About this group session

India This wonderful immersive wellness package includes: * Daily yoga classes (Hatha and Yin) hosted by Mina & Debs * Meditation instruction and 3 philosophy talks hosted by Alistair Shearer * 10 nights accommodation in a deluxe cottage * A consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor and 4 prescribed personal Ayurvedic treatments * All vegetarian meals and Ayurvedic drinks * Two hours sunset cruise through the magical backwaters on the Lotus Houseboat * A 2-hour Indian classical concert followed by a theme dinner * A visit to see the Theyyam Ritual dances in the local temple or a Village Head’s home * Arrival and departure transfers from Mangalore Airport * Wifi MEET YOUR HOSTS DEBS ALBON Debs has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 25 years and is a fully qualified and insured teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga and the internationally recognised body​,​ Yoga Alliance. MINA BLAIR Mina’s yoga story began 12 years ago when​,​ searching for a solution for back pain​,​ she went to her first yoga class taught by Debs. It was an eye-opening experience and the first step on the yogic path. A few years later she fully qualified with Akasha Yoga Academy in Bali and has been teaching ever since. Registered with the Yoga Alliance and fully insured​,​ Mina is also certified in Pranayama and Yin Yoga instruction​,​ as well as in Yoga for Cancer. Additionally​,​ she is a mentor for students currently studying with Akasha Yoga Academy online. Off the mat​,​ Mina is a keen reader of yogic philosophy and strongly feels that the teachings of the Indian spiritual scriptures are key to living a joyful and content life. ALISTAIR SHEARER Alistair is well-known on the UK yoga circuit for his translations of The Upanishads​,​ Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and most recently​,​ The Story of Yoga – as well as for his lively​,​ humorous and engaging lecture style. A longtime teacher of meditation​,​ his particular interest is in using the philosophical and spiritual background of yoga to illuminate the concerns and interests of those who are on the path of self-transformation. A former guest tutor for The British Wheel of Yoga​,​ over the years he has run many courses on Indian and South Asian art for numerous prestigious institutions including SOAS (the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University)​,​ the British Museum and the auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Several of his fourteen books have been translated into the major European languages​,​ as well as Chinese​,​ Japanese and Hebrew. Alistair is co-founder of the Neeleshwar Hermitage Hotel. MORE ABOUT THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE Pancha Maya Koshas We will be exploring yogic philosophy in our yoga practice through the theme of the Pancha Maya Koshas (the Five Sheaths or layers of being). This framework can be viewed as a yogic map of the body​,​ mind and soul as described in the ancient yogic scripture the Taittiriya Upanishad (around 600 BC). Classical Hatha Yoga* Traditional Hatha yoga incorporates a deeper focus on inner re-alignment through utilising asana​/​posture work (both flow and static)​,​ breathing practices (Pranayama)​,​ Mudras and Bandhas as well as deep relaxation to enhance the subtle flow of energy. Yin Yoga* Unlike classical asanas​,​ Yin Yoga is a passive practice where the body is still​,​ static and relaxed. There is little or no movement​,​ and since the postures are long-held (usually 3-5 mins)​,​ the sequence consists of relatively few floor postures. The main target area is the ligaments​,​ joints and bones. This deeper way of working with the body encourages the introspective practice of reflection and acceptance. Ayurvedic medicine Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3000 years ago. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness​,​ Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body​,​ mind​,​ spirit​,​ and the environment. Herbs and other plants​,​ including oils and common spices​,​ are used extensively in the treatment. *These sessions are suitable for beginners through to advanced practitioners as clear instruction and modification will be offered throughout. The use of yoga props for both beginners and the more experienced are encouraged and used intelligently to help students work at their own individual level to modify the poses and to improve alignment. Fees*: Single pool​/​garden view: £2935 per person Single sea view: £3163 per person Single private pool: £3650 per person Double pool​/​garden view: £4713 two sharing Double sea view: £4965 two sharing Double private pool: £5451 two sharing Not included: Airport transfers at travel origin Flights Visa and travel insurance Alcohol *INR​/​GBP exchange rate as of 17 Aug 2023 - final Secure your place by 1 November 2023 Your booking will require a 25% non- refundable deposit