Lake Periyar which lets us slip slowly through the animals in their jungle environment.
Overnight stay at the Elephant Court Hotel

Day 5 – Periyar to Kumarakom (185kms – 4hours)
After our breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating and fascinating paradise in Kerala. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters with mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties, peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the beauty of Kumarakom. On arrival we check in to our backwater resort, located hidden among the palm trees on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad. The rest of the day is at your leisure to laze around at the resort.
Overnight stay at the Taj Garden Retreat Hotel

Day 6 – Kumarakom to Allepey by overnight houseboat
A morning drive down to the jetty for us to commence a backwater cruise. We board our Deluxe, air-conditioned houseboat for a revitalising experience of the backwaters of Kerala. On the trip we will pass beautiful villages, paddy fields, churches, temples and see the village life of the local people. On board the crew will prepare traditional Keralian food.
Overnight stay at on-board the houseboat

Day 7 – Allepey to Kovalam (175kms / 4hours)
After breakfast on the houseboat, we disembark and drive towards Kovalam, famous for its wonderful beaches. On arrival we check in to our resort for the next seven nights.
In a continuing celebration of Indian traditions, Taj Retreats offer you a moment in time to enter a sublime space where you can explore, rejuvenate and heal both body and soul. Yoga techniques taught at the retreats will be in accordance with the teachings and style of Bihar Yoga, an international school of Yoga with its headquarters in Munger, Bihar, India. At the retreat you will learn body postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), yoga theory, Yoga Nidra (a relaxation technique) and evening meditation.
Overnight stay at the Taj Green Cove Resort

Day 8-13 – Taj Green Cove Resort
The following days are spent in blissful relaxation at the Taj Green Cove Resort.

Day 14 – Depart from Trivandrum
We drive to Trivandrum airport, 15 kms from Kovalam to check in for our flight back to the UK.

Costs excluding flights
2 people travelling from £2,355 per person (twin/double rooms)
1 person travelling from £3,649 per person (single rooms)

Flights
We recommend using Qatar Airlines for this trip. We do not sell flights but can give you flight times and details.

The price includes the following features:
Hotel Accommodation including all applicable hotel taxes.
Daily breakfast in the hotel of stay.
Stay in houseboat including all meals.
Air-conditioned car with well experienced, English speaking chauffeur.
The services of well experienced English speaking local tour guides.
Entrance fees for all monuments/museums/national parks mentioned in the itinerary.
Safari cruise on Periyar Lake.
Kathakal traditional dance show in Cochin.
All applicable government taxes.
2 complimentary bottles of mineral water per person per day.
The 7 night Yoga retreat package also includes the following :
Accommodation
Breakfast and lunch from a specially designed wellness menu to ensure the maximum impact of the program on the individual.
Attendance to the scheduled Yoga retreat program
Spa Indian Aromatherapy treatments – participants of the 7 nights retreat are entitled to three treatments.

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights
Indian visa charges.
Porterage
Any camera fees at monuments.
Any meals except those mentioned.
Tips to Drivers, Guides, at restaurants etc.
Items of personal nature such as telephone calls, telegrams, table drinks and laundry.
Travel Insurance.

When to go?
During the main monsoon (June/July) there is heavy rain. It can be wet and misty in the mountains during the second monsoon (October/early November) but at other times of the year most rain falls at night.
The high season (when the rainfall is at its lowest) generally starts in mid November and ends in April. August and September are pleasant months to visit. The build up to the main monsoon (May) is the most humid month. If you are planning a holiday in order to undertake Ayurvedic treatments the monsoon period is said to be the best time for this.

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• Who is this holiday for? People wishing to immerse themselves fully in their yoga practice
• When to go? The best time to visit is from April to mid-July and from mid-September to October
• Price? From £799 per person
• Type of Holiday? Authentic Yoga retreat in the Indian Himalayas

To make a reservation or for further information - Contact Us

This 11 night yoga holiday is based at The Satvik Retreat, an authentic Yoga Retreat in the Himalayas, at 4,700 feet height above sea level, just outside the lake town of Bhimtal. Built on part of the legendary Chyawan Rishi Ashram, the Retreat offers stunning panoramic views including the mountains of Karkotak to the North, the ancient Gargi River in the south, and the majestic pyramid mount Haidakhand Kailash in the east, which is revered as one of the holiest places in India. We offer three levels of Yoga holiday at the Satvik Retreat with all programmes set under the guidance of Pulak Ranjan Shukla, a highly experienced Yogi, Vedic Scholar and the founder of Retreat.

