SOLD OUT: Winter and Spring Retreats coming up

Looking for a perfect excuse to kick start an autumn cleanse or just enjoy a relaxing weekend away in beautiful seaside surrounds? My autumn yoga retreat at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff NSW (just 15 mins drive from the Gold Coast Airport) will be on the weekend of 12-14 March 2010. The weekend retreat will include accommodation, all meals inspired by the Golden Door Cookbook and prepared by Peppers executive chef Reuben Radonich, yoga classes. talks and seminars by the Golden Door and treatments at the amazing The Golden Door Spa.

About the Weekend
In nature, Autumn is a time of letting go. Trees shed their leaves and drive their roots deeper into the earth, animals make preparations for hibernation and that which is useful is broken down and used for future life cycles; and that which is useless is discarded or eliminated. We are creatures of nature so in the same way, our physicality allows us to ‘grasp’ what we need and let go of what we don’t need. This applies to all aspects of our lives including food, digestion, relationships, concepts and ideas.

We also have our ‘autumn’ period where the body naturally lets go of the old. This is the reason why autumn is a good time to ‘clean out’ and if we don’t do it consciously (through fasting or a safe cleanse) our bodies will step in and do it for us through a cold or flu.  This is the perfect time of the year to deal with digestive and respiratory problems, shoulder aches and pains and heaviness in the thighs and buttocks.

The weekend is designed to give you the option to kickstart and cleanse for Autumn 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 through to advanced practitioners. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

About Ryoho Yoga
Ryoho (translated as ‘appropriate’) is a unique form of yoga therapy developed by renowned Australian practitioner, Andzrej Gospodarczyk. Ryoho is Andzrej’s interpretation of his studies with Indian yoga guru Iyengar, Japanese Oki-do sensei Masahiro Oki, Zen Shiatsu master Masunaga and founder of the Macrobiotic movement Mishio Kushi. Combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian-based healing arts of China and Japan, Ryoho uses specific postures and food advice appropriate to the time of the year and to address common health issues. The style also aims to be fun, playful and unconventional in its approach to the body. The classes on the retreat will be suitable for everyone from beginners through to advanced practitioners.

About the Golden Door Spa
The Golden Door Spa at Salt Village is a haven of relaxation and healing located at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff. Being one of the largest day spas in Australia, The Golden Door boasts 21 treatments areas and offering a large range of spa services including facials, body treatment, healing treatments, massages and hand and pedi spas.

Enjoy our spacious relaxation lounge before or after your treatments and take advantage of our complimentary steam room and spa bath. While you relax, sip our Golden Door signature herbal tea and refreshments on offer.

Included in your Yoga Retreat package is your choice of a 50-minute treatment at the Golden Door Spa: Aromatherapy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Kahuna Style Lomi Lomi Massage,  (Facial) Facial a la carte, (Body) Aromatic Salt Glow or  (Feet) Pedi-spa.

The Program:

Friday 12 March 2010
6.30-7.30pm    Yoga
8.00pm            Dinner

Saturday 13 March
6.30am              Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.00am   Yoga
8.00-9.00am    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
2.00-3.30pm    Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
3.30-4.20pm   Women’s Health Workshop (& relaxation time for the boys!) – Hosted by Shirley Kalnins from The Golden Door Health Retreat
4.30-5.30pm    Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
5.30-6.30pm    Yoga
6.45-8.00pm    Dinner
8.00-8.45pm   Massage Workshop hosted by Amanda Varlow from The Golden Door Spa at Salt
8.45- 9.00pm   Relaxation/ Meditation with Kris

Sunday 14 March
6.15am               Morning ‘joggle – not a run
6.30-7.30am    Beach yoga class
8.00-9.00am    Breakfast
9.00am-noon   Free time & Golden Door treatments
12.00-1.00pm  Yoga
1.00-2.00pm    Lunch (Lagoon Poolside, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa
2.00pm            Departure or relax at leisure

Pricing #

# All-inclusive package price per person.
* Non-residential package excludes accommodation and breakfast.

Bookings:  phone Louise Anker on 02 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au

About the Weekend
As winter starts to draw to a close, this weekend is designed to prepare you for Spring. Spring is the season of new beginnings and renewal. It’s a time for Spring-cleaning inside and out and the perfect time of the year to detox, cleanse and address issues associated with flexibility, eyesight and joint problems.

 The weekend is designed to give you the option to kickstart and cleanse for Spring or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

Can beginners come along?
Yes.  The weekend is open to beginners through to advanced practitioners. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

What time does the retreat start and finish? 
The first yoga class will be at 6.30pm on Friday evening. The retreat will finish after lunch on Sunday. 

About Ryoho Yoga
Ryoho (translated as ‘appropriate’) is a unique form of yoga therapy developed by renowned Australian practitioner, Andzrej Gospodarczyk. Ryoho is Andzrej’s interpretation of his studies with Indian yoga guru Iyengar, Japanese Oki-do sensei Masahiro Oki, Zen Shiatsu master Masunaga and founder of the Macrobiotic movement Mishio Kushi. Combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian-based healing arts of China and Japan, Ryoho uses specific postures and food advice appropriate to the time of the year and to address common health issues. The style also aims to be fun, playful and unconventional in its approach to the body. The classes on the retreat will be suitable for everyone from beginners through to advanced practitioners. 

