Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece
Thu 29 Sep – Wed 5 Oct 2016,  £695 pp shared room / £825 pp single room / £500 pp non yoga participant shared room

We have had several enquiries regarding non yoga guests joining us for our yoga retreat in Greece so we are pleased to announce that guests can now bring a non yoga participating partner for £500 pp (shared room).

Non yoga participating guests can still enjoy the great food, stunning location and ambience of our yoga retreats.  There is plenty to do for those not attending classes such as exploring the beaches, hiking around the island, scuba diving, visit the spa and of course taking time to rest.

On Amorgos, a charming Cycladic Island, you can discover the secluded and remote beaches such as Mouros, Plakes, Kambi, Levrossos, Psili Ammos, Mikri and Megali Vlychada and Agii Saranda which are considered to be among the best beaches on the island.

The island’s highlight is Agia Anna beach (see feature image), below the 1000 year old Byzantine monastery of Chozoviotissa, where the famous film “The Big Blue” (directed by Luc Besson) was shot.

To find out more about the beaches visit Aegialis Hotel and Spa website.

Amorgos Island is famous for its hiking trails.  There are several marked historical paths to explore the different areas of the island on foot.  Most of them are old donkey routes that connect the villages of Amorgos.  Try the path from the village of Tholaria to the village of Langada.  This trail has spectacular views of the entire valley of Aegiali and the villages of Tholaria, Langada, Ormos and Potamos.  You will have plenty of time to explore the island.

Through the hotel you can book scuba diving to explore the mysterious world of the Aegean Sea.  With the help of experienced instructors you can explore and discover the vast depths and incredible kingdom of the sea, experiencing everything from its underworld plant life to its multitude of colorful creatures.  The equipment required is provided.

You can also book yourself a Herbal Tour.  Amorgos has a huge variety of plants and you can join a tour to discover the healing properties of the herbs and ways to use them.Click here for Luxury Yoga Retreat bookings and to find out more >

Luxury Yoga Intensive Retreat – Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece

Thursday 29 September – Wednesday 5 October 2016,  £695 pp shared room /£825 pp single room

We understand that life can be busy and stressful so this luxury yoga retreat is a perfect opportunity to take care of self, replenish, rejuvenate, relax and to have time to “just be”. Take the time to honour your body mind and soul.

This retreat will be hosted at the Five Star Aegialis Hotel & Spa on the beautiful Greek island of Amorgos. As with all our retreats you will have two teachers so be assured of our full attention.

To book please complete the booking form below and a deposit of £150 is payable upon booking. Full balance due by 14 June 2016. Monthly payment plans are available, please ask for details.

  • Deepen your practice

And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” ~ Rumi

Developing your practice can be challenging especially when you have a busy life and schedule.  Being on retreat gives you the chance to attend 2 classes per day, you will notice the progress and the positive effect this is having.  Distractions are limited so you can be sure that you fully focus.

  • Create a new perspective

The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective” ~ Mother Teresa

We all benefit from going to a new place, seeing the world and ourselves through different eyes.  You will have time to contemplate, to review what is out of balance and where you need to action change in your life.  This safe space will allow you to grow and learn.

  • Navigate life changes

It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life” ~ Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Life is in constant change, some of which can be challenging.  A retreat allows you to step outside of your everyday life, to gain deeper understanding and create clarity.

It may be that you consciously decide to attend a retreat in order to work through change in your life or the outcome of a relaxing retreat may be a new perspective which leads to change.

  • Time to meditate

In meditation we return to where we already are – this shifting, changing ever-present now
If you wish to take up meditation, it must be now or never.” ~ Steve Hagen, Meditation Now or Never

You will be away from distractions, feel relaxed and ‘in the moment’ leading to a peaceful space in which to develop your meditation practice.  This is a perfect time to develop new habits.

  •  Take a digital detox

Spending the majority of our waking lives experiencing reality through a screen, endlessly plugged into our devices, is taking its toll… and we’re realising it’s not the answer. The era of burnout, multi-tasking, tech dependence, fatigue, ‘social media everything’ and information overload is coming to a close” ~ thedigitaldetox.org

By switching off your technology you can find space and balance.  You can evaluate your relationship with technology and develop a more balanced approach.  Understand that you can press pause, reconnect with yourself and those around you, saviour your life experiences and feel recharged.

  • Rest and Relax 

Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream”  ~ John Lennon

On retreat you have the permission to fully relax.  You can tune into your body, rest when you need it, allow your body and mind to de-stress.  You are free to replenish as you wish, you are free from demands.

  • Eat well

Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food” ~ Hippocrates

All of the hard work is done for you, you will enjoy nutritious and delicious meals.  It is an opportunity to review unhealthy habits and to develop new behaviours.   Healthy food, yoga and rest will re-energise your batteries and assist the body’s healing process.

  • Make new friends. 

Every person needs a time out, away from stressful jobs, pressures from employers or clients, home responsibilities….  Everyone deserves to enjoy, visit unknown places, try other things, meet a lot of new friends, and feel at the top of the world. Life is full of fun, excitement, and adventure. Thus, vacation is an experience that’s worth remembering for a lifetime. It heals a weary mind and soul”  ~ Alon Calinao Dy

You may travel as a group or solo but it is guaranteed that you will meet like minded people on retreat.  Retreats are perfect if you are travelling alone, you have the choice to spend time with others or enjoy your own space if you wish.

