Aine Dorman - Yoga, Movement for Empowerment

Aine Dorman is Founder of Nirvaine Yoga Studio, situated in the heart of Co. Down, boasting panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay.  Married with two adult children the bespoke clinic is on a small holding with rare breed cows, pigs, dogs and bees, from which the family produces their own honey and products.

She has been practicing yoga for over twenty years and teaching for over ten years. 

Aine has extensive knowledge and has trained in an eclectic mix of traditions including Iyengar, Forrest, Qi Gong, Aerial Yoga, Yoga for Cancer, Yoga for Special Needs, Acquired Disability including Brain Injury, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis Yoga for Mental Health, Chair Yoga including Wheelchairs and she weaves her knowledge as a therapist and healer into her classes.

Aine has been a holistic therapist for twenty-five years.and has trained in multi-disciplinary healing practices, including Reflexology, Soft Tissue Release Massage, Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner and Moon Mother.

“My commitment to you will mirror the commitment to yourself. We are all part of the weave of life, one medicine strand.” (Aine Dorman)

Alex Reed - Hatha Yoga

I’m Alex Reed and I started Good Life Yoga in 2013 in order to share my passion for yoga with people who need some balance in their busy lives.

It is my secret weapon against stress, anxiety and aging! Keeping strong and flexible in mind and body is proven to help us live longer and more fulfilling lives.

In my practice and classes I try to bring a fresh thought to each session – to find curiosity and genuine interest in what is happening in our minds and bodies on the mat.

My personal practice is influenced by some incredible teachers who were students of an innovative Italian yoga teacher called Vanda Scaravelli. She took traditional yoga practices deep into her own body and guided her students to do the same. Inspired by the youthfulness, joy for life and twinkle in the eye of these teachers

I try to practice and teach with fresh eyes and an open mind each time, guided by the bodies and personalities in the room.

My goal is to stay young as long as possible and help my students find their joy and youthful spirit too.

What to expect on a yoga break with Alex:

This is a holiday rather than a retreat so while the focus of the week is yoga, there will be plenty of time to relax, socialise and enjoy the local surroundings and on-site activities.

On offer will be two yoga sessions on the majority of days, an energising morning session featuring flowing sequences and a relaxing evening session prior to dinner; this could be restorative practice using bolsters or gentle postures, breathing practice and meditation.

One day will feature an optional silent group walk.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy and make the most of this special time you've set aside for yourself. 

 Allison Alexander Hatha Flow and Yin Yoga

Allison Alexander is passionate about all aspects of yoga, and knows from her own experience how life enhancing and transformational this practice can be.

She loves to share the potential of yoga, believing it can help each of us cultivate deep inner fulfillment, a greater sense of meaning & freedom and a stronger connection with the natural rhythms of life

Her thoughtful teaching encourages you to find the joy of deep connection with the body, the heart, the mind and the soul.

Allison teaches a flow style practice, using the integration of breath and body to move from one wonderful posture to the next, holding the poses long enough to experience them deeply and uniquely for each person. In this way the practice becomes a moving meditation which has the potential to enhance physical strength & flexibility, improve psychological focus & concentration and create emotional peace & tranquility.

Allison has been influenced by the wisdom and experience of many wonderful teachers, and is fortunate to have been trained and encouraged by many knowledgeable yogis who have guided her and continue to do so.

For Allison yoga is a joyful  life long practice to which she is dedicated. She is continually expanding her knowledge and experience. She is an experienced 500 hour Yoga Alliance teacher, teaching Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

All practices of Yoga will include asana, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation.

Start your day with an energising, joyful practice.

On this retreat the morning practice will be a grounding and energising Hatha Flow which will include asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
We will create strength & flexibility for the body, focus & concentration for the mind, peace and tranquility for heart and soul.

The evening practice will be a relaxing and restorative Yin and Yoga Nidra.

We start with a slow flow sequence, using the integration of breathe and body to move from one powerful posture to the next.

We will create warmth and heat for the body, focus & concentration for the mind, peace and tranquility for heart and soul.

Once the body is warm and supple we are ready to glide into the slow, held postures of the yin sequence.

Flowing Hatha Yoga with Andi Theophilou

Andi has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has been teaching for 8 years.

She is a 500hr qualified teacher having trained with Yoga London and Jason Crandell Yoga, pre-natal training with Yogamama and she has recently completed Gary Carter's Anatomy and Movement training.  

She teaches mindful, Flowing Hatha Yoga. Her style is down to earth, playful and explorative, focussing on mindful movement, strengthening the body and calming the mind.

Slowing down the flow allows her students to become aware of their bodies and move with more control - it's challenging! One size doesn't fit all and Andi encourages individuals to adapt the practice to their own bodies and ranges of motion.

Andi also teaches relaxation sessions which are gentle and restorative, incorporating pranayama, myofascial release, meditative movement and somatic movement flows, which help to release tightness and tension in the whole body.

Andi will be offering two yoga sessions per day.

Classes will be flexible depending on the participants and will progress through the week as we build awareness, strength and stamina.

Typically the morning session include pranayama (breathing techniques), a warm up, flowing hatha yoga and will end with relaxation.

Classes will be themed focusing on concepts (e.g. Finding Balance, Effort and Ease), or in groups of asanas (e.g. backbends, forward bends, twists, balance),  the format will be flexible, according to the needs of the group.

The early evening session will be relaxing. This may focus on exploring groups of postures or parts of the body, somatic movement or myofascial release and end with a long relaxation to leave you feeling restored and revived.

www.yogabrockley.co.uk/about

Hatha Yoga with Andrea Turnball

Andrea, after practising yoga for many years and realising how transformative the practice was and how it alleviated the stresses of her busy lifestyle, was well and truly bitten by the yoga bug. She subsequently completed her yoga teacher training withthe British Wheel of Yoga.

For Andrea, yoga is about health and happiness, cultivating balance and living with your heart wide open. 

She teaches Hatha yoga, combining creative sequencing, mindfulness, connection with the breath and relaxation, plus a dose of inspiration to help her students deepen their practice.

Happiness, peace, love and calm already exist within you.  Yoga is a personal journey that allows you to shine through, both on and off the mat.  Our practice will stretch and strengthen our bodies, teaching us to move mindfully and connect with our breath.  It will nourish our souls and teach us the freedom to be still.

Your Yoga Holiday

Our morning practice will be a balanced and holistic flow of sequences to energise you for the day.

Our evenings will be Zenyoga - to unwind with more restorative and relaxing Hatha Flow focusing on healing and letting go.

We will learn and practice pranayama and simple meditation techniques that will help to create a calm, creative and peaceful state of mind. 

We will also include yoga nidra and sleep preparation sessions.

"The Heightened awareness I experience through my practice is what continues to draw me to my mat.  My passion is to share the positive effects yoga has had upon my life in the hope of spreading this positive effect onto others"

" Hi Jilly, I wanted to let you know what a fabulous 2 weeks I had with Andrea and the group in this great location at Palm Tree Lodge.
Her teaching and dedication to the group were outstanding. From our gift at the beginning of the first lesson, all the way through to the beautiful closing class with decorated yoga shala and personalised cards. I have been doing yoga for 20 years and still learnt so much from her teaching and her kind hearted way of being. That so many of the group have already rebooked with her for next year says it all ! Wow.
Thank you"   Melanie - Palm Tree Yoga, Kerala, India January 2020

Anna Georgiou (BWY Dip)

Anna began practising yoga in 1999, and qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 2007, followed by a further month's study at the Khrisnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India in Feb 2008. 

Prior to her yoga training, Anna studied Reflexology, Massage and Dance. She has also studied with some of the world's leading teachers: Sarah Powers, Donna Farhi, Paul Grilley and Max Strom.

Anna's teaching is influenced by different styles of Hatha yoga.

Her approach is creative and welcoming and she delivers a safe and well rounded class which can be enjoyed by all levels and ages.   With attention to alignment and a focus on breath and movement co-ordination, her class caters for the individual, allowing to build strength and flexibility, promoting a healthy, happy and balanced life!

This retreat will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy two yoga sessions per day, allowing the individual  to build and take their yoga practice to a deeper level. We will explore different types of Asana, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra (deep yogic relaxation).

The morning session will be dynamic and energising, while the evening session will include more restorative and rejuvenative  work with some Yin postures to help balance the Yang active posture work of the morning. 

There will also be plenty of time to relax during the day, helping to bring harmony back to mind and body!

Anne Lawless -  Iyengar Yoga

A Fully Certified and Insured Iyengar Yoga Teacher with many years experience with all levels of students.

Anne is a very experienced Level 2 Iyengar Yoga teacher and has been teaching since 2007.

She visited and studied yoga at RIMYI in Pune, India, with the Iyengar family and has been studying Iyengar yoga for 28 years. 

Anne teaches community classes, online classes and workshops in South London and Surrey and has been leading small group yoga holidays since 2019.

Dedicated to teaching the Iyengar Yoga method Anne welcomes yoga students of all ages and backgrounds to her classes and holidays.

She will meet you where you are and teach you correct alignment and action in asana which in this method is the gateway to the other 7 limbs of yoga. Growth and learning is encouraged and the practise is adapted to each individual so all can benefit from this wonderful practice. 

Morning classes will be energising and evening classes more restful and restorative. 

Come with an open mind and heart and enjoy your yoga with Anne in the most beautiful setting.

Annie Hayes-Pantony Vinyasa Flow Yoga

My mission is to help people on their journey to find the best version of themselves, finding strength mentally, physically and emotionally.

My hope is that I will inspire even those new to yoga, with my enthusiasm and energy.

I will always adapt and modify my teaching to allow everyone to feel included and welcome in my class, without exception.

“We can only do what we can do in this moment and that is enough”

My practice
I specialise in vinyasa flow, focusing on the breath(pranayama) through the fluidity of the postures (asanas)

Focusing on our breath helps us be in the moment while helping our body transition through a sequence of postures.

My practice will help you build body strength along with the core focus always being on the mind.

My mindful approach using yoga philosophy in my classes will help you delve deeper into your practice, and my well-being approach will serve to feed your heart, body, mind and soul.

In a loving, kind way I will lead you through stretching, strengthening and toning your body, giving gentle adjustments to allow you to deepen your practice.

Qualifications
RYS 200 yoga alliance in Greece
RYS 300 yoga alliance in Turkey
Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga with Yoga Mammas Putney
All qualifications meet required standards of Yoga Alliance UK

Website   www.letlifebeyoga.com

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Babs Lehner-Platts
  
You can choose to transform anything in your life and a yoga retreat with Babs provides a great environment to make a start!

Having successfully led numerous international retreats, Babs teaches in a holistic and very intuitive way. Every retreat is different, as are her students. She creates a unique program, which allows everyone to learn at their own pace whilst experiencing Yoga as part of a group.

   
   
Babs teaches Vinyasa Flow, a purifying and re-balancing practice where breath and body movement are one.

She encourages you with clear instructions, giving detailed explanations and corrections on alignment throughout.

The class is designed for any age or fitness level and make it the perfect program from the beginner to the more experienced student.  Babs invites you to learn more about philosophy and the spiritual aspects of Yoga, such as meditation and self enquiry, to help you deepen your understanding and practice.

Babs understands her student's need to have a 'good time'  so there is always time to chill out and have a laugh as well!  You can enjoy your private space and/or being part of a group. 

          
A typical Vinyasa class will start with Pranayama (breath control), followed by flowing sequences of standing postures, incorporating balances leading into mat work to focus on core stability, stamina and flexibility.

Deep stretches, relaxation and meditation will bring the class to a close

   .

For more details on Babs visit her website at  www.isvarayoga.co.uk

Becky Crepsley-Fox (formerly Spooner)

Becky was born in Somerset and always dreamed of becoming a dancer. At age 18 she gained a place at Stella Mann professional dance school and trained for 3 years to become a professional dancer.

Upon graduating, Becky started working front of house at a gym and attended her first yoga class.

She started using yoga as a tool to increase her strength and flexibility for dancing but the more she practised yoga the less she wanted to dance.

Becky soon took her first of three (so far) yoga teacher trainings and started teaching yoga right away. Alongside the yoga training, Becky also trained to become a personal trainer and a children's yoga teacher.

Now Becky loves yoga for the physical and mental benefits, she has taken meditation courses and is a tantra practitioner.

Becky now lives in north London with her partner and 3 cats. teaches 5 styles of yoga; Hatha, Vinyasa, Rocket, Ashtanga and Yin and teaches full time in yoga studios around North/East London.

In Becky's classes, you can expect creative sequencing and a strong emphasis on the breath. Becky is very good at  adapting a class to mixed level groups, always teaching with many variations so everyone in the class can practise to their own abilities.

Becky uses her knowledge of the body from her dance and personal training schooling, her knowledge of the mind from meditation and tantra education and her knowledge of yoga from all the many styles she practises and teaches.

She uses all of this information to create inventive and inspiring yoga classes.

On the retreat, the morning classes will be based on uplifting energetic energies giving you the vitality you need for the day and the evening classes will be based around grounding energies to get you relaxed and ready for a good nights sleep.

Bella Somerville

Bella’s yogic path has led her from a tea estate in Sri Lanka where she was born and where she spent her early years surrounded by eastern philosophies and spiritual practices, to the present day as an adopted ‘Brightonian’, coming to this vibrant city to visit friends in between her travels, and never leaving.

She experienced her first yoga class in 2000 and she’s not looked back since, subsequently spending the last 17 years dedicating herself to developing her spiritual practice both on and off the mat.

She is registered with Yoga Alliance UK having completed her training with Allie Hill and teaches full-time in Brighton and the Sussex area where she is a popular instructor within the local community. She has taught at the Brighton Yoga Festival for the last 2 years as well as regularly donating her teaching skills to charities and local events.

Bella teaches hatha and vinyasa flow, as well as more meditative yin and restorative practices.

Her classes are creative and playful with an emphasis on strengthening the body, calming the mind and staying centred because as she says: “nothing is more precious than being in this present moment, fully alive, fully aware”.  

Her teaching is compassionate and honest, always inviting students to be curious in their practice, weaving inspirational quotes and yogic texts into her classes, yet always relating to the bigger picture by encouraging students to be in harmony with themselves not just on their mats but also in their lives.

Added to this is her contagious energy and deep passion for sharing the benefits of yoga with all ability levels, no matter what age, size or experience so students leave her classes feeling inspired and alive!

About the Kerala Retreat

India is the home of yoga and what better place to experience this spiritual practice than in the tropical warmth of Kerala in early April. It seems natural that we associate feeling warm with a sense of well-being and relaxation, and when the body is warm, the muscles and connective tissue become more elastic allowing you to go deeper into a yoga pose as the body opens and becomes more flexible.

This retreat is open to all levels as modifications and variations will be given throughout so beginners as well as those with a more skilled practice will be safely challenged.

Each class will be an eclectic hatha experience, with a focus on the fundamentals of a structurally sound yoga practice. Precise alignment in standing, seated and reclined poses are woven together by a slow flow, and each session focuses on a unique foundational movement pattern and is sequenced to steadily build those movement patterns into more challenging asana.

The morning classes will start with centering and pranayama (breath work) to cleanse, ground and energise us, before moving into a deeper, invigorating combination of hatha and vinyasa flow yoga. With a sense of playfulness and exploration, each student on their individual level will work on improving flexibility, strength, stamina and balance, delving deeper into postures empowered by their breath.

The late afternoon sessions will be a yin-yang practice, a more explorative and workshop-style class, bringing into balance the passive and active aspects of yoga with energising yet restorative asana, holding postures longer to allow a deeper release both in the mind and body.

Bella makes an ideal host for our retreat to Kerala having travelled extensively in India, and through her upbringing feels naturally at home on the subcontinent. A great listener, with an infectious laugh, and zest for life, she intends her retreats to be fun and uplifting, a chance to make new friends and discover the amazing culture of India, and above all, a transformative yoga journey into the self, by the self, for the self.

“The Yoga retreat in Turkey with Bella was an incredible experience and I am still buzzing from it!  The hotel staff were all so professional and kind, everything was at hand, the food, pool, and all the facilities, just superb. What made the holiday sublime, however, was the incredible yoga we shared.
Bella set such an inclusive tone where all levels were able to access the practice in their own way. The excursions were wonderful and I still smile when I remember swimming next to the waterfall after our into the mountains. I would recommend Free Spirit with Bella to anyone who is a seasoned yogi or even a complete beginner.  Bella is a very special teacher indeed and her experience in running retreats certainly shows.  The sense of warmth and cohesion in the group was something very special.  I will be booking again, of this I am certain. Thank you for some very special memories as well as the fantastic yoga.”

Mary-Lou - September 2022

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful Yoga holiday I had with Bella in Ischia. Her yoga as always was inventive, stimulating and sensitive to all the Yogi's on the holiday. Her passion to make the holiday (we call it a holiday rather than a retreat!) a wonderful experience for all of us, was embraced by open arms by the Yogi's. The group bonded extremely well and we spent most of the time in each other's company. The hotel with Michele as our main point of contact was perfect for this week - he looked after us very well.  The food (delicious), accommodation (simple but clean) and surrounds ...breath taking ... were a delight Thank you!

Lisa Baderoon - September 2017

Dear Bella, Thank you so much for such a positive and uplifting experience in Kovalam, and for your wise counsel. I have not felt so calm and relaxed for a very long time. I feel so very privileged to have been part of this retreat, meeting such a great group of people and the yoga. I already knew you were a good yoga teacher but the thought and planning which you had clearly put into each session was exceptional! Thank you and love,

Alison McMillan-Puri - Palm Tree Kerala April 2017

Beverley Hetherington - Yin & Yang Flow Yoga

Hello, I’m a Naturopathic Nutrition Therapist and Yoga Teacher and I live in Brighton.

