Ulpotha
“What makes this place so special is the beautiful natural setting, the gentleness of the local people, the delicious food, the ambience.” Gloria Siegert. More reviews.
Introduction
The 'Best Yoga Retreat in the World' (Observer magazine), Ulpotha is a beautiful private hideaway open to guests for part of the year. Attracting some of the world's top yoga teachers, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
In keeping with the laid-back atmosphere, the twice daily yoga classes are inclusive but optional. Each guest is also treated to a weekly pampering massage, or can pay a bit extra for daily Ayurveda treatments.
At Ulpotha the most popular activity is simply being, enjoying the exquisite surroundings and the company of your hosts and fellow guests. Days can be spent sunbathing or snoozing in hammocks, watching the mango-eating monkeys and diving kingfishers, hiding out in a treehouse, hiking up to the local monastery, cycling to the village, swimming or kayaking on the huge lake. Evening is usually announced by a stunning sunset and a communal meal laid out in the ambalama or traveller's rest. At the end of the day, you will inevitably fall soundly asleep to a frog lullaby.
Lodging
Traditional adobe huts with raised rooms and a pitched roof of thatch palm fronds. These beautiful huts are spacious and airy and equipped with comfortable beds and mosquito nets. They are decorated with traditional furnishings and designs. When you return to your hut from a swim in the lake, a massage or yoga session you will often find that fresh floating flowers have been placed in a bowl of water by the entrance. Huts have views of the luscious paddy fields or gardens.
The food is simply delicious and very healthy. It is almost entirely vegan, naturally wheat free, with an abundance of fresh vegetables, organic red rice and tropical fruit freshly picked from the gardens on site. A good opportunity to detoxify your system without fuss. There are always many different dishes served at each meal and you can easily pick and choose from those depending on your taste or dietary requirements.
The water at Ulpotha is drinkable - Ulpotha means water source and there are several wells with uncontaminated water.
Feeling peckish? Drop into the 'Kade' hut on site where food is offered any time of the day: choice of tropical fruit or baked things, sweet or savoury; or request a fresh king coconut drink.
Location
Ulpotha is a traditional working village cradled on the one side by low mountains and a lotus ringed lake, and on the other by tiny emerald green paddy fields. The huts are dotted amongst the garden and jungle. Bicycles are available to explore the nearby village (20 min).
Here you are off the beaten track yet in the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Ulpotha lies conveniently close to the ancient sites. It is also only a two-hour drive from the popular hill country town of Kandy.
Nearest
...swimming facilities: the huge lotus ringed lake on site with it's silky water, which is fed by the natural spring from the local mountain.
...shops: a small casual shop on site selling sarongs and a selection of tops, bags, purses and other textiles. The nearest village with stalls and 'supermarkets' is about 20 min by bike. The tailor from that village will come to you and sew simple clothes on request.
...restaurants: The next village offers take-away, traditional Sri Lankan string hoppers etc made from rice flour, about 20 min bike ride away. Though you are unlikely to desire them as you are well catered for at Ulpotha.
...other attractions: One excursion per week is offered. Local places of interest include: the lion rock of Mount Sigiriya, the Dambulla rock temple, ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the latter with the famous reclining Buddha.
...airport: Colombo International airport, Sri Lanka. A driver from the resort will collect you at whatever time you arrive. The transfer journey takes about 3 hours depending on traffic. Note that due to time difference and journey time your flight will depart the day before the day of arrival.
Activities and prices
Ulpotha is open for 15 fortnightly periods between June and August and from November till March. Between these times it is closed to allow the village time to revert to its natural state between visits. There is a maximum of only 19 places for guests per holiday.
Summer 2010:
| 13 Jun - 27 Jun | Dhamma Yoga with Mithila Ubayasekara |
| 27 Jun - 11 Jul | Astanga Vinyasa Yoga with Alistair Francis and Nicole Griffin |
| 11 Jul - 25 Jul | Dynamic Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Sam Cunningham |
| 25 Jul - 8 Aug | Hatha Yoga with Sarah Smith |
| 8 Aug - 29 Aug | Anusara Yoga with Rajeev Kahn |
Winter 2010/11:
| 7 Nov - 21 Nov | Mindfulness and Yoga Retreat with Ven. Yogavacara Rahula |
| 21 Nov - 5 Dec | Hatha Yoga with Maitreyi |
| 5 Dec - 19 Dec | Fluid Hatha Yoga with Deepa Moodgal |
| 19 Dec - 2 Jan | Hatha Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Nigel Gilderson |
| 2 Jan - 16 Jan | Dynamic Hatha Yoga and Pranayama Intensive with Stephen Thomas |
| 16 Jan - 30 Jan | Closed Group (with Stephen Thomas) |
| 30 Jan - 13 Feb | Iyengar Yoga with Lorraine McConnon |
| 13 Feb - 27 Feb | Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Mika |
| 27 Feb - 13 Mar | Hatha Yoga teacher with Rachel Auburn |
| 13 Mar - 27 Mar | TBC |
| 13 Mar - 27 Mar | Closed group |
Please note, the above schedules may be subject to change.
