Friday 19 February 2016

Iyengar Yoga & Mindfulness - Bali Retreats

Embark on a wonderful experience in North Bali

Dates for 2016
First Retreat 
July 31 - August 6
Second Retreat
August 14 - 20

Invitation
Come and join Tim Oddie and Anna Loughrey in one of their annual Iyengar yoga and mindfulness retreats - at the stunning, award-wining Gaia Oasis Resort in Tejakula, Bali. If you decide to come and have not been to one of these retreats before then look forward to arriving at a green sanctuary nestled on the north coast of Bali, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist belt. We are sure that you too will discover that Gaia Oasis is the perfect location to experience the meaningful and restorative retreat that you are after. 

Summary of Retreat Highlights
- 6 nights accommodation
- 2 Daily yoga classes (Asana and Pranayama)
- Adjustment of Yoga practice for individual needs
- Respect for and advice regarding physical limitations/injuries
- Daily meditation sessions (4 meditation methods)
- All meals (gourmet, gluten-free, no red meat)
- Introduction to Balinese Blessing Ceremony
- Local children's dance performance
- Festive final dinner and cultural performance
- Access to on-site spa treatment facilities
- Courtesy bus transfers between Legian and Tekakul

Facilitators 
Tim Oddie - Iyengar Yoga Teacher, is a highly regarded and internationally certified Iyengar Yoga teacher (JI2) with over 20 years of teaching experience. Renowned for his extensive knowledge and attention to detail - Tim is able to cater to all levels of Yoga practitioner. His classes are challenging, meaningful and joyful. After a week YOU will feel uplifted, indeed transformed.







Anna Loughrey - Co-Facilitator, brings specialist training and many years experience in supporting individual and community well-being. Drawing on her skills Anna helps create a safe, dynamic and inspiring environment for guests. With a longstanding meditation practice Anna has contributed to the design of the unique mindfulness program.
Cost
Single $2050
Double / twin share $1750
Please note cost does not include airfares or taxes. 

Deposits / Early Bird Rate
If your deposit is paid before 29/2/16 (1st retreat) and before 13/3/16 (2nd retreat) you will receive the early bird rate ($100 less). 

Balance of Payment
Due for July Retreat – 30/5/16
Due for August Retreat – 13/6/16
Payment by EFT to Geelong City Yoga BSB 063512 ACCOUNT NUMBER 10767466

Cancellation
If you cancel between 1-2 calendar months of the first day of the retreat, you will be subject to forfeiting 25% of your payment
If you cancel within 1 calendar month of the first day of your retreat 50% is forfeited.
If you cancel less that 7 days (1 week) of your retreat start date, 75% of your payment is forfeited. NOTE: Cancellation requests must be received in writing info@geelongyoga.com

The Yoga
Bringing his 20 years experience - Tim Oddie teaches with the detail, precision and clarity characteristic of Iyengar Yoga. To attend this retreat however, participants will not be required to have previous Iyengar Yoga experience.




The Place
- Gaia Oasis Resort has a rating of 4.5 / 5 stars on Trip Advisor
- Situated in 10 acres of organic garden 
- Home to small village of farmers, their families,numerous chickens, ducks etc.
- Expansive tropical gardens with numerous peaceful areas to ‘rest’
- Large salt water pool with sun loungers offer expansive views of valley and sea
- Large lounging area with herbal teas, Balinese coffee and Wi-Fi available 24/7
- Friendly, professional staff employed from the local villages on rotation 24/7
- Profits from this resort are redirected into the Gaia Foundation*

  * Gaia Foundation funds local community development projects including coral reef rebuilding, provision of 
     school uniforms, lunches and scholarships, sponsoring conservation education, Tejakula’s first municipal 
     waste disposal system, an ashram and cultural programs for children, and more.



The Accommodation
Your accommodation is in tranquil traditional Balinese cottages. All rooms are set apart embedded into the hillside and connected via a series of peaceful walking paths. Rooms include: open air shower (hot and cold water); pedestal fan; tea and coffee making facilities; small fridge; and safety box. NOTE: When booking you have the option of single, twin or double room (note the single rooms are popular and can be snapped up quickly – so best to book early!)

The Food
It’s fabulous and something we are incredibly proud of! As part of your all-inclusive retreat package, you’ll enjoy healthy cuisine that is eclectic, absolutely delicious and designed with care for your nutritional needs. At least one meal per day will include a chicken or seafood option. Wherever possible food is sourced from the surrounding gardens. Most of what is offered is gluten and refined-sugar free, with the odd treat to tempt you. Purified water, coffee and organic herbal teas are in endless supply and delicious afternoon tea is also supplied daily - you will not go hungry! Other food sensitivities or allergies can easily be catered for. The only things you will need to pay for are additional drinks such as smoothies, non-alcoholic cocktails and cafĂ© lattes. Beer is available however we ask that alcohol consumption be kept to a minimum during the retreat.

