Health & Yoga Holidays
"One of the best holidays and yoga experiences I have ever had. An amazing introduction to beautiful Turkey." Magenta. More reviews.
Introduction
These well established and popular Yoga holidays with experienced teachers offer a wide range of Yoga styles from Astanga and Hatha Yoga, to Iyengar or Yin Yoga. All offered in the natural setting of a seaside village, with forest and mountains as an idyllic backdrop. Small classes allow for individual attention and are ideal for beginners and the more experienced alike.
Lodging
Most guests stay at a friendly local hotel near the sea. It has a pool and the rooms have French windows opening onto the garden.Guests can also stay at a family-run hotel on the seafront which has a sheltered swimming pool at the back.
Both hotels have twin ensuite rooms and air-conditioning.
Location
The Yoga Centre perches on a hillside on the edge of a pine forest, amongst olive and carob trees, its garden blooming with bougainvillea and geraniums.
The nearest village is 15 minutes' walk away – a cluster of white houses in a valley of olive, citrus and fig trees. At one end of the village there are shady tea-gardens, sunbathing jetties, bars and restaurants.
The ancient town of Bodrum is 20 minutes away by minibus.
Nearest
....airport: Bodrum/Milas airport which is about 45-minute drive from the holiday centre. Conveniently, most charter flights to Bodrum are on a Monday and cost (May to Oct) between £139 and £249. Turkish Airlines fly twice daily to Bodrum changing at Istanbul. BA and EasyJet have cheap flights to Istanbul where you can take an internal flight to Bodrum. BA also flies to Izmir (from £139) from where there is an hourly bus service to the village (a 3-hour ride).
Before booking your flights please check availability and confirm your booking with us.
...swimming facilities: Paradise Bay is only a 10-minute walk away. The village beach stretches half a mile along the bay. Sea swimming is possible April through to December.
...shops: There are local markets to discover on different days of the week and shops in Bodrum are open till as late as 1am as many people go promenading in the warm evenings.
...restaurants: Some of the best restaurants on the Aegean are in the Bodrum area. You can choose from local, earthy, inexpensive restaurants or others offering seductive, chic fusion cooking.
...other attractions: Walk into Bodrum – through the forest where nomadic goatherders set up their tents, across the untouched hillsides, and down a dried river bed. In the past this was the main route into town.
Venture into a hamam, the Turkish bath. Get exfoliated with a kese and have a foam massage on the marble slab. Follow this with an oil massage to feel totally relaxed. There's a complimentary minibus service from the Yoga centre.
Cruise the Aegean for a day in a traditional Gulet. Swim in otherwise inaccessible bays of crystal clear waters.
Go diving for a day, or take a Jeep safari inland to a typical Turkish village and visit carpet weavers.
Take a day trip to the marble streets, library and theatre of Ephesus, the most intact ancient city, or to Pamukkale, the white, cotton-cascade thermal spring basins, 'Aphrodite's bathing place'.
Activities and prices
Note: All holidays run Monday-Monday and you can arrive any time after noon on the Monday. The first yoga session is usually on the Tuesday morning at 10am (following session times are decided with the teacher on the holiday). Mondays are the travelling and rest days.
NB Guests travelling on their own pay the higher price, as listed below (the cheaper price is only for those who are sharing a room with their partner or friend):
2010 programme:
| 6 Sep - 13 Sep | Hatha Yoga: Heart Opening with Michael Stewart (B) | £470/£505 |
| 13 Sep - 20 Sep | Hatha Yoga and Thai Massage with Neville Cregan (B) | £460/£495 |
| 20 Sep - 27 Sep | Okido Yoga, Walking and Shiatsu with Michael Cullingworth (S) | £440/£475 |
| 27 Sep - 4 Oct | Yoga with Awareness with Ken Eyerman (S) | £460/£495 |
| 4 Oct - 11 Oct | Okido and Flowing Yoga with Michael and Pervin Cullingworth (E) | £440/£475 |
| 11 Oct - 18 Oct | Flowing Yoga with Pervin Cullingworth (E) | £360/£395 |
Please note: programme and prices are subject to change.