Prices (fixed in dollars) - per person:
one-week holidays cost $1250 (approx £857); two-week holidays cost $2500. The per night rate is $185.
The Christmas/New Year holiday costs $3000 (approx £2058) for two weeks; or $1500 for one week, where available. At Christmas/New Year the per night rate is $220.
Prices are on a full board, twin sharing basis* (doubles available on request), inclusive of optional twice daily yoga, herbal steam baths, one consultation with the ayurvedic doctor, one holistic massage per week (extra massage $50, subject to availability), guided walks within Ulpotha and to the neighbouring temple, and transport to one one-day excursion (plus another half-day excursion if you stay for two weeks).
Flights, transfers, entrance tickets to sites and food/drinks during the excursions are extra.
Guests are encouraged to visit for a fortnight with bookings running (ideally) from Sunday to Sunday.
Personalised Ayurveda treatment packages are available separately - see below.
*Most guests are happy to share and will be matched up with another guest. If you really prefer your own space, there may be a limited number of single huts available (not at Christmas/NewYear), subject to a supplement of $500 per week.
Returning guests are entitled to a 20% discount on all holidays of one week or more.
Ayurveda Treatment Programmes
The Ayurveda Treatment Programmes are charged for separately and need to be pre-booked (via 0844 888 5050; holidays@nealsyardagency.com) as capacity is limited: five-day programmes cost $300 per person; one week costs $400; ten days $600; two weeks $800; three weeks $1200; four weeks $1600.
Ayurveda has been used for health and wellbeing for over 5000 years. It can complement modern medicine. Ayurveda treats the body, mind and spirit of a person as a whole entity, and works on the basis that the mind and body affect each other and together can overcome disease and strengthen the immune system.
A one- or two-week programme can be very beneficial for general rejuvenation or a gentle detox. Allow two weeks or more for deeper health benefits.
The resident doctor will offer consultations at the beginning and the end of the holiday. Treatments are prescribed for each guest individually, including head, face and body oil massage; herbal baths or steam baths; freshly prepared herbal medicines and elixirs.
Note: The Ayurvedic doctor requests that guests allow at least two days to acclimatise in the country before commencing any treatment.
More background info on Ayurveda.
Child Policy
Children are very welcome and, in general, enjoy the freedom that Ulpotha offers immensely, however there are no special facilities.
Children can stay for free if they share a bed with an adult. If they need to occupy a separate bed then Ulpotha charges half price for under 16s; full price for over 16s (as they have limited accommodation). Two kids sharing one bed will be charged 50 per cent each. No cots etc are available.
Green Footprint
What is being done for the environment and the local community?
The focus has been on restoration of an ageless agricultural way of life including bio-diverse organic farming and reforestation of the land and its immediate surroundings. Revenue from guests holidaying at Ulpotha are spent supporting the local community. In addition, the village operates and supplies a free, year round Ayurvedic clinic treating around 100 local villagers a week.
Guestbook
"Ulpotha is the perfect place to unwind, recharge your batteries, and restore your health in mind, body and spirit without the interferences of the modern world. ...a haven of tranquility, a real sanctuary of healing that attracts some very creative, spiritual and like-minded people."
Julia Edwards, Nov 09
"Thanks for putting the Ulpotha holiday together, had a great time and one day I hope to return to the place. I found your information comprehensive and particularly appreciated Ulrike's personal recounts of her own time spent in Ulpotha, it makes a difference listening to someone's experience rather being pushed a marketing blurb. Your service was excellent and speedy."
Patrick M, Aug 09
"Ulpotha is a sort of paradise - a beautiful place, fabulous weather, stylish, great service and fantastic food, swimming in the lake, yoga, and a great group of people. And occasional outings by bike to enjoy a cold Sprite. I returned happy, relaxed, healthy and fit. Tip: If you want to do the ayurvedic programme book in advance." Helen A, Mar 09
“This is a place of balance, harmony and peace, and we have experienced all three with profound effect. A magical and wonderful place. Thank you to all the people who have shown us nothing but kindness and gentleness.”
Lisa B, Jul 05
“A conduit to well-being, higher consciousness and new friends in a paradisical environment. Thanks to the beautiful people who make it all work.”
Robin, Jul 05
“...walking up the steps and seeing the lake for the first time is a picture I'll always remember.”
Kate, Jul 05
“The Ayurveda treatment I had was wonderful… such a wonderful experience and each day was different – from a massage with a small amount of oil to litres of oil being poured over me and then baked in their steamer. It was a wonderful cleansing process and I would recommend it. I did feel absolutely wonderful afterwards and I don't think my skin will ever quite feel as soft and moisturised is it did that week. Thank you so much for a magical, healing time in a very, very special place. The dilemma is whether to go back and tell everybody how amazing this utopia is or whether to try to keep it a secret so that it will always remain as it is. Thank you.”
Mary F, Jul 05
“One of the most beautiful and untouched places I have ever been on Earth. The perfect place to be.”
Paula, Jan 05
“This is undoubtedly the most beautiful place I have ever been.”
Penny S, Jan 05
“This is paradise on earth, and I will never forget it.”
Lisa S, Jan 05
“It's rare to find an environment that exudes harmony in every respect.”
