Inspiring The Yogi - Transylvania Retreat

Inspiring the Yogi

A perfect week long retreat for those looking to enhance their physical and philosophical practice. Morning class will be flowing and invigorating, embracing different themes depending on the day.  Experienced and nurturing teachers will always be on-site to guide and help you through the week. An optional day time class is available, and evening classes will be slower paced with a focus on relaxation and release. All of this set in the beautiful mountains of Romania, at the Akasha Wellness Centre, complete with spa, jacuzzi, and sauna.

Day 1 / Inspiration and Adaptation

Day 2 / Ayurveda

Day 3 / Hands On

Day 4 / The Art of Mandala

Day 5 / Myth

Day 6 / Inversions

Location & Accommodation 

Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Transylvania, this retreat will be held at Akasha Retreat Center (www.akasharetreat.com) where you’ll have exclusive access to the below facilities to relax and unwind.

The center is located in a village called Pestera and it means “the cave” in Romanian, named after a beautiful bat cave approximately 500 meters from the center. The village is part of the National Park of Piatra Craiului, a majestic chain of mountains and forest valleys that still harbor an abundance of wildlife from bears to mountain goats and more.

Seven kilometers away is one of the most debated Transylvanian icons, Dracula’s castle in Bran. It’s an impressive fortified castle with a large heritage and stories to match.

Accommodation: All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, quality linen & towels, organic toiletries, private seating area, hairdryer, cotton bath robe & slippers, daily housekeeping.

Food & Juices: Three delicious organic vegan meals daily + daily superfood smoothies.

The menu’s are nutritionally verified & designed by Doctors in Integrative Medicine, Dr Elena Toma ( London )  & Dr Ana Maria Stoica ( Bucharest ) and are created with the experience of on board qualified vegan chefs.

Breakfast and Lunch are served Buffet style and Dinner family style.

Access & Facilities: 

– Indoor yoga shala

– Outdoor yoga platform (with mountain views)

– Meditation platform by the river at the bottom of the garden

– Three south facing terraces available to relax & unwind in the sunshine

– Gazebo

– Sauna with mountain views.

– Salt water hot tub

– 15 Hammocks scattered around the garden, silent garden area for walking barefoot meditations.

– Access to over 4 acres of private land and forests to explore

Spa
While on retreat guests will have access to 20% discounted wellness treatments, including salt bath therapy and massages, provided by resident gifted therapists.

Program

We are offering a few different options for this retreat:

Option A: This week long retreat is designed for yoga practitioners that are teaching flow or hatha based classes that feel they’d like an extra boost of influences to give their classes layers and flavors.  This is a Yoga Alliance Certified Professional Development (YACPD) course of 30 hours.

Option B: This all inclusive intensive yoga retreat is a great way to deepen your physical and philosophical practice.  Morning and evening classes, as well as excursions, will be taken as a group with all those on the retreat.  Additionally you will have four 2.5 hour alignment and yoga philosophy classes.

Option C:  This retreat option includes everything the retreat offers minus the afternoon classes and excursions at a 100 euro discount.  To register for this track, enter discount code SHANTI upon registration.

Sunday: Welcome

• 17:30 What inspires you? And who are you?! Getting to know yourselves and one another (A, B & C)

Monday: Inspiration and adaptation

• 07:00 A deliciously invigorating Vinyasa flow with a focus on what moves you. You will be setting personal intentions and sankalpahs for the week ahead. (A, B & C)
• Day time activity: field trip to Dracula’s Castle! (A & B – available for C at a small additional fee)
• 16:30 Slow Restorative flow (A, B & C)

Tuesday: Ayurveda

• 07:00 This physical class will focus on the elements and doshas, starting with air and finishing with grounding earth. (A, B & C)
• 11:00 Introduction or refreshment in Ayurvedic Principles, five elements, three doshas, and three essences (A)
• 11:00 Alignment & Philosophy classes (B)
• 16:00 Elemental Yin (A, B & C)

Wednesday: Hands-on

• 07:00 A weighty hip opening flow concentrating on full breath and release. Assistants will invite you to go further in your posture through adjustment, alignment, and breath. (A, B & C)
• 11:00 Adjustment techniques and guidance. This class will cover how to give good adjustments and when is it appropriate to give them (A)
• 11:00 Alignment & Philosophy classes (B)
• 16:30 Partner relaxation, building your sense of connection that will also inform your skills as an adjuster. (A, B & C)

Thursday: The art of Mandala

• 07:00 Exploring the full narrative and expression of Mandala Vinyasa flow. (A, B & C)
• 11:00 Either a behind the scenes class on flowing Vinyasa practice, inspired by the art of the Mandala (A)
• 11:00 Alignment & Philosophy classes (B)
• 16:30 A fusion of yoga and Tai Chi movements to whip up sweat and spirit in equal measure (A, B & C)

Friday: Myth and storytelling

• 07:00 The class’ intention will be drawn from classic Vedic mythology. (A, B & C)
• 11:00 This class will give you a brief background on the colorful stories of Hindu culture and their relationship with yoga practice. (A & B)
• Afternoon activity: an expedition to the sphinx, a natural rock formation in the Bucegi Natural Park. The legends about the rocks on this mountain plateau transformed this rock into a very visited touristic attraction. Legends of ancient aliens, mystical energies, and long lost gods! (A & B – available for C at an additional fee)

Saturday: Inversions and closing

• 07:00 Upside Down, Vinyasa! A Vinyasa class that is geared towards the preparation and performance of balancing on the hands. Setting an intention of fearlessness in flight. (A, B & C)
• 11:00 Closing ceremony and sharing. (A, B & C)

“We’re all just walking each other home” – Ram Dass