Sunday, January 25, 2015

Yoga and Meditation Retreat Rome, Italy, at Villa Il Cardinale Monday 18th - Sunday 24th May 2015

Immerse yourself into yoga, pranayama and meditation at this elegant venue, just a few km from Rome.




The Place

Villa il Cardinale is a special home with a rich history dating back to the 1st Century AD. It is eight km from the city centre. There is a beautiful garden with fruit trees and flowers. The upper garden includes an area with archaeological remains which is wonderful to sit out on warm evenings.  The lower garden has a lawn and a patio ideal for strolling or relaxing in shaded areas. There is also a ping-pong table.

The Villa is on two floors. Most rooms have a fireplace, high ceilings, thick walls, travertine marble and hand-made cotto floors. The yoga room is on the ground floor. The elegantly decorated bedrooms are on the upper floor, with independent entrances and access to the garden. Breakfast is in the kitchen on the first floor. It opens out onto the upper garden which can be used as an exterior dining room.
There is a swimming pool at a local tennis club to which our guests can have access for a small fee.

To view photos of this beautiful house, please go to http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p411565

Accommodation
All the accommodation is on the top floor, with easy access to the upper garden. There are two en suite rooms. For all other rooms bathroom facilities are shared amongst a maximum of three guests.

Twin/Double en suite:     £960 per person
Single:                     £960 per person
Twin/Double:                       £900 per person
Triple en suite, with terrace and dressing room, large bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub:
£900 per person

Accommodation is offered on first come first serve basis. Early booking recommended. Please ask for availability at the time of booking.

The price includes all the practice sessions, accommodation and food. It does not include flights, airport transfers (see below), massage sessions, use of swimming pool, and travel insurance.

Booking
You can secure your place by e-mailing Marina Wallace at marina@artakt.co.uk and sending a non-refundable deposit of £200 to Aki via bank transfer both from the UK and other countries (bank details available from Marina).
This retreat will be a small group.  Please book early to avoid disappointment. 

The balance will be due by the 6th April 2015 (details available from Marina).


How to Get There  / Flights & Transfer

We recommend that you fly to Fiumicino because there is a direct train near the villa. Ciampino airport is also an option (Ryan Air).
We encourage people to arrive at similar times.  
For those who fly from London, we recommend the below flights. 
BA0560 leaving LHR at 12.45, arriving at FCO at 16.10;
BA0556 LHR 14.20 - FCO 17.50;  BA0554 LHR 15.40 - FCO 19.10;  BA2540 Gatwick 15:40 – FCO 19:10;
Easyjet London Gatwick to Rome Fiumicino dep 15:55 - arr 19:25 Flight EZY5257

By train:  There is a direct train (1hr) from Fiumicino airport to Settebagni train station, 5 minutes from Villa il Cardinale (ticket €12).  We will send a car to pick you up at Settebagni station.

By taxi:  A taxi can be arranged fro you either from Fiumicino or Ciampino (35/40 minutes, depending on traffic): €60/70 (depending on traffic) to be shared between up to four people; plus €1 per luggage

Travel Insurance
Please make sure you acquire your own travel insurance.

Contact
For further enquiries about the retreat, please contact Marina Wallace.  marina@artakt.co.uk



About Aki's Retreat: 
Following my teacher, Clive Sheridan's footsteps, I run yoga retreats and not holidays.
The difference is mostly in spirit:  our intention is to deepen our practice.
It means that we see these few days away as a conscious 'retreating' away from busy-ness of life to dive into yoga, have some moments of quiet to properly rest and reflect, cultivating mindfulness, giving yourself a chance to contemplate what's really going on in your life and start making clear choices rather than being carried away by the momentum of unconscious, habitual thinking patterns and being lost in the conditioning that is no longer serving your true values.  You will learn tools and resources to help you get through difficulties and challenges of your life and make steps toward lasting peacefulness and joy.

The week will be a combination of dynamic and quiet practices; a cocktail of yoga asana, pranayama (breathing exercise), meditation, restorative and mindful practices which will give you the strength and awareness needed to explore your own inner journey.
We will keep part of each day in silence to give ourselves space for deep restfulness and contemplation.

There will be 3 sessions on most days (one morning meditation & pranayama, one morning yoga asana to invigorate the body and an afternoon practice where we explore variety of practices, including restorative yoga, simple body-work sessions, movement study) and some talks on yoga and mindfulness practice to support our mind.

You will of course also have plenty of free time to have fun and relax.