Caroline, Dec 04
“I feel like I got to feel Sri Lanka from the ground up here. This place will stay in my heart.”
Scott B, Dec 04
Yoga Teachers
Rachel Auburn
Formerly a fashion designer, and very much part of the 1980s' creative explosion of artists, musicians and performers, Rachel then went on to become an international DJ and music producer.
Through the discovery of Innergy Yoga Centre in London's Notting Hill, with Fausto Maria Dorelli, and along with a strong interest in teachings of J. Krishnamurti, Rachel then made the gradual transition towards becoming a Sivananda trained yoga teacher. Rachel is now a full-time yoga teacher, teaching internationally and corporately, as well as in gyms around West London.Drawing from a wide range of traditions: Sivananda, Iyengar, Jivamukti and Anusara, and with life experience, Rachel teaches a flowing Hatha class with an emphasis on following the breath, awareness of breath in the Asana. Including breathing exercises and Kriya's (Kapalabati), weaving in meditation, and practise of awareness, according to level and context.
Rachel will offer a stronger morning practice of more flowing Asana, with emphasis again on breath and body synchronisation. Evening classes will be gentler, restorative with meditation techniques such as Trataka (gazing at an object, flame, etc) becoming the beginning of a personal meditation practice.
Classes are suitable for all levels.
Jo Bowlby
Jo Bowlby is a western shaman with a practice based in London. Over the past 20 years she has trained in and studied many spiritual and non-spiritual disciplines from Eastern martial arts and Yoga to contemporary psychotherapy and NLP counselling.
For the last few years Jo has been studying with Dr Alberto Villoldo, founder of the Four Winds Institute learning the energy healing tecniques of the Q'ero (the mountain Shaman of Peru) and the teachings of both the Laika (Inca wisdom keepers) and some of the traditions of the Native American medicine men and women.
Jo has received the full rites of the Inka Shaman in Peru from the Q'ero elders.
The workshop is based on the wisdom teachings and energy medicine of the Q'ero, the Inca shaman of Peru. Jo teaches some of the key ancient techniques used in Shamanic Healing from sand paintings to soul retrievals, including simple energy practices which can be incorporated into one's day to day life.
Sandra Callender
Sandra Callender is an artist at heart. Her passion for the creative is inspired by 15 years of study and teaching in the healing art and science of yoga. A former resident and Programme Director at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts, Sandra taught yoga and self-growth programs in addition to training aspiring yoga teachers. Her love of yoga has prompted her to study with master teachers, including a year of study in Florence, Italy where she explored the work of Vanda Scaravelli. Sandra's teaching style encourages an awareness of alignment with a heart-centred focus. Students of all levels are welcome.
Sandra's work is informed by a lifetime of exploration in movement, bodywork and dance. Her knowledge and understanding of the body is grounded in 18 years of ballet training, in addition to certifications in Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Kripalu Bodywork and DansKinetics.
In addition, Sandra is a Gestalt therapist specializing in women's health and fertility. Sandra creates community art installations using the universal elements of the Mandala and Yantra, in addition to leading yoga inspired retreats in exotic places like Bali and Tuscany, as well as closer to home in rural Ontario and the beautiful shores of Canada's Maritime Provinces.
Granville Cousins
Granville has been practising Yoga for 30 years - 17 of them devoted to teaching. His Iyengar background has been enhanced by his time practising with BKS Iyengar at the Ramamani Institute in Pune, India. He has been inspired to study with well known and respected Yogis such as Derek Ireland, Radha and David Swenson. Although Granville is recognized as one of the foremost Astanga teachers in the country, he is increasingly being drawn to the traditional practices of the ancient yogis. Granville places great importance on classical Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation which has led him to develop his dynamic yogAsana - a series of integrated asanas brought together in a flowing sequence concentrating on meditative awareness.
His wide expertise enables all students to move confidently through his Yoga sessions ensuring everybody can develop their practice safely and with awareness. Granville's yoga holidays are lead in a friendly and relaxed way, with many yoga students returning year after year.
Sam Cunningham
Sam Cunningham began practising Dynamic and Astanga Vinyasa yoga in 1994 with Godfrey Devereux at The Life Centre, London. In 2000 she practised with Sri BNS Iyengar and Sharath Ragaswamy. In 2001 she completed the teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in India which led her to the US; living, teaching and practising at the Sivananda Ashram and Centres throughout California. Back in London she assisted and trained, specialising in Pre-Natal Yoga with Lynne Pinette. In 2006 Sam completed Richard Freeman's Astanga Teachers Intensive.
Sam continues to practise with Richard Freeman whenever possible and enjoys regular practice at Jivamukti London. Sam has studied Vipassana meditation and now practices Tibetan Buddhist Meditation.
She has also trained in the Healing Art of Thai Yoga Massage.
Devaki
Devaki has been practising yoga for 26 years. In 1998 she undertook a teacher training course in the Sivananda Ashram in India. She teaches in London and in Sri Lanka where she now lives with her family. Her teachings "offer us techniques to become aware, to expand and penetrate, and to change and evolve in order to become competent in the lives we live and to initiate sensitivity and receptivity towards one life of which we are still only dimly aware. We begin at the level of the physical body, the aspect of ourselves that is most concrete and accessible to all of us. It is here that asana (yoga position) and pranayama (breathing technique) practice allow us to understand our body with ever greater insight and through the body to understand our mind and reach our soul."