Prices include: yoga tuition, accommodation for seven nights in a hotel with breakfast, all lunches and four evening meals*; exc flights and transfers.
One week excluding yoga classes: £270 (only for guests accompanying course participants).
£15 discount if you book two months in advance or have booked for this centre before.
*During yoga retreats, lunch and four evening meals will be served at the centre. Breakfast will be at the hotel. On Mondays there will be no evening meal provided as this is the travelling day. On the other two evenings, when there is no yoga class, guests tend to like to visit Bodrum.
Please remember to bring mosquito repellant, sunglasses, sun hat, protection cream, walking shoes, a torch and your yoga mat!
Most nationalities need a VISA for entry to Turkey, these can be purchased on arrival. (For British citizens it costs approx £10.)
Child policy
Young children stay free at the hotels in the parents' room and are also welcome at the yoga centre (although the last bit of stoney road up to the centre is hard work with a buggy). Older children stay half price at the hotel and pay the yoga centre a small amount for food.
There is no reliable childcare facility and unless a young child has been specially trained to accompany a yogi/yogini parent it does not usually work out.
Children of about 7 to 12 are usually fine with supervision but older children may get bored. Morning practice might be OK, but they will probably want to be taken to the beach for the rest of the day.
Green footprint
What is being done for the environment and the local community?
The yoga that is taught is a yoga of service to the community (karma yoga).The holiday centre uses small, family-run hotels, trains local women as cooks, and employs other craftsmen and assistants from the village.
Food is bought from local markets, ensuring freshness, encouraging organic production and supporting the small farmers of the region.
Conserving water is essential as it does not rain for six months of the year. Rainwater is saved and drought-resistant plants such as cactus and bougainvillea have been used in the garden.
Waste and rubbish is recycled or composted. Solar panels are used for water heating.
The holiday centre helped to campaign successfully to preserve the local wetland area as a nature park after the local government wanted to turn it into a golf course.
Guestbook
"Your service was very pleasant and courteous. Lots of help and gentle reminders were given without intrusion. On the holiday, the yoga, shiatsu, food and people were all amazing. I feel rejuvenated." Toria Lamb, nanny and student, May 10
"Your service was very helpful. The highlights of the holiday for me were the yoga (great teacher), the Bodrum Hammam, the private boat trip, and the fantastic food at the yoga centre. I felt great, very relaxed. Go with the flow. There's lots of time to relax or do activities – even if you're on your own, you can generally link up with others." A guest, Sep 09
"The highlights were the yoga, the instructor, the yoga centre itself, the hospitality from Pervin, the food, the village, the other members of my group... I felt first class on my return." Jonathan O, management consultant, Jun 09
"Yoga and teacher: brilliant. Food: out of this world. I feel so much more confident in my yoga, Neville is a wonderful teacher and has inspired me to make yoga a bigger part of my life. A lovely mix of people on the course who were all friendly, supportive and kind. Michael and Pervin, your hospitality was overwhelming (in a nice sense!). I also noticed you both took the time to make everyone feel special.” Katrina, Pikl.
"The course tutor was exceptional - found him very inspiring! The food was a real eye-opener! Not a sign of tofu, and delicious. I found the yoga setting a haven of peace and tranquility. So calming.”
“It has been a week that has surpassed my expectations. Pervin and her staff could not have done more to make this holiday special. The teacher was of a very high standard as well as the accommodation. New friends were made with a common bond. Highly recommended.”
“Everyone is so relaxed and easy-going. Turkish hospitality is second to none. You can’t feel stressed here.”
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and intimacy of the experience. I’d definitely come again.”
“An outstanding week in all respects. Pervin’s hospitality is humbling. Cannot believe how lucky I was to share the course with so many lovely people. Great company, hamam and boat trip - superb.”