I have been practicing yoga since being introduced to it by my mum when I was 8 years old . I completed my 200 hour teacher training with Allie Hill and Toni Ann Roberts and have been teaching since 2012.

My  post graduate yoga includes training with  Ellen Lee, John Stirk, Gary Carter, Amarjeet Bhamra, Jim Tarran, Marc Aquaviva, Tabitha Tarran and Ben Wolff to name a few, along with completing a Partner Yoga Teacher Training with Sevanti of Unity Studio Brighton.

Classes begin with a question to the students; is there any specific area you would like to focus on for your practice today?  Once the areas of focus have been established if requested the class begins, which often includes learning the mechanics of the postures as we transition and the opportunity for students to ask questions.

This way the class can be offered to benefit all levels giving each student the chance to do as much or as little as their breath, body and practice requests.

In addition I often relate to how we function internally, enabling us to gain a deeper awareness of how the postures help us to connect.

For me yoga offers the time to become aware of how the breath leads the body into movement whilst the mind observes, this gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and expand the space between our thoughts, inviting us to delve deeper into the moving meditation that is our yoga practice.

Our Weekend Of Wellness at Champneys Spa Henlow

We meet our fellow yogis and introduce ourselves.
Following getting to know each other a little we move towards our opening Hatha flow practice and observe the connection between breath, body and brain.
Our yang approach invites us to be aware of the superficial muscles in the body, which love warmth and movement enabling us to ease our journey away and settle into our body and surroundings.

After practice we freshen up and meet for dinner, if you wish to dine alone you are most welcome.

Saturday Sunrise Practice; we begin sitting in contemplation and meditation. Slowly we invite an awareness of the breath rhythm and this guides us towards our solar powered practice, we finish with pranayama (breath control) to cleanse and prepare the body for the day.

Afternoon Yin/Yang Practice; we begin with yin, slowly transition into yang and return to yin. Yin yoga gives us the opportunity to sit with ourselves and explore, as we hold the asanas (postures) for longer periods of time this evolves into a deeply meditative practice. Our yang practice by contrast to the earlier stillness will invite mantra (chanting) and mudras (hand gestures) both empowering the exit of obstacles from mind, body and soul.

Sunday Sunrise Practice; we begin sitting in contemplation and meditation. We find a friend and invite the awareness of the breath rhythm together. This offers the practice of partner yoga to unfold as we are able to support and surrender with trust at the same time. This fun, playful practice offers the opportunity to learn about our partners practice as well as our own and how some asanas are far more accessible with the support of another.
We move towards closing our practice together with hand massage and giving thanks to each other for our weekend.

During our time together I will be teaching techniques for continued self regulation so when we return home we may use these to remain grounded and calm.

Carmen Dolz
Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner
Qigong teacher
Natural Nutritionist

Carmen is a Brighton-based holistic therapist who offers Jin Shin Jyutsu, Qigong and natural nutrition.

She is interested in promoting self-care for health and wellbeing. She treats people on a one-to-one basis and teaches both Jin Shin Jyutsu (self-help) and Qigong.

She has been practicing Qigong for the last 12 years and last year she qualified as a Qigong teacher so that she can spread the word even further.

Qigong for yoga holidays

This year Carmen is working with our yoga teacher Kathryn Banks for a week of yoga , qigong and optional classes of the other therapies Carmen teaches. They are teaching at Dalyan Delta in Turkey and this is a fantastic opportuinty to combine your yoga practice with some additional skills.
The Qigong we will be practicing is called Yuan Gong. It can activate and promote the energetic flows in the body. Qi (pron. ‘Chee’) -life force, vital energy- and blood will flow more smoothly and harmoniously. This will not only make one feel refreshed and light but also improve health. It can also strengthen the physical structures such as the skin, muscles, tendons and extremities. It will combine beautifully well with Kathryn’s yoga class.

We will be doing around 4 hours of practice (one  class of yoga and one class of Qigong) a day.

Please visit www.yuantzecentre.com for more information on the type of Qigong that Carmen will be teaching in the retreat.
 

Nine Lives Yoga with Cat Duval

Nine Lives Yoga is all about living every breath with presence and playfulness.  Experience how yoga can inspire you to live life passionately, playfully and fearlessly with an open heart, a free mind and a strong, flexi and capable body. 

The only one who has the power to give you that permission is you

 
About Cat Duval
Yoga is my life and Acroyoga is my passion.  I take a multi-disciplinary approach and am trained in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Unity Partner Yoga, Sun Moon Partner and Community Yoga, Acroyoga, Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Positive Visualisation, Hypnosis and NLP as a Practitioner.  I completed my first teacher training qualification in 2010 and have been continuing my training regularly ever since.

  
My intention is rooted in engaging with people of all shapes and sizes and abilities and making yoga accessible.  Yoga is for everybody with every body type and is a pathway for growth and expansion in ourselves, so we can be empowered, confident in our skin whatever our shape and fully present in our lives.  
There are so many wonderful techniques that help us carve our own way forward.  I love working with people individually, or in partners and groups, to create programmes that suits personal motivations and aspirations. Helping yoga students develop and wholeheartedly embody their own practice.

 
For more information visit my website
ninelivesyoga.co.uk

Catherine Gallagher - Hatha Flow & Restorative Yoga

Catherine completed her teacher training at "Be-Yoga" in May 2016 and completed another 200 hour qualification with Rachel Brathen "yoga girl" in Aruba in October 2017.

Catherine's advanced teacher training qualification is why Vidya Heisel at Frog Lotus Yoga International, Spain

Catherine has worked extensively in this industry since initially qualifying and beginning her yoga teaching career as the residential yoga teacher within the London headquarters of a global corporation.

Since leaving London, Catherine has run her own classes, workshops, private sessions and led daily classes at commercial studios and spas around Sussex.

Catherine now specialises in running international and UK yoga retreats. Her classes and retreats focus on compassion, acceptance and self-love combining both dynamic asana practice, pranayama, meditation and deeply restorative relaxation techniques, taught truly from the heart.

  
Retreat classes:
·    Progressive themed and thoroughly planned 90 minute morning Vinyasa Flow classes
·    Deep 90 min evening Restorative yoga classes to find your Zen
·    One guided yoga nidra session
·    Extra Private tuition available

For more information, please visit Catherine's website www.yogawithcatherine.com

Celia Caplan Flow Yoga

Celia has been a yoga teacher since 2014 and completed her advanced yoga teacher training early 2020.  Over the years her motivation for practising yoga has changed from a physical necessity due to years of running and tennis, to a lifestyle choice.

Celia completed her yoga teacher training with Brian Cooper of Union Yoga. She teaches Ashtanga yoga, Flow yoga and Chair yoga in the St Albans and Harpenden area. She continues to regularly attend yoga teacher training classes in many diverse areas of yoga to enhance her yoga knowledge and teaching.

This week will offer students not only the opportunity to relax and de-stress in  beautiful surroundings but develop their yoga practice.

Celia approach is strongly influenced by anatomy studies to help all students of varying experience, body structures and physical history to move forward in their yoga in a mindful way.

Each morning will begin with pranayama, followed by an Flow based class.

The class will be adapted to the students requirements, focusing on  precision in poses and on the development of breath work. There will be a high level of individual help.

The early evening class will take the form of a workshop, looking more closely at particular asanas and using a combination of short sequences and partner work to help students move more deeply into the poses.

These workshops will also use restorative yoga, meditation and yoga Nidra to bring the evening session to a close.

Charlotte Watts and Leonie Taylor

Charlotte and Leonie will be teachng together at Beach Road, Dalyan, Turkey in 2023. TGhey wil divide the classes between them.

About Charlotte Watts

"I am a Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance UK, practising since 1997, teaching since 2007 and trained with the Vajrasati School of Yoga (RYT500) in Brighton. I teach with an emphasis on mindfulness so depth and strength can be fostered within yoga practice as your body needs -  helping release stress, not adding to it

I have continued to explore this essence of finding our authentic selves through yoga, with further training with teachers including Judith Lasater, Donna Farhi and Tias Little and Mindfulness and Yoga training with Cathy-Mae Karelse.

As a Nutritional Therapist and Yoga Teacher in Brighton and London, I specialise in stress-related issues such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression and burnout. This has culminated in my latest book The De-Stress Effect (Hay House 2015).

Yoga’s focus on calming the nervous system, attuning to our mind-body needs and dropping beneath brain chatter perfectly complements my nutritional therapy work, especially with an emphasis on mindfulness within both.

In this way I can work with clients in well-rounded and truly holistic mind-body health programmes."

About Leonie Taylor

"I am a Senior Yoga Teacher within the Vajrasati school of yoga, accredited with Yoga Alliance 500-hour Teacher Training Plus, teaching since 2006, practising since 1998.

Inspired by a desire to work deeply and therapeutically, both in classes, workshops and 1-2-1s as well as in applied bodywork.

I have also studied extensively as a Therapeutic Thai Massage practitioner. "

What actually happens in a class?

Sessions on retreats can vary in tone, energy and emphasis, depending on the time of day and the needs of the group.

We always start by arriving and connecting with the breath though. From there we can then start mindfully loosening the body, usually either lying or sitting.  

In a morning class, we can then use this to move into a stronger asana (posture) practice to open up tight upper spines, compressed front bodies, tight thighs, hamstrings and psoas muscles so common in the modern body. This will be wherever we need to safely and effectively encourage postural conditions and habits as our bodies are designed but may not always achieve.

In the afternoon, we will move into a more grounding and relaxing practice – this may be somatic, restorative or yin, but usually melding elements of each to balance movement and stillness, opening and recovery.

In all sessions, we lead back down to a restorative and relaxing practice at the end; to assimilate energy we have created, fully release any stress moved out and to prepare us to take this attitude of non-reaction into our daily lives

Yoga & Pilates with Claire Pestaille

Claire has been working within the health and fitness industry for the past 20 years as well as being a practising and exhibiting artist.  

She became interested in yogic philosophy when studying for a fine art degree at Chelsea College of Art in 1998 and her yoga teacher training began in Mysore, India studying Hatha with Noah McKenna.

She has since trained in Yin Yoga with Norman Blair at Yoga Campus, explored the elements of Pranaflow from Shiva Rae and has also studied with Alessandra Pecorella at Aditya Vinyasa school.

Alongside her love of teaching and practising yoga Claire is also a personal trainer and a mat and reformer pilates teacher.

You can expect her yoga and pilates classes to be creative, alignment based and a lot of fun.

Morning Yoga  will involve an open level dynamic vinyasa flow class. Vinyasa' simply means 'placing with awareness' where you synchronise breath and movement as you flow through the postures and the transitions. The morning class will focus the mind, build strength and flexibility and leave you feeling energised and inspired.

Evening Pilates  is an all level class which will include sequences designed to focus on increasing strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility with an emphasis on the importance of the core.

.

Sun Power Yoga with Clare Waldron

Daniel Gelblum

Dan classes are much-loved and students feel immediate and long-term benefits

Dan focuses on fine movements resulting in rapid progress in flexibility and strength. Students remark at the ease with which they can achieve challenging postures at the end of each class. Dan has been teaching yoga since 1996

He trained in yoga and massage at the Limaye Clinic, Pune, India and the British Wheel of Yoga. He is a well-established yoga teacher in North West London. Dan is also a highly regarded Feldenkrais Practitioner.

Feldenkrais for Yoga at Kissamos in Crete, annually

This is what Dan says about Feldenkrais:-

" I can’t stress enough how useful Feldenkrais is for Yoga teachers and practitioners.
Through Feldenkrais I found I could do postures that were normally difficult with extreme ease as if something woke up in me, whether it was Yoga enlightenment or higher/deeper levels of consciousness developing or just removing the rust in my joints in a practical way.
From here the fun began - I started to introduce some of the techniques into my Yoga classes and was surprised to see how my students shared similar experiences to me and were suddenly more able not just in achieving Yoga postures, but overall improvements of better organisation, posture, mobility, flexibility, coordination and overall well being.
As a result of introducing Feldenkrais method to my classes, yoga students reported great improvements in other Yoga classes they attended, dance classes, martial arts classes, running, swimming, climbing, coping with stress, improved sleep and the list goes on.
More and more yoga teachers began attending my classes and told me how they were “stealing” my moves for other classes. I was and still am just so happy to spread something so wonderfully beneficial.
As I trained in the Feldenkrais method, I went onto do advanced training and made further self-discoveries in the infinite ways Feldenkrais can be a perfect accompaniment to Yoga and more."

Dan continues to develop this method. Yoga is like a flowing river, running workshops, Yoga holidays, classes in Triyoga, the Life Centre,  sharing this amazing method with enthusiasm.

Somatic Yoga - at Palm Tree Yoga Centre, Kerala, India annually

Somatics is about body-mind integration. Our muscles can become tight or restricted due to development reasons, habitual patterns, emotional stress, injuries or trauma.

Small, slow and gentle movements are used to re-educate the brain so that it can relax and move these muscles more functionally.

Somatic yoga combines principles of body awareness with gentle yoga movements to help you connect with your body, reduce tension, and improve overall well-being.

It's all about feeling and sensing what's happening inside your body as you move..

India is highly suitable for this form of yoga which is gentle and the extra heat will help the muscles to relax.

" I am happy to share this incredible knowledge...thanks for the opportunity.."

Daniel Gelblum
Feldenkrais Practitioner
Yoga and meditation Teacher
 Feldenkrais for yoga and beyond!
hathadan.wordpress.com
Feldenkrais.co.uk

Daria Germondari - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

My teaching incorporates the classics of yoga: philosophy, meditation, mantra, pranayama and healing fluid asanas aiming to generate awareness, spiritual and emotional growth as well as physical strength.

I come from a dynamic Vinyasa background but prefer to teach a strong, yet slow flow, with room for creative movement, exploration of pulsations, and free form yoga (sometimes taking you off the mat).

Taught to fresh soundtracks, with a focus on getting the basics right, my teaching offers an appreciation for flowing movement, integrating breath and intention for a wholehearted breath and movement experience.

I like to lead a diverse and balanced existence, with yoga acting as my internal compass and guiding me through the wondrous river of life. It’s the truth between it all.

Through my teaching of yoga, I hope to provide a safe space for your own river to flourish and flow.

The morning class will focus on journeying through the 5 life-giving Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) deconstructing a different Element each day through a slow but strong Vinyasa practice.

The afternoon class will focus on embodying the relevant Element through a combination of Meditation, Yin and Restorative practices. There will also be time for journaling.

Denisa started training Kung Fu at he age of 7. She discovered yoga at the age of 13 and quickly integrated both practices.

She spent several years studying all four paths of yoga and attended courses and trainings with Anusara yoga, Sivanada yoga, Jivamukti yoga,  Donna Farhi, Clare Missingham, Shiva Rea, Rod Stricker, Julie Gudmestad, Catherine Annis and many more before she decided to become a yoga teacher.

Currently Denisa teaches adults classes across London, runs regular workshops and retreats and dedicates 60% of her time teaching therapeutic yoga to children and young adults with Special Needs.

  
Denisa's classes are strongly physical and yet very meditative, creative and inspiring. The focus falls on recognizing and developing a crystal clear sharp and alert mind which allows for a state of heighten awareness and concentration to occur so the student can then experience the asanas by feeling the inner alignment and pranic flow as suppose to just do the asanas.

Mastery of breath - conscious, specific application of pranayama, pinpoints every single movement in the class and makes Transcendence possible. Hands on adjustments, meditation, reflection on Vedanta and deep relaxation are weaved into the class structure. 

Her retreats are reflective, creative, invigorating, challenging and yet calming and centering. Denisa creates a space that allows the students to immerse him/herself into their yoga sadhana on all levels of existence physical mental emotional spiritual.

One is welcome and invited to softly unfold into luminous stillness and center back in the core of his/her being.

Denisa believes that:
"Through the continuous questioning and unraveling of the 'I' over the years of practice I have come to believe that Every moment is tremendously precious and unique, every moment is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, expand and progress. Every moment can be a moment of Liberation we just need to look for the courage to take the first step. To me the practice of Yoga is exactly that the path towards Liberation"

www.denisanenova.com

Sivananda Yoga with Diana Shipp

Diana Shipp, has over eleven years experience and specialises in the Sivananda style of yoga.

Diana teaches integrated breath and posture work, with spiritual awareness, based on classical Sivananda yoga and other traditions. 

Diana is an experienced teacher who has been teaching for the past 15 years. She has taught in the UK, Turkey, Bali, Crete, Spain and India. She holds teaching diplomas from the British Wheel of Yoga and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram in India.

On this holiday you will experience asana, pranayama, meditation, visualisation and relaxation in two classes daily.

The yoga will improve your strength and flexibility and guide you to the calm centre of Being within.

This yoga will be suitable for beginners as well as more experienced students. Diana's approach is both joyful and imaginative, with emphasis on raising of consciousness through breath and body awareness, to bring you a feeling of well-being.

This holiday is suitable for all standards of yoga practitioner

Dynamic Flow Yoga with Dina Cohen

Dina is accredited as a Senior Teacher and Teacher Trainer by Yoga Alliance both here and in USA and and has been practicing and teaching yoga and Mindfulness since the 90s, promoting these as tools for a healthy, toned and supple body, as well as a deeper and more expansive outlook on life.

