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july 2019yogajournal.com.auPHOTO:BYRONYOGACENTRE;AMPUEROLEONARDO;AMPUEROLEONARDO;STANCIUC;SWISSMEDIAVISION;SWISSMEDIAVISION/ISTOCKPHOTO.COMIF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING A RETREAT,
chances are you’ve considered Byron Bay.
While some people lament that, with its
infl ux of Hollywood stars and infi ltration
of upmarket boutiques, the iconic town
is not what it used to be—you can still
fi nd authentic and affordable options
such as Byron Yoga Retreat Centre.
Byron Yoga Centre has been around
for over 30 years and has fl ourished
alongside the growth of the area.From
its humble beginning at a small studio
near the beach, John Ogilvie has created
the vibrant Byron Yoga Retreat Centre
with its busy calendar of teacher
trainings and retreats.
The eco haven remains true to its
roots, authentic and affordable with
accessible yoga for all levels.The
accommodation is basic, clean and
comfortable.The emphasis is on the
natural setting and the lush organic
gardens which surround the mineral
salt swimming pool.
The style of yoga, Purna Yoga,developed by John Ogilvie, is a classical
alignment-focused hatha yoga where
variations are offered for different levels
from beginners to intermediate. Purna,
meaning integrated or complete in
Sanskrit, represents Byron Yoga
Centre’s holistic approach to yoga—
integrating asana with yoga philosophy,
meditation and pranayama.
All the retreat programs at Byron
Yoga Retreat Centre are structured
around daily yoga classes with guided
pranayama and meditation plus
wellness sessions. The day is perfectly
punctuated by delicious vegetarian
meals, and guests enjoy free time in the
afternoon in which to book the
treatments included in their package or
choose to use one of the centre’s bikes
and head to the beach or into town.
These days in Byron Bay the hot spots
for yogis are Combi Café with its
smoothies and raw desserts, Divine
Goddess yoga store and The Book Room
for an inspiring read. With beaches –you are spoilt for choice. Surfers have
fl ocked to Byron Bay since the 60s,
While the surfers were drawn to the
coast, the hippies headed to the hills.
After the Aquarius Festival in Nimbin in
1973 (Australia’s answer to Woodstock)
many of the participants decided to stay
in the area and Byron Bay’s reputation
as the new age capital of Australia was
born.
Today, you can still glimpse the area’s
rainbow coloured past at the drumming
circle of monthly Sunday markets and at
the Crystal Castle near Mullumbimby.
This magical hinterland estate combines
a unique conceptually built ‘castle’ with
tranquil landscaped gardens and an
astonishing crystal collection.
Crystal Castle is one of the additional
activities on offer when you book into
Byron Yoga Retreat Centre. You could
also choose to try surfi ng, kayaking or
whale watching (May to October). For
those looking for more of a health
focused retreat experience, Byron Yoga
Retreat Centre can arrange an
individual Naturopath consultation or
additional personal treatments.
As the retreat centre is open all year
you can pretty much book a retreat at
Byron Yoga Retreat Centre any week of
the year. The choice is between an
eight- fi ve- or three-day program.
The benefi ts of the longer retreat
programs are exponential. The
eight-day retreat offers the full spectrum
of workshops and the opportunity to
really develop your yoga and meditation
practice.
The longer program would also give
you time to enjoy some of the additional
activities and allow you to fully unwind
and recharge.
While Byron Bay town has continued
to evolve and enliven, the beautiful
beaches and the renowned lighthouse
remain beacons of natural splendour.
The walk up to the lighthouse at sunrise,
often with sightings of dolphins and
whales (during their migration season),
is a highlight of the program for many
of the retreat guests at Byron Yoga
Retreat Centre. With its holistic
program and idyllic location, retreats
with Byron Yoga Centre are designed to
allow you to slow down, rest, recharge
and develop healthy habits to take
home.
Three-day retreats start at $660 inclusive of
2 nights twin share accommodation, all
meals and the retreat program plus a
massage or treatment http://www.byronyoga.comByron Bay is synonymous with a laidback, healthy vibe.
It’s no surprise that it’s the number one aspirational
destination for Australian yogis.
ByronYogaCentre
Combi Café