Yoga Retreat

Yoga Practice Essentials

April 17 - 24, 2010

with Neil Barker

About the Retreat

This retreat is open to all levels of practitioners, from complete beginners to those more established.

During this retreat, we will explore the fundamentals of a yoga practice and the important keys to the asanas-all with a clear and easy-to-understand anatomical focus. Topics might include, for example, the secrets to opening the hamstrings, how to develop inner core strength, opening the back for backbends, and understanding the larger purpose of an asana practice.

Each morning will begin with sitting and breath work, followed by traditional asana practice, which will be taught either in the self-paced Mysore style or partially guided, depending on the needs of the student.

Afternoons will consist of a presented topic, as mentioned above, followed by a Q&A session along with a workshop-style exploratory session to enhance comprehension of the material covered so that it can be incorporated and integrated in to one's daily practice.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a more seasoned practitioner, this retreat will strengthen your understanding of the practice, develop it, and take it to deeper levels, both mentally and physically.

About the Teacher

Neil is a creative, lively, and gifted teacher with a unique ability to share learning in a way that students immediately "get" even difficult lessons. He is a senior teacher at Yoga Thailand and the training director for Centered Yoga Institute. He has been teaching with Paul since 2004. He is also a dedicated student of Sri O.P. Tiwari and is authorized to teach the Ashtanga practice by the master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Neil has a solid background in the healing arts, having studied and practiced as a chiropractor/spine specialist, acupuncturist, and Chinese medical practitioner. Neil spent a number of years living in Beijing, where he opened the first modern-day yoga center. For more about Neil, see his full bio.

The Daily Schedule

The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

7:00 am	Morning herbal tea
7:30 am	Intention and Day Opening Breathwork-Pranayama and Meditation
8:15 am	Asana Practice: detailed guidance in the Asanas, develop and grow a self-practice from the Ashtanga Yoga series going through in led detail and mysore style
10 - 11:30 am	Brunch Buffet
4:00 pm	Special workshop covering both Asanas and Pranayama as well as the selected philosophical or anatomical topic. There will be some discussion and Q&A and some time working on the breath, poses and restorative yoga
6:00 pm	Dinner Buffet
6 - 9:00 pm	Steam room available
7:30 pm	Evening program - video, satsang, meditation

* Special group excursion during the week to some of the natural wonders of Koh Samui or its neighboring islands.

Please arrive by 5pm for a retreat welcome on the first day. Departure is by 12 noon on the last day. You are welcome to arrive early or stay on, check our residential stay rates

Retreat Rates

Share two bedroom loft	€ 650 per person
Single superior room	€ 850 per person

Upgrade to our Deluxe Suite additional cost on the total program package:

€ 50 per day
€ 320 for one week
€ 620 for two weeks
€ 900 for three weeks
€ 1100 for four weeks

We only have two deluxe one bedroom suites located in our most private and nearest building to the sea. They have a private bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, deluxe bathroom and with an extra large balcony they have the prime sea views available at Yoga Thailand. Both suites include a fully furnished living room with flat screen TV, DVD and satellite. They are perfect for a family or couple. The additional rate is a flat rate based on the room and is added on to the total rate package whether a single individual, couple or family.

All our rooms have direct sea view with their own private balcony and bathroom.

The rate is inclusive of: