Retreats - Turkey 2010

Energy Yoga Retreat in Turkey : October 2010
 with Fiona Agombar
11th - 18th October and 18th - 25th October

Vedanta Retreat with James Swartz and Fiona Agombar
25th October - 1st November - click here for more details

£495 Bed, Breakfast, Dinner and Yoga

Fiona Agombar, author of Beat Fatigue with Yoga and experienced yoga teacher, is leading a yoga retreat from 11th– 18th  and 18th – 25th Octobe 2010, in an exclusive boutique hotel, set in a truly stunning location, about 45 minutes from Bodrum in Turkey.  The Atami Hotel is very private and quiet and overlooks a turquoise inlet of water, offering a beautiful location for swimming, relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Click here to read a review of the retreat, published in Yoga Magazine, March 2010.

James Swartz is leading a Vedanta course in Turkey at the Atami Hotel from 25th October - 1st November. This will include hatha yoga with Fiona Agombar.  Vedanta, or jnana yoga, is often described as revealed knowledge, or the search for truth and is the foundation for any spiritual enquiry.  For more information on the Vedanta retreat please click here.

More information about the Atami can be obtained from the hotel’s website at www.atamihotel.com.

The retreats led by Fiona (11th-18th, 18th-25th October) will offer two gentle yoga sessions a day and are suitable for those with mild to moderate M.E or other chronic conditions – or for anyone who is just tired and simply wants to relax. The Atami offers a safe haven for those who have health problems – there is plenty of space to unwind in the sunshine and just to ‘be’.  The sessions are not compulsory – the focus is on relaxation and enjoyment.  The  retreats that ran in 2008 and 2009 were very successful:

“The perfect getaway to revitalise body, mind and soul.  A truly memorable and life-enhancing experience.  The accommodation was fantastic – comfortable clean rooms with breathtaking views. These two weeks have been life-changing in many ways..... I have found the stillness within and a pure joy I thought was lost forever.  I leave Turkey with a quieter mind, a stronger body, a lifted spirit and a happier heart! Thank you to you all, you have helped me to find the courage to be true to my inner self.”  Beki

"One of the best holidays of my life!" Joanna.

“Location five star.  Overall, a special hotel with friendly and helpful staff and five star yoga instructor who creates the right ambiance for laughter and fun.  An outstanding holiday!” Lyn and John.

“I thought it was a perfect mix of everything, even for someone without ME or any other disabilities.  I really enjoyed it and I will definitely come again if I can!” Eve.

“The experience will remain as something special; the people, the place and the teaching.  Thank you.” Sue.

“Beautiful location and surroundings for a yoga holiday – great teacher.  I came on this yoga holiday to learn more about working with people with M.E. and also to rest and relax after a very difficult year.  My expectation and needs and been fully met.” Josie, yoga teacher.

“You’ve made me happy again and I feel I have found myself again.  Bliss.”  Laura.

Please click here to read further comments from 2009 – which includes one participant's experience when she went out in to the bay in a kayak and was surrounded by six jumping dolphins!

There is a lift for those who are less active. Please note that you will need to be well enough to walk to the yoga classes and the pool. There are a few steps down to the sea. The weather is usually very pleasant in October averaging around the mid to upper 70s and the sea is warm enough to swim in.   Should the weather be inclement, the hotel does have a good DVD library.  The hotel also provides excellent excursions at extra cost, such as day trips to Bodrum, a trip to the local markets and also to the Hammam  for a detox at the Turkish baths. In 2009 the group enjoyed several belly dancing lessons. There is an option of a fantastic boat trip.

Costs

£495 per person for seven nights to include bed, breakfast, dinner and 10 yoga sessions, staying a standard room with sea-facing balcony. De-luxe rooms are available at £50 supplement per person  per night. (Costs have increased  slightly for 2010 because of the weak pound.) There is no single supplement.   Please note lunch, all teas and coffees, transfers and flights are extra.  Transfers from the airport cost approximately £40 and take about forty-five minutes. Your transfer can be organised for you – and if more than one person is transferring at the same time, which is usually the case, the cost will be less. Please note there is the option to book any of the retreats separately or jointly.

Some Questions Answered

How do I book?

Complete the attached booking form and return it with a non-refundable deposit of £150 to: Free Spirit Travel, 153 Carden Avenue, Brighton, BN1 8LA.  The balance is to be paid six weeks before departure (2 September 2009).  A reminder will be given.  If the balance is not received by this date, then it will be assumed you cannot attend and your place will be cancelled.
Please note that we will fill the first week  before the second then third week  open.  The groups will be small – no more than 10.  If you are interested in a week for which the bookings have not yet opened please send your deposit anyway and we will try to accommodate you and give you priority when that week opens for bookings and will return your cheque if it doesn’t go ahead.  Priority booking will also be give for those staying for more than one week.