Florence Dugowson
Florence is both a teacher and therapist. Originally trained by Gerard Arnaud in Paris, Florence has broadened her knowledge of different yoga styles through first-hand experience of the various disciplines taught by the many teachers who have worked at Ulpotha over the years. She has also completed another teacher training in Mysore, India.
Flo teaches in Paris, mainly on a one-to-one basis and to small groups. As a bodyworker too she feels it is important to keep her eyes and hands on her students. She adapts her class intensity to students' needs and embraces the wide range of practices that yoga offers, from dynamic Vinyasa flow to the stillness of Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, and meditation. She uses Iyengar as the basis for her flowing breath-driven yoga which connects both to the inner self and to yogic principles. Interested in the link between the Ayurvedic system and yoga, Flo explores the therapeutic effects of a practice lived from within, using the breath as a tool through the Nadis to create movement where energy and matter have become stagnant. She enjoys teaching yoga as a pleasurable and liberating healer of body and soul.
Claire Farman
Claire has been practising yoga for 20 years. For the past 6 years she has been teaching, inspired by healing herself through yoga after a serious back injury. The yoga she teaches is Hatha based with a strong emphasis on meditation and spiritual awareness. Her classes accommodate both the beginner and more advanced student, leading to greater flexibility, strength and stamina for both body and mind. She teaches at Tri Yoga and Holmes Place in West London and specialises in developing private yoga practices to suit individual needs. She is also a qualified classical homoeopath and bodyworker.
Angus Ford-Robertson
Angus Ford-Robertson has been teaching Hatha yoga since 2000.
His contemporary and philosophical style draws on many diverse teachings including Sivananda, Iyengar, Scaravelli, Schiffman and some more dynamic disciplines. His practice is based on experience rather than theory; and is supported by a deep personal understanding of the healing process. His passion for yoga is in leading students to discover their stillness within.
Alistair Francis
Alistair's passion is Ashtanga Yoga. Alistair has over 600 hours of formal yoga training (including prenatal and kids yoga) and finds that a deep knowledge of yoga philosophy has allowed him to embrace change without trepidation. In his continual search for holistic knowledge Alistair has trained as an Ayurvedic Therapist and has a growing practice in North London. Alistair is a dedicated Ashtanga Yogi, and enjoys not only assisting other committed yogis with their practices, but also helping complete beginners start on their path with this great practice.
Nicole Griffin
Nicole primarily teaches either Astanga or a Dynamic Vinyasa style, bringing the subtleties of energetics and effects to bear. Her Shadow yoga and Iyengar yoga experiences bring that acute sense of awareness, whereas the daily Astanga practice releases the mind and brings fluidity. Nicole practices and teaches with a very simple philosophy of on lightness on the mat. You do the work, you love the practice unconditionally and you smile - especially when it's hard. For her, the practice is a personal discovery of both the physical and emotional body. A practice that facilitates growth and acceptance. A practice that lives and breathes and changes.
Alistair & Nicole
Alistair and Nicole met in Thailand two years ago when Alistair was assisting an Astanga workshop. Their enthusiasm for life and devotion to the practice has made them inseparable ever since. They have a playful attitude towards the practice of Ashtanga which is balanced by the strict observance of the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Their programme will include: an Astanga based class every day for all levels, beginners to seasoned practitioners. Alistair and Nicole will alternate the teaching, offering both led and mysore style classes if needed; an afternoon class of gentle Hatha Vinyasa or restorative yoga followed by a meditation; other afternoon sessions may include yoga theory and discussions regarding the practice of yoga along with sessions. An inroduction to Ayurveda and an understanding of self-healing will also form a part of the afternoon sessions.
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Nigel Gilderson
Nigel has been teaching Astanga Yoga internationally for the past 9 years which he now combines with Hatha Yoga. His background is in physical education. He has trained in the Sivananda tradition and in the Astanga Vinyasa tradition with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore. This combined with his experience of Tai Chi, massage and healing give his teaching a unique flow, enhancing strength, flexibility, concentration and vitality. Pranayama breathing will also be taught. Nigel is a practising Buddhist and interested participants will have the opportunity to chant together each day after the morning class.
Jean Hall
Jean Hall teaches Astanga Vinyasa Yoga and Dynamic Hatha Flow in London and on international workshops. Jean's classes deeply integrate alignment of the Iyengar Yoga style with the flow of the Astanga Vinyasa Yoga Series. She also incorporates pranayama (breathing technique), meditation and yoga nidra (yoga relaxation & sleep). She has been practising yoga for 17 years, starting the practice as complementary training to her profession as a performer and dance artist. In 1995 she became a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher and since has continued to study other yoga forms in India (Sivananda in Kerala, Astanga with Pattahbi Jois in Mysore). She teaches all levels.
Annoushka Hempel
Annoushka has been studying and practising different schools of Asana Yoga for the last 18 years, including Astanga, Iyengar, Sivananda Yoga and more recently particularly inspired by Scaravelli. She is also a qualified teacher of Kundalini Yoga.
