Yoga and Meditation Holiday
in Paradise Bay, Bodrum, Turkey

1-8 September 2010
This holiday has sadly had to be postponed and will be re-scheduled probably at a different venue.  Stay on Andrea's emailing list for news of future holidays.

Treat yourself to a very special week away to recharge and unwind.  Feel the healing power of blue sea and sky as you take your daily yoga and meditation classes.  Sessions will be suitable for all abilities and levels of experience and support and guidance in your personal practice will be given throughout.  The retreat is equally suitable for solo guests, and those coming with a friend or partner.  During the week you will explore yoga asana and aspects of yoga philosophy to enhance your daily living.  There will also be plenty of time to explore the surrounding countryside, swim and rest.

Your personal journey
All yoga sessions are optional – make the week your own and take from it whatever you need to support you on your own personal journey of discovery and healing. 

Yoga is about finding practical ways to bring ourselves back again and again, to a place of simplicity and serenity - beyond the chattering of the mind, beyond understanding and confusion - finding that feeling of ‘oneness’ - gathering together all the parts of ourselves into an integrated whole - finding our own inner strength and individuality - moving beyond fear and anxiety and finding courage and contentment. 

You can choose to take advantage of the excursions and activities on offer and along with the yoga sessions available, have a very active week.  Or you can choose to take it easy, focus on your yoga and meditation practices, eat only two meals a day to rest the digestive system, take time alone to rest, read and reflect.

Each guest will have the chance to have a private one-to-one session with Andrea or Tracey some time during the week if they wish.  This could take the form of an informal chat or guidance on posture work or personal practice.  We are happy to advise on how to make the most of your retreat according to your personal needs.

A real holiday
On retreat we take time out of our busy lives.  Withdrawing from the normal routine and going to a tranquil place with beautiful surroundings gives us a new perspective.  Practising guided yoga and meditation, letting the choppy waters of the mind settle for a while, we are able to sense a feeling of stillness and look more clearly into the depths of our being.  This allows us to grow and to prepare us to return with equanimity to the challenges of everyday life, and is the true meaning of the word 'holiday'.

The hotel
The luxury Atami Hotel near Bodrum is the venue for this holiday.  Overlooking the magnificent view of Paradise Bay, the hotel provides the perfect setting for a yoga and meditation retreat.  All rooms are comfortable and have a balcony with sea view.  There is a swimming pool, as well as a small private beach, a jetty equipped with sunbeds and parasols, a marina and Mediterranean gardens to explore and relax in.  Have a look at the Atami Hotel website for more information and pictures.

The programme
During the retreat there will be two yoga practice sessions per day 8-10am and 4.30-6.30pm (except Saturday) and a silent meditation sitting 12.30-1pm.  Breakfast is 10-10.30am and dinner is at 7pm.

The morning yoga sessions will begin with an asana and pranayama (embodiment and energy-flow) practice to ease us into the day followed by a short talk and guided meditation.  The meditation at 12.30pm will be a silent group seated practice.  The evening sessions will begin with a dynamic asana and movement exploration practice, followed by yoga nidra (relaxation) and a group discussion before dinner.

Yoga sessions are suitable for all.  Everyone is expected to work within their own limits, and Andrea and her teaching assistant Tracey, will be on hand to give individual guidance.  As well as physical practices, we will explore some theoretical and philosophical aspects of yoga, based around tantric theory and the raja yoga of Patanjali.  There is time during the week to socialise and have fun with new friends.  There is also plenty of space when you wish to spend quiet time alone. 

Andrea will be available during the week for Rolfing sessions.  Massage is also available at the hotel.  The hotel can organise excursions to ancient sites in the surrounding area, visits to Bodrum, local villages and Turkish baths.  Water sports are available in the bay such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.  You may like to explore the local countryside on foot.

Meals
Each evening a delicious dinner will be served on the terrace restaurant overlooking Paradise Bay.  A substantial breakfast will be served each morning after yoga.  If you wish to have lunch or snacks during the day, simple meals can be purchased at the Beach Bar on the jetty.  Japanese meals and sushi are also available at lunchtime, prepared by the Japanese hostess of the hotel.

Embodiment and energy flow
In hatha yoga we work with the body and breath, which has many healing benefits.  It gives us a feeling of well-being in the short term, and long term it improves overall health.  It also prepares us for the higher practice of meditation.  During our hatha yoga practice we explore how we inhabit and move our bodies in gravity, recognising our habitual patterns, investigating how we organise our bodies in space and how we interact with the ground.

Meditation
In raja yoga we meditate.  The practice of meditation is very simple, but not easy.  There will be daily meditation practice during the week and also a chance to learn more about how to meditate and why it is the central practice of yoga.

What's included
The fee for the holiday is £557 which includes accommodation in an air-conditioned en suite twin or double room with balcony and sea view, breakfast, dinner and all yoga sessions.  You can upgrade to a deluxe room or a single room for an increased fee (see Free Spirit Travel for details).  Please note that the following is not included in the price: flights, transfers, treatments, lunch and snacks, all bottled water, teas, coffees and drinks from the bar.

Travelling
Flights to Bodrum are cheaper if booked well enough in advance - advice on where and how to book flights is available from Free Spirit Travel.  Transfers from the airport cost approximately £40 and take about one hour.  Your transfer can be organised for you - and if more than one person is transferring at the same time, the cost will be less.  

What to bring
You will need to bring yoga clothes, yoga mat and block (if you use one), summer clothes, swim wear, warmer clothes for the evenings, walking shoes or boots, sun screen and insect repellent.

To book
Find more information about the holiday on the Free Spirit Travel website at www.freespirituk.com/Yoga/AtamiTurkey.htm
All bookings through Free Spirit Travel
Tel: 01273 564230   Email: info@freespirituk.com
Free Spirit will also advise you on booking flights.

You can book additional nights directly with the hotel if you wish to extend your holiday www.atamihotel.com

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