Retreats 2008

For further details & information, please email Susan at: kikuchiyoga@mac.com

Italy / In Sabina

u Saturday, August 9 - Saturday, August 16 (7 nights)

ANUSARA® FERRAGOSTO SUMMER HOLIDAY with Jayendra Hanley & Susan Desmarais

Ferragosto is the most popular Italian holiday, traditionally celebrated on August 15th. It is when all Italians take off for summer holidays with friends and families. Relax in these dog days of summer by the swimming pool, enjoy the cool mornings and evenings as we practise yoga, get a massage, take a walk through olives groves, and just be.

In Sabina is in the heart of the Sabine Hills, just north of Rome near Umbria, set amidst olive groves, woodlands and rolling landscapes. The surrounding area is unspoilt farmland and the house and grounds are peaceful and quiet. The grounds are comprised of seven lush acres with a natural spring, pond, gardens and an an outdoor swimming pool. There are spaces indoors and out for yoga, meditation and reading. There are two beautifully restored 17th century stone farmhouses with terraces which open out to a gentle panorama of olive groves, fruit trees and stunning sunsets. The medieval village of Torri in Sabina (1000 inhabitants) is just three kilometres away. Fee includes shared accomodation, two yoga classes a day and three meals a day.

Cost: €900

Turkey - Bodrum/Gölköy / The Yoga Centre
GOLDEN HUES OF AUTUMN - A YOGA RETREAT WEEK IN TURKEY
u Tuesday, September 30 - Monday, October 6 (7 nights)
The Yoga centre lies on the hillside amongst dusty-green olive and shady carob trees. The garden is full of rambling bougainvillea and geraniums. It is set on the edge of a pine forest, in a private, peaceful area. Paradise Bay - Cennet Koyu - is only a 10 minute walk away. The village of Gölköy is within walking distance, right at the foot of the tall and glorious Karadag mountain. The turquoise sea is warm enough for swim from April to December. At one end of the village one can find shady tea-gardens, sun-bathing jetties, bars and restaurants, where people spend the day sunning, socializing, swimming and playing backgammon. The beach stretches half a mile along the bay, dotted with small family hotels, shady palms and fir trees. Be ready for lot of local markets where one can find carpets, spices, pashminas, nuts and Turkish Delight. Turkish baths are available, as well as massage treatments at the Centre. Fee includes shared accomodation, yoga twice a day and two meals a day.
Cost: £415

Thailand / Golden Buddah Beach
u November 17 2008 - February 8, 2009
u November 16 2009 - February 7, 2010
2-hour yoga classes offered each morning and evening
Golden Buddha Beach Resort has long been regarded as one of Asia's finest eco-resorts. It is set in a lush tropical forest on the verge of a spectacularly uninhabited 10km beach, on the island of Koh Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Island). This island forms part of an archipelago which remains as one of the last unspoiled coastal areas in Thailand. The Beach Resort extends for over 1km along the Andaman Sea front, giving the area privacy and the luxury of being surrounded by nature. Both exotic and rare wildlife can often be viewed from the comfort of your own veranda. Hornbills, monkeys and deer are all commonly seen. The beach remains one of the few nesting sites left in Thailand for giant leatherback turtles. It is not uncommon to see a variety of other turtle species when snorkelling. Golden Buddha Beach Resort was established 16 years ago, attracting a loyal following of discerning clients comprising families, groups and individuals that are looking for an experience that is unique and completely in touch with nature. Please contact Susan for bookings.

Retreats are an opportunity to get out of our daily routine and immerse ourselves in community with other like-minded people. It is a time to focus and expand on the joy of our asana practise, as well as allowing for the mental space to be in deep contemplation and meditation.

In 2008, I offer retreats in Italy,Turkey and Thailand. One of these retreats will be co-taught with Jayendra Hanley, a dear friend and mentor.

I hope to see you sometime, somewhere, sharing in this beautiful practise of yoga...

With Love & Blessings - Susan

Italy / In Sabina

u Saturday, October 18 - Saturday, October 25 (7 nights)

YOGA THERAPY - FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Yoga Therapeutics, Detox & Silent Fasting Retreat

Yoga Therapy:

Through Yoga Therapy we will bring awareness to “habits” in misalignment which we can transform into healing yoga therapy. Through various postures, we will review and practise key alignment principles applied to common areas of tension, limitations and chronic pain - allowing for more freedom and pranic flow in our bodies. Areas of focus: Feet, shins & thighs, pelvis, chest, shoulders & neck.

The Detox/Silent Fast:

Over the course of the week, we will begin with a cleanse, which will then be followed by a 2-day silent fast. Enjoy meals (even Italian!) that assist in the detox process, as well as plenty of fresh vegetable juices, broths and teas.

Susan is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and she has studied the Anusara® style of therapeutics for the last 3 years. She works privately with therapeutics and teaches therapeutic workshops as well. Her therapeutic/healing work began over 8 years ago in Toronto working with Crohn’s patients at Mt. Sinai Hopsital. She has been hosting silent fasting retreats in Canada for the last 6 years.

This workshop is suitable for those who experience chronic pain, limitation of movement or pain in their yoga practise, and for those who would like to begin a yoga practise and want to learn proper alignment. It is also for those who desire some internal clearing of old habits and patterns, who want to learn new ways of being in the body/mind relationship. Each participant will have an email or phone consultation before attending the retreat, in order to clarify areas desired for healing.

Cost: €950

Retreat fee includes an individual preliminary consultation, two yoga sessions a day, daily group consulting regarding the detox/fasting process, three meals/juices a day, and shared accomodation.

COMING UP IN 2009:

ITALY / IN SABINA

u EASTER WEEK - APRIL 9-16

u FERRAGOSTO SUMMER HOLIDAY

AUGUST 8-15

“I could feel the magic that ran through the group. I know each of us will bring home something very special,maybe even life changing.” -Elizabeth