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november/december 2017yogajournal.com.auBEST YOGA
ESCAPES
Byron Yoga Retreat Centre
Byron BayBillabong Retreat
MaraylyaPrema Shanti
The Daintree RainforestByron Yoga Retreat Centre
BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA
Byron Yoga’s tranquil eco haven is close enough that you can walk
to the beach or to Byron’s cafés and shops, but feels like you are
fully immersed in hinterland nature. All the retreats have a flexible
schedule, a plethora of daily yoga classes on offer for all levels,
deliciously healthy meals prepared with produce from the centre’s
organic gardens and relaxing treatments — plus there’s plenty of
time to relax by the pool, chill at the beach or explore Australia’s
yoga capital. http://www.byronyoga.com
“Byron Yoga was the perfect retreat for me. High quality yoga
teachings and instruction, peaceful environment, clean facilities,
excellent massage, mineral pool, and organic food straight from the
garden! I could not fault the service provided by all involved. I felt
greatly supported and most of all I loved how this retreat reflected
the yogic teachings throughout.”
— Tracy Lucock, a yoga teacher and holistic health and wellbeing
counsellor on the Central Coast of NSWPrema Shanti
THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST, AUSTRALIA
Prema Shanti is the real deal — from friendly hosts who live and
breathe yoga, to a yoga shala blessed by monks and divinely
Zen accommodation. Surrounded by heritage-listed rainforest,
you couldn’t ask for more of a spiritual experience. Awaken to
the sound of birdsong, enjoy daily meditation and yoga, hearty,
healthy meals and an abundance of time to explore the nature
walks and adventures that the Daintree boasts.
http://www.premashanti.com.au
“As a pair of yogis wanting to celebrate our honeymoon in Australia’s
tropical north, we could not have chosen a better place than Prema
Shanti. Nestled in the rainforest, yet an easy day trip from the reef,
teachers Mara and Janardhan have created a sanctuary that reflects
their loving commitment to meditation and the practice of yoga.
The accommodation is simple and personal, and we left feeling
nurtured and restored.”
— Michael Sharp, a yoga teacher at Humming Puppy
in Sydney’s RedfernBillabong Retreat
MARAYLYA
(45 MINUTES FROM SYDNEY), AUSTRALIA
Billabong Retreat’s vision is primarily about connection with
yourself and the world. The owners have created an open and
loving space for people from all walks of life to connect with nature,
each other, and a sense of inner contentment and wellness.
http://www.billabongretreat.com.au
“I volunteered for three weeks at Billabong Retreat earlier this
year. The absolutely stunning natural surrounds evoke a sense
of immediate serenity and the beautiful wooden-panelled
yoga and meditation room overlooks the Billabong through the
treetops. The food is exquisite and the spacious grounds offer
plenty of places to relax and chat with fellow guests. Or retreat to
one of the secluded spaces on the water’s edge to curl up and
read a book. I was in yogi heaven.”
— Michael Blades, a yoga teacher at Yoga Vida in
MooloolabaAro Ha
GLENORCHY (40 MINUTES FROM
QUEENSTOWN), NEW ZEALAND
Aro Ha’s vision is Zen-inspired, minimalistic luxury. Core
features of their wellness adventures include yoga, sub-alpine
hiking, integrated mindfulness, wholefoods, functional
strength training, massage and spa therapy, inspired by
the adventure and nature of Queenstown. The multi-award
winning retreat fuses advanced eco accommodation,
permaculture and results-oriented programming to create a
temptingly indulgent experience with life-changing effects.
http://www.aro-ha.com
“Aro Ha takes my breath away. The property itself is simply
stunning but, more importantly, Aro Ha has a heart and soul.
After each stay I feel deeply rested, connected to myself,
connected to the earth and completely nourished!”
— Nova Brown, a Melbourne-based yoga teacher and
co-founder of Warrior One Yoga