Yoga & Somatic Movement holiday in Turkey ​​
​with Fairlie Gibson & Katrin Heuser

A real treat for your body, mind and soul! Join us for our Yoga and Somatic Movement holiday on the stunning Turkish Riviera. A chance to escape day-to-day life, press the pause button and reconnect with your sense of well-being. At the same time, explore the rich culture inherited from the Persian, Greek and Roman times and enjoy the Turkish hospitality. 

We both take a somatic approach to our mindful movement lessons, believing that less is more. When you do less it’s easier to sense and feel, to discover what unhelpful patterns of movement you have fallen into, and subsequently to find more resources to explore alternative ways of moving.

We will have two 2h-practices every day. Our lessons involve slow, gentle explorations, guiding you to discover the optimal, most efficient and most pleasurable ways of moving for you. The results can sometimes seem magical, especially when they relieve long-held aches and pains. From this practice you might increase body awareness, move more fluidly, learn to distribute your weight and effort more efficiently, enhance vitality, strengthen bones, move without injuring yourself and involve your whole body in your movements.

The practices take inspiration from Scaravelli inspired Yoga, Qi Gong, Feldenkrais, Somatics, and Polyvagal Theory. We include a look at Breathing as well and how that affects movement and wellbeing, and also include Mindfulness Meditation. All ingredients for a more relaxed, balanced and meaningful life.

We aim to provide a safe, nurturing, fun environment for the lessons that anyone can join in. And hopefully there will be plenty of take-aways from every lesson that you will be able to apply in everyday life when you return home. All you need is your curiosity and the ability to come to your mat.  

Our intention is to create a deeply restful experience filled with beautiful practices as well as lots of free time for that holiday feeling. Go back home feeling refreshed and more yourself again.

The Huzur Vadisi Lagoon Retreat is the perfect setting. The utter peace and privacy of the venue, immersed in nature, creates a wonderful atmosphere conducive to your practice. Forest bathe, inhale the vital prana, tune into birdsong and the hum of cicadas. We do our practice in a beautiful shala surrounded by forest and the mountains.

Dates and prices

31st May - 7th June 2025

EARLY BIRD - BOOK UNTIL 31ST JANUARY 2025
SAVE £100!!

• £915 - place in shared twin, double or spacious 3-bed room
• £1,055 - place in single
• £1,130 - single occupancy of large sea-view suite (£980 if shared, suitable for couples only) 
• £935 - single place in small room with tiny bathroom (£795 if shared, suitable for couples only)

NORMAL PRICE - FROM 1ST FEBRUARY 2025

• £1015 - place in shared twin, double or spacious 3-bed room
• £1,155 - place in single
• £1,230 - single occupancy of large sea-view suite (£1080 if shared, suitable for couples only) 
• £1035 - single place in small room with tiny bathroom (£895 if shared, suitable for couples only)

The prices include:

• Seven nights en-suite accommodation in boutique, rustic rooms. Each room is a little different with their own special features (some have a balcony or little terrace, some have a small kitchenette).
• Delicious and healthy vegetarian breakfast and dinner every day, plus light DIY lunches provided in the guest kitchen
• ​Tea/coffee/fruit/biscuits all day
• Ten 2h Yoga, movement & meditation classes

Prices don't include flights, insurance, massages, airport transfers, drinks from the bar, other trips and activities.

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:

• 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, and if you prefer you can also chill out on the beach, go for a longer walk, relax by the pool...

Book your place or enquire here!

What previous participants say about our retreat

We had such a wonderful week at The Lagoon Retreat. The yoga shala is a truly zen space, looking out over the valley with the sounds of the birds, insects, goats, and of course the Call to Prayer accompanying our practice. The pool terrace, with the view across the lagoon and out to sea is heavenly; it’s easy to spend hours watching the light change while the swallows take their evening dip in the pool. Venturing out from the retreat there’s plenty to do, taking a walk down to the lagoon for a swim, or spending some time at Turtle Beach. Snorkelling along the rocks I found myself face to face with a majestic turtle who permitted me to follow for a good ten minutes before she headed out to sea. I’m sure my perfectly crafted yoga sessions with Kat and Fairlie enabled a state of peace that brought about this cosmic encounter!
~ Amanda

My highlight is the anticipation for next year... Ian has yet again created an incredible place. I was really taken by the breathtaking location and its seclusion. The staff are incredibly attentive and accommodating. The week was super varied with gentle yoga, new experiences with Feldenkrais, massages of the highest standard, really delicious and healthy food and wonderful excursions.
~ Ursula

Free time

We start and end every day with a 2-hour practice. The rest 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)

• Treat yourself and book a session with the resident massage therapist
• Spend the day on the beach (very easy bus ride away)
• Various sightseeing trips are available
• Get scrubbed and pampered in a traditional Turkish Bath​

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.

Simple, 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. 

The Food

Enjoy 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.

Travel info

Flights

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. ​

About us

You can read all about me (Katrin) HERE.

​And I am so excited for you to meet Fairlie: 

For many years  a Yoga teacher inspired by the work of Vanda Scaravelli Fairlie is now embracing the work of Moshe Feldenkrais and Ruthy Alon. She also brings some Qi Gong into her practice and teaching. These practices all feed beautifully into the way she likes to teach Mindfulness Meditation. 

​Very similarly to me, Fairlie loves how contemporary Science, Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience are all questioning and validating traditional Yoga practices and she relishes the explorations that these disciplines have brought into her life. 

More comments from other participants

Now that the sights, sounds, whiffs and delicious tastes of that very lovely off the beaten track part of Turkey have started to subside the cosmic feel good factor remains...and I'm not talking about the aftereffects of the stiff Pimms and lemonade that I've just downed. What a lovely experience to have had. 
~ Helen

I honestly can’t recall a holiday that’s had so much internal push and pull and emotional connection as this one ….I still feel like I’m processing all kinds of stuff….in a good way.
~ Jacqui

Everything was excellent - well organised, flowed beautifully from one activity to the next and felt in a safe place to explore the body and build confidence. The experience of finding and feeling and awakening in my body for the first time, despite many years of yoga, made this week very special. 
~ Steph

Book your place or enquire here!