Awakening Connection
7-day Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Turkey
12th-19th October 2024
Join us for a week on the beautiful Turkish Riviera and take some time out for yourself during this immersive and explorative yoga, meditation, and self-discovery retreat. And come also to explore the rich culture inherited from the Persian, Greek and Roman times and enjoy the Turkish hospitality.
It’s time to stop for a moment. Take a few breaths. Observe what is no longer serving you. And maybe find more scope for reconnecting with your sense of Self, being in human connection, and our connection to nature and the greater universe.
By nature, we are Beings of relation. But especially in today's Western society, there is a dominant culture of separation. As a result, we are not able to be in our full expression of life, we have fallen out of resonance with Nature and the world around us, and we have lost the support of the village, around which we have evolved. This leads to enormous struggle to cope with day-to-day life and feeds into the development of disease in the body.
This week will be holiday, retreat, and deep-dive all at once. We will explore connection, disconnection and reconnection through a number of different practices and modalities: Yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, Thai Yoga Massage, meditation, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga philosophy, journaling and self discovery; awakening to the deep clarity that is available in our body, mind and spirit when nurtured and listened to.
A generous programme of physical and mental practices for relaxing the body, silencing the mind and nurturing the soul awaits you. Return home feeling calm, your authentic self, and armed with simple techniques for building these positive results into daily life.
Come too to enjoy some autumn rays of sunshine, healthy and delicious food and the beauty of nature. A chance to rest, rebalance, and tune into yourself and the slowing forces of this seasonal transition. We look forward to welcoming you.
It’s time to stop for a moment. Take a few breaths. Observe what is no longer serving you. And maybe find more scope for reconnecting with your sense of Self, being in human connection, and our connection to nature and the greater universe.
By nature, we are Beings of relation. But especially in today's Western society, there is a dominant culture of separation. As a result, we are not able to be in our full expression of life, we have fallen out of resonance with Nature and the world around us, and we have lost the support of the village, around which we have evolved. This leads to enormous struggle to cope with day-to-day life and feeds into the development of disease in the body.
This week will be holiday, retreat, and deep-dive all at once. We will explore connection, disconnection and reconnection through a number of different practices and modalities: Yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, Thai Yoga Massage, meditation, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga philosophy, journaling and self discovery; awakening to the deep clarity that is available in our body, mind and spirit when nurtured and listened to.
A generous programme of physical and mental practices for relaxing the body, silencing the mind and nurturing the soul awaits you. Return home feeling calm, your authentic self, and armed with simple techniques for building these positive results into daily life.
Come too to enjoy some autumn rays of sunshine, healthy and delicious food and the beauty of nature. A chance to rest, rebalance, and tune into yourself and the slowing forces of this seasonal transition. We look forward to welcoming you.
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A day in the life of being on the retreatImagine..... you wake up to the soft sounds of chirping birds and the feeling of the warming sun. You can smell the water off the lagoon not too far away and it reminds you of a late summer day. You roll out of bed and make your way in your comfortable clothes to a morning practice.
What will it be today? Qi Gong to enliven your inner energy, a grounding yoga practice to centre yourself, breathwork to reconnect with yourself and those around you? After your practice you are greeted by a nourishing breakfast that satisfies all of your senses; the smells and tastes of Turkish coffee and fruits, the bright colours of the rainbow on your plate, the sound of lively and thoughtful chatter from your fellow like-minded participants. After breakfast you make your way to the inviting forest Yoga shala where you sit down to begin a learning journey concentrating around the theme of human and universal connection; the conversation inspiring. The afternoon is met with an alfresco lunch. You might pack a lunch and make your way to the beach for some sun and reflection. Maybe you will read your book, maybe you will continue an earlier conversation, maybe you will swim and enjoy the nature around you, possibly a nap. The choice is yours. After a warm shower you make your way to the late-afternoon activity; will you dance; practice yoga nidra, experience a connection to self exploration? There is such a variety from the three facilitators, Katrin, Tiago and Kirsten. Last is dinner, a spread of traditional, tasty and healthy Turkish cooking, and spend time with your new friends. Then you are off to sleep to dream of tomorrow’s day trip excursion around the area where more adventures await you. |
What to expect
The scheduleAll the days will be a little different. This is how they might unfold:
8:00-9:30 - morning practice 9:30 - breakfast 11:00-13:00 - workshop & practice (on two of the mornings) From 13:00 - lunch and free time 17:00-19:00 - workshop & practice 19:30 - dinner Some evenings we might have a fun activity after dinner. And on one of the days we have NO practices or workshops, but venture out on a fabulous day trip discovering the stunning area around Dalyan. Free timeA lot of the day is free to relax, enjoy the lush pool, chill at the beach, go walking in the shade of the pine forest, or dip into the riverside town of Dalyan for some shopping.