Course Details

Beginners Yoga Holiday

Customized sessions of Yoga Asana, Pranayama and Meditation. One hour session per day in a programme set under the guidance of Pulak Ranjan Shukla, to be practiced again by the guest on their own in the evening. Spiritual discourses & Satvik Lifestyle Management Counselling to help unite the principle objectives in life and contribute to health, peace and happiness. Yogic rest – relaxation techniques to overcome stress.

Agnihotra – participate in the Agnihotra ceremony (herbal offerings into the fire along with mantra recitation) – the sound vibrations generated by the mantras and the fumes from the fire are beneficial to health

Advanced Yoga Holiday

Customized sessions of Yoga Asana, Pranayama and Meditation. Two, one hour sessions per day in a programme set under the guidance of Pulak Ranjan Shukla, to be practiced again by the guest on their own in the evening. Spiritual discourses & Satvik Lifestyle Management Counselling to help unite the principle objectives in life and contribute to health, peace and happiness. Yogic rest – relaxation techniques to overcome stress.

Agnihotra – participate in the Agnihotra ceremony (herbal offerings into the fire along with mantra recitation) – the sound vibrations generated by the mantras and the fumes from the fire are beneficial to health.

Intensive Yoga Holiday

Customized sessions of Yoga Asana, Pranayama and Meditation. Three, one hour sessions per day in a programme set under the guidance of Pulak Ranjan Shukla, Appreciation and Use of Ayurveda in Daily living, Spiritual discourses & Satvik Lifestyle Management Counselling to help unite the principle objectives in life and contribute to health, peace and happiness. Yogic rest – relaxation techniques to overcome stress.

Agnihotra – participate in the Agnihotra ceremony (herbal offerings into the fire along with mantra recitation) – the sound vibrations generated by the mantras and the fumes from the fire are beneficial to health.

Day 1 – Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight Delhi Hotel

Day 2 – Drive to Bhimtal

This morning you will set off on the 7 hour road trip to Bhimtal and the Satvik Retreat. There is plenty of time to stop enroute and experience the lives of the local people. On arrival you will be checked in to the Retreat for the next 9 nights.

Days 3 to 11 – The Satvik Retreat

The next 9 days are dedicated to your personal choice of Yoga course. The 12 rooms at the Retreat are basic although comfortable. Each room, named after a particular asana of Surya Namaskaar, has a spacious balcony with a beautiful view. All rooms have telephone with intercom connections and have modern bathrooms.

The facilities at the Retreat include two log cabins offering Ayurvedic and reflexogical massages by trained personnel, a Yoga hall which also doubles up as a reading room, the Agnihotra chamber for herbal inhalations and internet access in the main office. The Satvik Restaurant offers delicious authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine, with the seating on chowkis. The restaurant offers both a la carte as well as a Mahabhoj Thali.

Day 12 – Return to Delhi

After your breakfast you will be collected for the return journey to Delhi and your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Delhi hotel.

Day 13 – Depart India

At an appropriate time you will be met and transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Costs per person excluding flights

Beginners Yoga Holiday from £899 (One person travelling) or £779 (Two people travelling)

Advanced Yoga Holiday from £1,035 (One person travelling) or £939 (Two people travelling)

Intensive Yoga Holiday from £1,550 (One person travelling) or £1,445 (Two people travelling)

Flights

We do not sell flights but can give advice and details of the best options.

The price includes the following features:
Transfer on arrival and departure in Delhi.
2 night’s accommodation in Delhi.
9 night’s accommodation at the Satvik Retreat including all meals and your chosen course.

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights.
Indian Visa costs.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Any other services not specified above.
Travel Insurance.

When to go?

The weather in Bhimtal is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences south-western monsoon rains in July-September. The best time to visit Bhimtal is from mid-April to mid-July and from mid-September to October.

