Issue 9 of Australian Yoga Journal is on sale. Inside you’ll find my story about beautiful Uma Paro Bhutan (oh my gosh, I so want to go back!), along with stories about the path to becoming a yoga teacher, understanding your chakras, yoga for back pain, yummy recipes and more. Copies are available in good newsagents or you can subscribe online.
Sydney Morning Herald travel writer, Lance Richardson, braved a weekend yoga retreat at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff with me – and survived. His story begins …
“The floor is covered with women, legs twisted one way, torsos in the other direction. More than two-dozen heads tilt languorously backwards as Kris McIntyre directs the room to imitate a Hollywood starlet in photographic pose. A few people breathe heavily into the stretch and then, in the next movement, a woman explodes into laughter as her feet slide off the mat, soles slick with sweat.”
The idea of travelling to Southern Africa usually conjures up romantic notions of wildlife safaris and exotic adventure. But if you are looking for a less traditional route to explore this vast and exciting continent there’s an alternative kind of safari for you – via stunning spas, Buddhist retreats and meditation wells. I discovered a ‘Big Five*’ for the body and soul … with a distinctly African twist.
The Metropolitan offers an oasis of calm and cool (both in terms of temperature and hip factor), from the hot hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Located near the CBD and embassy district, it is close to the city’s major attractions and is home to a COMO Shambhala Spa and acclaimed Australian chef, David Thompson’s Nahm restaurant.
Located in the northwest corner of Western Australia, Broome is one of the most remote towns in Australia. Even more remote is Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, located 119 kilometres and just over an hour’s drive south of Broome, or 27 nautical miles by boat across Roebuck Bay.
I recently checked out Eco Beach on behalf of Australian Yoga Journal – and I loved what I saw. It’s a special place that on first and lasting impressions is both awesomely authentic and in keeping with the vision for an eco-friendly, sustainable tourism project. It feels like a personal invitation to explore a very loved part of this rugged and beautiful coastline from a place that knows what it is.