Her teaching is inspired by the fluid, breath-synchronised dance of Vinyasa Flow, the precision and integrity of Iyengar, and the deep lake of meditative stillness that is Yin and Restorative Yoga.
Dina has been a mentor on the Yoga Campus and Embodied Dancer Teacher Trainings, is registered with British Wheel of Yoga and has her own studio, Goldendoor, in London.

 
Our Yoga Week

Gathering in silence before breakfast, a wake up session of cleansing and stimulating breathing techniques will prepare us for an introduction to Mindfulness practices, setting us up for the rest of the day.

A long dynamic Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice is scheduled each morning, synchronising breath and movement, this will be offered in a step-by-step format, starting with a slow and easy warm-up and gradually building in intensity to incorporate more challenging poses as the week progresses. We will work on building strength, stamina and flexibility, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace.

After a delicious brunch and a free afternoon to lounge on the beach, or visit the local shops and cafes, we will regroup for a gentler, more relaxing session of Yin and Restorative yoga early evening. I will try to accommodate everyone's needs and preferences, offering a supportive environment for both beginners and more experienced practitioners alike.

   
" Yoga connects us to the rhythm of the breath, drawing us ever more deeply into the recesses of our physical and emotional bodies, allowing us to soften, release, surrender and let go. Dropping all that baggage leaves us feeling calm, energised and lighter, creating a spaciousness into which our innate healing potential can be revealed.

Studies suggest that practising Mindfulness can increase feelings of happiness, alleviate anxiety and depression and aid stress management, improving our ability to concentrate, sleep and make decisions, as well as the quality of our relationships"

www.dynamicflowyoga.com

Mindful Yoga and Meditation with Divya

London based and a dedicated practitioner since 2000, Divya has been a full time senior level teacher since 2006, offering drop-in classes, retreats, courses and bespoke tuition to help the individual on their path. A community has grown organically through her time in teaching, connection like-minded souls.

Divya offers a mindful practice of Asana (the physical postures), accompanied by breathing techniques (Pranayama) and Mindfulness-meditation guidance

Her inspiration is drawn from eastern sources as well as modern psychological thought. Her own teacher training spans the strong discipline of classical Indian yoga and meditation traditions, as well as the evolved approaches to the body and mind in the West.

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Through a deep practice of Yoga, Divya aims to help her students develop a stronger body, calmer mind and liberating sense of self.

Yoga is an ancient practice and philosophy designed to touch and balance all parts of our being.

Yoga sages and philosophy say we are each made of our: body, mind, wellbeing, emotions, consciousness, relationships, actions and path in the world. They also say we carry an energy around us and a vital spirit that is beyond the changes and ups and downs of life. Yoga, which translates as ‘union’ or ‘to unite’, connects all these parts of our being and our awareness of our spirit that is not limited by personality or circumstance.

For us today, Yoga can provide a set of tools and wisdom for the following, which is what
Senior Yoga Teacher Divya offers through her teaching:

• feeling well in our bodies and minds`
• handling the stresses of modern life`
• healing, personal growth and development
• feeling free from within`

" I teach in a way so that Yoga's physical, philosophical and spiritual benefits can be felt as we practice. We are doing yoga so that we can find and experience an optimal state of being and inner stillness.  From this we can live in a more peaceful flow state that helps us navigate the ebbs and flows of life and to connect with others in a natural, non-stressful and fulfilling way."

"May peace find you. May you find peace."

For further info on Divya's Yoga classes in London, visit:

www.yogawithdivya.co.uk

Hi Divya, Thank you again for sharing  such a wonderful weekend with us. I truly felt I had come home with your teachings.  I didn't want to take too much of your time, but just to say as it was my first "class" for a least six weeks I felt "held" and safe and now feel really ready again to return to my teachers.

That aside I also feel relaxed and ready to return to normal life, I do so with a clear mind and a better connection to my self.

Such a pleasure to spend time with you and your amma, it added a certain something, a grounding, an appreciation of relationships and support.

I wish you well, and I am glad our paths finally crossed. I realise I am already on your mailing list!

Namaste xxxxx
 

Emily-Clare Hill

Coming to dance late, she fell in love with it, dance became her mediation, an escape into oneself, a journey of being free of all barriers and insecurities, a chance to express everything through the body.

It wasn't until stage school that her Yoga journey began and the revelation of meditation through movement was revealed.

It was the complete polar opposite to the industry that came with dancing,  allowed to look and feel however she wished on that day, the body and posture didn't need to be perfect or look like everyone else's, there is a freedom to being your own person when on the mat, this drawing her in to learning more.

Emily's passion for yoga is ever present and evolving, her journey as a teacher has been very active from the word go, she's excited by the fact that you can always continue to learn and loves the quote;

"Once you stop learning, you stop living" 

Emily's Classes

Emily's ability to offer a fun dynamic stretchy practise with fluid mindful technique, a lot of love and a little banter stands her aside from the crowd. Her knowledge of anatomy allows her to weave together a creative sequence that will leave you feeling inspired, fearless and ready.

Classes are themed around an inspirational topic to offer an intention for practise...supported by the breath and always encouraging, Emily installs a mindful, conscious practise of being in the moment.

"Yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit." 

Accessible Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga with Emma Conally-Barklem

Emma is an experienced 8 limb yoga teacher and practitioner, poet and writer.

Having completed her initial 500+ Teaching Diploma she has since gone on to multiple trainings in Ashtanga, well woman and Yin yoga. She has a daily practice of yoga both on and off the mat which directly informs her teaching.

Her classes are creative, fun and with plenty of options to facilitate everyone’s practice. She believes strongly in Krishnamachariya’s words, if you can breathe, you can do yoga’. As such all are welcome, particularly the stiff, inflexible and those managing the vagaries of the body and mind!

On this holiday 

Morning sessions will be an enlivening and accessible journey into ashtanga yoga taught with plenty of humour and compassion. The focus will be on creating prana and feeling better through movements which are kind and therapeutic to the body.

Afternoon sessions will be a creative blend of hatha, restorative and yin yoga with some meditation and relaxation. Emma will combine readings, movement and breath work to produce feelings of relaxation and peace.

www.emmaliveyoga.com
IG @emmaliveyoga

Hi, just wanted to send you a bit of feedback from our fab retreat with Emma at DalyanLiveSpa.
Emma is a fabulous teacher, offering plenty of modifications to ensure every member of her class feels included in the practice.  It wouldn’t matter if you had been practicing for a week or for years, Emma makes her practice totally accessible and enjoyable for all.  I certainly felt the benefit, relaxed, stretched and invigorated following our week away.  The hotel, staff and food were all spot on, as was the location.  There is plenty to do whilst not practicing, and the range and quality of the organised trips offered lots of options.  Local beach is easily reached , as is Dalyan town.  I can thoroughly recommend this retreat, Thanks Si - Oct 2024

Kissamos May 19th  -An excellent retreat. It was a pleasure meeting Emma and being in her class, I enjoyed her plan of the week and I felt the yoga sessions offered challenge in a safe environment, a lovely balance.  The venue was perfect, and our hosts were so considerate, add to that Emma’s teaching and the lovely group and it gives a special memory to take away.
Linda Finney - May 2015

Kissamos May 2015 with Emma Connally-Barklem
Big thank you to Free Spirit Travel, the lovely Mike, Maria and staff and last but not least the very inspiring teacher Emma.  It was my first Yoga holiday and am looking to book again next year it was truly an amazing experience.  I wasn't expecting one week out of my normal routine to make such a difference to my wellbeing.  Location, accommodation, weather, food, people, sea view and the waves as our music during yoga practice - all just perfect.
Namaste
Jeannette Hall

Dynamic Slow-flow/Vinyasa Yoga and Meditation with Erika Tourell

Our Yoga Retreat in India at Palm Tree Yoga, Kerala

This retreat is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and re-connect ourselves to our hearts and to Infinite Source in a safe and nurturing environment.
We shall be gathering twice or three times a day to engage in lots of different practices together: yoga, pranayama (breathwork), silent and guided meditation, 

This is precious time to set aside for yourself for healing and reflection at this stage of your life's journey.

You are encouraged to bring a journal to record your dreams, insights and inspirations or write poetry. You may also like to bring some art materials; a sketch book, coloured pencils or paints to allow your creative juices to flow!

 There will be plenty of free time for rest and renewal, swimming and sunbathing as well as excursions in the locality.

      
Erika Tourell has been holding retreats in the UK and internationally for over ten years and teaching yoga for over 15 years. It is her greatest joy to work in this way with people and many past guests have reported huge life changes and return year after year to re-inspire themselves.

   
Erika teaches a slow flow/vinyasa class integrating her experience of Iyengar, Astanga, Hatha and Kundalini yoga by emphasising awareness of mind, body and breath, whilst focusing on correct alignment

She teaches regular, weekly classes at The Life Centre Notting Hill, TriYoga Primrose Hill, TriYoga Chelsea and BodyWorksWest Notting Hill, all in London and runs workshops and yoga retreats in the UK and abroad.

She also sees clients privately for yoga and massage therapy in the London area.

Fiona Agombar and Energy Yoga

  
Energy Yoga has been developed to increase vitality, space and health in the physical body, whilst also working with the psycho-spiritual connection to quieten the mind.    

Using gentle flowing movement, mantra and pranayama (yoga breathing),  yoga releases knots and held patterns  and invigorates the whole being as energy (prana) can then flow freely.

Students are guided towards the  Presence of their authentic nature as they become  conscious of what is happening in the body in each moment, working at their own ability (there is no competition in yoga).
     
Fiona  has been studying yoga since 1993. She originally trained with the Yoga for Health Foundation.   She teaches in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and is accredited as an advanced teacher by the British Wheel of Yoga. Her mentor is Gill Lloyd, who is a student of TKV Desikachar.

Fiona also studies Vedanta, the science of self-realisation. She is currently studying yoga in the Krishnamacharya tradition (Khyf) under Sarah Ryan and Liz Mutha.       

Fiona originally studied with the Yoga for Health Foundation from 1993 and she now spends much time in India studying yoga in depth. She is a regular contributor to Yoga and Health magazine.

In 1997 Fiona wrote the definitive book on yoga, fatigue and M.E: 'Beat Fatigue with Yoga' (Cherry Red Books) having had had chronic fatigue for 15 years and then made a full recovery thanks to following a yoga lifestyle.

    
More on Fiona can be found on  www.fionaagombar.co.uk

Geny Caloisi

Geny’s Yoga teaching style blends traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha yoga with Iyengar alignment techniques.

She also teaches Yin Yoga, mindfulness and meditation and places a strong focus on to physical adjustments to improve alignment through a precise yet dynamic practice.

Through Yoga and Ayurveda we are able to achieve our highest potential and live a long, healthy and happy life. For this reason, Geny is a Ayurveda practitioner and consultant as well as a Yoga teacher.

Nourish the nervous system and feed your soul
A Yoga and Ayurveda retreat
Geny Caloisi

A healthy state of the body, mind, and spirit is the first step in building a peaceful, productive, and happy society. I firmly believe that being healthy extends beyond the realms of physical wellbeing. My focus is on total health, which encompasses physical, psychological, and spiritual wellness.

Nourish the nervous system and feed your soul is a Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat, which offers body, mind and soul nurture, an essential for a profound healing experience. The Retreat is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome rejuvenating experience on a holy-day.

The retreat concept revolves around creating relaxed optimum health using the principles of Yoga and Ayurveda. From what and when you eat and exercise to how you can digest the food and experiences to rip the most profit from it and achieve the most beautiful rest.

Participants will walk out of the Retreat feeling rejuvenated.

Typical day

7:00 am - 1/2 hour Meditation and Pranayama
7:30 am Tea and a snack
8:00- 9:15 Yoga class, Ashtanga yoga.
10:00 Breakfast
Free time/ treatments
17:00-18:00 Yoga class (Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra or gentle Hatha Yoga)
19:30 dinner
10:00 pm Sleep

 http://www.cheyoga.co.uk/

Hatha and Scaravelli Inspired Yoga with Gillian Russel       

Scaravelli practice: ‘in this practice we access the deeper movement felt in our bodies, the movement of life, fuelled by breath and born from the spine. Not training but discovering strength in vital softness, exploring freedom and playfulness in our movements. Integration and expression take the place of stretching and holding. In surprise and delight we come home to our bodies’.

This nourishing retreat will provide a combination of fluid playful posture work, breath and body awareness, meditation and deep healing rest. Give yourself permission to rest, balance, and restore, bring real relief and joy into your body's natural ability to move with freedom and space."

Gill has been teaching yoga for over 25 years her qualifications include British Wheel Diploma Course Tutor, Yoga Biomedical Trust Yoga Therapy Practitioner and FRYOG teacher. In addition she has explored Feldenkrais, Rolfing movement and Body Rolling and some concepts from these disciplines will be included in her sessions.

Latterly she has been working with various students of Vanda Scaravelli and this approach greatly influences her teaching and practice. Gill’s sessions will be gentle, rhythmic, and extremely soothing enabling your body’s innate ability to release tension and unwind.
This week is suitable for beginners, more experienced students and yoga teachers each exploring the practices at their own pace. If you are looking for a holiday with a deep but gentle approach this week should be right for you.

"I have been running yoga holidays in Portugal for the last five years and weekends in the UK for over 10 years. I am looking forward to teaching in Crete especially so close to the beach and sea!

This nourishing retreat will provide a combination of fluid playful posture work, breath and body awareness, meditation and deep healing rest. Give yourself permission to rest, balance, and restore, bring real relief and joy into your body's natural ability to move with freedom and space."

  For more about Gillian please visit her website www.yogill.com

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Ginny Dean
 

Ginny has practiced yoga for over 30 years and has taught since 1998.

Her teachers have numbered some of the world's most respected yogis including Derek Ireland who introduced her to Astanga Vinyasa Yoga, and Sri K Pattabhi Jois who then enabled her to deepen her practice.

Whilst this is her background her own teaching style is more influenced by her more recent female teachers Dona Hollemann (Centered Yoga) and Chloe Fremantle (Scaravelli Yoga).

Our morning session will consist of a led Vinyasa Flow class taught so that different aspects of the practice can be explored. This invigorating practice is an ongoing exploration of our awareness of the relationship between our physical movements, our breath, the ground and the space around us.

The afternoon session will be less structured and the emphasis will be not on achieving postures but on using the journey into them to undo tension and reveal a sense of integration. In these sessions we will gradually focus our attention so that we can feel more, impose less, and allow the intelligence of the body to reveal itself.

Whilst suitable for all levels this holiday is most suited to those with at least one year's grounding in a regular yoga practice. However, all students will gain from each session irrespective of their level of experience.

Posture adaptations will be offered so that everybody will benefit including those just beginning their yoga journey through to the more advanced students.
 

Jilly in the Free Spirit office attends Ginny's  classes in Brighton so if you have questions do chat with her

Hatha Yoga with Heather Hill

Helen Say - Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher

Helen has been practicing yoga for 12 years, teaching for 4, studying with many different teachers & styles (Hatha, Astanga, Iyengar, Anusara).

Having trained in alignment-based Hatha Yoga at TriYoga in London she has gone on to complete teacher trainings in the uplifting, flowing style of Anusara Yoga.

As an Anusara Inspired teacher she is passionate about sharing yoga with everybody, yoga to benefit all using the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment and incorporating Shiva/Shakti Tantric philosophy into the classes.

She sees yoga as a tool for expansion and freedom in every aspect of life. Since Oct 2009 she has been on the road travelling and teaching, mainly in India, Thailand and Bali.

Helen's own self practice is a way to deepen her knowledge and exploration of yoga both on and off the mat.

She has been fortunate enough to have studied and assisted with Anusara teacher, Bridget Woods Kramer during her classes, immersions in London, the Bali Spirit Festival 2010 and 2011 and at Bridget's Yoga Teacher Trainings in Bali.

Our week of yoga

Morning: Following the Anusara principles throughout and weaving in a heart theme, the morning class will be based on a dynamic practice to revive and awaken our spine, heart and mind; allowing us to start the day with a feeling of lightness & freedom.

Afternoon: Through a playful dance of asana, restorative yoga, Thai yoga massage, chi gong & meditation, incorporating breathwork throughout. The therapeutic afternoon class will be a chance to explore our bodies: bringing back mobility in our joints, restoring the natural rhythm of our spine and the free flow of energy, whilst getting in touch with our inner essence of being

Helen teaches from the heart in a playful, joyful and fun way focusing on helping everyone express their own beauty and using Partner work to help students support one another in order to reach their true potential and push each others boundaries.

Hatha Yoga with Jackie Coulson

Jackie has studied many forms of Yoga over the last 12 years, including Hatha, Iyengar, Vajrasati, Astanga, Sivananda & Scaravelli.

She holds teaching certificates in Hatha and Vajrasati Yoga and is Yoga Alliance 500hr accredited. She has taken great joy from inspiring her students in Brighton for the last 4 years.

Jackie's teaching style is creative and fluid, partly due to her broad inspiration across disciplines.

Her Vajrasati training helps bring in a meditative feel to her Hatha flowing practise, incorporating the core principles of Sthira Sukham (finding the balance between strength or effort and ease) as well as an emphasis on postural awareness. 

Jackie's interest in the body also took her to India to study Yogic massage.

The morning classes will have a fluid, playful nature, incorporating some gentle sequences, flowing through postures with deep breath awareness, to invigorate the body and mind.

The evening practise will generally be more restorative and meditative. Even when the practise is challenging it will be deeply relaxing. We will also be exploring Pranayama (breathing techniques) and simple Mantra (chanting).