Possible other activities (extras)
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A spectacular day trip
On one of the days, we will take a "day off" for a chance to enjoy one of Ian's (our host) famous trips:
This day trip is optional (not included in the price), and if you prefer you can also chill out on the beach, go for a longer walk, relax by the pool...
- By boat we will go along Dalyan river past the famous Calian rock tombs (4th century BC), probably one of the top 10 most stunning views on earth.
- We stop at Kaunus, one of Turkey's main ancient cities and visit the old amphitheatre, chapel, market place and harbour.
- Then we make our way through the protected river delta's reeds to anchor just behind the tip of Iztuzu beach, also known as 'turtle beach'. Here we will take a little break to have grilled fish and a large vegetarian mezze of Turkish specialities and maybe have a little swim.
- From here we make our way to the other side of Dalyan to cross the stunning Köyceğiz Lake, which is surrounded by nature reserves.
- On the shore across the lake, we visit a traditional mud bath and hot springs.
- To end our fun day out, we return to Dalyan and have dinner in one of the river front restaurants. (There will also be a little time to potter around town and do a little shopping...)
This day trip is optional (not included in the price), and if you prefer you can also chill out on the beach, go for a longer walk, relax by the pool...
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About the Lagoon Retreat
The Lagoon Retreat is located in an elevated position in a forested conservation area overlooking the Sülüngür Lagoon with spectacular views across the beautiful Dalyan delta and Istuzu beach.
Ian is your host and has been one of the founding partners of Huzur Vadisi for over thirty years. He has a fantastic fund of local knowledge, which combined with his long experience of creating and hosting yoga venues will guarantee your retreat runs smoothly and enjoyably. He is supported by Arslan, who discovered this extraordinary location twenty-five years ago developing the property in harmony with its spectacular natural setting.
A short bus ride from the village will bring you to the charming riverside town of Dalyan with its shops and restaurants. A 5-minute bus or taxi ride in the opposite direction will take you to Istuzu, a long, sandy beach in the conservation area where Loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs.
This is a unique location - with its combination of complete seclusion (you feel as if you are on the edge of the known world) and yet accessible, situated on the edge of a traditional rural village with bus connections for getting out and about if you wish. It has unbeatable views, comfortable well-appointed accommodation, a pool and a fully equipped yoga shala. Not to mention the delicious meals for which Turkey, and Huzur Vadisi in particular, are renowned.
Ian is your host and has been one of the founding partners of Huzur Vadisi for over thirty years. He has a fantastic fund of local knowledge, which combined with his long experience of creating and hosting yoga venues will guarantee your retreat runs smoothly and enjoyably. He is supported by Arslan, who discovered this extraordinary location twenty-five years ago developing the property in harmony with its spectacular natural setting.
A short bus ride from the village will bring you to the charming riverside town of Dalyan with its shops and restaurants. A 5-minute bus or taxi ride in the opposite direction will take you to Istuzu, a long, sandy beach in the conservation area where Loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs.
This is a unique location - with its combination of complete seclusion (you feel as if you are on the edge of the known world) and yet accessible, situated on the edge of a traditional rural village with bus connections for getting out and about if you wish. It has unbeatable views, comfortable well-appointed accommodation, a pool and a fully equipped yoga shala. Not to mention the delicious meals for which Turkey, and Huzur Vadisi in particular, are renowned.
The accommodationSimple, rustic but comfortable and well appointed accommodation. There are eleven air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms suitable for single, double or twin accommodation, some with balconies and lovely forest views. One sea view room is available at a supplement.
