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)

Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens
Winter: Friday 14-Sunday 16 May 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Winter: Friday 18-Sunday 20 June 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Spring: Friday 10-Sunday 12 September 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Summer: Friday 19 -Sunday 21 November 2010

For bookings or further information phone Peppers Salt Resort & Spa on 02 6674 7777.