The retreat is open to most levels but not for complete beginners who are unable to sit through meditation and pranayama practices.
It requires your willingness to commit yourself for a week of deep practice, rather than how 'advanced' you are in your asana practice.

The practice will gradually build over the course of the week, so you can acclimatise your body and mind and develop good foundation that give support when you meet your learning edge as the practice progresses.  Everyone will always be encouraged to work in their own pace that is right for each person.
A part of learning process is to be able to discern what is right for yourself, without becoming complacent or ambitious - which I would call an 'advanced' practice.

At the end of the retreat, you will feel the difference and go home with renewed energy in your body and more clarity in your mind.

Looking forward to welcoming you to my retreat and sharing the practice together.       Aki














Recent feedback on Aki's retreats    
'Thank you Aki for SUCH an inspiring retreat -the setting was breath-taking, the food was divine, and the group of people were so lovely.  With your energy, words and guidance you created a supportive environment in which we could immerse ourselves in meditation, pranayama, asana and philosophy.  I returned home feeling grounded, rested, revitalised and inspired. An amazing experience.  Thank you for everything.  Looking forward to the next one!'  (N. yoga teacher) 
Dear Aki, I just wanted to write to say thanks again for making such a wonderful retreat.  In actual fact, it hasn't been hard coming back to 'real life' - I've got such a lot of happiness in me that it's all just quite alright.  (A. yoga teacher)
 Aki's yoga retreats put you in a different world and once you are back in your normal life, you wonder 'have I been there at all?' - BUT, then you notice all the benefits which make all the difference.  You are back but not where you were!!  Thank you Aki!  (K. writer)   
I am so grateful to you for the week you have spent with us, for your teachings, your positive energy, your generosity and patience but also for the laughter you shared with us. It has been a truly special week for me and I feel that I have understood things in a way I had never done before. My yoga practice feels very different now and is much more conscious and aware. And I feel something has opened up in me. I am not sure where it will take me but I can feel it.    You are an inspirational teacher Aki, as your are both firm and warm, as well as careful and incredibly good at explaining things in detail. I want to thank you for having created such a pleasant and safe environment which has allowed me to just be myself, and that I find is very special. You are very present and completely committed when you teach but you do not loose your sense of humour and the capacity to laugh. I found that inspirational. I think I have learned new things for my teaching too. That is, to listen carefully and with generosity and to pause. That word has stayed with me and sometimes during the day when I am getting frantic or too many things happen at the same time, I simply pause, breathe and smile. And the same happens when I speak to students. So thank you for that!  (A.B.  Professor at Oxford University) 
"I cannot tell you how much the retreat did for me, really. With your help and support, I have really found the confidence to get back into my own practice, which is a fantastic development. Also, the retreat really helped me to find some space and clarity amongst the business going on inside. You reminded me how important it is to take those few minutes or more for yourself each day, just to breathe and be present. The nourishing vs. depleting conundrum is something which has been in my mind a lot recently, both before and after theretreat. However the retreat has helped me assess and choose the nourishing. Thank you for all of that. I feel incredibly fortunate to that our paths have crossed, and I hope they do again. Depending on where I am and what I am doing next year I would be keen to come back.  (N.)  
"Your teaching was wonderful. I learned so much, and found your instructions extremely useful for myself as well as very appropriate for all other participants. I felt again, as all other times, that the atmosphere you create with your warm and attentive personality is really special. Now that I have been on a number of your retreats I realise that the depth of your teaching has a lasting effect. You are able to give attention to those who particularly need it as well as to those who feel a little shy.  ....I realise how delicate and , at the same time, persistent your teachings are.   Your sense of humour and precision are laudable. I had fun, within a structure that worked incredibly well.  (M. yoga teacher)  
"...my therapist said he would like to prescribe a yoga retreat every month! :)  (S. Production manager)   
I want to thank you for the retreat - it was a very special experience and one I hope to repeat. (A.)   

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Yoga and Meditation Retreat at Suleyman's Garden, Turkey Sep 28th - Oct 5th 2015


Mon 28th September - Mon 5th October 2015   
One Week Yoga and Meditation Retreat at Suleyman's Gardens, Turkey
From £765 


Come for a week of yoga, meditation and mindfulness in the sun at absolutely delightful and  charming Suleyman's Garden, in the area known as Turkey's Turquoise Coast.  