Bridget Woods Kramer
Bridget began her yoga practices in India in 1975 and embarked on an intense programme of study to become a senior teacher and teacher trainer. She has concentrated on teaching since 1988 and her style of dynamic Yoga has evolved from time spent teaching and studying with the many visiting Yoga masters at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, considered to be one of the USA's most authentic and ground-breaking schools.
Bridget is Anusara's UK representative and main certified Anusara teacher having studied with John Friend, the founder of the Anusara school of Yoga since 1994. Bridget travels all over Europe giving Anusara immersion workshops, Teacher training's, and in depth study courses. Anusara Yoga is a uniquely intergrated approach to Hatha Yoga in which the art of the human spirit is powerfully blended with the science of bio-mechanics. Anusara means 'Flowing with grace (going with the flow) following your heart.
Bridget launched the world renowned and ground breaking day spa The Sanctuary in Covent Garden.
Bridget is known for her dynamic style of teaching with close attention to alignment detail.
Anusara Yoga Teacher certification, Anusara Teacher Trainer, Siddha Yoga Hatha Yoga certification Level 1, Siddha Yoga Hatha Yoga certification Level 2, Yoga Works Teacher, IDEA (ACE) Fitness Teacher Training, International Yoga Alliance affiliate.
Amanda Latchmore and Paola Ceccarelli
Amanda and Paola first met at Ulpotha nine years ago. Their love of yoga, and other stuff to do with body and soul, made them firm friends and kindred spirits. They are delighted to be returning in 2009 as co-teachers. Their teaching is underpinned by a deep knowledge of the body: Amanda's through her training in Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy and Paola's through her training as an Osteopath.
Morning yoga class will be led by either Paola or Amanda, while the other teacher makes subtle adjustments to help students find greater integrity in their asana. Amanda and Paola will take turns to lead the class - changing after a few days.
The morning classes will begin with breath awareness and gentle warm ups, leading to dynamic and flowing vinyasa sequences, finishing sequences and savasana.
Evening Yoga will include restorative poses, pranayama and meditative practices.
Amanda began practising yoga over 35 years ago and has been teaching since 1997. She runs classes in Harrogate, and workshops and teacher trainings throughout the UK. Her aim is to help students develop embodied awareness and greater ease of movement. To this end Amanda creatively incorporates her studies of Body-Mind Centering® and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga into a flowing vinyasa form. Qualifications include: Integrative Bodywork and Movement Education Diploma. British Wheel of Yoga Teaching Diploma. Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Certification with Donna Farhi.
Paola has been teaching yoga since 2001, after training with Yogaarts in Byron Bay. She has studied with Matthew Sweeny, Glenn Ceresoli and Clive Sheridan in Australia and India and attended several workshops with some of the most renowned yoga teachers. She continues to study with John Stirk in London. She teaches both a dynamic and a gentle and therapeutic approach to suit the needs of the students. Paola is also a qualified osteopath and her approach draws from structural, cranial and visceral techniques while incorporating elements of energy healing and Chinese acupuncture and medicine. Drawing from her osteopathy training, yoga and meditation practices her aim is to help students and patients to restore ease, function and health to their bodies and to move from a place of awareness and inner rest. She very much believes that the seriousness and discipline of the physical and spiritual practice of yoga should always be embraced with lightness, fun and compassion. Qualifications include: Yoga teacher training, YogaArts Byron Bay, B.Ost British School of Osteopathy, London, Foundation Diploma in Classical Osteopathy, ICO, Maidstone, Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, Sutherland Cranial College, Foundation Course in Syndrome Acupuncture.
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Tracy Lee Jackson
Dynamic Hatha Yoga with Tracy is slower and deeper with more time spent on preparation, building core strength so that you can find your way into traditional yoga poses with ease and grace. The class is not just an instructional set of poses that you perform with the intention of specific achievement, but rather an often spontaneous exploration into who we are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for no particular reason at all. The result is a playful, often relaxed atmosphere of serious self enquiry - but without the pressure of finding answers. After all, answers are inherent in the questioning.
Tracy's compassionate and focussed teaching style communicates easily to her students, her passion is for "existential bridges", the spaces between one moment to the next. Practicing hatha yoga embodies this philosophy in a very tangible way and shines a light on the "road home" - or self realization.
The level of physical practice is challenging and dynamic, but no previous experience is required. Tracy has recently completed a course with Teach Yoga, specializing in Yoga for Pregnancy.
Tracy has learned from some of the best yoga teachers around the world since 1995 and continues to practice with teachers including Leela Miller, David Swenson, Dharma Mittra, Sarah Powers and Max Strom. Her current teacher is the amazingly talented and enlightened Jonathan Monks, creator of YogaMonks.
Aside from the two yoga classes daily, Tracy will be on hand to answer your questions in groups, or if you prefer individually, throughout the holiday.
Esther Jones
Esther trained with The Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Centre in India and established the first school of yoga in Palolem, South Goa. She is also a fully qualified Yoga Therapist, adapting yoga to help people with health challenges. Esther's 10 years of extensive experience and knowledge of yoga allows her to easily adapt, adjust and accommodate all levels of abilities, encouraging and nurturing the individual to gain confidence not only in their yoga practices but also in themselves.