“I've had a great time and feel I’ve advanced in my yoga practice. Thanks for making this possible and the generous hospitality.”
“I feel so much more relaxed and at peace with the world. The holiday has been one of the best holidays I have ever had. I certainly hope to come back.”
“I am going home totally refreshed and rejuvenated. It totally exceeded my expectations. Thank you for your wonderful generosity and hospitality!”
Why book through us?
We do not charge booking fees: you pay the same or sometimes even less than if you book direct.
We have been there and to other holidays ourselves and can give you independent advice.
We provide a quick response and a personalised service.
You will be helping us to continue spreading the word about great holidays and resorts.
About the Yoga styles and teachers
Flowing Yoga, Walking & Shiatsu with Michael Cullingworth
Michael says: "Yoga is cessation of fluctuations of the mind" says Patanjali at the beginning of the yoga sutras. Yoga means union or harmony and when your mind is at peace you can live in harmony with yourself, other people and nature.
The beginning of yoga practice is often the physical side: the desire for a body with poise and the ability to move freely, powerfully and naturally through daily life situations. This will be our starting point, practising asana to find the appropriate physical condition for whatever you want to do. Then, as we concentrate on movement and posture, breathing, energy flow and focus become clarified until we can just sit in peace and harmony.
During this yoga retreat we will practise on the terrace in the mornings. Then on 3 afternoons I will introduce you to our favourite walks across the hills and mountains of the Bodrum peninsula. On the other 3 afternoons, starting at 6 p.m., there will be pranayama and meditation.
My main yoga inspiration comes from Okido Yoga although I have studied Iyengar and love the Astanga practice. In the teaching of Japanese Master Masahiro Oki many disciplines from Zen to martial arts and oriental medicine have been blended with more traditional yoga to form a uniquely fluid and adaptable system. Within it, everyone from beginner to advanced can take each exercise to the right point for their condition and ability."
Shiatsu: Alongside yoga, Michael has been studying and practising bodywork, principally shiatsu, for 20 years in England and Japan. He is a director of the New Cross Natural Therapy Centre and teaches at the Zen School of Shiatsu in London.
Shiatsu treatments will be available on some afternoons at a special rate for course participants.
Anusara inspired Yoga with Susan Desmarais
Spring Yoga Intensive
A yoga intensive to get your body and mind aligned with the vibrancy of spring. Asana, meditation, chanting & pranayama are all a part of each daily practise. Two sessions a day, with morning practice emphasising backbending, inversions, and arm balancing. Evening sessions emphasise twisting and forward bending. All levels welcome!
"I could feel the magic that ran through the group. I know each of us will bring home something very special, maybe even life changing." Elizabeth
Healing Yoga Therapy Retreat
Delve deeply into body/mind/breath alignment, creating balanced energy. Through the conscious practice of yoga, bring awareness of how to balance the energy of the 7 chakras and the 5 elements in the body. Common areas of tension, limitations and chronic pain will be addressed through yoga therapy - allowing for more freedom and pranic flow in our bodies. Physical areas of focus: Feet, shins & thighs, pelvis, chest, shoulders & neck. Breathwork, meditation and group satsang will be practised daily to bring steadiness to the mind.
This retreat is suitable for anyone who would like to begin a healing foundation for their yoga practice, those who experience chronic pain and limitation of movement when practising yoga, and for teachers or bodywork practitioners who are interested in using therapeutics in their work.
Includes morning & afternoon yoga classes. Each session will be feature work in asanas that gradually build from the foundation (feet) up (head).
Susan's background in Japanese culture and in Buddhism brings a unique perspective to her teachings in yoga. She has had many years of training and experience in classic Hatha yoga, Sivananda, Kripalu, Scaravelli, Ashtanga and Anusara. She is an Anusara-Inspired teacher, specialising in therapeutics. Years of various personal injuries and pain have inspired Susan to share yoga in a way that is uplifting, energizing, healing, and therapeutic at the same time.