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The foodEnjoy fresh vegetables and fruit during all our truly delicious meals. It is the food as much as the location, as well as the hospitality, that make this the perfect place to relax and find some peace. We will be served opulent breakfast and dinner, and a light DIY lunch every day.
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Continued education
This retreat offers an opportunity for you to earn 20hrs of Continuing Education Hours (CEUs) with Yoga Alliance to fulfil both contact and non contact hours in the categories of Techniques, Training & Practice, Anatomy & Physiology, and Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics.
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Book now to join us
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EARLY BIRD - BOOK UNTIL 1ST MAY 2024! SAVE €200!!
NORMAL PRICE - AFTER 1ST MAY 2024!
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The prices include
They don't include flights, insurance, massages, airport transfers, other trips and activities. |
Step 1: Register |
Step 2: Pay the depositOnce we have received your booking request, we will send you payment details for the €300 deposit per person, which will be payable immediately in order to guarantee your place.
Booking termsTo secure your place, we kindly ask for a €300 deposit. The remainder of the fee will be payable by 1st September 2024, or immediately should you book after that date. (We are also happy to agree a payment schedule of smaller instalments.)
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the retreat or we cannot offer you a place for any reason, you will be offered either a full cash refund minus a 20€ handling fee or the option of being transferred to an alternative event. Travel infoFlights
There are several companies flying to Dalaman, or you can get an easy connection via Istanbul. Prices vary according to time of booking or season. It is advisable to book early to get the best prices. Transfers The Lagoon Retreat is 25 minutes from Dalaman airport and we will arrange transfers, for which the costs will be added to your bill (for any extras) at the end, so you don't need any Turkish Lira on arrival. |
Frequently asked questions and helpful information
Do I need to book my own flights?
Yes. As soon as you have registered to join us, we recommend you look for flights. Our experience is that the more in advance you book your flights, the better the prices. From a number of European airports you can get a direct flight to Dalaman, as it’s a popular holiday destination. But otherwise, book a flight to Istanbul, from where you can get a connecting flight to Dalaman. There are several internal flights available throughout the day.
Ideally, your arrival time in Dalaman is during the day/before 10pm, to make the organisation of the transfers a little easier. But if you arrive later, no problem. We will still collect you from the airport.
Is it worth spending a few additional days in the area?
Absolutely! That area of Turkey is simply stunning. We are happy to give you a few recommendations of places to visit. And of course, you might also like to stay a couple of extra days in Istanbul.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Anyone with an EU or UK passport does not need an e-visa.
Anyone else, please check this website, and make sure you request the e-visa in advance of your travel - https://www.evisa.gov.tr (it's easily done online).
What will the weather be like in October?
Of course, we can’t guarantee good weather, but October is our favourite time of the year in that part of Turkey. Usually you get beautiful, warm, sunny days, but it’s not too hot any more. At night it can cool down a little.
What do I need to bring?
You really don't need very much. It is useful to bring:
Hairdryers are provided in every room.
No need to bring a yoga mat - mats, belts, blocks and bolsters are all provided!
And don't forget your swimming costume…
Can I go swimming in the sea?
Yes! There is a very long, sandy beach nearby, which is perfect for swimming. If you get lucky, you might even see some turtles.
Do I need to exchange some money?
Generally you will get a better rate of exchange in Turkey. This can be done with cash almost everywhere, or withdrawn from ATM cash machines. There is an ATM at the foot of the ramp as you come out of the airport.
However, you may prefer to already have some Turkish Lira with you on arrival. But don't worry, you don't need any money to pay for the transfer on arrival.
There are a few things to do locally, for which you will need Lira though, like catching the bus or a taxi to the beach, or having a snack in the village, or maybe a little shopping in Dalyan (although in Dalyan you are likely able to pay by card in most places).
Extras at the Lagoon Retreat include bar bills, excursions, massages and airport transfers. These are all paid for at the end of your stay. There is a self-service honesty book system at the bar (note, there is always free tea, coffee and water throughout the day). Your bill can be paid in sterling, US dollars, lira or euros (or a combination) but cash only please. They don’t have credit card or cheque facilities.
How much extra money do I need to bring?