     
Jackie is known for her nurturing and supportive style that welcomes all abilities.

www.exhalebrighton.co.uk

Jacky Lampl

Jacky's passion for movement evolved from her study of dance, she began practicing yoga 15 years ago and is teaching for over six years now.  Her motto is "Movement is a great medicine for the body".

Her teaching style offers an alignment-based yoga, slow moving, with a great focus on core stability.  Jacky completed two 200 hour teacher training modules. The first was an Ashtanga Vinyasa training while the second concentrated on an Anusara teacher training. Anusara yoga is a modern-day Hatha yoga system focusing on a positive mindset. In 2015 she completed a 500-hour teacher training with 3 Internationally renowned teachers. She continues to be an avid student of yoga.

   
During the weekend at Champneys Jacky will explore how to embrace your practice.  By surrendering, one opens the mind and allows new opportunities to flow.

   
This weekend is for everyone from a careful beginner to an experienced warrior. Jacky will offer guidance and encouragement to each yogi, so the retreat is enjoyable and suitable for all.

The classes will help you build strength, gain flexibility and help bring an inner calmness and tranquility. The mornings will be more energetic while the evening practice will be more reflective.

Jacqueline Wigglesworth - Hatha Flow & Yin Yoga

Jacqueline experienced her first yoga class in 1997 whilst at Drama school and has since trained in London (at Triyoga,) India and LA, studying many styles of yoga including Vinyasa Flow with Shiva Rea, Yin Yoga and Mindfulness with Sarah Powers, Ashtanga with Pattabhi Jois, Restorative with Judith Lasater, Yoga Therapy with TKV Desikachar and Iyengar Yoga.   

Her own style of teaching is fun, relaxed, safe and joyful, always relating to the bigger picture; both dynamic (solar/yang) and relaxing (lunar/yin) and always includes quotes, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditations to inspire and uplift.          

Jackie sees yoga as a wonderful tool to enhance every aspect of life and adapts her yoga classes to cater for all levels of whoever is present.   

She worked for many years teaching clients at London's prestigious private member's club Home House and is currently based in Sussex. She's just happy to share the many benefits yoga brings, wherever she finds herself and particularly enjoys leading retreats in beautiful locations.   

Her goal is that you return home with a healthy body, a peaceful mind and an enlightened spirit.      

Jacqueline is a global adventurer and trip leader who has worked on 6 continents and travelled to over 90 countries. She  also has a degree in English and Drama from Exeter University and has just finished a book called World of Wonder

Jagoda Buchala - Hatha Yoga

Jagoda is a certified 400 hour Hatha yoga instructor with over 3 years of experience in conducting yoga classes for students of all ages. 

Currently Jagoda is taking an Advanced 600 hour Teacher Training Course in Hatha yoga. 

With her extensive knowledge of yoga and meditation, she is passionate about helping others achieve their personal goals through mindful practice.

.

"I would like to invite you to a Yoga and Wellbeing Retreat focusing on your inner space. This is a great opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga and body, mind, and inner spirit under my experienced guidance.  Our yoga week will include all aspects of yoga and is suitable for every level of practice.

I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students and I am adept at creating personalised plans that meet each individual's needs"

During our week you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself and surrender into a gentle flow into yourself, meditation practice and breath techniques followed by delicious food.

This retreat will naturally incorporate traditional techniques including pranayama and restorative yoga, which will help to take you to a state of deeper focus, calm and stability.

Mornings: 

The morning class is based on an uplifting practice to revive and awaken our spine, heart, and mind.

Our sun salutation practice will help us energise and tap into that solar energy, to help you kickstart your day!

Evenings:

We will practice before dinner. This is the time when you want to wind down after your day to really stretch your fascia and connective tissues that you’ve been using throughout the day. Calm candlelit yoga, meditation, Nidra yoga, breath of fire (Kapalabhati), in a cosy candlelit atmosphere.

Over the course of the week, we will improve our yoga practice, feeling healthy and vital with improved flexibility and well-being.

This retreat is suitable for all, regardless of age and yoga experience.

Vinyasa Yoga with Jane Cornwall

Jane has been a practicing yoga teacher for over 10 years, building on a previous background of dancercise, Qui Gong and Pilates Instruction. All this experience has resulted in a Vinyasa style of yoga, which she believes brings focus, fun and variety to the practice, without losing its deeper meaning and authenticity.

This has led to consistently high attendance and a faithful following from her students. Her teaching style has evolved and developed through her interaction with both class members and many inspiring teachers over the years.

She has an approach which roots yoga in people's everyday lives, with an emphasis on the significance and benefits of synchronising movement and breath. She is always keen to incorporate a pranayama element in her classes to help her students to cope with life's many challenges and to be able to use the gift of yoga as a fundamental part of their being.

Her maturity brings with it considerable experience and she has a zest for life which results in a strong personal engagement with her class members. Her love of yoga inspires her to want to share her knowledge and help enhance the lives of others!

About this holiday

This week will be all about the benefits of self nurture and 'going with the flow' whilst realising the importance of being strong, yet flexible, in body and mind. My aim is that participants have fun, get the opportunity to switch off from their everyday life and end the week feeling invigorated, refreshed, revitalised and with a wonderful sense of wellbeing.

Morning sessions will be invigorating Flowing Vinyasa Yoga, creating heat and energy. It will incorporate breathing exercises and finish with relaxation.

The afternoon class will consist of gentle yoga postures, incorporating elements of Chi Gung and Pilates - leaving everybody stretched, soothed and contended.

Classes are suitable for all levels,

newcomers to yoga are welcomed so long as they have a core fitness

Hatha Yoga with Janet Southworth
Janet as been practicing yoga since childhood, she trained with the British Wheel of Yoga and has been teaching in the Lancashire area since 1990. Currently she is teaching yoga classes, running themed yoga days, holidays and retreats as well as working with her husband in their natural health & back pain clinic in Lancashire. She is also a qualified Yoga assessor and has tutored and assessed trainee yoga teachers. In 2016 she graduated from Manchester with a BSC Hons in Nutritional Science & practices Naturopathic nutrition with Ayurveda.

Janet has a unique and creative style of yoga, interweaving Taoist and Tibetan influences among others with traditional hatha style. Yoga sessions usually include postures and flowing sequence as well as deeper aspects of pranayama, meditation, creative visualisations, mantra and yoga nidra relaxation.

Janet’s teaching is intuitive, empathic and she and enjoys having fun in the yoga sessions. She has trained with many inspirational teachers including; Pranayama expert Philip Jones, Indar Nath, Swami Neel Kamal and respected teachers from Traditional Taoist and Tibetan backgrounds.

During Janet’s Yoga holidays, you will be able to relax and release tensions, as well as the opportunity to deepen your yoga practice, working within your own level of experience/ability, adaptation or progression may be offered. The yoga holiday with Janet is aimed at you feeling recharged and revitalised with better quality sleep and happier within your own skin. The emphasis will be on healing body & mind, discovering the beauty within.

Morning classes will be themed and include pranayama, joint release, flowing sequences, holding poses with awareness on the subtle energy body, meditation, guided relaxation.
The evening session will be more gentle and include floor based postures and pranayama, followed by Janet’s inspirational yoga nidra to facilitate deep relaxation and revitalisation.

Strong Hatha Yoga with Jean Hall

Jean has been practicing yoga for over 19 years and has been teaching yoga for 12 years. 

She teaches open yoga classes in London, mentors yoga teachers in training & leads yoga retreats in the U.K and throughout the world. She is the author of several books including::-

Yoga, a practical guide to yoga postures - Abbeydale Press

Astanga Yoga, a in-depth guide to the primary series - Anness Books  

After working as a professional dancer she qualified as a Iyengar yoga teacher in 1995 & since has continued to study different forms of yoga, namely Sivananda Yoga in Trivanadram and Astanga Yoga in Mysore with Sri K Pattahbi Jois.
Her teaching focuses on developing healthy body mechanics, awareness and flow of breath, energy and alignment to balance & strengthen the body, while deep stretching and relaxation helps to release tension from within.

Jean Hall and Liz Lark have known each other since university and often run retreats and holidays together, most notibly the weekends at Oxon Hoath in Kent. There they teach concurrent classes and yoga students have the choice of which one they attend at any point in the weekend.

Jenny started teaching yoga fourteen years ago; it has become a way of life both on and off the mat, helping her to stay positive in the world and finding more peace.

She has completed five Yoga Training and Anatomy courses, studying with top teachers in London, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York.   As a student of Bridget Woods-Kramer she has developed an understanding of the alignment principles and philosophy of Anusara Yoga.  She has also trained in Anusara Yoga Therapeutics - a way of healing the body through intelligent movement.   
Because of her ongoing Pilates Rehabilitation training she is keen on teaching strong core awareness for optimal alignment.

Her classes are taught with a sense of compassion, lightness and play. Working intuitively to create practices which support individual requirements.  On her week in Turkey she will teach a varied yoga programme including Yin Yoga and Meditation, Dynamic Flow Yoga, alignment based Hatha Yoga and heart opening Yoga Nidra.  The morning class will be yoga based and the afternoon class will be Pilates.   

For more information about Jenny go to her website:  www.uloveyoga.co.uk

Flowing Hatha Yoga with Jill Hurley

Jill has been practicing yoga for forty plus years. She is a member of The British Wheel of Yoga and a qualified BWY teacher.

She teaches holistically, using movement, breath and awareness to bring about benefits for the body and mind: benefiting the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Jill is a qualified beauty, massage therapist and counsellor and is now a full time Yoga teacher She has experience in teaching several styles of yoga but most enjoys teaching Hatha yoga flow. The practice is very versatile and can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities.

The practice of yoga asanas (postures) strengthens and tones muscles, develops flexibility, and can improve a variety of ailments. Psychologically yoga increases concentration, stills the mind and promotes wellbeing, tranquillity and contentment.

With practice the benefits of yoga are that the body becomes stronger and more flexible, stiffness and tensions are eased, breathing improves, energy increases, relaxation is easier

Yoga is about learning to come back to yourself. It's about expanding your boundaries, finding your limits and being able to truly relax and be yourself.

It's about taking time to remember who you are but have forgotten while being caught up in the whirlwind of a fast paced life.

   
www.exeteryoga.org

Hi JillI, thank you so much for the fantastic week we spent with you, it was lovely to meet you both. I gained so much from the yoga both physically and emotionally and  I have felt much better since.I also really appreciated how you set the tone for such friendliness amongst the group and for us to all to participate at our own level.

Since being back I have continued with the stretches that I found most beneficial and will now endeavour to find a local class.I also regularly hear your voice asking 'where are your shoulders now?' They seem very happy up by my ears and so I am working on my posture too!

Best wishes Karen (Casa Benedetto 2017)

Vajrasati Yoga with Jim Tarran and Khadine Morcom

Vajrasati Yoga was founded by Jim Tarran in 2000 and is a Yoga Alliance Professionals Teacher Training Plus 500 RYS course which is the highest accreditation available for a teacher training course. In truth the course outstrips even the new high standards required by teacher training plus accreditation with over 1000 hours of training between the contact and non-contact aspects of the course. The course has been co-run by Jim and his partner expert yoga teacher Khadine Morcom - since 2014.

Khadine Morcom - With two decades of teaching experience, continued self-study and a deep embodiment of the core principles of yoga, Khadine teaches straight from the heart with clarity, humility and warmth, supporting students to use the tools of authentic yoga for modern life.

Khadine has been practising yoga for over 25 years, teaching for 19 years and training yoga teachers for 9 years.  She lives her practice, and there is no-one more qualified or able to guide you towards finding your own heart-centre. Her teaching benefits beginners and experienced students alike.

Khadine is a Yoga Alliance Professionals senior teacher and a senior Vajrasati teacher and teacher trainer, and has written for Yoga Magazine UK. She is currently completing a masters degree in yoga and meditation traditions at SOAS University London.

Her teaching style is calming and focused with particular attention given to breath awareness, and the cultivation and recognition of energy and inner states of being. Her classes incorporate practical yoga philosophy in ways that are clear, relevant and useful. Khadine’s classes include instruction in the practices of āsana (yoga posture), prāṇāyāma (breathing practices), dhyāna (meditation) mantra (chanting) and yoganidrā as tools for integration (yoga).

As well as being influenced by traditional yogic texts and traditions, Khadine’s classes take inspiration from anything and everything from being a mother to being an environmentalist or just simply being a being in the world!

Jim Tarran - has been practicing yoga since 1990 and teaching since 1992 after completing his first teacher training course in kathmandu in April 1992 and his second 2 year course in 1996. He devised the Yoga Alliance Professionals registered 500 Hour Plus teacher training course Vajrasati Yoga in 2000 and since then it has grown organically with the combined wisdom of the collective community.

He has been privileged to teach students ranging from total beginners to advanced and everyone in between over the last 30 years and has been so fortunate to have taught yoga in so many countries all over the world from Morocco and Mexico to Italy to India and so many more beautiful lands.

The focus of Jim's classes has been on yoga practices that are familiar to most; āsana (posture), dhyāna (meditation), pranayama (breathing practices), mudra (hand gestures and other'"energy containers" and mantra (chanting). Taking the lion’s share of these is āsana as meditation.

As per tradition he sees yoga essentially as absorption, a process familiar to all as a momentary (or longer) melting of the illusion of separation into the  ‘field’ of which all seemingly ‘separate particles’ from momentary thoughts to a whole sense of separate ‘me-ness’ are excitations. All the techniques are employed to serve the principal purpose of yoga - an awakening to the undivided holism of the nameless essence that forms the commonality and bedrock of all our existences.

Jim and his partner Khadine have been working together running the Vajrasati Yoga Teacher training together for nearly ten years in which time the teaching community has grown from strength to strength.

Joelle has spent her life exploring bodywork disciplines, initially coming to yoga to protect herself from injury whilst touring as a contemporary dancer.

She travelled to India in 2011 to explore its classical roots, completing her first TTC in Sivananda's beautiful Madurai Ashram, continuing onto graduate from Triyoga's 2 year Advanced TTC in 2018 with mentor's Jean Hall and Anna Ashby.

Joelle also works as a massage therapist and has trained in pre and postnatal yoga with Kirsteen Ruffle of Birthlight. Humbled by the experience of matrescence- becoming a parent in 2023 she is currently embarking on a doula training.

Whether you're in a strong, playful or gentle season of your life, Joelle is passionate about leading a soulful and inclusive practice.

Dropping into your flow state and stimulating the body's inherent self-healing and regenerative capacities through improved circulation, range of movement, postural alignment and soothing mantra.

http://www.joellegreen.com

Yoga Classes:

90 minute Morning Flow Yoga mindfully sequenced to allow a deep dive into the day's anatomical and philosophical theme.  With options for differing energy levels and individual help offered to support progression.

90 minute Evening Restorative slow flow/yin yoga with sacred sound.
As a massage practitioner, Joelle will offer oils-based techniques for the neck and shoulders and close the practise with sacred sound to sooth the nervous system further.  Either mantra with harmonium or crystal singing bowls.

Julia teaches her own fusion of Yin yoga with Mindfulness and Yang yoga with dynamic Kundalini yoga influences.  This powerful combination releases deep seated tension, pushes through physical and emotional blocks and gives you a strong,balanced and healthy body inside and out.
     
A yoga retreat is a gift to yourself. It gives you the opportunity to completely let go in a beautiful environment away from the stresses of everyday life. It allows space and time for healing and renewal and gives you time to reflect, to focus on your own needs and discover once again your true passions in life. A retreat is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, eat delicious food, sunbathe,swim, explore and do anything that your heart desires, because it's your holiday!

    
  
On this holiday
The mornings will be dedicated to active and dynamic practices, which move stagnant energy, detoxify inner organs and build muscle, giving you strength and vitality.

The evening practices will be more yielding and nourishing, releasing stress and deep-seated tension, allowing your body and mind to completely let go and sink into total relaxation.

All practices end with a guided meditation. You will also be introduced to Yoga Nidra, Mindfulness and Kundalini Meditations.
         

No experience needed and you don’t have to be flexible. Suitable for men and women of all ages and abilities.

For more details go to Julia's website:

http://www.yogaloveliness.co.uk

The most relaxing, stress free and soothing yoga class I have been to, however still working all the right muscles! Julia's calming nature makes it so easy to unwind. 100% recommend to anyone!

Today was a new experience. Through this wonderful teacher's guidance the whole workshop just flowed exercising both my mind and body on a very different level. Every stage was fully explained so a deeper understanding was gained of the purpose and what was happening while holding the postures. The Nidra was bliss and took me into such a deep state of relaxation that nothing else mattered but that moment in time. I left feeling inspired and enthusiastic to practice what I had learned today. Thank you Julia..

Magical lesson. Julia's class was just mind blowing. Very good instructor. I felt so relaxed and distressed after that lesson. I would recommend Julia's classes to every one who is looking for fun, good spirit, energy and calm mind. I still feel floating

Well where do I start.....a truly lovely class, which suits all abilities, so you can go at a pace that suits you. Julia often gives information on the poses about the health benefits of the different positions, which I find really useful. The relaxation at the end is absolutely divine, melting away any stress. Since doing yoga, about 16 months now, I've lost inches around my body and have improved my strength, flexibility and tone throughout my body, I'm delighted with the results. I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone, as it is great for fun, relaxation, fitness and health!

Julie Hemmings

I walked into my first Yoga Class back in 1993.  I was stressed out, burned out and exhausted.  I walked out feeling more whole, the pieces slowly being put back together.  My mind was calmer, my body felt great and I had the kind of energy I could only remember having as a child.  I went back to my second class the week after.  At the end of that class I decided I wanted to become a Yoga Teacher..........  

Although Yoga has been practised for over 2,500 years in India, we are only really beginning to explore the depths of what it can offer us here in the West.  Yoga here mostly focusses on the physical aspects - toning the body, strengthening and stretching the muscles and providing an opportunity for relaxation.  The deeper aspects of the practice are commonly overlooked.  Whilst Yoga is an amazing bodywork system, I feel its strength lies in the ability to overhaul the mind, bringing it to a place of stillness, and by asking us to enquire of ourselves on a more profound level.  Most of this work, interestingly, happens subconsciously.  We just become aware of the changes that are gradually taking place within our consciousness.   

Originally training with the British Wheel of Yoga in 1998, I have been lucky over the years to have studied, and been inspired by Iyengar, ViniYoga, Sivananda, Satyananda, Ashtanga and more recently, Kundalini styles of Yoga, Donna Farhi, Shiva Rea, Sean Corne, Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, and Swami Nischalananda of the Mandala Ashram. 

I also studied a year-long Pranayama Module with Philip Xerri - breathwork always forming the core of my own practice and my teaching.

My main Yoga passion, however, is Kirtan - I love the energy, connection and stillness it creates.  I don't go far without a Krishna Das or Nikki Slade CD stashed somewhere.   

All of these amazing practices, teachings and teachers have merged into the big melting pot of my psyche and emerged to form my own unique style of teaching: blending vinyasa, Yin, breath, energy, sound and meditation.  

I feel priviledged to have both attended and taught several Yoga Holidays at Grenadine Lodge in Dalyan, and am looking forward to returning.    

The content of the Yoga Programme for week will be mostly led by yourselves, developed around your needs, your desires and your potential to explore new territory.    

With this in mind thi is the planned outline of the sessions:-         

Morning:   Vinyasa / Slow Flow / Kirtan, Chanting       

Evening:  Yin Yoga / Pranayama / Meditation   

I look forward to sharing a truly wonderful experience with you.   

www.divineworks.co.uk

Hatha Scaravelli Yoga with June Mercer

I went to my first yoga class when I was about 15 years old. Later as a student I read philosophy and studied different spiritual traditions. The seeds were sown for my developing interest in the philosophy and art of yoga.

When I was drawn to train as a yoga teacher with Yoga Scotland in 1991, it was to delve more deeply into the philosophy, to further my spiritual search. I had never been any good at sports and had no background in anatomy and physiology.

I could never have guessed that a few years down the road I would be teaching a practice very much based on the physical work....observing the body as it is, on the ground, being breathed. In particular, my studies over the last 14 years with yoga tutor and osteopath John Stirk have helped me discover the connection between body, mind and spirit. The experience in the postures brought an awareness I couldn't have found in any book. The meditation, the non-doing is there in the doing.

Lots of yoga students are drawn to the yoga for the benefits of the physical exercise and I am keen to present my classes so they are accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level. Many people find they benefit especially from the relaxation and many then go on to develop an interest in the spiritual practice  

My personal journey was from the spiritual search to the physical practice. Whichever way, I think there is no separation. The practice is the meditation. We use what we have, where we are.

These days I am interested in how science is proving what the yogis discovered through their efforts thousands of years ago. My daily inspiration comes from my family, my students, the music of Krishna Das, and the books of Osho. And of course the yoga!

Karen Calder Iyengar Yoga

Karen has practised Iyengar Yoga since 2000 and gained her teaching certificate in 2009. She really enjoys the challenge Iyengar Yoga gives her and has opted to carry on training and now holds the Intermediate 3 teaching certificate.

She has visited Pune to work directly with the Iyengar family and has attended conventions with both Geeta and Abhijata Iyengar - all deeply humbling experiences.

She has also attended workshops with  visiting senior teachers Glenn Cerescoli and Christian Pissano. "There is always so much more to learn, every time I return to my mat I make a new discovery, there are an infinite number of variables within every pose - it is an incredible journey".

A distinguishing feature of an Iyengar class is the use of props, e.g. blocks, belts and chairs so students with less flexibility or strength are able to work correctly and achieve their full potential.  This means everyone, from beginners to advancing students will gain something from the week.

During the course of the week we will explore the poses in detail and advance and develop practice to suit ability.

"I love meeting new students and introducing them to the joy of yoga and equally enjoy challenging those with more practice.  I look forward to meeting you!"

Feedback

Dear Debbie
I wanted to write and let you know that I had an amazing time in Kerala.  I loved Palm Tree Yoga Centre, the staff were wonderful and Halin was the perfect host.  Karen is a an inspirational yoga teacher: kind, knowledgeable and able to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. She is an exceptional person and teacher and I feel very lucky to have been there with her.  Thank you so much for organising the holiday.
Nicky - November 2022

Hello, I just wanted to leave a review for a fabulous holiday which my mother and I have just spent in Crete with Karen Calder.  This is our second holiday with her, as we were in Ischia last year - also a wonderful trip.Karen is an excellent yoga teacher, who has a lovely kind and caring manner when teaching.  My mother (80) and I (both Iyengar beginners) were gently encouraged into restorative and semi challenging poses by Karen, in relaxed and yet highly professional classes each day. We have returned home with improved posture, a sense of achievement and with a calmer frame of mind.  I would recommend Karen to anyone wanting to learn more and enjoy the process!  She also has a great sense of humour!
Many thanks Philippa

Flow Yoga with Kate Walker

A teacher asked me once what I liked about yoga. I said it gave me a chance to escape from myself. I didn’t like myself very much and those moments on the mat took me away to a peaceful place that the bullshit couldn’t penetrate. I’ve since realised that, of course, the peaceful place is me and all the bullshit is a construct of my mind. What a revelation…enlightenment here I come! Not surprisingly, the ‘little me’ was not going down without a fight and started throwing up all kinds of resistance to me getting downward dog with it.

It’s a process. Going beyond that resistance. And every day is different. But I learnt that listening to my body and practicing in accordance with what it needed at that point in time was the surest way forward (even if it was in a two steps forward, one step back kind of way). I had to let go of what I thought my practice should look like and howI thought I should be as an aspiring yogini and work with where I was at, at each moment. Maybe I never will be the bendiest pretzel in the packet but these days I would rather be the happiest and most compassionate.

I’m Kate, a Yoga Alliance qualified teacher. My yoga practice has been my solace, my teacher and often my greatest challenge as it encourages me to go beyond the safety and limitations of my mind and open my heart to myself and life. I encourage students to be their own teacher by reconnecting to the wisdom of their body by focusing on awareness and observation and allowing the process to unfold without force. I would rather know that you are smiling in child’s pose than see you going red in the face forcing your foot behind your head. I teach Hatha yoga and my classes include asana, pranayama and meditation. I also love, love, LOVE a good yoga nidra session.

I have had the honour of studying with some truly remarkable teachers. I am currently deepening my understanding of yoga by working with Chameli Ardagh and Sara Avant Stover to bring more of a feminine approach to my practice and teaching.

I am also studying Yoga Therapy with the Mohans of Svastha Yoga (long time students of Krishnamacharya). In the past I have worked with Sarah Powers, Simon Borg-Olivier of Yoga Synergy, Lance Schuler of INSPYA Yoga, Diane Long (long time student of Vanda Scaravelli) and Vedic meditation teacher Tim Mitchell.

I am also a certified health coach and offer one-on-one sessions during your yoga week.

www.harmonyxo.com.

Kathy Parsons - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Kathy is a Toronto-based yoga teacher and meditation guide who specializes in helping people connect to themselves through movement and breath.

When Kathy is not leading yoga classes like Vinyasa Flow, Yoga for Athletes, Yin and Restorative, she is hosting Movement & Meditation Workshops across the city, and hosting retreats around the world

Having been on over 25 international health retreats over the years, Kathy is a self-proclaimed ‘retreat addict’ (and a type-A in recovery).  Kathy left the corporate world in 2014 to provide the ultimate energizing and balanced yoga and retreat experience for others. 

Her teaching specialty is vinyasa flow, and her classes incorporate creative movements that strengthen and lengthen the body while staying connected to the breath.

She also teaches pranayama (breathing exercises), moving meditation, restorative and yin yoga and mindfulness.

Classes are tailored to the students and include gentle hands-on adjustments and assists, inspirational music and a scented savasana massage

 “My philosophy is to provide the space for each student to connect with their mind, body and soul so they finish class feeling simultaneously lighter and more grounded. I encourage students to push themselves to their personal limits, while not taking themselves too seriously. Smiling and laugher is welcome!”

After a successful career in marketing and major gift fundraising, Kathy understands what it’s like to crave stillness and connection in a world that overvalues busyness.

She’s combined her love of business and wellness together with her company:- The Santosha Life:  Cultivating Contentment through Yoga • Meditation • Retreats • Style

www.thesantoshalife.com 

Testimonials:

"I've practiced various styles of yoga for about 13 years, but Kathy is the first teacher who ever made yoga personal for me. For the first time, I experienced the connection of mind, body, breath, and spirit, and it changed the way I view yoga forever. Kathy is so much fun, funny, and friendly in class, and at the same time, teaches in a very loving way".

Elizabeth, NYC

“Kathy has a very balanced and well rounded approach to yoga which can benefit anyone regardless of experience or fitness level. Her humour and relaxed approach creates a very comfortable atmosphere while her experience and knowledge of yoga helps each of her students grow and improve.

Peter, Germany

Hatha Flow and Yin Yoga with Kay Parker

With 10 years of practicing yoga, my teaching encompasses a wealth of knowledge and understanding of a variety of yoga forms.

My upbeat approach encourages students to connect body and mind through breath, with an emphasis on safe alignment.

I work with students to get the most out of their yoga practice, offering variations for the more advanced students, modifications for beginners and hands-on adjustments where appropriate.

I have studied anatomy, philosophy, yoga therapy, somatics and breath work and attend regular workshops with teachers from different yoga traditions, incorporating this learning into my classes in a way that compliments my own style of teaching.

Morning practice will start with centering and breath work. This will be followed by a theme based flowing practice sometimes incorporating yin yoga.

Evening sessions will be relaxing in nature and will generally focus on somatics, restorative or yin yoga as well as guided relaxation.

"Just back from a wonderful week at Mavros Malos with Kay Parker whose daily yoga was a exactly what I had hoped for. Mornings were Hatha, evenings Yin. The week was a perfect balance of stretch, breath, restorative and the teaching and facilitation was excellent. All with a perfect Cretin ocean backdrop, plenty of sunshine, lovely vegetarian food , wonderful hosts and a group that were just fab. Wish I could tap into Kay’s yoga in the UK.  I will definitely be booking with Free Spirit Travel again xx thankyou namaste "

"Thank you Kay for such amazing yoga, I really love your style of teaching.  I was concerned if I'd be able to manage 3 half hours a day, but you created a balance that was perfect.
It is also so lovely to come back home fitter than when I arrived, and with a nice tan ha ha  "

Ken Eyerman - Yoga with Feldenkrais Awareness

Ken Eyerman has more than 35 years experience teaching Yoga & Bodywork, is a trained practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method © and is author of 'Massage' published in 1987. An American based in London since 1980, Ken has developed his own style of teaching, bridging the space between flowing Hatha Yoga and the gentle understated, spiralling Feldenkrais movements. Ken teaches his unique 'Yoga with Awareness' holidays internationally.

Ken has developed a fluid technique that taps into your individual needs, releases energy and works to heal injuries or chronic discomfort. His retreat will introduce you to Ken's unique take on Yoga - utilising influences from Feldenkrais, dance and movement based bodywork - and promises to be a refreshing, inspiring start to the year and a lot of fun too!

Ken's intuitive and spontaneous, hands-on approach places an emphasis on using the breath, an awareness of your inner process and how to use your body efficiently. This combination of approaches will ease you into the postures and classes are suitable for all levels of experience, including those who have injuries or are restricted in their movement.

More information about Ken can be seen on www.keneyerman.com

The developmental movement technique, The Feldenkrais Method, has been Ken's lifelong study, especially in how it relates and is complementary to yoga, through the awareness of movement and being attentive to detail. For Ken, The Feldenkrais Method forms the bridge between hands-on healing, touch and the spontaneity of life as a dance.

The Feldenkrais Method named after its originator, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, is an educational system that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve posture and human functioning. One can increase the ease and range of motion, improve flexibility and rediscover the natural capacity for efficient movement.

"I can help people to think about their body, how it breathes and moves, how the structure connects, to develop a level of awareness..... so they are not only powering away at stretching but also learning to feel and think their way to a stronger more supple body. A goal being to get into the imagination, to find a more subtle approach, to excite the feelings as well as to power the muscles" Ken Eyerman

Laurie Blair  'Soul Connecting Yoga'

Laurie has practised various forms of yoga for around 30 years. She originally learned to teach Hatha yoga, with the Sivananda school, she was further inspired by David Sye's Yogabeats teacher training to teach more fluidly and authentically.

Her teaching includes some fascia releasing micro movements to music, to allow the body to happily release gently into deeper stretches.

The focus is on connecting the body and soul to quickly find a yogic state of mind.

Teaching is fully supportive and safe, allowing you to be comfortable, but challenged to your own capability, therefore suitable for all abilities. Classes are fun and lighthearted, but will also have you delving deeper within, to connect to your inner Self. Laurie believes that, "yoga is a journey to the soul, allowing us to connect to our authentic Self".

Laurie is a body and soul therapist, qualified in Kinetic Chain Release Therapy (KCR), a sequence of physio mobilisations aimed to holistically correct leg length. 90% of us have one leg shorter than the other, which causes misalignment of the body and thus various conditions, such as sciatica, backache, etc.

KCR has realigned and brought balance back to clients who have suffered from Fibromyalgia, ME, depression, PTSD, post-natal depression, post surgery trauma, etc. Guests can book for KCR during their stay.

One client with Fibromyalgia, ME and depression happily exclaimed, "Laurie has given me my life back through KCR. With one treatment I was able to walk my dog again, after 6 years of not making it past the garden gate!"

Leo is a Senior Yoga Teacher within the Vajrasati school of yoga, accredited with Yoga Alliance 500-hour Teacher Training Plus, and also a therapeutic Thai massage practitioner and has been teaching since 2006.  Both disciplines have their roots within the Buddhist tradition and Leo subsequently teaches from a perspective of compassionate enquiry and non-judgemental-awareness.

Her teaching is creative and playful,  she is passionate about supporting students to meditatively explore reconnecting body and breath as a way of practically calming the nervous system and a busy mind, and reducing everyday stress.

Leo has specialised in supporting women’s health over the years (often with restorative, somatic practises) but also teaches climbers how to integrate yoga into training to avoid injury, so is experienced at adapting teaching to be accessible and appropriate.Whatever your experience and physical ability, you are welcome. Leo’s classes are deep and therapeutic, but always with lightness and humour.

Inspired by yoga in a holistic sense: Leo encourages a deepening relationship between asana, mantra, pranayama and meditation (body, mind, breath and sound) practice on the mat and developing a deeper sense of connection, centre and space beyond.  Yoga, in this sense, informs the way she tries to live, parent and respond to the world; with open awareness, ease, generosity, acceptance and non-judgement.

Morning Sessions: Playful wake up, exploring movement, breath and expanding awareness.

Evening Sessions: Grounding somatics, resorative postures, meditation and yoga nidra to completely de stress.

www.centredspace.net

'What a treat to have recently attended a retreat in Dalyan Turkey with Leo Taylor (Centred Space) as teacher/guide in the company of other wonderful yogis. Leos approach was wholesome and nourishing, blending beautiful practice with meditation and mantra.  Leo is highly intuitive and professional with the ability to ’see’ everyone making you feel welcome and safe.  Lovely complex, food and cheery, helpful staff.  I would highly recommend.' Sue Harding

'I had such a wonderful time on retreat with Leo. Her natural warmth, generosity and sense of fun shines through into her yoga teaching and she worked hard to make sure we all felt included, loved and relaxed.'  Pip Western Wellbeing

'Leo's yoga retreat in Turkey was fabulous. A really magical experience. Leo's gentle, compassionate teaching allowed me to relax and unwind at my own pace, giving my mind and body respite from all the incessant demands of life. Lovely place, lovely people, lovely food too. Very special, and highly recommended. Thank you Leo!'  Ligia Kasanin

Hatha Yoga

Lindsay attended her first yoga class when she was 13 years old, which means she has practiced yoga for over 30 years.

She has been teaching yoga since 2002 continuously updating her qualifications. She additionally teaches yoga to children in schools since completing the Yoga*d Up training.

She has practiced many styles, including Hatha, Astanga, Sivananda and Yin Yoga and her main influence is Iyengar. Classes on this holiday will be a mix of yoga styles with importance placed on the postures.

Lindsay's classes are suitable for all levels as she encourages students to work within their own capabilities.

The week will offer a 2 hour morning yoga asana class suitable for all levels of students
and a short evening class.

Yoga with Lisa Gibbs

Lisa arrived in Spain fresh from training as an Astanga Yoga teacher in 2001.

Lisa brings an air of inspiration to the class and although trained in Astanga she is able to adapt the class for those who need a more gentle approach whilst still maintaining the synchronisation of breath and movement that has been her forte.   

Classes are adapted to each individual so that not one person feels stuck: bringing in new adaptations through her continual study of the yoga practice.

"Classes involve a series of moving and stationary poses, combined with deep breathing. Allowing the heart to open within each person, to move through creating a form (asana) continuing to flow through our connection with breath (Prana), generating an inner peace and balance which opens our path for spiritual growth. Each individual obtains confidence to love and be loved and to shine throughout their daily lives, creating a peace and harmony not just within each of us but in everybody we come in contact with"   

Lisa was certified to teach yoga from the Lay Buddhist monk Kisen whose own third lineage to Sri T Krishnamacharya made him such a sort after master in 80's and 90's.

