Energy Yoga Retreat
Dalyan, Turkey
September 30th – October 7th 2013
Leah Barnett is leading a yoga retreat from 1st – 8th October 2012 in a new venue near Dalyan, Turkey: The Sultan Palas Hotel. This family-run guest house is a real jewel and is situated in a secluded location near to the Dalyan Delta in the Mediterranean region of South West Turkey. A frequent boat service takes guests across the river to the hotel thus preserving its tranquillity. Teaching in the tradition of Krishnamacharya, gentle yoga postures, mantra and breathing techniques help to both invigorate and relax so that participants will discover more energy and well-being.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable en-suite air conditioned rooms linked by the central tower.
Each room has a small lounge area overlooking various aspects of the lush landscaped gardens and swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the surrounding unspoilt countryside. The tranquil swimming pool and surrounding area envelopes guests with peace and quiet. Loungers near the poolside area allow guests to lie back and bask in the warmth of the sun and to soak up and adapt to the more natural rhythms of a slower pace of life.
Boats are readily available on the gently flowing Dalyan River and provide an opportunity to head downstream to Iztuzu turtle beach through the labyrinth of channels alongside the reed beds of the Dalyan Delta or upstream to the renowned Thermal Baths and Lake Köycegiz – or just to wander through Dalyan enjoying the cafe culture and the views across the river.
The entire region is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a paradise for ramblers with endless treks winding along the riverbanks, through the reed beds and up into the surrounding pine covered slopes.
Guests can be personally met at Dalaman Airport, and transported in less than an hour to this secluded haven. The Hotel provides a complementary minibus and riverboat service for guests wishing to visit Dalyan Village. The 10 minute trip is scheduled at frequent intervals throughout the day.
This retreat will offer two gentle yoga sessions a day and is 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 Sultan Palas offers a safe nourishing stay 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.
Costs
Prices to be confirmed.
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, UK. The balance is to be paid six weeks before departure. 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.
Will I need insurance?
Yes, this is compulsory, including cancellation insurance.
What about currency?
The local currency is Turkish lire but most places also accept euros. The Hotel will accept credit card payments. There is an ATM machine nearby in Dalyan.
What is the local area like?
Beautiful. The whole area is designated as a Conservation area and the Turtle beach can be reached by taking the hotel boat to Dalyan and then on board one of the many frequent boats travelling down the Dalyan Delta to the beach. (Approx 30 minutes from Dalyan). Turtle Beach was voted as the most beautiful open space in Europe by the Times in 2008. The town of Dalyan is built around the river and is full of laid back cafes and markets, with views across to ancient hills and archaeological sites.
Are there other trips?
A boat trip or trip to the mud baths can be arranged by the hotel. There are nearby archaeological sites to be explored. The steam bath (Haman) in Dalyan can also be visited.
Are special diets catered for?
Breakfast is buffet style and there is a wide selection including fruit and eggs. Supper is a mix of buffet and service 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. However, if your diet is very restricted, we may not be able to accommodate you. Fiona has stayed at the Sultan Palas before and personally recommends the food – it is excellent.
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 ME. For those clients who want stronger sessions, Leah 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, gentle chanting, r relaxation, pranayama or yoga nidra. None of the sessions is compulsory. Philosophy sessions will be put on for those who are interested. The hotel is not a dedicated yoga centre, so it is mandatory that guests bring their own mats and blocks also if needed please.
What shall I bring?
Loose clothes for yoga, summer clothes, swimming costume, warmer clothes for the evening, yoga mat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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.
Can I stay an extra week?
If this retreat fills quickly then we may book another week. Please ask Free Spirit for updates.
Please note that Monday is the travel and arrival day and that yoga will start on the Tuesday. Flights are generally cheaper on Mondays, hence the start dates. If you need to book more nights outside the retreat dates you will need to pay extra for this directly to the hotel at their standard rate.
What isn’t included?
In Turkey you can’t drink water from the tap so you will have to pay for bottled water. Extras, such as 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, although there is a frequent boat service to the nearest town.
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 payable by you in local currency or by credit card and is payable by you to the hotel. 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. 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.sultanpalasdalyan.co.uk for more details of the hotel, or www.fionaagombar.co.uk