Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat in a wonderful setting amongst coconut groves in Kerala, India
Date: 11th – 25th January 2008 (7, 10 or 14 days
Option)
With Deepa Moodgal and Rachel Auburn
Considered to be one of the most healing and culturally rich areas in India, Kerala is known as ‘God’s own country’ with its rich lush green vegetation, rivers, lakes and beautiful beaches, it’s a perfect place to unwind.
The retreat is open to all levels of yoga practitioners, whether you are a beginner or wish to deepen your existing practice.
This is the perfect way to start your New Year; -combining Asana, Meditation
and Pranayama, with soothing Ayurvedic massages and tasty healthy South
Indian food at a relaxing hilltop Ayurvedic retreat centre, set on a
dramatic cliff top overlooking the sea in Varkala, Kerala, South India!
Why the combination of Ayurveda and Yoga?
The science of Ayurveda like the science of Yoga, was inspired
and developed by the great masters and seers of ancient India. The
origins of Ayurveda and yoga have common roots and play a highly
complimentary role in spiritual evolution and the maintenance of
physical well-being and vitality.
Ayurveda addresses not only healing but also prevention and
maintenance of the vitality so is crucial in the practice of yoga.
Ayur in Sanskrit means "life" and veda stands for "knowledge" or
"wisdom". The "wisdom of life" describes what is appropriate or
inappropriate, what brings happiness or misery, what is good or bad
for your personal flow of energies and herewith your longevity.
Supporting the natural balance in your body system, to harmonise the
flow of energies is the aim when preventing and healing through
Ayurveda.
At the heart of Ayurveda is the belief that the human body is a
microcosm of the universe. The universe is built up of the five
elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air and ether. The
biological constitution of each body is based on these five
elements. The so called doshas (Indian term for body constitution):
Vata, Pitta and Kapha categorise each body type. An imbalance of the
doshas can provoke ailments. The "wisdom of life" describes the
natural healing.
On your retreat you will have a qualified Ayurvedic doctor available
for a consultation, your food will be adapted to your own dosha
(body type) and rejuvenated Ayurvedic massages will encourage a more
supple and loose body as well as helping out in the detoxification
process.
Your daily schedule (at a glance)
7.00am - 8.00am Morning pranayama, and meditations
Cup of tea or and fruit before morning asana class. if needed!
8.30am - 10.30am Asana class; each session will vary according to the teacher, from a
more flowing 'Vinyasa' style of working with your fluid body and the
natural elements of fire, earth, water, space and air; and working
on a deeper, personal level, letting your breath be your guide, to
bring health and vitality to the body, peace of mind, and joy to
heart and soul.
With Chanting!!
11am - brunch
This will be delicious South Indian
food, vegetarian. The day is yours for lazing, swimming, reading, exploring, shopping,
and eating.
We have a small pool and our own sandy bay!
5.30pm - 7.30pm
Evening asana class followed by
dinner; a healthy one to complement your asana classes and ayurvedic
treatments.
The holiday includes:
return airport/hotel transfers
all yoga classes - including meditation and pranayamas
accommodation in clean
and comfortable rooms
all Ayurvedic treatments and massages
including a consultation, and any treatments required from an
Ayurvedic doctor
tasty healthy South Indian breakfasts and
dinners
a special back water trip along the rivers!
About the Oceano Cliff Top Ayurvedic Beach Resort Hotel &
Kerala
Open-air restaurant
In the centre of the hotel you will find a nice and cosy open
air restaurant. Food can also be served in the pavilions on the
cliff.
Breakfast is varied, e.g fresh bread from the "German Bakery",
fruits, juices as well as typical Keralan morning delights to
introduce you into the habit of a nice spicy morning meal.
For lunch and dinner snacks are offered with daily specials
freshly from the sea and market, plus Indian and western
delights.
Beach life
Many secluded bays surround the beach area of Oceano. Purest
natural spring water seeps from the rocks - a perfect cool
refreshment after a dash into the ocean. The small pond is also
a nice spot to sit in and relax. Sun umbrellas or diving
goggles, snorkel and flippers are available.
Library, Bookshop, Phone, Internet Access
The library and bookshop contains useful and entertaining
literature in different languages. Internet and international
phone facilities are also available. Please be aware of that
Indian lines are not as stable as your fast Internet lines at
home.
"Artist colony"
India inspires. The nature, cities, people etc. let your fantasy
fly. Just bring your own material, abundant space is available
for your creativity. Feel free to find the right spot for you in
our gardens.
Tour arrangements
Kerala's nick name is "God's own country" - for a good reason.
Don't miss the sights and cultural highlights. We are happy to
consult and assist with tour bookings throughout Kerala.
Boat trips to the backwaters Rent of a private houseboat in Allappy/Kollam Food markets in Trivandrum Temples and Palaces
Trips to the tea plantations at the foothills of the
Western Ghats Visits of the spice gardens e.g. Cardamon Hills
Hiking trips to the evergreen forests e.g. Munnar Area A stay in the wildlife sanctuaries, e.g. Thekkadi
Stays in ashrams, meditation 'camps' Through us you can rent bikes, motos or a car driver to
explore the nearby area.
Duration
With a choice of staying for 7, 10 or 14
nights, this is the perfect place to relax, recharge your system for
the year ahead and simply just be.
There is no compulsory vaccination for travel
to India however you may want to visit your GP for further
information or a Homeopath, for further information on Homeopathic
remedies for travel please visit, Nelsons at
http://www.nelsonshp.com or Ainsworths at
http://www.ainsworths.com
Weather
Kerala has a beautiful tropical climate,
with a maximum temperature of 33.c, sea levels stay at around 20.c.
We also have a small pool and our own sandy bay!
Culture & Ambience
What to Bring
Yoga Mat
Meditation Shawl
Simple & light clothing - including long sleeve
tops
Sun cream & block
Sun hat
Insect repellent
Journal & pens
Torch
Alarm Clock
Sandals
Beach wear
A good sense of humour!
From experience it’s best to travel lightly.
Most things can be bought in India at a cheaper rate, so if you
forget something, don’t worry!!! ... There are lots of convenient stores
around the town of Varkarla where you will be staying