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• Who is this holiday for? Anyone with an interest in authentic yoga ashrams, meditation and Indian culture
• When to go? We recommend travel between October and March
• Price? From £1,225 per person
• Type of Holiday? Tour of India visiting yoga ashrams and sites

To make a reservation or for further information – Contact Us

This 14 day yoga holiday tour takes in some of the highlights of India while visiting local Yoga and meditation centres. It is perfect for the first time visitor to India, with comfortable accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels, English speaking guides and air-conditioned travel. With a couple of nights in each destination and a relaxing stay at the end in Kerala you will come back with a new outlook on life.

Day 1 – Arrive in India
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at the Bajaj Indian Home Stay , Delhi

Day 2 – Delhi
A full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Highlights include the The Qutub Minar and India Gate. Also included today is a visit to a local Yoga Ashram.
Overnight at the Bajaj Indian Home Stay , Delhi

Day 3 – Delhi to Rishikesh
This morning we drive to Haridwar and have a bath in the Holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri or ‘Doorstep of Gods’. Later we continue our drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. The place gets its name from when Lord Vishnu appeared to ‘Raibhya Rishi’ , as a result of his tapasya (austerities). This afternoon you visit a local Yoga Centre where a workshop on Yoga is arranged for you.
Overnight at the Hotel Ganga Kinare, Rishikesh

Day 4 – Rishikesh
An early morning visit to the Yoga centre. In the afternoon you will be met by one of the local Yoga scholars for an informal lecture and discussion.
Overnight at the Hotel Ganga Kinare, Rishikesh

Day 5 – Rishikesh to Agra
We drive from Rishikesh to Agra this morning. Agra’s Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world. it is the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is also one of the new 7 wonders of the world and one of three World Heritage sites in Agra, the others being Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.You will take an evening visit to see the Taj Mahal by sunset, a sight you will never forget.
Overnight at Clarks Shiraz, Agra

Day 6 – Agra
A full day tour of the highlights of Agra, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 CE., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise that you will not want to leave.
Overnight at Clarks Shiraz, Agra

Day 7 – Fly to Chennai
We drive from Agra back to Delhi Airport in time for our flight to Chennai, which is mid-afternoon. On arrival in Chennai you are met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight at the Hotel Savera, Chennai

Day 8 – Chennai
This morning we visit a local Yoga centre and then take an afternoon tour of the city. Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. With its historic landmarks and buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural and art centre’s, Chennai offers many interesting locations for visitors and is an intriguing mix of the old and new.
Overnight at the Hotel Savera, Chennai

Day 9 – Chennai
A full day sightseeing tour of the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram districts. One of the most important tourist attraction in Chennai is actually the neighbouring town of Mahabalipuram with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century Pallava kingdom. The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible.
Overnight at the Hotel Savera, Chennai

Day 10 – Chennai to Trivandrum
This morning we drive back to the airport for our flight to Trivandrum. Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, the name derives from the deity of the Hindu temple at the centre of the city. Upon arrival in Trivandrum you will be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the evening is free.
Overnight at the Hotel Udai Samudra

Day 11 – Trivandrum
A morning city tour of Trivandrum. In the evening we will visit a local Yoga centre.
Overnight at the Hotel Udai Samudra

Day 12 – Trivandrum (Free day)
A free day to relax and enjoy the area. You may wish to return to the Yoga centre or explore more of the area, maybe taking a trip to the famous backwaters.
Overnight at the Hotel Udai Samudra

Day 13 – Trivandrum (Free day)
Your final full day in India. You can choose to relax in your hotel or on the beach, visit a Yoga centre or shop for souvenirs.
Overnight at the Hotel Udai Samudra

Day 14 – Depart India
Your tour ends with a departure transfer for your onward connection from Trivandrum Airport.

Costs per person excluding flights
2 people travelling from £1,225 per person (twin/double rooms)
1 person travelling from £1,795 per person (single rooms)

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

The price includes the following features:
Accommodation in all the hotels with a daily breakfast.
All prevailing taxes.
Government of India Service Tax @ 3.09%
All transfers to or from hotels, city tours, entrance fees, excursions with driver in an air-conditioned car.
Services of English Speaking local guides in all respective cities.

The price does not include the following:
Your international flights
Indian Visa
Expenses of a personal nature.
Any other services not specified above.
Travel Insurance.

When to go?
As this tour takes in Delhi and Agra in the North, and Chennai and Kerala in the South, we recommend travel between October and March, with the peak time being February and March when the North is not to cold and the South is not to hot or wet.

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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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