Rajeev Kahn
Rajeev Kahn, a Chicago native, first stepped into the flow of yoga in 1996. An instructor since 2002, he has taught Anusara Yoga workshops and classes in several U.S. states as well as London, Barcelona, Victoria, and Paris. His instruction balances analytical and humorous approaches to express the art and science of asana. He studies extensively with silent monk Baba Hari Dass, Anusara founder John Friend, and other senior teachers across the U.S., Canada, Thailand and India. Rajeev moved to Paris in 2007 where he teaches at Rasa Yoga Rive Gauche and The O.E.C.D. He is a Master's candidate at the Université de Paris VIII (Arts de la Scène) holding a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (cum laude) from Marlboro College and The School for International Training in Vermont.
Will Lane
Will Lane has been teaching yoga for five years and is accredited through the British Wheel of Yoga.
His style is to look at the needs of the individual and modify a posture accordingly to wake up the body and energy; to dismantle patterns of holding and re-discover natural spontanious breath. Doing the perfect posture is not so important as the awareness with which we move into and out of it.
Will teaches in a number of venues in Surrey and Hampshire, including Cannons and Holmes Place health clubs and two schools. He also teaches one-to-one, in an office and runs a private class. In addition he co-teaches on the Inner Yoga Trust foundation course (Hampshire).
Gingi Lee
Gingi's teaching philosophy is to inform and enable his students to benefit from a regular astanga vinyasa practice. He is a very open-minded and generous teacher believing that yoga is a living, growing knowledge that evolves throughout our life. Developing the meditative and spiritual side of yoga, students will benefit from his years of study and self-practice in this area.
From an early age, Gingi began his Tai Chi studies under the tutelage of his father, Sensei Richard Taibong Lee. Since the early 1990s, through his meeting and studying with Derek Ireland, Gingi has dedicated himself to the astanga vinyasa practice.
Gingi is director of the Sangam Yoga Centre in South London.
Lorraine McConnon
Lorraine first studied with BKS Iyengar in 1986; she has been practising yoga since the age of 16 and studies and teaches both at home and abroad. Her teaching manner is warm yet precise, informed with the knowledge of over 20 years' teaching experience teaching yoga to many people from different walks of life, including schoolchildren, the corporate sector, the Metropolitan police, and trainee and qualified yoga teachers. Lorraine has also contributed to several yoga magazine.
Maitreyi
Yogacharini Maitreyi is a Practical Mystic and the Founder of Arkaya. She is originally from India and was invited to be on the advisory board of the World Yoga council in Europe in 2006. She also received the Yoga Chemmal (Expert) award in India in 2007. She has founded a trust for slum children in India that inspires people to love and honour mother nature and life through its various activities. She devotes several months each year to teaching dedicated yoga teachers in Vancouver, where she lives. Yogacharini Maitreyi teaches Classical Yoga which is both gentle and deep. It rebalances one's physical, emotional and mental systems and realigns them with one's harmonious consciousness. It creates many attitudinal shifts and incorporates a broader perspective of life. The Classical yoga she teaches incorporates hatha as well as raja yoga principles. It realigns and detoxifies the system. The physical and pranic (energy) practices are progressive so that the system is not overloaded. It is a step by step practical approach to healing and accessing one's potential.
Mika
Mika started yoga at aged 21 with Baptiste Marceau, one of France's foremost Astanga teachers, who was later to become a good friend and mentor.
Mika was a musician at that time, though yoga had such a pull for him that he left Paris a year and a half later to concentrate on teaching. Many people were asking for private classes, so he started to travel the world, from New York to Israel to give classes. In 2002 he met a swami in India who offered to teach him. For the next 3 years he travelled between Paris and Rishikesh in India. For the last 2 years Mika has been teaching classes in Paris and continuing with his private classes.
Deepa Moodgal
Deepa has been practising yoga for over 11 years, and has studied under the guidance of some of the most renowned yoga teachers in the world. She offers gratitude to her immediate teachers Shiva Rea and Emma Henry who continue to inspire her along her yoga path and also to her students and
friends for their continued support and encouragement.
Deepa's classes are strong yet nurturing - she encourages her students to connect with their true feelings by breathing and staying present so that they can begin to transform habitual patterns in their lives subtly. In a class she will often work with the energy that her students present to her rather than towards a specific structure or routine.
Deepa firmly believes that yoga is a universal path, it is much more than movement on the mat, she encourages her students to take their movements and breath into everday life so that they are able to embody the flow of living and overcome challenges that they may be faced with. She offers her practice and study of yoga to everyone, she believes that yoga is a beautiful and invaluable gift for us all.
Anoushka Pletts
Anoushka has a strong Sivananda foundation but since qualifying 3 years ago she has undergone intensive training to explore her own beliefs of yoga as a human movement system. She has been taught by Shiva Rea, Suzy Daw and Jane Farrimond, all of whom have provided different takes on possible yoga approaches. She has then synthesised this knowledge which is currently imbedded with other schools of human movement such as Dahn Yoga to create her own unique and eclectic solution.