The Swimming
A large pool is provided for lap slap swimmers sun lovers. This is mostly salt water but lightly chlorinated so bring goggles if you'd like to swim laps. The ocean is a 5 minute courtesy shuttle away for walks on black sand beaches, swimming and great snorkeling. 


The Spa Treatments
Complimentary with your retreat is a 'Rain Forest Dream' treatment in the beautiful Abasan Rainforest Spa Centre; this lasts for 2.5 hours! If you would like to book for additional treatments you can select from a diverse menu of other beauty and health treatments, all inspired by the local environment, the herbal traditions of Bali, India and the West. 

The Activities

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Sea temple cleansing
- Surprising mediation excursions
- Local children’s dance performance
- Festive final dinner and cultural performance

WHAT'S OPTIONAL? 
- Gaia Oasis garden Tour 
- Balinese Cooking Class
- Les Waterfall Walk
 


The Program
Subject to slight daily variation around activities
06:30 – 07:00 Meditation
07:00 – 08:00 Silent breakfast
08:00 – 09:00 Free time
09:00 – 11:00 Yoga (Asana)
11:00 – 11:30 Question time
11:30 – 12:30 Free time
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 16:00 Free time or activity time (mostly optional)
16:00 – 17:30 Yoga (Pranayama)
17:30 – 19:00 Free time
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
20:00 – Free time or planned / optional activity time 

Know before you go
1. How to get there
Jetstar, Virgin, Garuda and Air Asia are the most common carriers. It is worth considering that with the budget airlines there is more chance of delays and flight cancelations than the others. 
2. Travel insurance
You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance. This will mostly cover medical and cancellation costs caused by things out of our control.
3. Airport transfer / Check-in
The courtesy chartered bus leaving on Sunday at 9.30am from the Kusnadi Hotel in Legian (near the airport) is scheduled to arrive at Gaia Oasis at 3pm on the same day. The three-hour journey north to Tejakula will be punctuated by a beautiful organic buffet lunch with views from the restaurant of the majestic Mount Batur.
4. Check-out / Airport transfer
Following your morning yoga program and then lunch, the courtesy chartered bus will leave Gaia Oasis around 1.30pm on the Saturday and return you to either Legian or Denpassar airport (most flights back to Australia leave in the evening). Alternative transport can be arranged if you have an earlier flight to catch.
5. Mobile communication
In the case of an emergency, there is a phone at Gaia Oasis that can be used to make or receive calls. There is also a computer in the office available for limited use to send and receive emails. You can also use your mobile for accessing wifi hotspots at Gaia Oasis. If you would like to use your mobile phone outside wifi hotspots whilst overseas, it is strongly suggested that you purchase a ‘travel pass’ from Telstra or equivalent from other carriers. For approximately 100 AUD per week, this will provide unlimited calls and plenty of data. Most importantly, when travelling overseas you need to ensure data roaming is disabled on your mobile phone to prevent excessively high costs on your return.
6. Passport / Visa
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. You can apply for a ‘tourist visa’ on arrival at the Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar (the airport code is: DPS). The visa is 25 USD (or equivalent in rupiah) and is valid for 30 days with an option to extend for an extra 30 days. There is an ATM before immigration where you can withdraw rupiah using your Visa or MasterCard. You can also pay the visa in euro or dollars but any change will be paid back to you in rupiah. If you already have $US you will beat the rush.
7. Money
You will not need much money whilst at Gaia Oasis Resort. Any extras, spas, smoothies etc. can be paid by credit card at the end of the retreat. ATMs are readily available in Bali, particularly at the airport and busier tourist districts. Gaia Oasis can also provide a currency exchange service if necessary.
8. Departure Tax
When you depart the Denpasar airport on your return flight home, you must pay a 200,000 IDR (approx. 20 USD) airport tax per person. This must be paid in Indonesian Rupiah.
9. What to bring
Non slip sandals, yoga clothes, two sarongs, bathers, sunscreen, walking shoes, hat, an ‘out fit’ for end of retreat festive dinner, light umbrella or rain coat, mosquito repellent, small pocket torch, water bottle, cash if you would like to purchase souvenirs, credit card to pay for spa treatments and additional activities on offer as you choose.
10. Photos
During your stay you might be photographed / filmed around the common areas at the retreat. When booking, you agree to the terms and allow us to use images with you in them for Geelong City Yoga’s marketing purposes. If however you would prefer not to be photographed please Tim or Anna know!

If you would like more information about these wonderful retreats contact:
Tim - 0419 313 677
Anna - 0400 049 862
or email info@geelongyoga.com