She has also studied with Laura Henderson (Hatha yoga with Alexander technique) and Earnest Coates (Living Yoga).   

Classes with Lisa are pre-arranged with the client.

You may choose private classes at your villa, or you can join her drop-in classes held either in the yoga space behind the church ovelooking the sea, or, if weather does not permit this, then at her small yoga studio close to her home.

Creative Vinyasa Yoga with Liz Lark

Liz's passion for Yoga developed in 1990, studying as a teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga (1992), and exploring Astanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic, dance-like style which led her to India and Crete through the 1990's. 

She has been teaching yoga for almost 20 years, developing from a British Wheel of Yoga Hatha Teacher Training  foundation, to Astanga Vinyasa Yoga; practising in mid 90’s under Derek Ireland (see Vimeo.com: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Practice, Agios Pavlos, Crete, Teacher Training in Goa and Mysore (1995). 

Her inspiration comes from the Astanga Vinyasa tradition and other Hatha yoga practises.

Liz adapts yoga postures for each individual in order to ‘chisel' into the form and helps sculpt and free each unique body.        

   
A member of Yoga Alliance USA and British Wheel of Yoga, she is also a board member for The Life Centre Teachers Training Course, and runs retreats and workshops nationally and internationally.
She has been connected with The Life Centre London since 1995.
    
Her Thai Yoga Massage training in Chieng Mei has informed her hands- on adjustments; which Liz teaches along with Creative Sequencing, for the London Teachers Training Course www.yogacampus.com, on which she’s a board member.
  
Originally trained as an Artist, Liz has BA and MA degrees in 3D Design aqnd Performing Arts, with a central theme of The Body, Liz draws her inspiration from Nature, the Body, Poetry, Music and contemporary Bodywork.

She now fuses Yoga as Art in a series of Mandala Drawings, illustrating sequencing, layered with motifs for visualisation, contemplation and mudra (gesture) and mantra (heartsong). Her teaching draws on these inspirations, with a contemporary interpretation of philosophy (see her book: ‘1001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom’).

Based in East Sussex, Liz runs classes and special workshops in Tunbridge Wells (www.pantilesyoga.co.uk).
   
Clients have included Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner & The Monteverdi Choir, English National Ballet, Indian Dance Company Sujata Bannerjee, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Mariel Hemingway, Peter Gabriel, Mariella Frostrup.

For information on her books, which include stunning photography by Clare Park, and inspiring drawings, CDs and DVDs please visit her website

www.lizlark.com

Louise Windsor - Hatha Yoga

I am passionate about yoga and helping people feel good. I used to run long distance and turned to yoga to help my very stiff muscles and lower back pain. I didn't realise at that stage it would completely transform my life!   

What I love about yoga is how it makes you feel; peaceful, centred, in the present moment and uplifted at the same time. I love how it can release emotions and open your heart. I also love the spiritual aspect of it. Yoga means union, that is the union of your mind, body, breath and spirit.    

My yoga journey began with Bikram which I enjoyed but it wasn't until I discovered Hot Power Yoga (Vinyasa Flow in a warm room) that I really understood what yoga was all about, it was a more spiritual, heart opening practice there.

Since then I have spent time living at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala India learning their Hatha series and experiencing a full yogic life style. I have travelled around India extensively learning from different yoga teachers and I trained to teach Vinaysa Flow yoga in the foothills of the Himalayas.   

I love the creativity, movement and use of breath in Vinyasa Flow. In all my classes I have a strong focus of heart opening, releasing emotions, acceptance and being present. I set intentions and share learnings about life through the class which are drawn from my life experience day to day, what I have learnt over the years as a life coach and through the months I have spent in India.  

I am also trained in trauma sensitive yoga which brings the therapeutic and mindfulness aspect of yoga to help heal sufferers of trauma and stress. As well as vinyasa flow I also love to practice yin yoga to balance out the more dynamic aspect of flow with the slow mindfulness of yin.    

During the retreat I will run a gentle energising flow class in the mornings before breakfast and then a slow meditative yin based practice in the afternoon before dinner. Each practice will include pranayama and meditation. There will also be time each day for journalling if you'd like to join in and I will offer 1-1 yoga therapy/life coaching sessions as an optional paid extra.   

My intention for this retreat is that you enjoy some well deserved me time, relaxation and an opportunity to have time dedicated for your yoga practice. It will be suitable for all levels. I teach in a light hearted and flexible way, the most important thing is that it feels good for you.           

Aside from yoga I enjoy my work as a life coach, hula hooping, paddle boarding, travelling and dancing.   

www.yogaclassesinbrighton.co.uk/about-louise
https://www.facebook.com/louisegillespieyoga

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Lucy Courtney

Lucy's yoga journey started in 2002, when she was living in Perth West Australia. She took a 6 week Ashtanga Yoga course at the Cottesloe Surf Centre and that was when she fell in love with yoga.  In 2013 she completed her 100 hr Creative Vinyasa Teacher Training programme in California, with Janet Stone.

Lucy was then inspired to teach yoga and more recently she has completed her 200 hour certification, in Vinyasa Yoga at the Yoga Space in Leeds. She is inspired by teachers such as Stephanie Snyder, Shiva Rea, Janet Stone, and Nichi Green.

Teaching has now become her passion and her main occupation.  She finds yoga brings her confidence and a sense of inner peace. She loves music and  incorporates music into her classes, including singing yogic mantras.

Lucy mainly teaches a mix of Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga and Vinyasa infused Hatha, with an emphasis on the elements. Her style of teaching is dynamic, strong and fluid. "I teach from my heart, with a focus on the breath. I help people to tune into their innate inner wisdom through yoga and meditation, re-aligning the body, mind and soul through their practice."

What to expect on Holiday with Lucy:

Morning classes:  will be a wake up and move flow, to open up the body and get into the breath. This class will generally be a more dynamic class of flowing Vinyasa yoga.  As morning is a time of transition, we will be moving from stillness into a linked movement with breath practice, followed by a Savasana Mediation.

Evening Classes:  will be slower and more of a restorative flow, often holding some of the postures for longer, with some Yin incorporated into the session. Generally using bolsters, straps and props for comfort and ease, as we slow down before dinner.

Mandy Sayers - Vinyasa Flow

Mandy is a Senior Yoga Teacher and has been practising Yoga on and off for most of her adult life and has over 22 years experience of teaching in the Fitness Industry, qualifying as an Exercise to Music teacher in 2000 and teaching classes in Aerobics, Step, Pilates, Yoga and Les Mills’ programmes.

Her first Yoga teaching course was in 2002 with Ann-See Yeoh and in 2014 she undertook a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Claire Murphy in Chippenham. “One of the most exhausting and rewarding years of my life!”

Shortly afterwards she decided to focus solely on teaching yoga.  She says, “The practice of yoga; the repetition of the asana (poses), the meditation and mindfulness is a massive part of my life.

Not just a job, it really is a way of life and I believe many of my students would agree.

To be able to take a group of students away for a weekend, a week, or longer to practise together on retreat is such a privilege and so rewarding. And fun!”

During our retreat holiday: 

“We will start our morning practice with centring and breath work, moving into a themed Vinyasa Flow and culminating in a pinnacle pose.

Our early evening practice will be more chilled and will vary to include Restorative Yoga, Yin, Yoga Nidra and partner work which students find to be a very bonding experience.”

Classes can be adapted to accommodate students of all levels. Mandy’s teaching is mainly Vinyasa Flow.

"My philosophy on Yoga as in life is work hard to get results, enjoy life and have fun!,  Namaste"

For more information on Mandy and her yoga visit her web www.mandyyoga.co.uk

Feedback:-
Five years ago I attended my first yoga retreat with Mandy. It was magical and I can remember so clearly the impact it had on me. When I booked to go on retreat again in 2022 with Mandy I knew it would be great yoga, I did not believe it could be as magical as that first retreat - I was wrong, it really was as special.
The yoga sessions were amazing, having the time to truly focus on yoga re-energised my practise and re-connected me to yoga. The group were fabulous and the atmosphere and chatting and sharing was super positive.
If you are thinking of a retreat with Mandy don’t hesitate to go for it. She does everything in her power to make the experience a truly special time for everyone.

Lisa

Margherita Dal Pra - Hatha Yoga

Margherita's unique yoga retreats and holidays blend inner and outer discovery with guided yoga and meditation sessions,

this is your time to break away from the usual and allow health, love and light to shine through your life.

"As a natural seeker, 24 years ago in Italy I found myself at my first yoga class, back in a time when yoga was considered strange, yet savasana and the mantra OM gave me a deep sense of relaxation and the feeling of coming home to myself. This is when yoga became the beginning of a life long journey for me.

I am devoted to continuously­­ learning, sharing and radiating this knowledge for everyone to utilise and enjoy. The more I explore and learn, the more I’m able to share my wisdom in a new and vibrant light, it is a true blessing and honour to share that journey with my students."

   . .

Margherita's teachings are grounded in the traditional lineage of Hatha yoga and the deep philosophy of Tantric practices married with the movement of Vinyasa Flow, the precision of Anusara, the dance of Rasa Yoga – one of the most heartfelt synthesis of yoga, and the energetics of ParaYoga and Ayurveda

 
She honors the traditions of yoga while awakening the true potential as an individual in the modern world. She hopes for each student to experience a journey that goes beyond the body and pierces deeply into the heart by weaving together asana, mantra, mudra, pranayama, meditation and chanting, along with shadow work, ritual, and a deep connection with nature.

Marnie Sullivan started her Yoga journey in 2000, taught with a traditional approach to Hatha Yoga, which inspired Marnie to continue developing her practice within Hatha, adding some Vinyasa flow and sprinkles of Ashtanga into her classes. Marnie was inspired within her own practice and teachings by amazing teachers such as Paul Fox, Emma Conally – Barklem and Esther Ekhart. She completed her yoga training with the BWY, studying for the Level 3 during 300+ hours teaching qualification over a period of 18 months.

Marnie is a qualified children’s Yoga teacher and has taught Yoga to children ages from 4-14yrs for 2 years. In addition to teaching Yoga to adults and children, Marnie is a qualified level 4 Pilates instructor, Personal Trainer and Body Balance teacher.

Marnie's Yoga teachings are fun-filled with enthusiasm, her style is creative, flowing and dynamic. Marnie's calming and caring personality shines through making her classes inclusive to all students (of all levels). The spirtual vibe which Marnie creates helps her students to feel the Yoga practice as well as enjoy the physical postures.

The morning class will be based around a theme, involving centering and breathing, moving into an energising Hatha Vinyasa based flow, ending with some relaxation. 

The early evening class will be based around restoritive Yin and Hatha Yoga, followed by peaceful meditation and relaxation.

For more information on Marnie visit her website - http://www.marnieyoga.com

I would just like to give you some feed about sultan palace and the yoga with Marnie. The hotel was excellant. Marnie was without fault one of the best teachers I have had in my 23 yrs of doing yoga. She was not only a first class teacher but acted as a personal  guide. Taking us all on many places of interest. Without doubt one of the best holidays I have had.
Regards June - July 2017

Having recently returned from Turkey,  I felt the need to compliment both Freespirit and yoga teacher Marnie Sullivan for making this such memorable experience .  I hope to repeat such an experience in the future and would not  hesitate  in recommending this to my friends . Many thanks.
Sylvia Fitzpatrick - July 2017

Mary Niker is an International Iyengar Yoga teacher, Oncology massage therapist & mindfulness teacher. Mary is a member of the mindfulness association & has trained with the mindfulness association in mindfulness, compassion & is qualified as a teacher of MBLC.

Angie Cameron (right) has been both a therapist and facilitator for over twenty two years. She is also a mindfulness and compassionate practitioner. Angie is passionate about self-development, facilitating change and encouraging self-acceptance. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and the Mindfulness Association.

One Week Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC)
This MBLC programme is based on Mindfulness curriculum presented on the University of Aberdeen’s MSc in Studies in Mindfulness.
The programme includes an introductory session, 16 hours teaching & experiential exercises and a follow up session. Includes mindfulness guided practices and learning by an experienced practitioner, a course manual and recordings of the practices as well as a certificate.
Mindfulness training enhances focus and attention, increases self-awareness and the awareness of others, raises levels of resilience and emotional intelligence, strengthens cognitive effectiveness
Course Overview
1 - Start Where We Are: this session we are recognising the unsettled mind and learning how to settle the mind in our practice.
2 - The Body as a Place to Stay Present: this session we are learning to work with the body as support for being present to reconnect with the felt sense of the present moment.
3 - Introducing Mindfulness Support: this session we introduce sound as support for being present and reflect upon the attitude of non-striving in our practice.
4 - Working with Distraction: this session we are learning to work with distraction and introduce breath as a support for being present.
5 - Exploring the Undercurrent: this session explores the the role of observing our experience and looking within to the undercurrent of attitudes and preferences that are influencing and develop our compassion based practices with the loving kindness meditation.
6 - Attitude of the Observer: this session we are reflecting upon our inner environment and training our attitude toward our experience.
7 - Self-acceptance: this session we are deepening our compassion based practices and learning about true acceptance.
8 - A Mindfulness Based Life: this session we are revisiting mindfulness support and reflecting on our journey and how we can deal with difficulty more skillfully.
A certificate of completion is awarded to successful candidates.

Yoga Dance with Melanie Griffiths

Please note this is predominantly a dance holiday with a yogic feel.

Our Holiday Dance Plan - do as much or as little as you wish.

Dance Groove  - Dance Fitness Class mixing Bollywood, Bellydance, Charleston, Carnival, Disco, 80s, 90s, Salsa, Samba and many more different dance styles + music genres.  Ending with balancing stretch out.

Chakra Dance and Meditation - Freestyle / Yoga Dancing through the 7 x Energy Centres in the Body into guided visualisation Meditation.

Yoga Dance (Chillax) - Barefoot, Mindful Movement set to up-beat world rhythms energising + relaxing the system.  Ending session with free-flowing stretching and / or, Meditation.

Barre - Female-centred Strength + Conditioning based around Ballet-style lengthening exercises, Arm, Floor + Core Work.  Ending with stretch out

Mindful Meditation - we'll unwind with Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation) calming our systems so, that we're able to be still (sitting or, lying down) for a simple Mindful Meditation session.  We'll use guided visualisation techniques to quiet the mind and clear the energy field of unwanted frequencies that cause stress to the system.

Yoga and Mindfulness

My teaching and practice of Yoga and Mindfulness is about awakening to the unified sense of our whole being -body, mind, spirit.

It is about listening inside, gradually realizing that wholeness can only be retrieved by identifying and letting go of unnecessary holding on

If you can stop straining you might discover that inside the tense unbalanced body there is a sensible body, which can be effortlessly at ease with the energy flowing freely and the mind becoming calm. In the midst of the storm there is stillness where we can experience our presence.
 
Practice of Yoga with Mindfulness opens your heart to spontaneous joy and compassion and puts a smile on your face!

I have written two books 'The Distracted Centipede - a Yoga experience' and 'Yoga Stories for Healthy Living'

My books are for everybody, regardless of age, physical condition, sex, religious beliefs. They are based on the common sense that our mental, physical and spiritual health depends on our being able to take on the, management of our inner world by entering the journey of becoming aware, letting go of our restrictive conditioning and opening our heart to love.
It is never too early and never too late to start and continue.

For me the only time I can say I am truly relaxed and not a danger to myself or others is when I am in a state of acceptance, even acceptance of my non acceptance.

Mina Semyon
September 2015

Natalie Zeid - Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Transformational Breathwork

As a zealous lover of life, yoga and adventure, Natalie has come to understand that life is about uncovering your passions, finding your flow and following your dreams. 

With a background in yoga, mindfulness, Breathwork and retreat facilitation, she weaves together all facets to create unique yoga classes filled with breath inspired movement and purposeful intention to help students reach their goals.

Natalie’s  greatest passion is authentically connecting with others and guiding her students with a sense of mindfulness, positivity and compassion.

Her deepest desire is to guide others along their personal path to wellbeing, uncovering their authentic selves and living a life of purpose, on and off the mat.

She has lived in various places around the world, and currently resides between Egypt, South Africa and beyond. As the founder of TRUST Collective, she continues to share her love of international travel through leading yoga teacher trainings, classes and retreats around the world.

200hr E-RYT & YACEP Hatha & Yin Yoga Teacher.

300hr Yoga Therapist certified by Yoga Alliance International.

Pneumanity™️ Advanced Breathwork Practitioner.

Hatha Flow Yoga with Niamh Kavanagh

Niamh, a guide and teacher of Hatha and Tantric Heart-centered Yoga and Meditation, infuses deep feminine essence and self-inquiry.

She has 20 years of teaching experience and facilitates breathwork, yoga nidra, conscious movement, and somatic immersion.

Niamh is also a guest teacher of The Subtle Body for The Banyan Tree School of Yoga, 200hr TTC (YA).

"My first yoga experience 25 years ago is still fresh in my mind today. During Ardha Matsyendrasana, I realised I wasn't breathing fully.

This turning point sparked my journey home, meeting Self. Returning home is a remembrance of our true nature that emanates an eternal, loving, rest-full-freeing being. Bringing deep relaxation and inner peace.

I aim to guide you to the centre of Self and hope to continue inspiring you as I have been by many teachers, mentors, and guides."

