Yoga & Somatic Movement holiday in Turkey
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Dates and prices31st May - 7th June 2025
EARLY BIRD - BOOK UNTIL 31ST JANUARY 2025 SAVE £100!!
NORMAL PRICE - FROM 1ST FEBRUARY 2025
The prices include:
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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:
- 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...)
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What previous participants say about our retreatWe 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! 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. Free timeWe 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)
About the Lagoon RetreatThe 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 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. About us
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 participantsNow 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. 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. 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. |
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 June?
Of course, we can’t guarantee good weather, but at the beginning of June it is usually not too hot in that part of Turkey. Usually you get beautiful, warm, sunny days.
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 June?
Of course, we can’t guarantee good weather, but at the beginning of June it is usually not too hot in that part of Turkey. Usually you get beautiful, warm, sunny days.
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.
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