Yoga Holidays/Retreats

I teach yoga weekends in Devon and yoga retreats and holidays in the UK, Turkey, Spain and India. I have led longer yoga courses for 10 years now; they are an ideal way to immerse yourself in yoga practice for a period of time. People are often amazed at how they feel after a more intensified experience of yoga in conducive surroundings without life's normal pressures or chores.

the tone and structure of retreats and holidays

The tone of these courses is that they are a holiday with a yoga focus, as opposed to an intensive retreat during which the whole day is structured in some way around yoga practices. That said, there is between 3 and 4 hours formal yoga practice a day split into two sessions, which is a fairly intensive experience.

Generally there is a longer active morning class and a shorter early evening session. Both sessions will form a balanced practice, though the early evening session will generally take a more workshop format and/or will include more on breathing practices, relaxation, centering practices and simple meditation. There will be some time for discussion of our practice and questions and answers.

After the morning session and breakfast/brunch there is plenty of time to hang out with like-minded people or spend time quietly on your own. Depending on the venue other available activities may include walking, swimming, massage treatments, shopping, sight-seeing or painting. Whilst some like to be occupied I also recommend allowing yourself some 'just being' time.

yoga experience

All yoga residentials, holidays and weekends are open to students of all levels of experience from beginners to those teaching yoga. A full range of practices will be taught, but those with less experience will be working at the level appropriate for them. If you haven't done yoga before and have any significant health issues, it would be wise to check with your doctor or health professional that yoga is a suitable activity for your condition. Please feel free to e mail or phone me on 01803 840116 or 07915 650106 if you want to discuss your yoga experience and/or the nature of the classes.

venues and accomodation

Everywhere I work has comfortable accomodation but the venues do vary in their standards according to the country and facilities available. Prices reflect the standard of facilities.

I have selected beautiful places that are 'real' and reflect something of the character, culture and quirks of their country/region whether that be Kerela in South India or Dartmoor in Devon. The venues are not all inclusive sanitised spa experiences, but they are all comfortable and relaxed and they all offer additional facilities and services such as a swimming pool, massage treatments, guided walks or trips out.

There are a variety of venues, countries and activities, so hopefully something for everyone. Some further information on the venues and centres is provided below through web links or downloadable information and booking forms. If you have any further questions about which would be a good centre for you, please feel free to e mail or phone.

Further down the page are some photos of the venues; more can viewed on the relevant websites.

food

Food is always great in residential yoga centres! It is usually vegetarian, though some places may offer fish. Most meals are provided unless stated otherwise.

booking

UK courses are booked directly through me whilst courses abroad are booked through Free Spirit Travel who will assist you with flights and other travel arrangements. Booking ahead by six weeks or more for the Bala Brook courses will save you money. All details are listed below. If something doesn't make sense or you need to know more then feel free to e mail or phone me on 01803 840116 or 07915 650106.

keep up to date

The best way to keep up to date with courses, holidays and weekends is to e mail and join the mailing list.

Questions

If you have any questions about the yoga or the venues please don't hesitate to e mail or phone me on 01803 840116 or 07915 650106 . I have an article on how to choose a yoga holiday on my blog http://nevyogamassage.blogspot.com/

Up coming holidays and weekends

DESTINATION	DATES	DESCRIPTION	DETAILS
Meditation and Yoga retreat at the Barn, Sharpham, near Totnes	Monday 23rd - Monday 30th January 2012.	This is primarily a meditation course run by the Barn retreat centre. There will be a 1.5 hour yoga class each day taught by myself. Full details on http://www.sharphamtrust.org/barn/	Booking through http://www.sharphamtrust.org/barn/
Long weekend, Bala Brook retreat centre, Dartmoor, Devon.	Friday May 4th - Monday May 7th 2012. First May Bank Holiday weekend.	A long weekend of yoga on Dartmoor in the vibrancy of early spring. Led walks are included and Thai massage and reflexology are available. For my blog article on the May 2011 course click here	From £220 to £270. Contact me for more details and booking form or download it all here bala_brook_info_and_form_spring_bh_2012.pdf. Plenty of both single and shared room options. Save money by booking at least 6 weeks early.
One week yoga holiday in Turkey, Grenadine Lodge, Dalyan.	Monday May 28th - Monday June 4th 2012	A great taste of Turkey at Grenadine Lodge, Dalyan. Purpose built for yoga courses, it has a wooden/bamboo yoga space, a pool, plenty of single en-suite rooms and excellent food. It is also close to an unspoilt beach which is protected as a turtle breeding sanctuary and some atmospheric Graeco/Roman ruins where we hold one of the afternoon classes. For my blog article on the May 2011 course click here . Further details at Free Spirit Travel under the summer section.	Prices from £395 to £535 excluding flights. Booking is through Free Spirit Travel and further details are on their site. You can also call Jilly or Debbie at Free Spirit on 01273 564230
One week yoga holiday at The Source of Light, near Malaga, Andalucia, Southern Spain.	September 22nd - 29th 2012	A one week yoga holiday at a beautiful purpose built yoga centre in the Andalucian mountains of Southern Spain. Full details of the venue at Free Spirit Travel under the summer section.	Price, £499 excluding flights. Only 9 spaces on this course and mainly single rooms. Booking is through Free Spirit Travel and further details are on their site. You can also call Jilly or Debbie at Free Spirit on 01273 564230
Long weekend, Bala Brook retreat centre, Dartmoor, Devon.	Friday November 9th - Monday November 12th 2012	A long weekend of yoga on Dartmoor to settle autumn and ease into winter. Led walks are included and Thai massage and reflexology are available. For my blog article on the May 2011 course click here	From £220 to £270. Contact me for details and a booking form or download it all here bala_brook_november_long_weekend_2012_info_and_booking.pdf. Plenty of both single and shared room options. Save money by booking at least 6 weeks early.