La Virgilienne,
south of France
21th-28th May 2011
Yoga retreat with Yogi Ashokananda
We are returning to retreat to the South of France while it is in full bloom, to this gorgeous 18th Century bastide that sits in seven acres of private grounds surrounded by olive trees. The 7 bedroom house is just outside the famous Provençal town of Grasse in the French Midi where perfumes have been made since the seventeenth century and is a short drive from the picturesque St Paul de Vence, Cannes and the coastline. Aside from being a stunning location, with plenty to visit in the local area, we will be practicing everything from mudra to bandha! There will be two daily asana practices, we will be teaching meditation techniques and an introduction to pranayama with lots of time for discussion! A private chef will prepare vegetarian meals to eat al fresco on the terrace, under the spring sun and the starry nights! It is a retreat suitable for all levels, all ages and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Alladale Lodge,
Scotland, UK
14th-18th June 2011
Vedic meditation and yoga course with Jillian Lavender
This is a unique opportunity to learn the ancient technique of Vedic Meditation with one of the UK's leading meditation teachers, Jillian Lavender while offering an unparalleled level of rest and purification whilst relaxing in some of the most stunning landscape Scotland has to offer. Vedic meditation is the oldest and most researched technique of meditation in the world and after these four days you will go home with a tool for life that delivers benefit in all areas of life, including health, relationship, energy levels and slowing down the ageing process. The course will be complemented by a pranayama technique to enhance meditation and a gentle Hatha yoga practice each morning to awaken the connection between mind and body; facilitating the rebalancing process. Alladale lodge is totally secluded, take walks to waterfalls or longer hikes into the 23,000 acres of wilderness on their estate; where deer, wild boar and elk wander freely.
Hidden Dragon,
Switzerland
10th-17th July 2011
Year of the Dragon retreat
Welcoming 2012, the auspicious year of the Dragon! A powerful and dynamic year, those born under this sign are considered lucky and wise. To celebrate this transformative time we return to Hidden Dragon chalet in Les 4 Vallées.! A uniquely healing destination nestled beneath a mountain in a forest above the village of Veysonnaz, near Sion, this secluded Alpine retreat offers uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rhone Valley. It is where Hatha yoga meets Shinto Buddhist retreating, as the lodge itself was created using Feng Shui with escape in mind. This will explain why it has its own yoga deck, meditation room, spa, hammam, outdoor hot tub and sauna! Did we mention the in house cinema or the private vegetarian/vegan chef? Om
Knowlton Court,
Canterbury, UK
September date to be confirmed
Yoga retreat for everyone with Christopher Gladwell
This retreat is the answer to yogi’s prayers – a relaxed, easy going retreat close to home, where we can dig deep into our practices; stretching our minds in tandem with our bodies at the beautiful Knowlton Court Estate. This is the perfect opportunity to tackle those trickier asana and enjoy a powerful daily practice with Christopher Gladwell. After a strong practice each day, enjoy freshly sourced and created, vital Ayurvedic food, prepared by Andres Rodriguez. Over the course of the week we will invariably touch on everything from ayurveda, philosophy, meditation, to adjustments, kriyas and pranayama. Answering and investigating each other’s questions as they arise. Expect a very full, free flow week, without a rigid structure!
Monte de Velho,
Portugal
1st - 8th October 2011
Yoga and chanting retreat with Yogi Ashokananda and Nikki Slade
Nikki Slade is a pioneer of voice work and chanting and her transformative approach is a powerful vehicle to open the heart and free your inner voice! Monte de Velho retreat centre, surrounded by nature, with no one in sight for kilometres, is the perfect setting for letting it all out! Let your voice ring through the trees as we practice daily yoga, pranayama and meditation, enjoy kirtan and daily chanting and Ayurvedic food created by Andres Rodriguez - to leave every part of you singing the light fandango! And after you tune up, tune in to the endless views of trees and the ocean; swim in rain lakes and hike on trails to nearby villages or the ocean... or... lie back in you hammock and watch the world go by! Suitable for complete beginners and all ages.