Hatha & Anusara Yoga with Michael Stewart & Todd Tesen
Simply put, 'The Ramayana' is a cornerstone in classical yoga. A gem packed with countless lessons, the tale shares the 'song of Rama', his beloved Sita, and the great Monkey God, Hanuman. As your time together unfolds, so will this great text unfold before you offering its surprises and its secrets to guide you deeper into yourself, your practice, your yoga.
Join Todd and Michael in a week or two of serious frolic as they embody all that the Ramayana promises. Todd and Michael will weave instruction and myth alike, blending the Grace and Dynamism of Anusara Yoga with the depth and introspection of Traditional Hatha Yoga.
Each day will begin with a morning practice that includes Pranayama, Mantra and Techniques of Meditation. There will be two asana practices each day (except Thursday and Saturday when there is no afternoon practice). Both practices will have a specific focus including inversions, arm balances, hip openers, twists, and backbends. Each afternoon will be open for reflection and discourse on all things yoga.
Hatha Yoga: Heart Opening with Michael Stewart
Michael J. Stewart is a Hatha Yoga teacher with a varied background. He is known internationally as a Movement facilitator, African Drumming teacher, Choreographer and Theatre director. Michael's Yoga journey has taken him from the Jivamukti studio in New York City to study with Iyengar teachers Sharat Arora and Rajiv Chenchani in India. His teaching is inspired by the spirituality of Swami Sivananda and the deep insight of Patanjali. Michael's philosophy on teaching is: "in order to be a good teacher one must be a good student". ('Pranayama, the yogic art of breathing, leads to a control of the emotions which in turn brings stability, concentration, and mental poise.' B.K.S.Iyengar.) Michael writes, "Pranayama is one of the simplest techniques to realize that there is more to us than the body, the mind, the thoughts and emotions... In this retreat setting we will begin each day with a variety of pranayama practices, some will heat you up and others will cool you down. In this process you will begin to identify which work for you and also which can benefit you during the course of your day and practice. Each of the morning sessions will begin with surya namaskars to warm, and open your body and then we journey inwards through the pathway of the majestic life-giving breath. Once you begin to experience prana your whole perspective of this life takes on a myriad of new and evigorating colours. Be still and breathe, see what there is to see."
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga with Abby Hoffman
This week's yoga retreat will be a gradual and progressive exploration of this dynamic form of yoga. Abby's background in dance and current research into dancer's training regimes inform her approach to the Astanga Vinyasa method. She is interested in finding the essence of the practice, the balance between strength and flexibility and also tailoring the practice to the needs of the individual. Her focus for the week will be to develop self awareness, compassion and to have fun!
She will teach a combination of self practice, led and technique sessions as well as incorporating meditation, pranayama and chanting.
Whilst being respectful to the lineage of Astanga Vinyasa that leads from Krishnamacharya, Abby draws from the deep well of Hatha yoga to offer tools to develop potential in each student.
Abby has a background in dance and Astanga Vinyasa yoga, gaining a BA Hons from Middlesex University in Dance Studies in 1995. She started yoga practices over 20 years ago as a student dancer and has studied with some of the world's most respected teachers from many traditions including Sri K Pattabhi Jois and one of his most senior Western teachers, John Scott. Abby's passion is for bringing the traditional teachings to life, and making them relevant for the Western mind.
Abby runs The Yoga Room in Norwich, a dedicated yoga studio, and teaches regularly in Cambridge for Camyoga: she is one of the region's most popular teachers. She is also nearing the end of her doctorate at Middlesex University which investigates the integration of yoga into dancer's training.
Enjoy practising the ancient art of yoga, a unique method for developing a healthy body and mind. The combination of asanas and breath awareness in yoga is wonderfully designed to make our body strong and supple and our mind calm and receptive.
Nick's practise is based mainly on Iyengar yoga, which emphasises precision and alignment. But he has also incorporated elements from other styles such as Astanga and Sivananda yoga.