The transfers (return) usually come in at €50 per person, the day trip (optional) is approx. €90, a massage is approx. €75 for an hour, plus some money for drinks.
Is there internet at the Lagoon?
There is good mobile phone connection at the Lagoon Retreat. Wifi is also available. It's not stable enough for streaming or downloading content, so if you want to watch a movie on your device for example, please make sure you download that before you travel.
What kind of food will we be served, and can my food intolerances be catered for?
We will be served the most delicious fresh vegetarian food. If you notify us in advance, a vegan, gluten free or dairy free diet can be catered for.
For lunch, some food will be laid out in the kitchen for us to help ourselves if we want. This means, you can have lunch at whatever time suits you. If for example you go to the beach, you might not want to rush back for lunch, but grab something at the beach cafe.
Is this part of Turkey safe to travel on my own?
Yes, this part of Turkey is very safe. Turkish hospitality is exceptional. Traveling by bus, car, taxi etc is very easy. And along the coast, everyone speaks English.
When arriving for the retreat, and during our week together, we will be taking complete care of you, from picking you up from the airport, to showing you around, and making sure you catch your flight on departure.
Yes. As soon as you have registered to join us, we recommend you look for flights. Our experience is that the more in advance you book your flights, the better the prices. From a number of European airports you can get a direct flight to Dalaman, as it’s a popular holiday destination. But otherwise, book a flight to Istanbul, from where you can get a connecting flight to Dalaman. There are several internal flights available throughout the day.
Ideally, your arrival time in Dalaman is during the day/before 10pm, to make the organisation of the transfers a little easier. But if you arrive later, no problem. We will still collect you from the airport.
Is it worth spending a few additional days in the area?
Absolutely! That area of Turkey is simply stunning. We are happy to give you a few recommendations of places to visit. And of course, you might also like to stay a couple of extra days in Istanbul.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Anyone with an EU or UK passport does not need an e-visa.
Anyone else, please check this website, and make sure you request the e-visa in advance of your travel - https://www.evisa.gov.tr (it's easily done online).
What will the weather be like in October?
Of course, we can’t guarantee good weather, but October is our favourite time of the year in that part of Turkey. Usually you get beautiful, warm, sunny days, but it’s not too hot any more. At night it can cool down a little.
What do I need to bring?
You really don't need very much. It is useful to bring:
- Torch - you should bring a torch for paths at night
- Some long trousers and a warm layer for the evenings or maybe the early morning Yoga (not always needed)
- It can be nice to note down some reflections or to journal during a retreat. So you might want to bring a notebook and pen
- Beach Towel - towels for showers are provided, but please bring your own beach towel for use at the pool and going to the beach
- Walking shoes - if you want to take advantage of any mountain walks
- Sturdy sandals might be handy, as the Lagoon Retreat is built around a hillside, with some steps, so flipflops might not give you enough support. Also, there is a steep-ish 15-minute walk down to a small private beach, for which proper sandals or shoes will be better. It's also pebbly down there, so if you have shoes you can use in the water, that might also come in handy.
- A good book maybe
- Mosquito repellant, and maybe also a large sarong to cover yourself in relaxation in the later practice session.
- Sun lotion
- Turkey has 2-pin plugs, so you will need to bring an adaptor if you are coming from the UK or outside Europe.
Hairdryers are provided in every room.
No need to bring a yoga mat - mats, belts, blocks and bolsters are all provided!
And don't forget your swimming costume…
Can I go swimming in the sea?
Yes! There is a very long, sandy beach nearby, which is perfect for swimming. If you get lucky, you might even see some turtles.
Do I need to exchange some money?
Generally you will get a better rate of exchange in Turkey. This can be done with cash almost everywhere, or withdrawn from ATM cash machines. There is an ATM at the foot of the ramp as you come out of the airport.
However, you may prefer to already have some Turkish Lira with you on arrival. But don't worry, you don't need any money to pay for the transfer on arrival.
There are a few things to do locally, for which you will need Lira though, like catching the bus or a taxi to the beach, or having a snack in the village, or maybe a little shopping in Dalyan (although in Dalyan you are likely able to pay by card in most places).