Gift to Self

The journey home to your hidden oasis of Self, enhancing deep relaxation, nourishment, inner peace, richness & unity. Niamh will guide you through Hatha, Flow, Yin, Pranayama, Meditation, Nidra, Somatic immersion, Conscious movement, and Mantra. In addition, Niamh will hold the space for Earth, Water, Light Inspired practices of Ritual & Ceremony, and Beach Yoga for deepening Self-connection, which are optional.

 Morning: Flow & Hatha yoga

   
These sessions combine dynamic movement with static postures to release tensions of the physical, mental emotional body, using energy of body mind and breath. Holding postures for sometime becoming challenging, strengthening the mind and body, bringing more dynamism.
   
Afternoon: Yin Yoga practice

    
This deep seated practise through the way of the heart gives time for the energetic structure to adjust, realign and harmonise, thus revealing deep calmness for transformative healing and inner union.

Both practises complete with guided mediations and relaxation, to experience the radiant space of the heart, the unlimited Self for more vivid healing of peace, love, kindness and health.

Niamh teaches through the perspective of Hridaya Yoga, inviting everyone to live with an open heart and discover the true potential of human life. Immerse yourself into your real and essential nature.
      
   

About Niamh

Niamh first qualified in 2004 with Sivinanda in India. Teaching for 11 years with a variety of different yoga styles such as contemporary and vinyasa, Niamh  now a teacher of Hridaya Yoga & Meditation (IYF & RYT 500) is also involved with teacher trainings in the UK for The Banyan Tree School of Yoga (YA) and is a contributing writer for Yoga Magazine as well as running her own workshops and retreats in Europe.

Her teachings are rooted in a detailed understanding of tendencies and relationship between the body and the mind. She creates a mindful and clear space for her students to develop their own understanding within their practice and ultimately their own wellbeing. Niamh looks no further than the cultivation and revelation of the true self, the spirit of who we really are, to bring the depth of contentment and joy in life.

Niamh has found the magic in yoga to actively maintain fresh attitudes toward ones life making the most of each day. She has observed growth and change available to ALL; no matter how big or small a problem appears having worked with a diverse range of clients, specialising in developing personalised Yoga practices for specific needs and various conditions.

TESTIMONYS
   
"Niamh's classes are perfectly balanced between the physical and the spiritual, accessible to beginners with challenges for those more advanced. She takes a serious approach to the sessions that have an ever present element of fun. Wonderful"   Matt M
           
The yoga trip to Ecincik, Turkey was great! I had a wonderful time, with inspiring people, at a very special place. Morning classes vinyasa yoga were hard work for me and I really enjoyed it, I have done to little of that for some time, and doing this again made me feel very much alive and gave me confidence to do more yoga. Afternoon classes were yin yoga and meditation that gave me real deep relaxation, surrender to the earth it makes me be in the now. I was very lucky to have a whole week in a beautiful place to feel these energies, and to have an inspiring teacher as Niamh to guide me there.
Hope we meet again, love    Heleen Strasse

    
Niamh truly teaches from the heart, and her teachings help you both on and off the mat, she is such a supportive and encouraging person / mentor. Niamh's enthusiasm for life is infectious, and I always leave feeling healthy in body, mind and spirit. An inspirational teacher.   Nicola Cope

    
Thank-you Niamh for a wonderful yoga and meditation experience. I am grateful for the love and kindness offered from the group. I always wanted to go on a retreat and I'm so glad I found you and the beautiful olive groves of Ekincik. Yin Yoga has opened my heart and allowed me to go further into my stretches. Until the next retreat.   Zuhre

 Strong Hatha Yoga with Nigel Gilderson

Nigel has been teaching yoga for 20 years and is one of the original Free Spirit teachers.

He is the founder and senior teacher of the yoga classes available at the Brockwell Lido in South London; and is the founder and director of the Amrita School of Yoga Teacher Training. He also teaches at Yoga Point, and many private clientele throughout London.

Nigel began his career in health and fitness as a P.E. teacher and tennis coach giving him a concrete and pragmatic understanding of anatomy and physiology, and was drawn to the deeply therapeutic effects of yoga. He has evolved his own personal style of Hatha yoga drawing on influences from the Sivananda, Iyengar, Scaravelli and Shadow yoga traditions.

Nigel's classes incorporate a unique blend of mindfulness of breath and opening through relaxation, to integrate the internal energetic system as a preparation for dynamic action.

His teaching has evolved over the years and incorporates a blend of many yoga styles, with influences from tai chi and shadow yoga and Alexander technique; integrating the celebration of the heart, universal principles of alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of asana.

Each student's abilities and limitations are deeply respected and honoured. The practice builds strength, flexibility, and stamina as well as bringing awareness to the internal; creating, capturing and cultivating energy.

Students move from one posture to another in a continual flow and link movements to breath. The use of vinyasa enables the natural progression from one asana to another with a sense of ease and fluidity, ending in a deep and peaceful relaxation

Nina Savarese - Hatha Yoga

Nina has been teaching yoga in Hastings since 2007, having trained in Kerala, India with the Sivananda school. Her passion for yoga has led her to teach many styles including Sivananda, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin. A member of the Independent Yoga Network, Nina is also an experienced Yoga Therapy Body Worker, having trained with Elena Voyce at Teach Yoga in 2011, as well as qualifying with Swami Saradananda in 2017 to teach meditation.

Her teaching style is thematic, seamlessly weaving well rounded yoga sequencing with philosophy, attentiveness to body alignment, and breath work to get her students fully in the zone.
 
Morning Yoga before breakfast will be an uplifting and energising movement based Hatha practice, focussing on strength, balance, precision and alignment, giving students the opportunity over the course of the week to see their progression, and to build a strong foundation for their own personal practice.

The second late afternoon class, will be Yin, where we just learn to let go and watch our bodies unravel and unfurl as the week progresses, after which we’ll get quiet and sit for a short and sweet meditation.

Each class will be carefully curated so that all the poses can be done to fit your body, and your yoga practice meets you exactly where you need it to be.

Pallavi Dodia - Himalayan Hatha Yoga

Pallavi has been persistently contributing to the Health and Wellness industry since 2008 across the globe. Her diverse teaching experience comprises of teaching Yoga in Private and Government organisations in India and the UK since 2016. She designs wellness programs with a purview of prevention and cure.

She has curated many wellness retreats in exotic destinations like the Himalayas in North India, White desert in Rajasthan, Gir Forest in Gujarat, River Lea, London, etc. She has also taught in Yoga teachers training courses.

She was born and brought up in India. Her cultural ties to the ancient Yogic practices in her motherland India paved the way for a passion in deepening the inner knowing. Her passion for study and an exploration to bridge the health gap took a new turn when she learned Yoga from the authentic Gurus in Kerala and Rishikesh, the birthplace of Yoga.

She has completed 500 hours TTC from India. She completed 200 hours Hatha Yoga TTC from School of Santhi, Kerala in 2016 and 300 hours Yoga TTC from Sattva Yoga Academy, Rishikesh in 2022. With the Himalayan Yoga-Vedantic teachings, she amply realised the physical and mental benefits of Yoga quickly and fell in love with the practice on and off the mat.

She weaves her holistic knowledge of the effects of stress on the somatic or physical body and nervous system into her sessions, offering supportive and accessible techniques that you can inculcate into your daily routine and enhance your wellbeing. She is very intuitive and receptive and tailors the sessions with Yoga therapy, Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Mindfulness, Meditation as per the individuals’ goals. She amalgamates different techniques with Mudras (hand gestures): Shambhavi, Kechari, Dhayana, Akasha, Yoni Mudra, Pranayamas (breathwork): Bhramari, Agnisar, Sudarshan Kriya, Asanas (movements), Dhyana (meditation), Kirtan/Mantra chanting.

She co-founded Astitva Wellness with a vision to cultivate a planet filled with healthy, happy and empowered people and a mission to revive and provide accessible and inspiring holistic solutions and interventions to an ageless global audience.

Join the Himalayan Yogini Pallavi Dodia for a week of Himalayan Hatha Yoga practices:

Introduction to Yoga
Understanding mind body connection- Chakras, Koshas, Karma.
Hatha - Vinyasa Asanas sequences: Improve flexibility and strength.
Meditation initiation, Mantra meditation
Kriya sets
Himalayan Kundalini
Breathwork: Pranayama techniques.
Stress management techniques and much more.

Ideal for everyone: Beginners/intermediate practitioners

Website: https://astitvawellness.com/

Penny Raggett

My passion for yoga began back in 2000 when after many years working long and stressful hours in the hotel industry it was recommended that I should try yoga to help ease a bad back and tight shoulders.

I had a few abortive attempts at finding a class I enjoyed and then was lucky enough to find a teacher who inspired me, challenged me and showed me how the magic of yoga could work.

A couple of years later I took my first retreat with this teacher and  knew I needed to find out more about yoga and took the 200 hour Karuna Yoga teacher training with Ruth White Yoga. Ruth was a disciple of Iyengar and her teacher training is very specific in body alignment and helping to ease injuries and aches through the correct positioning of the body in the yoga asanas.

That knowledge of correct body alignment has proved invaluable in my yogic journey, and over the years  I have learnt more about the philosophy of yoga and the spirituality it invites.

This year I will be teaching at Champneys with Jacky Lampyl, details below

Embrace, Surrender and Nourish
with Penny Raggett & Jacky Lampyl

During these 3 days we will explore how to embrace our practice and play with the boundaries of our emotional and physical body.

Engaging the core contributes to good posture and a healthy spine, and improves your grounding. By surrendering, one opens the mind and allows new opportunities to flow. This is your weekend to connect with your inner voice through an introspective practice. Of course there is plenty of time to share time with each other.

This weekend is for everyone from careful beginner to experienced warrior. Together we will offer guidance and encouragement to each yogi, so the retreat is enjoyable and suitable for all. The classes will help you build strength, gain flexibility and help bring an inner calmness and tranquility.Penny and Jacky both teach in East Sheen in various studios but can both be found at the Sheen Therapy Centre. They are from different yoga backgrounds but their styles complement each other and can offer different perspectives for every one..

Penny originally started attending yoga classes because of a back issue and to ease the stress of working in the hotel industry. She has been studying yoga for 13 years, and her desire to learn more about the wonder of yoga led her to become a teacher.

Jacky's passion for movement evolved from her study of dance. Having practiced yoga for over 13 years and teaching for 5, her yoga practice focuses on precise alignment supported by an open mind.

Vinyasa Yoga / Dance

My first experience of Yoga was in India (Rishikesh) with Pujya Swamiji at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. My travels and interest in nature and mountains took me to a Spiritual Home in the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganges. 

I started teaching Yoga ten years ago in Community Education and introduced many new people to Yoga and Meditation and the benefits.  More recently I have completed my Level 3 Diploma Teaching Training Yoga (QCF) and the 'Siromani Teacher of Yoga' at Sun PowerYoga.co.uk (RYS200 Yoga Alliance USA).  It is an eclectic mix of three styles: Dynamic Hatha for Alignment.   Sivananda Yoga for Subtle mind and breath work.  And Ashtanga Vinyasa  for Heat, flexibility and stamina..   

I also teach Dance and Pilates which helps my students with alignment, body conditions or injuries. 

This holiday will take in all aspects of my knowledge and working from a base of Yoga we will incorporate my understanding of dance to enliven our practice, adding stretching and strength exercises to improve deep postural muscles, using a Barre for support.   

Morning classes will begin with sun salutations and a traditional Yoga class with Pranayama exercises and a dynamic yoga practice to wake with the sun.

Late afternoon classes will include a Vinyasa style class with a mixture of yoga and dance. Weaving flowing dance sequences with holds in balances and standing Asana’s.  Ending the day with an optional meditation session.  

Over the course of the week we will improve our Yoga practice feeling healthy and vital with improved flexibility and well-being.    

My aim is to create a safe environment where we can really experience Yoga from the inside out accepting ourselves and experiencing a Yogic lifestyle. This lovely venue is a positive environment that helps us let go of stress and tension. 

As a group we will have a good daily practice (Asana), with nourishing and healthy food to help us balance the mind and body. The healing aspect of Yoga has a subtle way of improving the quality of our own lives and the dance aspect will create a fun filled experience, so that when we return home we feel relaxed and positive.

This retreat is suitable for all regardless of age and yoga or dance experience.      

Raj Nijjar

My very personal 1st yoga class was in the local gym, I was tired, exhausted and fatigued from my daily hustle and bustle. I needed time out. I knew I would like yoga however I never knew I needed it that badly. I kept saying to myself why had I not tried it before?

Years passed by with me doing my personal practice and then one day I decided to spread the yoga love in my community. So here I am with 20  years personal experience and  fully qualified for 5 years with Yoga Alliance.

Soon after my qualification I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, this didn't stop me! I kept doing what I loved and discovered Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
I continue with my training and taking courses, I love learning and yoga is my Happy Place.

My business name SUKHMAN YOGA

'Sukh' in local dialect of India means 'Happiness' and 'Man' directly translates into the matters of the 'Heart'. At Sukhman Yoga, it is our philosophy to build a lighthouse identity for your soul and well-being, to be the guiding force to catalyse betterment of the way you live, the way you think and the way you aspire.

It gives me another level of joy to realise that the names of my two beautiful children, Sukhvir and Manvir add up to create the mission of my life - Sukhman Yoga!

Yoga sessions

My retreats are very comfortable for everyone.

In the morning sessions we start with some gentle breath awareness, slow flow vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands-on assistance, relaxation.

In the afternoon sessions there will be a short workshop style class to explore asanas. We will look deeper into chosen poses and learn more about yoga knowledge.Then we will enjoy nourishing Yin Yoga - this practice is designed to help you sit longer, and more comfortably, in meditation by stretching connective tissue around the joints (mainly the knees, pelvis, sacrum, and spine).

A passive practice, Yin Yoga involves variations of seated and supine poses typically held for 3 to 5 minutes, accessing deeper layers of fascia. We finish off the class with Yoga Nidra Meditation, pranayama.
 
For more information about Raj's yoga retreat visit her website at
www.sukhmanyoga.co.uk

Gentle Healing Yoga, Meditation and Yoga Nidra with Roanna Harstad

Gentle Healing Yoga  includes a traditional style of teaching. It is an old system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), and mediation, which help bring peace to the mind and body.

As a senior yoga teacher trainer I use yoga as a modality to heal, energise and strengthen.This class is a wonderful way to re introduce you to your yoga practice or if you enjoy learning with depth and understanding.

As a life coach and lover of yogic philosophy your class experience will lovingly include hands on therapeutic adjustments, prescriptive poses to meet your needs, bolsters, pillows, blankets, props, poems, tasty treats, aromatherapy, in class massage to hands, head and/or feet, handouts and hugs.I am a teacher with a wealth of experience and a love of people.

As a relaxation specialist I am passionate about creating a healing environment for you to relax and be yourself.

I am qualified to teach a wide range of yoga styles but am currently focusing on yoga as a therapy to reduce stress and bring about healing and peace within each class.

I am an expert in using yoga as a way to recover from injury or surgery, heart break, life challenges, mental health issues and more.

Vinyasa Flow & Yin, Restorative, Yoga    

I completed my Yoga Alliance 200 teacher training at Teach Yoga in London, after studying with Duncan Hulin at the Devon School of Yoga and  I have also trained in  Restorative yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater.    

I believe that there is no "right" way to practice yoga so my approach is a holistic and eclectic one, interweaving wide range of styles and taking inspiration from various national and international teachers (Shiva Rea, Elena Brower, Gary Carter, Sarah Powers, Julie Gudmestad, Liz Lark).        

My classes are fusion of body awakening, traditional poses hold for several minutes and Vinyasa sequences followed by relaxation/meditation.  Attention is given to correct alignment and breath awareness to bring about mental clarity, steadiness and concentration and to provide the opportunity for deep engagement within the postures.              

Yoga is not about quantity and ability to perform the most advance poses, but about the quality one puts in it.  This is why I encourage my students to pay attention to their own bodies, inner perception and to work within their own abilities, accepting their own rate of progress as well as to practice from the heart, with joyfulness.       

On this holiday you will have an opportunity to spend some time on you, getting to know yourself a little better, and allowing yourself the space to be the person that you were meant to be, without the usual demands that are placed upon you from the outside.    

Morning practice will be vibrant and invigorating to awaken our body, heart and mind whilstevening yoga will be more slow-paced , gentle and nurturing  to create a sense of  harmony and stillness.   

There will also be an opportunity to take a group boat trip to 12 islands, visit a traditional Hamman, spent time at the beautiful Iztuku beach, explore the ancient ruins of Kaunos and Lycian tombs  or  to simply just relax by the pool.    

Sally Ibbotson Qigong Teacher and Shiatsu Practitioner

What is Qigong?

Qigong is a form of moving meditation similar to Tai Chi and far easier to learn. It works on the premise that we can gather energy (Qi – similar to Prana in the Yogis tradition) from the earth and environment by adopting a meditative attitude and moving in time-tested ways.  
The movements are sequential and repeated – usually 6 times.  They are simple and slow and full instruction will be given.
 It is possible to perform these sequences (known as Forms) sitting and it is highly suitable for those who are physically restricted in some way.
Qigong is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture and Shiatsu are also part of this tradition.  The Forms are ancient and work with the energy pathways and acupoints (meridians and acupuncture points) in and around your bodies (No needles are involved!)
A Qigong retreat will usually include some Internal Qigong – similar to seated meditation and using the imagination to move Qi around the body.  We will also do Walking Forms, Sleepy time Qigong, digestive Qigong and a form of self-massage known as Do-In.