There will usually be two classes each day of this yoga holiday. The morning session will consist of practising asanas in a dynamic and vigorous way. There will be evening practice on 4 days focussed on relaxing and restorative postures with time for pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation.
Nick is a professional yoga teacher in London. He's been practising yoga for 15 years, teaching for 8 years and holds an Iyengar yoga teaching certificate. He has studied with the Iyengar family in Pune, India, and many other teachers, including those teaching other styles. Nick has also been practising Buddhist meditation for several years and he's a musician, performing regularly in and out of London.
Flowing Yoga with Pervin Cullingworth
Yoga is first and foremost the discipline of conscious living. When we take charge of our lives we also tap into our inner potential for happiness. The primal joy which transcends the ego or personality wells up in our hearts and infuses our whole being with vibrant energy - and life. When we are in a state full of joy and life we become a healing presence in the world . . . like a high voltage spark your happiness arches across to others igniting their inner joy.
In the morning practice during this yoga retreat we will be doing inversions, balances, twists, back-bends with the addition of meditation, pranayama and relaxation. Some challenging postures will be included, not too hard and not too easy, to keep our practice fun and fascinating. As you overcome these challenges you will give your confidence a boost and you might start wondering what other impossibilities you might overcome in other areas of your life.
Pervin has worked with great teachers such as Ana Forrest, David Swenson, David Roche, Doug Keller, Dharma Mitra and teachers of Jivamukti and Okido yoga and is very grateful to them. She has done teacher training with Ana Forrest. Now her practice follows the intelligence of Forrest yoga.
For Pervin, yoga cultivates a path towards healing and transformation. Her focus is on steering you towards your next level. She will honour the level of your practice and look for the good in it.
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga with Nawajyoti & Salsa with Norberto
Ashtanga
Yoga is one the greatest disciplines of today working towards integrating mind, body and spirit. Through consistent practice horizons widen and fear lessens. The body develops an inner strength and harmony making different choices and possibilities apparent.
You will be practising ashtanga vinyasa yoga every morning. The flowing sequence of ashtanga is beautiful and allows each individual to work at their own pace. As breath and movement are coordinated so are the inner rhythms of your whole being nourished and rebalanced.
Nawajyoti has been teaching ashtanga yoga for over 17 years and has a wealth of knowledge and will be able to assist each student to deepen their practice whether you are practicing primary, intermediate or advanced series. She has studied with Sri K Pattabhi Jois, Richard Freeman, the Yoga Bharati (Yogic University) in Bihar and with Sri Sri Satyananda, the silent sage, of Chennai.
She now lives and teaches in France and also runs yoga teacher training courses in the UK.
Salsa
The rhythm of the earth, vibrant, sultry and above all fun. Salsa is extremely popular right now and that is not really surprising. Dancing in couples, or individually salsa makes you feel alive, loosens up your body and develops an open heart. There will be a salsa class most afternoons.
Norberto has been teaching salsa for over 20 years. Born in Cuba he has organized and choreographed many shows. His parents were also great dancers and Norberto says he started dancing in his mother's womb and the rhythms pulse in his veins. He recently moved to France where he has now set up a dance school to promote the art of salsa. He has a real love for salsa and is a brilliant teacher. Rest assured that he will get you moving!
Hatha Yoga & Thai Yoga Massage with Neville Cregan
This yoga holiday is suitable for anyone regardless of experience. Hatha Yoga starts with the body in an essentially practical way accessible to anyone. The postures (Asana) provide a framework to explore many aspects of ourselves with resultant benefits on our physical and mental health. Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can enjoy greater freedom of movement and feel lighter on many levels through Yoga. If we approach our Yoga practice in a light non aggressive way, it should become something we can look forwards to doing.
The morning sessions will be practical posture based sessions giving a grounding in the principles of movement in Yoga relating to gravity, breath and the spine. Yoga is process orientated rather than goal orientated and with this in mind we will safely and creatively explore our limitations and possibilities in a wide range of postures. More advanced work will be possible for those with experience.