About Golden Door Spa
The Golden Door Spa at Salt Village is a haven of relaxation and healing located at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff. Being one of the largest day spas in Australia, The Golden Door boasts 21 treatments areas and offering a large range of spa services including facials, body treatment, healing treatments, massages and hand and pedi spas. Included in your Yoga Retreat package is your choice of a 50 minute massage (Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue or Kahuna-style Lomi Lomi)

What is included?

• 2 nights accommodation
• Six yoga classes
• 50-minute massage at The Golden Door Spa
• Full breakfast each morning
• Supper on Friday night
• Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
• Dinner on Saturday evening
• Yoga mat
• Unlimited in-room movies & broadband internet access
• Full use of resort leisure facilities

# All-inclusive package price per person.* Non-residential package includes yoga classes, Golden Door Spa treatment, dinner on Friday and Saturday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, yoga mat.

The Welcome
I have never experienced anything quite like the COMO Shambhala welcome at Denpasar Airport. I’m barely off the gangplank and find myself greeted by a Balinese man wielding a big smile and a sign with my name on it. He guides me past the immigration queues, secures my visa, collects my baggage and escorts me to my driver for the one-hour trip past bustling traffic, peaceful temples, lush rice-paddies and a cremation ceremony to Ubud. This ‘rock star’ welcome turns out to be an apt introduction to a place that hinges its service around absolute care, consideration and being one step ahead of guest needs.  

My Personal Assistant
I’m greeted at The Estate by more big Balinese smiles and a lei of tuber-roses (a tell-tale sign of all new-comers) before being escorted on a tour of the nine acres of gardens and thoughtfully appointed public spaces sitting above the River Ayung that make up The Estate. I arrive at my room where my ‘personal assistant’, Widi, brings me a welcome drink, checks me in and explains my daily schedule. 

My Sanctuary
My room is a perfect sanctuary for the week that is about to unfold. It offers spacious, understated elegance with everything I could possibly need. A huge four-poster bed, comfortable furnishings in gentle natural tones, plasma TV, a balcony and outdoor setting to soak up the view of the lush gardens and terraced fields in the distance, an enormous bathroom that peeks into the world outside, a bowl of tropical fruit, an orchid plant and a big dose of serenity. 

Wining & Dining
The Estate offers a number of dining options including the contemporary, open-air Glow restaurant; traditional Indonesian cuisine in Kudus House set in a gorgeous 150-year old former Javanese residence; light snacks served around the poolside Ojas area and in-room dining. 

The COMO Shambhala food philosophy is a holistic approach to nurturing the body with food that tastes good but is good for you. There is no calorie-counting, but instead a balanced approach to food with a focus on fresh, local produce that suits the personal needs of the guest. Australian-born Executive Chef, Chris Miller, (formerly of Neil Perry’s, Wockpool) heads up the kitchen at Como Shambhala Estate and sister-property, Uma Ubud. In cahoots with the resident nutritionist, Miller dishes up healthy, but tasty fare with a full rein of influences ranging from Indian to Italian and of course, Indonesian. And alcohol? Yes, there is a bar and wine list!

Leisure Time
The Estate offers so many leisure options it’s almost hard to choose (I only left The Estate for a total of four hours in the week I was there). In addition to yoga and spa treatments, there is a host of onsite leisure activities including daily guided walks, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Pilates, mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting, tennis, outdoor circuit training and cooking demonstrations. There’s also a rock climbing wall, indoor gym, swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a comprehensive library of books to borrow during your stay. The Estate also offers guided cultural activities including visits to local temples, ceremonies and markets; cultural workshops including Balinese dance, photography and writing; and one-on-one wellness consultations with the resident nutritionist, Ayurvedic doctor, psychologists and therapists. 

Leaving
I beg the General Manager for permission to stay or take Widi home. He declines on both fronts, so I reluctantly leave feeling relaxed, energised and inspired with the assurance that I’ll return again one day soon. I also recognise a new sense of inner peace and wisdom that I’m sure I didn’t have when I arrived at this ‘sacred place of bliss’. 

MUST DO’S …

• The Estate Walk. Take your swimmers and a book for a dip in the spring pools near the river and lounge on the gorgeous day beds.
• Breakfast in Kudus Restaurant. Set in a 150-year old former Javanese residence, this intimate space is the perfect spot to enjoy the morning mist rising up through the rainforest. The porridge is delicious.
• A Hot Stone Massage with The Estate’s star practitioner, ‘Oka’
• A visit to the local healer, ‘Tjorkoda’ (as your Personal Assistant to book your visit)
• A shopping trip to ‘Threads of Life’ – a shop/museum dedicated to keeping the traditional weaving arts of Indonesia alive (www.threadsoflife.com)

FAST FACTS:

• Rates start at USD$300 per person, per night including accommodation, breakfast, a wellness consultation, use of leisure facilities, participation in daily activities and your personal assistant. For information about upcoming Yoga Retreats or The Estate’s personalised Wellness Programs visit www.cse.como.bz.
• COMO Shambhala operates COMO Shambhala Retreats at Bali, Bhutan, the Cocoa Island and the Maldives, with Urban Escapes in Bangkok, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.comoshambhala.bz
• Visas can be purchased on arrival in Bali for USD$10 (7 days) or USD$25 (30 days). Make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least 6 months from arrival.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Como Shambhala Estate is located 15 minutes drive from Ubud, and one-hour from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport.
• Airport transfers to COMO Shambhala Estate are USD$40 each way.