Sally Ibbotson Biography

I started my career in Complimentary Medicine in 1993, qualifying as a Massage Therapist with the Gerda Boysen Institute and as a Counsellor with the Centre for the Advancement in Counselling.  Seeking depth to my work and more of a spiritual dimension, I studied Shiatsu between the years of 1995 and 2001 and, on qualifying undertook post-graduate study which resulted in a Teacher qualification in Qigong. Qigong had been taught to undergraduate Shiatsu practitioners as a means to keeping our own energy intact whilst treating clients.

I have studied Qigong under many Teachers and  myself taught in the NHS.  Specifically,  I worked in the Therapies team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London for 6 years where I taught Qigong as part of our pain management programme. During this time. I studied and qualified with Mark Peters in Birmingham. Mark is responsible for creating a rehabilitation pathway within the NHS which includes Qigong on site and in the community.

In 2016, I moved into Palliative care at St Christopher’s Hospice in South London and set up weekly Qigong classes alongside my Shiatsu clinic there. These attracted both in-patients and out-patients.

Throughout the above history, I have been self-employed and running Shiatsu clinics and Qigong classes in the community. Before the Covid 19 pandemic,  I also ran an annual 4 day Qigong retreat at Gaunt’s House in Dorset and regular London Workshops.  I also offer Qigong and Shiatsu at the Breast Cancer Haven in Fulham, South East London and at Open Age classes who are funded to address social isolation in the over 50s..

I am a regular attendee of Programmes at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland (and live in the Findorn area now) and as a result of this self and spiritual development, my current style of Qigong has changed somewhat. I teach from a passion for the Earth and all that she offers us. I incorporate integral imaging, affirmations alongside the traditional movements with the breath.
Internal Qigong as a way to stay healthy and tuned to the body is a part of most of my classes.
I specialise in personal qigong prescriptions and teach regular classes on line.

www.qigongcoach.net

Samantha Trinder Hatha Yoga

Samantha is passionate about sharing the transformational aspects of yoga.  

She has trained with teachers from the Sivananda, and Iyengar traditions.  

She holds a 500 hour Yoga Alliance accreditation, and has just completed a further  500 hours Diploma in Yoga Therapy with Yoga Campus
 

Vinyasa & Yin Yoga with Sarah Lane

Sarah is a creative teacher who teaches her favourite yoga styles -Yin, Hatha and Vinyasa - whilst incorporating her experience as a massage therapist and occasionally including self-massage techniques, self-reflexology and even Thai Partner Yoga.

She teaches a beautiful blend of Hatha, Yin and Vinyasa Yoga. Classes often begin with visualisation and pranayama (breathing techniques) to bring the attention to the body and to the present.

Gently warming up the body, linking breath and movement, then moving on to gentle flowing Vinyasa Yoga; stimulating energy and heat within the body.

  
Classes will also include Yin postures, where we will hold each posture for 3-5 minutes, encouraging the body to open slowly creating a deeper stretch whilst allowing the mind to soften and slow down.

   
Classes usually finish with meditation or yoga nidra.

     
"It is important to work on all aspects of yoga to give balance to mind, body and spirit."

Hatha Yoga with Sevda Mustafa

Sevda Mustafa has been studying yoga for over 20 years. Her main influences being Iyengar, Hatha and Astanga.

She has been taught by many amazing teachers including Godfrey Devereux. Zoe Knott, Bob Insley and Maarten Varmaase, which has influenced her teaching deeply.

Sevda has been teaching around London for 3 years, after finishing the British Wheel of Yoga teacher training with Zoe Knott and Bob Insley.

Sevda teaches with an open heart encouraging students in their practice. She works with strength in the asanas or postures and then goes deeper into the body using breath awareness. She believes in making the body strong so we can go inwards to find the true self by working through our blockages, which can manifest in stiffness within the body.

Sevda is very respectful of each student's individual needs within their yoga practice. Both beginners and advanced students wishing to deepen their practice will be welcome.

The morning class will be dynamic and energising, to build on stamina, but also to create space in the body using breath awareness. Sevda will teach Vinyasa flowing sequences to link the body, breath and mind, allowing the body to move more fluidly between postures, which will be held to allow each student time to integrate and understand them.

Evening classes will be less energetic working on restorative yoga with deep relaxation.

www.Yogawithsev.co.uk

Shyla VD - Traditional Hatha Yoga

Based in Kerala, Shyla qualified as a yoga teacher in 2000. She is hugely experienced and teaches yoga in the traditional style which includes postures, breathing techniques, meditation, rehabilitation and stress alleviation

She is a passionate, motivated and goal oriented Yoga Educator with a proven track record of improving flexibility, strength, stamina, focus and overall quality of life.

Expert at creative sequencing and the ability to adapt Yoga practices for varied skill levels, age groups, body types, physical conditions & ailments.

Shyla is a compassionate teacher and life-long learner, dedicated towards making a real difference in many lives utilising the power of yoga.

Stefan Engstrom Astanga Yoga  

Stefan Engström is the owner and resident teacher of the Finland Retreat.  

He has been practising Astanga Yoga since 1990, training with teachers in Europe and Australia. In 1993 he began visiting India and spending extended periods of time, learning with Pattabhi Jois, Sharat and other prominent teachers of this form of yoga.     

In 1994 he founded the Midnight Sun Ashtanga Yoga Retreat on the Island of Kadermo where he was born and now teaches at these summer retreats and workshops on a yearly basis.  

He also teaches regular classes in Helsinki and hosts workshops in Finland, Chile and Denmark.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Sue Marshall

'' I have always been fascinated with yoga since I was a child. A friend and I used to play around doing some of the poses and this desire to discover more spurred me on to take this further.

Movement has been key in my life, from gymnastics as a child to studying Dance at Laban and then also a diploma in Fitness Therapy so that I could learn more about the body and how moving can be healing in many different ways.

I have been teaching for 16 years and the discovery of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga whilst in Crete at Yoga Plus was a revelation, combining the wonderful flow of the postures was reminiscent to dance and I was hooked. I returned to Crete and did a Teacher Training with Radha and also David Swenson. I have studied Viniyoga and done a teacher training in that also and loved finding out more of the history of yoga and some of the texts especially Patanjalis Sutras.

My practice has evolved to a more vinyasa flow base and I was inspired by attending classes with Julie Martin at Brahmani Yoga in Goa and her fun and creative style of teaching.

I believe yoga should definitely be fun and have a lightness about it, if you enjoy something it inspires you take it further.

My teaching is based in the Canterbury area in Kent. Recently I was in The Gambia participating in a lighting/educational project 'Sunny Night Light and stayed at 'Footsteps' where I had the opportunity to teach some of the guests in their newly built shala.

This is a beautiful venue and I thoroughly recommend it and feel sure it will inspire anyone staying there as it has myself

Susan began her Teacher Training in 2016 with Sasha Perryman at The Cambridge Iyengar Institute. 

She certified as an Iyengar yoga Level 1 teacher in 2020.  In August 2024 she completed 200 hours of teacher training with Yoga Alliance.  She continues to learn through her students and mentors exploring the many deeper layers of yoga creating a compassionate, friendly, fun path to holistic health.

She has a love of yoga and travel and has experienced many yoga retreats/training and is now ready to share yoga on retreats in a way that is anchored in kindness, humour and a deep sense of welcome.  Her aim is to create an environment where you can let go ofyour expectations and find inner stillness that can be reached through mind, body and breath so that you feel safe to try a new challenge.

Susan's mission is to make yoga feel less intimidating and more accessible to everyone so that you can slow down, still the mind and enjoy the journey. Poses will be demonstrated and explained so that you can practice in a way that is safe for you, taking into account variable anatomy and whatever suits your energy levels that day.  Her teaching encourages home practice with tools on how the practice will support you in all stages of your life.

Morning classes will be varied, opening the body and attuning the mind to the breath.  The combination of detailed instruction and a light-hearted approach makes the class both effective and enjoyable, leaving participants feeling refreshed, aligned, and inspired.

Evening classes will be a shorter restorative class to help you unwind, relax and connect to a deep sense of inner peace.

Each session is structured in a way to suit all levels of ability and will take you further according to your own ability and understanding of the practice.  You will go home energised and revived, refreshed and relaxed with wonderful memories and new friendships.

"I am thankful for the enrichment yoga has brought to my life and enjoy sharing this wonderful 'Path to Holistic Health' with students of any age and ability."

Suzanna Brander - Hatha Yoga

I have been practising and studying yoga for 18 years and qualified as a teacher with BWY 4 years ago, since then I have taught locally in Shrewsbury where I live.

My style and method of teaching is very much focused on alignment.

I follow the Iyengar principles and use yoga props to make the postures accessible to everyone. I strongly believe a regular yoga practice builds resilience in the mind as well as the body,

It is truly a holistic way to look after yourself in today’s modern world. I like to think I inspire my students to go a little bit further each time I teach them.

I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to teach yoga, It has changed my life and I hope I can influence others to a lifelong yoga practise

The Yoga

Morning yoga will be a 2 hour practice we will include gentle sun salutations and standing poses

Evening yoga will be a 90 minute practice, focussing on restorative poses and pranayama

Creative Flow Yoga with Tanja Mickwitz

Tanja teaches a creative Hatha Flow linking movement and breath in sequences that are more or less dynamic depending on the theme and level of the class.

Since her first yoga class in 2000 Tanja has explored many different styles of yoga - the discipline and rigour of Astanga, the creativity and freedom of Vinyasa Flow, the energetics and philosophy of ParaYoga, more recently the grace and alignment of Anusara - and all these influences are reflected in her teaching.

In her classes she creates a supportive and nurturing atmosphere, encouraging students to turn inwards so they can really feel their way through the practice and make it their own.

Tanja has been teaching yoga since 2005 and is a qualified British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance teacher having completed her teacher training with The Life Centre (YogaCampus) Teacher Training Programme in 2006. She also serves as a mentor on the YogaCampus Teacher Training Programme. Her main teacher for the past six years has been Rod Stryker, founder of ParaYoga.

"I went to my first yoga class in 2000 and I will never forget how laying in savasana at the end of the class I felt like my spirit had come home, how strongly I connected to what I didn't even know I had been looking for. Yoga quickly became an important part of my life and throughout the years the teachers have been many and to all of them I am grateful.

I continue to grow and be inspired by my teachers as well as my students. I could never have dreamt of what yoga has given me in life, where the practice has taken me. Yoga gives you so many amazing tools to deal with life's continuous challenges. It also gives you the space for self-reflection which in turn prepares the ground for deep healing and transformation.

While my own yoga journey continues, it is with immense joy and a deep sense of privilege that I continue to assist others on theirs."

www.yogawithtanja.com

Hatha Yoga with Tina Abbey

Tina's fascination with the practice of yoga started over 30 years ago, at that time having no idea that yoga is a spiritual practice that has the power to quite literally change our lives.

Over time with the help and guidance of a Swami (monk) Tina began to be aware of changes not only to her body but more importantly her mind and how she was choosing to live her life in a much more positive and loving way. Then, with a serious illness she decided to take a yoga teachers training course with no intention to teach, but to develop her spiritual strengths, and whilst training realised to teach yoga was her destiny.  

Her passion for the power of the practice continues to grow and she is totally committed to passing these ancient teachings on, in a very practical and down to earth way.

Tina's classes take a slow and mindful pace, coming from the Sivananda tradition, giving the student the time to explore, feel, and to grow.

Please note: for all overseas holidays Tina prefers that her yoga students have some experience of yoga. If you are new to yoga and have very little experience please check with the Free Spirit office that the holiday is suitable for you. 

Private Weeks: If your chosen holiday is marked 'private week' then those students who go to Tina's yoga classes, or have been on yoga holidays with her before, will get priority. If this does not apply to you and you wish to join the holiday then please talk to the Free Spirit staff who will find out if it is possible to include you.

Complete beginners and the inexperienced are very welcome on Tina's weekend courses at Champneys Spa

Champneys weekends with Tina and Penny

Refining Your Asana Practice
One Weekend Two Teachers.   

Our Weekend of Cultivating Balance begins on Friday, our first class together. We will introduce ourselves, talk a little about the weekend ahead, find out if there are any requests or concerns.

This first class on Friday will give you the space to ease yourself into your asana practice after your journey to Champneys and for many the end of a busy week.

Saturday morning we will be inspired by the nature that surrounds us and enjoy a heart opening joyful practice .

Saturday afternoon taking our Yang practice for those who wish to, too a more dynamic level, which will evolve into welcoming in a gentle Yin practice towards the end.

Sunday morning practice we will bring together all of the previous classes, reflecting on what we have learnt, what we could let go of, and the possibility of bringing  more balance into our lives.
 

This weekend is for all levels.  The less experienced will be guided, reminded of the do's and don'ts.  The more experienced will have the opportunity to explore more challenging postures if they wish.  Complete beginners are advised to speak to Penny or Tina before signing up.

Tina and Penny have 40 years teaching experience between them, coming from Sivananda and Iyegar backgrounds.  The pace of the class will be dynamic but mindful.  Tina's passion is the philosophy, and the ability that the practice has to literally change one's life.  Penny's passion is bringing yoga to all, children, teens and those with injuris and sharing her love of the spirituality of yoga.

Be prepared to laugh and to groan, as they both warmly welcome you to their weekend.

Tina qualified in India and has studied Yoga and Meditation for more than 30 years. She brings a spiritual awareness into her teachings, yet with a down to earth approach. When not teaching she runs a busy health clinic in Kingston. 

Penny originally started attending yoga classes in 2000 because of a back issue and to ease the stress of working in the hotel industry. Her desire to learn more about the wonder of yoga led her to become a teacher.

Flowing Vinyasa and Yin Yoga with Tracy Mulas

Tracy is a senior 500 hr teacher, she has been teaching yoga since 2005 qualifying with fryog and completed her advanced Vinyasa style training in India.

Over the years she has trained in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Reiki and Yoga Therapy. She now teaches a yin and yang style of yoga which incorporates creative sequences of Dynamic Vinyasa/Hatha (yang) with a more passive and meditative yin style.

" I love teaching creative sequences and to open the body and to soothe the mind and spirit , my classes always suit the level of my students so can be challenging and dynamic but can also be restful and relaxing, meditation and pranayama are my favourite things to teach so these are things I will always include .

The holiday will focus on healing the mind body and spirit , through the practice of yoga, meditation, pranayama and deep healing relaxation. " 

Tracy is passionate about yoga and helping people to find their own practice therefore is happiest when she's on my mat teaching like minded souls who in return teach her.  She teaches students to become aware of their bodies, to learn to love their bodies and love their limitations. Each of us are unique and this should be embraced and celebrated.

Her classes include mediation, pranayama, deep healing relaxation, reiki /massage, vinyasa or Hatha flow,  yin yoga, and fun! We will incorporate this into the classes we have together so that you will leave spiritually , mentally , emotionally and physically restored

Morning practice will begin with meditation and pranayama (the day always begins in silence).  Moving into a more dynamic practice of Hatha Vinyasa Flow. We will build sequences and work towards a peak pose. We will then bring the energy down with some yin  passive postures releasing the muscles and getting deep into the connective tissues, fascia and joints. We will end our practice with deep healing relaxation, icorporating massage and reiki .

Evening practice will be a pure yin class, starting with meditation, using blocks and bolsters  to help to relax your target areas and focusing on meridians prana and emotions.
During the week we will also find time for some much loved partner work, yoga dancing, om bathing and lots of laughter.

Love light and laughter  - Hope to meet you on your mat

http://www.thegreenteayogi.co.uk/

FEEDBACK FROM TRACYS STUDENTS

Dear Jilly and Debbie, firstly, a big thank you for taking over this holiday week at short notice .The centre is lovely and we were all delighted to go again and be looked after so well by Richard, Betty and all the helpers we met last year. Secondly, I can't thank you enough for introducing us to Tracy Mulas .She is an inspired teacher and a really lovely person , both to work with , and to holiday with.

Hi Jilly, I just wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how much I enjoyed my recent holiday at grenadine lodge.  This was my first time traveling alone, and I was quite nervous before going.  As soon as I got to the hotel, however, I felt very welcome and included.  Tracy was excellent at accomodating the classes to suit all differant levels, and each class felt unique and fun.  I was never bored, and looked forward to each session with excitment.  She incorporated relaxation seamlessly into the practice, and really worked with both mind and body.  I'm so surprised at how quickly our group became close friends, and look forward to staying in touch with everyone.  Hope to participate in another holiday with Tracy soon!

Best,  Jamie Piekarski - June 2015

Hi Jilly, I never normally feel moved enough to write a testimonial, but I have just returned from one of your trips and wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I had at Grenadine Lodge with Tracy teaching the yoga. The whole trip was amazing, the hotel was beautifully peaceful and well kept and felt like a little sanctuary hidden away from the real world.  Aygul and her staff were so friendly and nothing was too much trouble, they made you feel more like friends and family than a guest in a hotel, which was lovely.

The star of the show though was Tracy, she is divine.  I have been a few yoga holidays before, but never have I come away feeling like I have formed a bond with someone or been so cared for.  Unfortunately I have a back injury so could not partake in much of the yoga, but I never felt excluded or that I should not be in the class.  Tracy also made the classes fun and adapted them to everybody's abilities and her meditation and relaxation in the evenings  left you feel wholesome and nourished. I was sad to leave at the end of the week, although I have taken with me some great memories and a bunch of lovely new friends. I wanted to thank you for organising the holiday and I would definitely be keen to book again for next year.  .

Kind regards Georgina - June 2015