In the shorter afternoon sessions we will explore a range of breathing practices (Pranayama), simple meditation, and the psychological and spiritual perspective of Yoga.
In general there will be plenty of time for sunbathing, swimming, exploring the surrounding area and local culture, and to practice the seemingly endangered art of hanging out.
Neville has taught Yoga for 12 years in a wide variety of contexts. His primary influences have been the work of Vanda Scaravelli, Dona Holleman and in particular recently Donna Farhi. He is also a practitioner in Thai Massage and Reflexology. He lives in Totnes, Devon where he is being brought up by his two young sons.
Neville has been leading yoga holidays in Gölköy since 2003.
Thai Massage and Reflexology will be available on the course with the treatments priced separately.
Yoga with Awareness with Ken Eyerman
Ken Eyerman is a trained practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method with 30 years experience of Yoga & Bodywork. He will bring his wealth of learning to this weeks' unique blend of dynamic flowing yoga with gentle inner sensing Feldenkrais movement awareness lessons. 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. This yoga retreat is suitable for all levels and consists of two classes a day. The morning class will be dynamic and flowing and the afternoons improvised, developmental and restorative, bringing in the body of knowledge of the Feldenkrais Method.
Ken Eyerman is an American based in London since 1980. His main Yoga influences are Derek Ireland, an astanga teacher, and Angela Farmer, an early student of Iyengar. He attended his first London Feldenkrais training in 1987 after the publication of his book 'Massage'.
Since this time Ken has developed his own style of teaching, bridging the space between the dynamic power of Astanga and the gentle understated, spiraling Feldenkrais movements. Ken teaches his unique Yoga with Awareness Holidays internationally and has been leading yoga retreats in Gölköy since 2001.
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.
The Freestyle Yoga Project - dynamic vinyasa yoga with Mark Freeth
UK-based Mark Freeth has been practising yoga for 14 years and teaching full-time for nine. For most of that time, he's been an astanga vinyasa man, but over the last couple of years he's been experimenting and playing with the practice, and looking outside of the 'astanga box', especially after having been influenced by the Kula Yoga Project in NYC and Edward Clark of Tripsichore Yoga. He eventually founded 'The Freestyle Yoga Project', focusing on encouraging students to explore further what their bodies and minds are capable of without any particular allegiance to one form of yoga or another. Mark considers his practice and teaching to be dymanic vinyasa yoga, with special emphasis on vinyasa krama - the linking of breath and movement-related postures towards a particular end - whether it be handstands, leg-behind-head or that elusive jump-back/jump-thru. All of which leads to an informal, but challenging vibe from an experienced and inspirational instructor. All are welcome, - whatever yogic discipline you come from. But bear in mind, we will be working hard. Bring an open mind, childlike courage and a sense of humour!
"Yoga has thousands of postures and numerous breathing exercises. The various schools and styles complicate this further by adding their own approach. Each teacher then modifies this even further by their own interpretation. But there are principles that are common to each posture and each style of yoga. Once you can understand these principles it will help you to cut through the confusion that modern yoga can present.
The word yoga means integration, joining or bringing things together. It starts with the postures. Once you can see the principles that link the postures you can approach any posture or variant of that posture and you can achieve a certain understanding even if you've never done it before.
What I would like to achieve during this week is to impart some of that knowledge and understanding so that you are in tune with the underlying principles that govern them. I will cover most of the basic postures and hopefully shed some new light on them. The main class will run from 10am to 1pm leading into lunch. In the early evening around 5pm there will be a session of meditation. I want this to be very much a Yoga holiday rather than an intensive retreat.
My main background is in the Iyengar system but I have also studied other styles such as Astanga Vinyasa, Scaravelli and Shandor yoga. I have been practising yoga since 1985 and teaching since 1993. I currently teach in London, both in group classes and privately."