Two experienced yoga teachers will lead this retreat, Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma), who will teach yoga classes in a variety of styles including Akhanda Yoga, Classical Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Nidra. This mixed programme is perfect if you are starting your yogic journey and wish to explore different styles or if you are more experienced and wish to immerse yourself in your practice.

During the 6 night retreat, each day will consist of two yoga classes, meditation plus additional workshops (Yoga Nidra, Developing Your Home Practice and Evening Meditation & Chanting).

Programme

Day of arrival (Thu 29 Sep)

We suggest that guests arrive in Athens either on Wed 28 Sep (you will need to book your accommodation for this overnight) or book a flight arriving before 1400 on Thu 29 Sep so that you can be at the port in time for the ferry. Most ferries leave at 17.30.

For those arriving on Thu 29 Sep into Athens we can share details of who is arriving as you may wish to meet at the airport & co-ordinate your onward travel to the ferry port.

02:00 Ferry arrival at Amorgos

(Next morning practice opening ceremony and practice will begin at 10:30)

Click here for full travel information.

Normal day schedule

07.30 – 09.30 Yoga & Meditation

10.00 – 11.30 Breakfast

11.30 – 16.30 Free time

16.30 – 18.15 Yoga

19.30 – 21:00 Dinner

NB Lunch, snacks and refreshments can be purchased from the hotel at extra cost.

Workshops (included in the package)

Yoga Nidra

Developing Your Home Practice

Evening Meditation & Chanting

Agenda for departure date (Wed 5 Oct)

06.00 Breakfast

07.00 Board ferry at Aegiali Port

10.00-11.00 Closing Ceremony will be on held on the ferry.

Package includes:

– 6 nights accommodation in Superior room

– daily buffet breakfast with organic ingredients from the hotel’s own garden

– daily dinner

– arrival & departure transfer from/to the port of Amorgos

– welcome pack to help you unwind

– twice daily (morning and afternoon) yoga & meditation classes

– a blissful Yoga Nidra session where you will enjoy complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation

– two workshops to deepen your practice (Develop Your Home Practice / Evening Meditation & Chanting)

– one free 30 minute Swedish massage

– 10% discount on face and body spa treatments

– free use of internet

– free use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool with sea water, gym)

– tea and coffee making facilities are provided in all guest rooms.

– the yoga studio is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks and bolsters

Cost of this 6 night retreat:  Shared room: £695 pp / Single room: £825 pp

Not included:

– Flight to Athens

– Return ferry from Athens to Amorgos

– Travel Insurance

– Airport Transfers

– Lunch / Drinks / Shopping

For bookings and queries please contact info@juliebladon.com

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Hotel: www.amorgos-aegialis.com

Beaches: Beaches of Amorgos

Ferry Bookings: Bluestar Ferries

Booking Form Downloads

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (Word Doc)

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (pdf)

Any changes to reservations must be made in writing.

Retreat Testimonials

Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you

The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

I’ve added a few sample Yoga Nidra (Yoga Sleep) meditations to Insight Timer, a meditation app with more than 600,000 registered users.

At Insight Timer they are committed to spreading the benefits of meditation and every day meditators play over 4,000 hours of guided meditations.

There are currently over 700 guided meditation tracks from people like Eckhart Tolle and Tara Brach. Some of the guided meditations have been individually downloaded over 250,000 times.

Visit Insight Timer to sign up.

Sign up to my monthly e-newsletter for free monthly downloads, news, events and much more!

All of my Yoga Nidra tracks are available for streaming with iTunes, Spotify and TIDAL.  Search under my spiritual name JAYADEVI.  You can also purchase as CDs or downloads via my online shop.

juliebladon.com

As we head into the festive season, I would like to thank the yogis that I have had the pleasure of sharing yoga with, all of my Lomi Lomi clients and those around the globe who have listened to my guided meditations. 

I am most grateful for your support, kindness and inspiration you have shown me over the year. It has been a wonderful and busy 2015.  I have had the pleasure of working with a wide array of yoga students in Devon, Wales and on retreat in Devon & Spain.

The two Yoga at the Beach sessions in the summer raised £203 for two charities.  A big thank you to everyone that supported these sessions.  I will plan Yoga at the Beach sessions for summer 2016.  It is always enjoyable doing yoga on the beach!

My yoga colleague, Jackie, and I had a great time at Wilderness Festival and Green Man.  We were part of the in-house therapist team for Wild Wellbeing. Festivals are VERY busy but always fun!

The Yoga Nidra workshops are proving very popular.  It is such an honour to share Yoga Nidra and to witness the true benefits of this practice.  I also love to hear from those around the globe who listen to my Yoga Nidra meditations especially children who really love Yoga Sleep.