She has developed a unique approach to the postures by working closely with personal trainer Tom Marien of One Personal Training, Steve Clifford of Pulsing Massage and through reading about the different approaches to static vs. dynamic stretching. This physiological and anatomical knowledge has enabled her to create an approach based on 'isolated ballistic and dynamic movements' which through regular use transforms the body's flexibility beyond any human movement solution she has ever worked with.
Class structure: Anoushka uses themes at the start of every class to give her students a tangible journey. Each class then revolves around the theme to demonstrate the versatility of yoga as a means of raising consciousness both in body and mind. She engages the mind by gently introducing theory and psychological tools to deepen the understanding obtained through the physical body. One can expect to see flip charts in her classes yet this does not leave you feeling baffled but rather enlightened given her ability to simplify theoretical reasoning. This is the intelligent answer to yoga made accessible to everyone. She ends her classes with reflective goal setting when the mind/body connection is at its strongest so individuals can start to identify what it is that really matters in their life.
Cat de Rham
Cat de Rham has been teaching yoga for 15 years. Schooled in both Astanga and Iyengar yoga, she teaches from the spirit of alignment, focussing on: a grounding in the core principles of alignment; exploring one's internal energetic landscape through asana; pranayama and meditation.
Cat de Rham is the author of 'The Spirit of Yoga'.
Kathy Roberts
Kathy has been practising different forms of yoga for over 20 years, and teaching since 1997. Her formal training includes Iyengar and Sivananda Teacher Training, a Yoga Therapy Diploma and a 3-year Astanga Vinyasa course with Graeme Northfield. She has also worked in depth with John Scott, Dona Holleman and Sarah Powers, who have greatly influenced her yoga and teaching style. More recently she has been working with Clive Sheridan and incorporating more pranayama and meditation into her practice and teaching.
Kathy has been teaching with Gingi Lee at his Astanga studio in South London for a number of years, and teaches in a Vinyasa flow style in other London studios and privately. Her teaching is grounded in the alignment of the Iyengar system but greatly influenced by the dynamic flow of astanga, while incorporating more restorative practices as appropriate. Her hope is to make yoga accessible to all, whatever level. Having been a massage therapist she tends to use touch a lot as a tool for teaching.
Daniela Schmid
Daniela Schmid is a Vinyasa yoga teacher who has trained with Shiva Rea and has studied with numerous known and unknown teachers around the world (Ashtanga with Patthabi Jois in Mysore, Sivananda in Kerala, Anusara with John Friend, Maha Sadhana with Dharma Mittra). She is as well an Esalen trained massage therapist.
In a nurturing environment she will celebrate the natural rhythm of life at Ulpotha, guiding you through a solar morning practice, a challenging dynamic alignment based Vinyasa class, and a lunar afternoon practice experiencing the power of compassionate awareness through yin yoga practice, pranayama and guided meditation. Daniela will encourage you to deepen your practice, to go beyond the ordinary during this retreat and will weave yoga philosophy and massage techniques into her teachings.
Daniela is now based in Paris, France, where she has realized her dream opening a yoga studio.
Les Smith
Les began a daily practice of Buddhist meditation and Iyengar yoga in 1987 which radically changed his life and around the same time started a 3-year study of shiatsu which gave him a new approach to understanding and dealing with health and disease. He also fell in love with Astanga vinyasa yoga and avidly attended many workshops and trainings. He eventually finished the Astanga practice as it was giving him imbalances and injuries.
After completing a 2-year Iyengar yoga teacher training, Les now is an enthusiastic teacher of Iyengar yoga! He finds it to be a more mature and complete form of asana and pranyama practice. It is not stressful on the body, and it is extremely useful in treating disease, misalignment and imbalance of the body.
His yoga classes inform and enthuse students so they can develop and refine their own yoga practice and heal their own injuries, ailments, posture problems and imbalances. His classes are friendly and relaxed. He likes them to be fun, informative, healthy, challenging and imaginative, and overall, not too serious.
Les's classes are tailored around the students, so that each person's programme is modified according to their own particular needs. He has a light hearted, pragmatic and down to earth style of teaching, which students respond well too.
Sarah Smith
Sarah did her Sivananda teacher training in Kerala and at the Mandala Yoga Ashram which is accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga. Her interest in Hatha yoga also led her to do workshops and study with different teachers gaining insights into the various paths that students take from the more classical training she undertook in India to the dynamic and popular forms of Iyengar and Astanga. Sarah's teaching incorporates a unique blend of these different influences and styles. Sarah understands the anatomy and physiology of the body both through her yoga training but also as a qualified holistic masseur. A lot of her yoga students have been with her for many years and it is the joy of seeing people start to move and behave differently as they literally 'open themselves up' that is one of the true wonders of teaching yoga.
The morning classes will be more physical with stronger asana work but will always contain pranayama (breathing techniques) and relaxation and/or meditation. The afternoon classes will be gentler asana work with the emphasis towards deep relaxation through yoga nidra, pranayama and meditation. Sarah will hope to look at different forms of meditation and to spend time exploring the many directions this may take. In its most diluted form yoga can bring about a fitness regime and promote health and physical well being. In its most profound form, it can awaken in people true wisdom, joy and compassion.