The Place
Sulyman's Garden is a charming, small traditional farm set on the Mediterranean coast, with terraced vegetable fields, orchards, beautiful gardens and stunning sea views. 
It is just a few minutes walk through the forest to reach a beautiful rocky swimming cove. 
It is in a very unspoiled area, on what is known as the Lycian Way, a marked trail, which is wonderful for walking on the dramatic mountainous coastline. 
The local owner grow all their organic vegetables and fruit for the kitchen to make the delicious meals.  Suleyman and his family, who cook, clean and garden, are very welcoming and helpful. 
Staying at Suleyman's Garden is very much like being a houseguest in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  

As well as being able to dive into the sea near by, there is also a lovely swimming pool in a natural setting, with breath taking views of the ocean.  

Massage service is also available daily upon request.  (not included in the price)   
For more information of the place and photos, please visit Suleyman's Garden's website. 
http://www.huzurvadisi.com/venue_sg.htm
For the photos from last year's retreat: 
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.481004305348134.1073741828.222827261165841&type=1

Accommodation

The accommodation is in simple, comfortable wooden cabins with verandas, and traditional stone and thatched huts, set amid lovely flowery gardens. 
Bathrooms facilities are shared, and conveniently located around the site, with ample showers, toilets and hot water.  There are limited number of en-suite twin rooms also available.  All room types are offered in first come first served basis.  Please specify your preference at the time of booking.  

Yoga Shala 

This year, they have just built a brand new yoga shala.  It is larger than the previous one and holds 20 people.  We can enjoy the sea view while practicing.
The shala is fully equipped with mats, belts, blocks, bolsters and blankets.  So you don't need to bring anything!
 

Cost:  
As they have just added more accommodation capacity, I have also extended the early bird booking period until July 2015. 


Twin / Double  
£765 (Early bird if booked before 31st July) 
£850 (Regular if booked after July 31st) 

Twin En-suite 
£850 (Early bird if booked before 31st July) 
£935 (Regular if booked after July 31st) 

Single 
£850 (Early bird if booked before 31st July) 
£935 (Regular if booked after July 31st) 

All accommodations are offered in first come first served basis.  
Please ask for availability at the time of booking.  

The price includes all the practice sessions, accommodation and food. 
It does not include flights, airport transfers (see below), massage sessions and travel insurance. 

Booking:
You can secure your place by sending a non-refundable deposit of £250 to Aki either via bank transfer both from the UK and other countries (details available on request) or by sending a cheque. 
Please contact Aki for details.   (Email: aki2002@gmail.com)

Flights and Airport Transfers: 
There are several companies flying to Turkey.  The local airport is Dalaman. 
Transfers from the airport will be arranged by request.  
Please see below for the information on transfer information and prices.  

TRANSFERS 
The transfer cost varies with the number of people on each trip, which will hopefully encourage people to arrive, if not on the same flight, at similar times. We set the prices as one-way, as people may return to the airport in different combinations, so the return may be a different price.

SULEYMAN'S TRANSFER PRICES (ONE WAY)
(Turkish lira prices) (£1 = 2.75TL)
1 passenger 160TL
2 passengers 80TL each
3 passengers 55TL each
4 passengers 45TL each
5 passengers 35TL each
6 passengers 30TL each
7 + passengers 25TL each

Visa: 
Anyone traveling to Turkey is now required to purchase an online visa before entering the country.
This can be purchased from the following website.  www.evisa.gov.tr
The fee is $20 USD (around £12)
The visa needs to be printed and taken with you to show at passport control.

Travel Insurance: 
Please make sure you will acquire your own travel insurance.

About Aki's Retreat: 
Following my teacher, Clive Sheridan's footsteps, I run yoga retreats and not holidays.
The difference is mostly in spirit:  our intention is to deepen our practice.
It means that we see these few days away as a conscious 'retreating' away from busy-ness of life to dive into yoga, have some moments of quiet to properly rest and reflect, cultivating mindfulness, giving yourself a chance to contemplate what's really going on in your life and start making clear choices rather than being carried away by the momentum of unconscious, habitual thinking patterns and being lost in the conditioning that is no longer serving your true values.  You will learn tools and resources to help you get through difficulties and challenges of your life and make steps toward lasting peacefulness and joy.

The week will be a combination of dynamic and quiet practices; a cocktail of yoga asana, pranayama (breathing excercise), meditation, restorative and mindful practices which will give you the strength and awareness needed to explore your own inner journey.
We will keep part of each day in silence to give ourselves space for deep restfulness and contemplation.

There will be 3 sessions on most days (one morning meditation & pranayama, one morning yoga asana to invigorate the body and an afternoon practice where we explore variety of practices, including restorative yoga, simple body-work sessions, movement study) and some talks on yoga and mindfulness practice to support our mind.