Will I need insurance?

Yes, including cancellation insurance.

What about currency?

The local currency is Turkish lire but most places also accept euros.  The Atami will change money but not travellers’ cheques. They  do accept credit card payments.  There is an ATM machine nearby in Golkoy, about 15 minutes away by taxi.

Are special diets catered for?

Breakfast is buffet style and there is a wide selection including fruit and eggs.  Supper will be served as a group and will be mainly vegetarian, with some fish.  Other special dietary needs (such as dairy or wheat free) are possible and we will do our best to organise this.

What level is the yoga?

The yoga will be gentle therapeutic yoga aimed at those with fatigue conditions and will also be suitable for those with moderate or mild chronic fatigue syndrome.  Please see her website for more details. For those clients who want stronger sessions, Fiona may be able to teach this privately, at extra cost. There will be plenty of relaxation sessions in the afternoon. The afternoon sessions usually includes meditation, chanting, relaxation, pranayama or yoga nidra.  None of the sessions is compulsory. Philosophy sessions will be put on for those who are interested.

What shall I bring?

Loose clothes for yoga, summer clothes, swimming costume, warmer clothes for the evening, yoga mat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Towels and hairdryers are supplied by the hotel.

Can I bring a partner?

Yes of course, but please note, as there is no single supplement, the cost is per person and not per room. However partners have been coming both years so far and have really enjoyed the holiday!

What isn’t included?

In Turkey you can’t drink water from the tap.  One bottle of water per guest is provided everyday; extra water will have to be paid for.  Extra drinks and lunch also need to be paid for, and you will need to settle your bill personally with the hotel before you leave.  You will need to pay £10 on arrival at the airport for your Turkish visa.  Also, please be aware that this is a retreat and that there are no other hotels, shops or supermarkets nearby.

How do I arrange transfers?

When your booking has been accepted you are advised  to inform Free Spirit of your flight details as soon as you have them. Transport will be arranged to meet you.  If there is more than one person on the same flight we will arrange for the taxi or minibus to be shared to save your costs.  The cost is approximately 120 Turkish lira, or 50 Euros each way and is payable by you in local currency to the driver at the time.  Free Spirit do try to co-ordinate arrival times so that transfer costs are shared and reduced. Please note that you are responsible for organising your own flights but Free Spirit can also help with this.  Easy Jet are now flying to Bodrum and there are some cheap deals.  Free Spirit advise that if you book your flights early then you will have a better choice of departure and arrival times.

What if I have more questions?

For bookings please e mail Free Spirit : debbie@freespirityoga.co.uk  If you have questions about the yoga or  the hotel  you can e-mail Fiona at fagombar@yahoo.co.uk . Fiona is often travelling so there may some delay before you receive a reply. You can also visit www.atamihotel.com or www.fionaagombar.co.uk.  Hotel brochure available on request. Please note that the brochure shows a picture of the de-luxe, not the standard rooms.

BOOKING FORM

Energy Yoga Retreat in Turkey 2010 with Fiona Agombar 11th-18th and 18th-25th October/and or Vedanta Retreat with James Swartz and Fiona Agombar 25th October-1st November

NAME

ADDRESS

E-MAIL

CONTACT NUMBER landline                                    mobile                     emergency contact name and number

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT ENCLOSED (£150. 00 cheque payable to  Free Spirit Travel)

(Please note that all prices quoted are based on 1.1 euros to the pound.  In the unlikely event of a drop beyond this, we may make a small currency surcharge, payable before departure.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENT

STANDARD SINGLE/DE-LUXE ROOM  (please indicate)

SHARED / SINGLE (please indicate if you are wanting to share)

MY BOOKING IS FOR 11th – 18th and/or 18th – 25th OCTOBER/and or 25th October  - 1st November 2010 (this week is for the Vedanta course).  Please check booking status with Free Spirit before confirming your week(s)  and please delete as necessary. 

PLEASE TICK HERE IF YOU ARE BOOKING FOR TWO/THREE WEEKS

I/We understand that the balance is due by 2nd September 2010 and that a reminder will be sent.  I/We understand that if the balance is not received by this date then my/our deposit of £150.00 per person will not be refunded and the place(s) will be offered to another.  I/We confirm that  I/we will be covered by personal holiday and travel insurance.

Signed:                                                                       Date:

Send to : Debbie Kennard, Free Spirit Travel, 153 Carden Avenue, Brighton, BN1 8LA, 01273 564230