In the heart of the World-Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, I discovered an unexpectedly unique spa treatment combined with an authentic Aboriginal eco-tourism experience.

At the start of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa’s guided rainforest walk our Aboriginal guide, Juan Walker, tells the story of how his grandmother escaped the plight of being part of Australia’s ‘Stolen Generation’.  With news of men on horseback traveling through the area looking to remove Aboriginal children from their families to be placed in state custody, Juan’s grandmother was hidden in a woven ‘dilly bag’ and hung from a tree as the officers passed by.

It’s just one of the fascinating stories that Juan shares about his ‘bama’ (people), country and tribe, the Kuku Yalanji, that have lived in this part of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest for thousands of years and are claimed to be one of the oldest intact surviving Indigenous communities in the world.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa’s site is important in local culture. The property was occupied by forefathers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe and used as a resting place as it provided spring water, an abundance of edible, medicinal plants and bathing holes, including a natural waterfall that to this day is still considered to be sacred to women. Read more …

Issue 23 of dumbo feather … pass it on is in stores now. The beguiling cover image was shot by the incomparable Toby Burrows and the inside is just as fab. Interviews with Ben Keene of Tribewanted, Caroline Swift, John Hardy of the Green School , Hayley Allen of Tika and Martin Hughes of Affirm Press. For subscriptions and stockists visit www.dumbofeather.com

Wake Up Sydney has announced the line up for its next evening Thursday June 3,  Sydney Town Hall at 7pm.

Exploring our connection with the living earth, the evening will include special performances by ARIA Award winner,Katie Noonan and aboriginal dance troupe, Descendance + inspirational guest speakers such as Yuin Nation elder ‘Uncle Max’ Harrison, artist and rainforest activist John Seed (AOM), and Zen teacher, Susan Murphy.  This unique experience is only for 2000 people and tickets are strictly limited. Tickets are $75 per person with proceeds supporting Wake Up Sydney’s free kindness card campaign. Don’t miss out on the event of the year! Book your tickets now.

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, six yoga classes with Kris McIntyre, meditation and relaxation sessions, Golden Door Spa treatments, wholesome meals inspired by the Golden Door with the special touch of Peppers executive chef Reuben Radonich.

The Golden Door will also be hosting information workshops including a healthy cooking demonstration with Executive Chef at the Golden Door Health Retreat.

The weekend is designed to give you the option de-stress and unwind or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away with your partner or a group of friends. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

The weekend is open to beginners, but a basic level of fitness is required. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

Prices start at $474 per person (twin share). Non-residential packages are available from $340 per person. For bookings contact: Louise Anker, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Phone: (02) 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au

The Program:

Friday 18 June 2010
6.00-7.00pm Yoga
7.30pm            Dinner
9.00pm            Yoga nidra/ guided relaxation

Saturday 19 June
6.30am            Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.15am  Yoga & meditation
8.15-9.00am   Breakfast
9.00-11.00am  Free time & Golden Door treatments
11.00-12.00      Yoga
12.00-1.00pm  Health Cooking Demonstration – Presented by David Hunter, Executive Chef at The Golden Door
1.00-2.00pm     Lunch & healing foods talk with Kris
2.00-5.00pm     Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
5.00-6.00pm     Yoga
6.15-7.30pm      Dinner
7.45- 8.45pm     Relaxation and meditation with Kris or the Golden Door (Bring a pillow, shawl, sarong or blanket)

Sunday 20 June
6.30am            Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.15am  Yoga & meditation
8.15-9.00am   Breakfast
9.00am-noon  Free time & Golden Door treatments
11.00am            Check-out (NB. Luggage can be stored at Reception)
12.00-1.00pm  Yoga
1.00-2.00pm     Lunch
2.00pm            Departure or relax at leisure

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is when the water element in the body is most prominent. This energy system is linked to the structural integrity of our body and its shape, our sense of identity, our hormonal and nervous systems, our bones, sexual energy and reproductive functions. In nature, winter is the season for hibernation – a time for resting and restoring and the perfect time to focus inwards and build strength and stability in the body.  This is the ideal time of the year to deal with issues including lower back pain, stress and hormonal imbalances.