You will of course also have plenty of free time to have fun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including cooling down in their lovely pool or swimming in the gorgeous mediterranean sea which is just a few minutes walk away, or enjoy the quiet moments, reading in a shade or walk in the nature and more....

The retreat is open to most levels but not for complete beginners who are unable to sit through meditation and pranayama practices.
It requires your willingness to commit yourself for a week of deep practice, rather than how 'advanced' you are in your asana practice.

The practice will gradually build over the course of the week, so you can acclimatise your body and mind and develop good foundation that give support when you meet your learning edges as the practice progresses.  Everyone will always be encouraged to work in their own pace that is right for each person.
A part of learning process is to be able to discern what is right for yourself, without becoming complacent or overly ambitious - which I would call an 'advanced' practice.

At the end of the retreat, you will feel the difference and go home with renewed energy in your body and more clarity in your mind.

Looking forward to welcoming you to my retreat and sharing the practice together.

Aki

Recent feedback    
'Thank you Aki for SUCH an inspiring retreat -the setting was breath-taking, the food was divine, and the group of people were so lovely.  With your energy, words and guidance you created a supportive environment in which we could immerse ourselves in meditation, pranayama, asana and philosophy.  I returned home feeling grounded, rested, revitalised and inspired. An amazing experience.  Thank you for everything.  Looking forward to the next one!'  (N. yoga teacher) 
Dear Aki, I just wanted to write to say thanks again for making such a wonderful retreat.  In actual fact, it hasn't been hard coming back to 'real life' - I've got such a lot of happiness in me that it's all just quite alright.  (A. yoga teacher)
 Aki's yoga retreats put you in a different world and once you are back in your normal life, you wonder 'have I been there at all?' - BUT, then you notice all the benefits which make all the difference.  You are back but not where you were!!  Thank you Aki!  (K. writer)   
I am so grateful to you for the week you have spent with us, for your teachings, your positive energy, your generosity and patience but also for the laughter you shared with us. It has been a truly special week for me and I feel that I have understood things in a way I had never done before. My yoga practice feels very different now and is much more conscious and aware. And I feel something has opened up in me. I am not sure where it will take me but I can feel it.    You are an inspirational teacher Aki, as your are both firm and warm, as well as careful and incredibly good at explaining things in detail. I want to thank you for having created such a pleasant and safe environment which has allowed me to just be myself, and that I find is very special. You are very present and completely committed when you teach but you do not loose your sense of humour and the capacity to laugh. I found that inspirational. I think I have learned new things for my teaching too. That is, to listen carefully and with generosity and to pause. That word has stayed with me and sometimes during the day when I am getting frantic or too many things happen at the same time, I simply pause, breathe and smile. And the same happens when I speak to students. So thank you for that!  (A.B.  Professor at Oxford University) 
"I cannot tell you how much the retreat did for me, really. With your help and support, I have really found the confidence to get back into my own practice, which is a fantastic development. Also, the retreat really helped me to find some space and clarity amongst the business going on inside. You reminded me how important it is to take those few minutes or more for yourself each day, just to breathe and be present. The nourishing vs. depleting conundrum is something which has been in my mind a lot recently, both before and after theretreat. However the retreat has helped me assess and choose the nourishing. Thank you for all of that. I feel incredibly fortunate to that our paths have crossed, and I hope they do again. Depending on where I am and what I am doing next year I would be keen to come back.  (N.)  
"Your teaching was wonderful. I learned so much, and found your instructions extremely useful for myself as well as very appropriate for all other participants. I felt again, as all other times, that the atmosphere you create with your warm and attentive personality is really special. Now that I have been on a number of your retreats I realise that the depth of your teaching has a lasting effect. You are able to give attention to those who particularly need it as well as to those who feel a little shy.  ....I realise how delicate and , at the same time, persistent your teachings are.   Your sense of humour and precision are laudable. I had fun, within a structure that worked incredibly well.  (M. yoga teacher)  
"...my therapist said he would like to prescribe a yoga retreat every month! :)  (S. Production manager)   
I want to thank you for the retreat - it was a very special experience and one I hope to repeat. (A.)   
























Next Retreat / Workshop

Retreat:


September Friday 19th - Sunday 21st SOLD OUT

A weekend in Surrey

Limited space available.

Please email me for details.

mail.akiomori.com


September 29th - October 6th

Suleyman's Garden, Turkey SOLD OUT


Next Workshop

Friday 12th September @ Triyoga Primrose Hill

"Adventure in Primitive Reflexes"

7:45-9:45pm

Book Here


Next Class

Friday 6:15-7:30 Restorative Yoga

@ Triyoga Primrose Hill