Ryan Spielman
Ryan has been teaching Yoga for over 13 years. Almost entirely self-taught, he has become an advanced practitioner, completing the Advanced A and B series in the Ashtanga Vinyasa system. His skill and style as a teacher comes from a devotion to and confidence in the effectiveness of the Ashtanga system as well as a willingness to let the ideas of the practice go and allow the moment to decide what is appropriate. Ryan is well known for his hands-on adjustments. He has an intuitive understanding of how the body moves and a real talent at getting you into those postures you never thought you would be able to do on your own.
Ryan's programme will include:
- an Ashtanga-based class every day for all levels, beginners to seasoned practitioners. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a physically challenging series of postures coordinated with a specific yogic breathing technique taught as a moving meditation. It is well-known for building strength, detoxifying the body and promoting overall well-being
- 2 meditation sessions a day. Ryan teaches simple mindfulness training, present moment awareness, cultivating a relaxed and open mind prepared to look, unwaveringly, into the depths of what we truly are.
- other sessions may include yoga theory and practice discussions from anatomy and physiology to yoga psychology, interpersonal group work, basic, easily applied massage techniques and Trance Dance.
Stephen Thomas
Stephen Thomas studies and teaches a dynamic asana practice rooted in the Astanga yoga method. He shares his love for the philosophy of yoga, the science of breath and the intensity of physical transformation and weaves it together into his practice. "Through this practice we access the wisdom of yoga and the intelligence of prana and bring it into our everyday life." On retreat, Stephen teaches asana in a manner that is playful, spiritual and physical. He also teaches pranayama and investigates Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and their relationship to life on and off the mat. Stephen currently resides and teaches in Asia. He has studied in India, Thailand and his native Canada.
Mithila Ubayasekara
A lifelong passion for dance and movement and an upbringing in Ayurveda (indian Science of Life), led Mithila to work with dance (1997), yoga and meditation (2002) and bodywork (Wat Pho Trained Thai Reflexology Foot Massage, Swedish Classic Massage). With a spirit determined to live a simple life and to guide others in finding their true paths, Mithila continues her studies in spiritual awakening. With a background in Astanga Vinyasa basics, teacher training in Classic Hatha Yoga at White Lotus Foundation Santa Barbara and Ulrica Norbergs Power Vinyasa Yoga in Sweden, she now continues on her spiritual study with Buddhist meditation (Vipassana and Ana Pana Sati Bhavana) as well as hatha yoga.
Dhamma Yoga is a mixture of Mithila's experience in meditation practices and hatha yoga. Meditative guidance in asana to deepen your awareness of the physical body and thereby sharpening the minds ability to focus on the reality at hand helps not only the physical body to reach balance but promotes stability and well-being in the mind with continous practice. This combined with deep stillness of seated meditation is the essence of the Dhamma Yoga practice. The yoga itself is both upbeat and slow-mo vinyasa and classic hatha yoga followed by seated meditation to develop self-knowledge through primarily individual work but also philosophical discussion incorporated to the class. There will be alternatives suitable for beginners to intermediate/advanced students during both the active morning practice to awaken the spirit at the beginning of the day, and the slower paced hatha-yoga and longer meditation during the second session of the day.
Ven. Yogavacara Rahula
Bhante Rahula was born in California and ordained as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka in 1975. He lived there ten years studying and practicing mindfulness/vipassana meditation with different teachers and living alone in secluded hermitages. He also studied yoga with Swami Gitananda in South India. His teaching integrates the practice of yoga and meditation. Mindfulness Meditation with Yoga: This retreat will emphasize mindful attention to the body and breathing as the foundation for cultivating awareness and insight into the deeper nature of our body and mental process. Slow deep breathing coordinated with mindful bending and stretching exercises are done to help this process. Periods of sitting, standing and walking will aid in cultivating a continuity of awareness of the present moment. The goal of mindfulness/insight practice is to become aware of our intentions which precede activity of body, speech, and thought in order to transform harmful habits which bring suffering into wholesome ones which conduce to peace, happiness, and wisdom. The Buddha's teachings of the Four Noble Truths inform the practice. How to carry this practice into daily life is given importance. This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced meditators. There will be nightly Dharma talks, chance for a personal interview, clear instructions, and guided meditations. Loving-friendliness (Metta) meditation will begin evening meditation. For a detailed daily schedule please email us.
Paula Weisman
Originally from the US, Paula Weisman is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga. She took her first yoga teacher training in New York City in early 2002, and began teaching that same year in the States.
Later that year, she moved to Germany to continue to teach. In Berlin, Paula completed a second teacher training, specializing in Anusara Yoga, and she also completed a teacher training in Pilates. She taught yoga and Pilates in Berlin for almost 3 years. In 2005, Paula re-located to Singapore to teach yoga there for 2 years. In 2006, she completed a third teacher training with David Swenson, specializing in Ashtanga yoga. Paula's classes are both fun and challenging, and her love of yoga is contagious. Her classes combine asana practice with breath awareness, leaving her students feeling uplifted and light.
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