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodation at Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens, five yoga classes with Kris McIntyre, meditation and relaxation sessions, healthy meals prepared with the special touch of Peppers executive chef Ludovic Poyer. Prices start at $460 per person (twin share) or $235 per person (non-residential package).

We’ll also be including winter activities to build strength, connect to the water element in nature and develop a meditation practice. You also have the option to indulge in massage and beauty treatments (at an additional cost).

The weekend is designed to give you the option de-stress and unwind or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away with your partner or a group of friends. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

The weekend is open to beginners, but a basic level of fitness is required. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

For bookings, contact Kristen Hammond on (02) 4984 2555 or email anchorage@peppers.com.au

The program:

Friday 14^th May 2010

2pm onwards:  Check-in
6pm:                    Yoga in Main Guest Lounge or Thurlow
7.30pm:              Light welcome dinner
9.00pm               Guided relaxation/ Yoga Nidra meditation (bring a shawl or blanket) 

 Saturday 15^th May 2010

6.00am:                Meet in Reception for bus to Tomaree Headland
6.15am:                 Morning hike up Tomaree Headland
7:30am:                 Yoga (1 hour) at base of Tomaree Headland
8.45am:                 Breakfast (on the Terrace outside Merretts)
9.30am:                 Free time & spa treatments
11.30am:               Cooking demonstration and food talk with chef and Kris
1pm:                       Lunch (as per cooking demonstration)
2pm – 5.30pm      Free time & spa treatments
5.30 – 6.30pm:    Yoga in Thurlow conference room
7pm:                       Dinner (light)
8.30pm – 9:00pm: Meditation session 

Sunday 16 May 2009

6.30am – 8am:         Paddle in the Outriggers off the beach next to the resort
8.00am – 8.30am:  Yoga on Glover Lawn (1/2 hour stretch class – wet weather contingency Thurlow Room)
8.30am:                      Breakfast (on the Terrace outside Merretts)
9.30am – 11.30am:  Free time & Spa treatments
11am:                           Guests check-out of rooms and leave luggage at Reception
11.30 – 12.30pm:       Winter food and yoga talk with Kris
12.30 – 1.30pm:         Lunchtime yoga wind-down on Glover Lawn (wet weather contingency Thurlow Room)
2pm:                             Late lunch & departure (plus spa treatments)

Yoga is a part of daily life in Byron Bay. This bustling coastal town on the Tweed Coast of Northern New South Wales is a hippie haven from way back. It’s also a Mecca for backpackers and holidaymakers seeking the sun, surf and the spiritual. The relaxed bohemian lifestyle that it is renowned for is a little more commercial these days, but all the things that make Byron special are still ripe for the picking – an amazing year-round climate, a lush rolling hinterland that ambles down to beautiful beaches, eccentric characters and wonderful healers including some of the best yoga teachers in Australia.

With names like Jessie Chapman, John Ogilvie, Louisa Sear, Dena Kinsburgh, Lance Schuler and Liz Costigan calling Byron Bay home, it is no wonder that visitors flock here in the hundreds year after year to hang out and learn yoga. Whether you are looking for a cheap holiday with a bit of yoga thrown in to a luxury health retreat or the chance to do a teacher training program whilst living in a community of like-minded people, Byron has something to offer. In fact with a smorgasbord of daily yoga classes, year-round retreats and highly regarded teacher training across a range of styles and traditions, yogis are spoilt for choice here. More …

I love Daily Addict … so that’s why I’m offering a special offer for readers. Join me for a super start to the weekend – bending and stretching in Rushcutters Bay Park every Saturday morning.

Ryoho is a form of Japanese yoga therapy that changes with the seasons and to deal with specific issues including back and neck pain, weight loss and flexibility.

Daily Addict has 10-class passes (worth $100) to give away.  If you’re not one of the first 10 to email us I’m also offering a free trial class to all Daily Addict readers (bring a copy of this along to class before the end of January).

Bending and stretching in beautiful Rushcutters Bay Park is a great way to start your weekend. Now you can join our Facebook page for regular updates on class changes, programs and retreats. You can also connect with fellow yogis! Join here.

PS. Don’t worry about that potentially embarrassing first order with your regular barista – the trend is catching on and chances are you won’t have to explain your kiddie cup!