Extras at the Lagoon Retreat include bar bills, excursions, massages and airport transfers. These are all paid for at the end of your stay. There is a self-service honesty book system at the bar (note, there is always free tea, coffee and water throughout the day). Your bill can be paid in sterling, US dollars, lira or euros (or a combination) but cash only please. They don’t have credit card or cheque facilities.
How much extra money do I need to bring?
The transfers (return) usually come in at €50 per person, the day trip (optional) is approx. €90, a massage is approx. €75 for an hour, plus some money for drinks.
Is there internet at the Lagoon?
There is good mobile phone connection at the Lagoon Retreat. Wifi is also available. It's not stable enough for streaming or downloading content, so if you want to watch a movie on your device for example, please make sure you download that before you travel.
What kind of food will we be served, and can my food intolerances be catered for?
We will be served the most delicious fresh vegetarian food. If you notify us in advance, a vegan, gluten free or dairy free diet can be catered for.
For lunch, some food will be laid out in the kitchen for us to help ourselves if we want. This means, you can have lunch at whatever time suits you. If for example you go to the beach, you might not want to rush back for lunch, but grab something at the beach cafe.
Is this part of Turkey safe to travel on my own?
Yes, this part of Turkey is very safe. Turkish hospitality is exceptional. Traveling by bus, car, taxi etc is very easy. And along the coast, everyone speaks English.
When arriving for the retreat, and during our week together, we will be taking complete care of you, from picking you up from the airport, to showing you around, and making sure you catch your flight on departure.
Meet the retreat facilitators
Kirsten (Kaye) Wilkinson
MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, Bikram Certified, RCYT, Qi Gong and iRest Certified, Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, Mind/Body Practitioner, Breathe to Heal Facilitator, Somatic Experiencing Advanced Cohort Kirsten has over 20 years of working with moving bodies, trauma, and building trauma informed curriculum. She is the Executive Director of Legacy Motion, an NGO that supports individuals and communities impacted by trauma by offering sustainable programming and trainings to community members in trauma informed, restorative movement based practices and somatic therapy modalities. Each program and project honours traditional healing methods, supports the collective human experience, and provides learning opportunities to aid in accessible and equitable mental healthcare through the mind/body connection. She is also the founder of Healing Motion, a private practice that offers somatic therapy coaching and embodied practices that support mental health by assisting individuals in discovering their innate wisdom, restoring their embodied strength, and transcending to holistic wellbeing through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle balance, and personalised wellness programs. |
Tiago Botelho
Tiago likes to see himself as an "explorer of life", as he understands life as discovering and recognizing what we are and everything around us. He studied and worked as a communication consultant, but discovered in Ayurvedic medicine and in Yoga a different way of Being in life. He has been teaching yoga for over a decade and has been practicing since 2005. Learning from various teachers and in different traditions, he has built a broad, free and simple view of what yoga proposes and how it can be approached and practiced in different ways. With deep gratitude and reverence to all his teachers and to the teachers of his teachers, he continues to study annually in Portugal, Spain and India. He has been teaching in Portugal, Spain, Israel, India and Indonesia for love and dedication to everyone's life and well-being. |
Katrin Heuser
Her whole life, Katrin has been interested in the body and movement. After many years of dance, her Scoliosis led her to Pilates and finally to Yoga, Thai Massage and Osteothai, which then became her path in life. For Katrin, her work is about the never-ending exploration of the body. As we bring awareness to what is happening inside and where we are in the present moment, the body is encouraged to release where it is holding. Then we can embark on a journey of restoration and growth. She holds a 500h Level 4 NVQ Yoga Teaching qualification, has completed over a 1,000 continued education hours on therapeutic and somatic approaches, trained in Manual Lymph Drainage and has studied extensively in Thai Yoga Massage and Osteothai, including a Master Osteothai qualification, over the past years. Mostly through her work as a bodyworker comes also her understanding of trauma, chronic conditions and pain, as well as the influence of working with fascia, the craniosacral system, structural support and the nervous system. Katrin used to run a Yoga Festival in London and launched an online anti-stress breathing programme. Since 2015 she has lived in Lisbon and runs Little Yoga Space, where she teaches and gives Osteothai treatments, and she is the director of Hadadi, offering foundation and advanced training courses in Thai Massage and trauma-informed Yoga worldwide. |