The new Meditation Classes at Exmouth Leisure Centre have a regular group of dedicated students.  Here’s feedback from one of the students Thank you Julie, for helping us to understand meditation, the physical and spiritual health it brings us. A time to recharge our inner batteries, in our busy lives we all need some quiet time, realising that once we can find the time everything else seems to fall into place.”

Finally a big thank you to the venues, yoga studios and retreat centres that I work out of across the year.  Your support is always appreciated.

I will be taking a break to refresh and replenish ready for a busy 2016.  I will hopefully have some creative time to focus on exciting yoga developments in the pipeline, to finish the next draft of my children’s book, to write new guided meditations and have some time to “just be”.

2016 is already shaping up to be my busiest year to date!  Yoga Adventure in the Himalayas Tour in March, two Aloha Yoga Retreats on Dartmoor, Luxury Yoga Intensive in Greece, Yoga Nidra workshops in Exeter and Sidmouth, weekly yoga classes, weekly meditation classes, Lomi Lomi massages, new guided meditation downloads and yoga e-courses.

For upcoming weekly yoga classes, workshops and events click here.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2016!  Wishing you a peaceful, restful, happy and healthy Christmas & New Year.

I love to hear from children who listen to my Yoga Sleep meditations.  Here are thank you letters from Jess and Josh, two young yogis based in the UK.  The drawings of yoga postures are fantastic!

Letter Jess

Letter Josh

All of my Yoga Nidra tracks are available for streaming with iTunes, Spotify and TIDAL.  Search under my spiritual name JAYADEVI.  You can also purchase as CDs or downloads via my online shop.

I will be bringing the ever popular Yoga Nidra Workshops to Jala Flow Yoga Studio in Sidmouth as from February 2016.  There will be a regular programme of Nidra workshops across the year and I’m really pleased to have secured a dedicated yoga space for these blissful workshops.

Jala Flow Yoga launched in June 2015 and is a dedicated space to practice in the heart of Sidmouth.  Set in an attractive grade II listed building, conveniently located on the High Street.  And just a stone’s throw away from the beach!

I will shortly be updating my website with the new yoga terms for 2016 plus workshops across the year in Exeter, Sidmouth and Swansea.  Remember to book early as these workshops do fill up quickly!

If you are based in Sidmouth & the surrounding area and fancy attending class at Jala Flow Yoga they currently have a First Class Half Price offer available.  Also if you are out of area, they have a weekly pass for visitors to the area.

We are back from a truly wonderful retreat in Spain, the week was packed with joy, laughter and fun.  Below is the week in pictures!

pickerimage

Feedback from our guests:

Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you

The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Click here to join my mailing list and hear about upcoming yoga retreats!

I’ve just finalised my new Yoga Nidra flyers for 2016. A big thank you to my designer Nia for this great design.  Get the 2016 dates into your diary!

NIDRA-16-FLYER

NIDRA-16-FLYER2

I’m back from Wilderness Festival where I had the pleasure of working for Wild Wellbeing in the Sanctuary area of Wilderness Festival.  We were blessed with glorious sunshine throughout the weekend.

The Sanctuary was bigger and better this year with a team of 36 in-house therapists providing massages and facials.  Plus many pitch therapists offering a broad selection of therapies ranging from massage, reflexology, tarot readings, acupuncture, solar powered showers, saunas through to gong baths.  A perfect space for people to immerse themselves in peace and tranquility in order to feed their body, mind and soul.

Massage and facial products were sponsored by Neals Yard RemediesTeam Pukka provided herbal tea and a much needed chill out area for both clients and all of the hardworking therapists.

This Festival is certainly more than just music.  Wilderness Festival is spread across 1,700 acres of Cornbury Park and prides itself on luxury.  With a huge programme on offer ranging from theatre, arts, debates, talks, workshops, banqueting, good food, wellbeing, lakeside spa, children’s activities, there is most certainly something for everyone.  At times, there are over 400 events laid on for festivalgoers.

It’s not all work and no play though.  Festival highlights for me included The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Ben Howard and La Fura dels Baus.

La Fura dels Baus, Barcelona based performance company, presented a large-scale show ‘Blending (in the Air)‘, directed by Miki Espuma.  This performance involved participation and the combination of the flamenco singer Ginesa Ortega together with the Wilderness Festival Orchestra and the English choir Deep Throat.  60 actors performed this original La Fura dels Baus spectacle.  A giant puppet, operated by a crane, dominated the performance area and 43 performers – who had never done anything like this before – took part in an aerial spectacle in which they created a stunning human net.

LaFuraDeisBaus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

blue puppet puppet

Images Courtesy of: La Fura dels Baus, Wilderness Festival, Pukka Herbs, Neals Yard Remedies

 

 

 

Here’s a re-post of my Yoga Sleep article that appeared in Inspired Times.

“Goodnight sweetheart! Jayadevi shows us how Yoga Sleep (Yoga Nidra) can kiss our soul by sinking us into a deep, sublime relaxation.”

See my article in the Autumn edition of Inspired Times Magazine (Autumn 2013).

Click here to read:

Inspired Times Welcome Page Autumn 2013

Inspired Times Article Yoga Sleep (Yoga Nidra) Autumn 2013

Enjoy! Namaste.