MERAKI YOGA
RETREATS
THE ROU ESTATE - CORFU
EARTH AWAKENING RETREAT
YOGA RETREAT
with Samantha Roy
11th - 16th May 2020 - 5 nights - 6 days
(£2100pp single accommodation / £1600pp for 2 friends sharing)
With nature in full bloom and nourished by the sunlight, colour and warmth, we will spend a week dedicated to yoga, pranayama, ritual and meditation to celebrate casting off layers from the introspective colder months.
Re-setting and rebalancing our nervous systems, we will tune ourselves to ancient wisdom traditions, amplifying our natural energies and opening to new possibilities and reconnecting to our true nature.
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In the midst of the ancient and vibrant energy of The Rou Estate, we will shake it all up and wake up, ready for the Summer months ahead.
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All levels welcome.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
(Rooms allocated on a first come first serve basis)
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*Option to stay on till Sunday 17th May 2020
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Price Includes
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Transfers in Corfu
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Welcome Drinks
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Morning Juice
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Sunrise & Sunset yoga class
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5/ 6 days nights Luxury Accommodation
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Greek Toiletries
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​Goody Bag
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3 delicious meals per day prepared using local Mediterranean ingredients
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Personal advise on your practice through careful adjustments & giving you tips to guide you into your own personal practice
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​**Please note price does not include: massage treatments, 1:1 yoga, or car hire (if requested)
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***This retreat does not include flights. You can book direct flights through Easy Jet & British Airways.
A TYPICAL DAY
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Pre Yoga snack of dried fruits, nuts, fresh juice morning shot, coffee and tea
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Morning outdoor yoga (weather dependent!)
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Breakfast - A buffet of homemade granola, yoghurts, fruits, local breads, honey, jams, pancakes, eggs
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Free time: could involve a hike, local trip, or relaxation by the pool or beach. Option of 1:1 yoga
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Lunch, a variety of nutritious Mediterranean inspired foods, locally sourced or grown, seasonal
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Afternoon activities - journaling, Relaxing by the pool, walking in nature, options to book massages & other treatments
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Late afternoon yoga, as the sun begins to set: offering different forms of restorative yoga
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Dinner
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Hang out, go to bed, read or star gaze
HOW TO BOOK
First you pay your 30% deposit to reserve your space. We will be in touch within 24 hours to send you important information. Your remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your retreat.
Please note: If the trip is cancelled due to low numbers, the deposit is fully refunded.
YOGA
AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Class takes the form of modern western postural yoga, taught within the context of Buddhist & Yogic philosophies.
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Emphasis is on movement with mindful awareness, learning how to develop a deeply contemplative experience. We learn how to 'tune in’ so that we can feel our way, rather than forcing in any way.
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We work with the body intelligently, progressively, integrating movement with breath.
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The fluidity of vinyasa (conscious placement) is combined with periods of holding asanas for more extended lengths and when appropriate using props to further deepen the felt sense.
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The dynamic & fluid practices heat the body and build strength, endurance & flexibility. The restorative postures help relax the muscles, tissues and nervous system encouraging a release of deeply held tension while replenishing energy.
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​An integrative & absorbed experience.
YOUR YOGA TEACHER
SAMANTHA ROY
Practicing for 15 years, with +500 hours of training experience, Sam’s main influences come from the Sangyé Yoga School where she trained with Cat Alip-Douglas.
Inspired to teach as an act of deep sharing and love for what yoga develops in each individual and through an authentic and committed approach, my motivation in every class is to bring our attention to the present and move towards our conscious potential. I strongly believe that through diligent practice we can find true balance & happiness.
Coming from a dance background, which brought about major injury Sam’s practice combines a strong sense of discipline - but with awareness - together with a deep respect for what the body has to teach.
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Sam’s studies are rooted predominately in Buddhist teachings, which form the foundation for her approach to her yoga practice.
THE ROU ESTATE
We are delighted to be able to offer you our retreats at the well established Rou Estate, based in the North East part of Corfu, directly above the fishing villages of Agni & San Stefanos. Nestled amongst the cyprus and olive trees in the hills of Corfu, The Rou Estate was sympathetically restored by a British/Dutch couple in early 2004. Their vision and ethos was to create a haven away from the usual tourist destinations, surrounded by views that are not only breathtaking but have the ability to lift your soul.
The 18 traditional houses within this hamlet, all interweave amongst the various landscaped paths, each has their own unique flavour. The Yoga Garden Retreats are delighted to be able to use 4 of the houses: Lavandula, Lillium, Muscari & Laurus. Each house has their own plunge pool within their own private garden and terraces. A large communal pool is found at the epi-centre of the Estate, surrounded by cacti and diverse Mediterranean plants.
CORFU
Corfu, cradled in history, is the largest island of the Greek Ionian Islands. As illustrated in Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals, Corfu is surrounded by incredible nature and diverse surroundings.
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The capital city of Kerkyra, also known as Corfu Town, is steeped in sophisticated history, with a tapestry of cultural influences, from the Venetians, French & British as well a dose of the Austrian empire. Interweaving through the city are a myriad of pedestrianised streets selling anything from local Corfiot produce, your typical tourist trinkets and some high fashion boutiques. Savour some Corfu delights whilst sipping hot frothy coffee on the Liston promenade, a place that is central to Corfu life. We will be heading into Corfu Town towards the end of our retreat to experience this vibrant town.
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Winding up the coast, about 45 minutes from the city, you will reach The Rou Estate. Dotted along the coast are some quaint little fisherman villages, with a choice of tavernas serving the usual Greek delicacies. There are a range of pebble & sandy beaches about 10 minutes below The Rou Estate: jump into the wonderful Ionian sparkling waters and relax under the Mediterranean sunshine. For the more active, there are a number of beautiful hiking trails, some part of the infamous Corfu Trail, along the coast of the North East of Corfu and on the doorstep of The Rou Estate..
