TEA TALKS: meet Kevin - professional ballet dancer and yoga teacher on the Fiji island retreat

let’s slow dawn and have a cup of tea. Yes, we invite you to meet a big heart, wild spirit and adventurous soul - professional ballet dancer and yoga teacher Kevin Yee-Chan who is organising a yoga retreat in paradise - Fiji islands. 

Kevin has been an activist from an early age and has fused that with movement through a 10-year career as a ballet & modern dancer and a dedication to the art of yoga. His passion for expression of the soul through movement has carried him around the world- dancing f

or companies such as Smuin Ballet, BalletX and Zhukov Dance Theatre in the USA as well as Stadttheater Bremerhaven in Germany and most notably Ballet de l’Opéra National du Rhin in France. As a yogi, he has had the opportunity to train in places steeped with tradition such as India and Bali while continuing to teach for communities in Bali, San Francisco, Australia and Fiji. He holds a RYT-500 certification with Yoga Alliance from Janet Stone Yoga as well as a Shi Ba Shi Qigong teaching certification from Forest Rock Monastery. He is also a co-founder of the LAB community - a holistic development space throughout the Global South and a platform through which he shares his experience using physical movement as a tool for manifesting change and living fully and mindfully.

When did you start practicing yoga and why?

I started practicing yoga at the age of 20 as a way to supplement my dance career. At first I was drawn to yoga by the physical asana practice, but over time what drew me in deep and what still holds me is the way it allows me to experience the full spectrum of life with gratitude and a smile.

What is a retreat to you? 

A retreat is sacred. A retreat is healing. A retreat is fun! A retreat is where we can drop the obligations of daily life and find new layers to our self and our love.

We’ve heard you chanting & your voice is amazing, it’s so touching and powerful. Can you tell us more how chanting crossed your way? 

I have always been deeply connected to music. When I first chanted with Janet Stone there was some apprehension with Sanskrit and insecurity about how I sounded. But what I found quite quickly was that the vibration of sound coupled with mantra has the power to touch the body, soul, and space around on a visceral level. I began to feel the way sound can actually change the vibration of our bodies. When I chant now, it's a way to extend my natural spirit- my natural vibration- past the limits of my skin. It's a way to share my devotion and my love.

What drives you? / What most inspires, most motivates and most charges you up?

The thing that drives me the most is that feeling of being in rhythm with the flow of life. It can be while I'm dancing, practicing asana, in meditation, teaching, at the grocery store... but it's a sensation of ease, comfort, and freedom that allows me to dream big and fly.

What advice would you give a practicing yogi to take their practice to the next level? 

Keep showing up. There are so many levels and layers to this life, to this yoga. Just keep showing up every day in whatever way you can and follow the breadcrumbs. Sometimes they will lead you to a barren desert, sometimes they will lead you to a lush oasis. But they always lead you exactly where you need to be.

Would you like to share another cup of tea after a morning yoga class with Kevin, talking more about your passions, yoga or beautiful world? Join us on a Idyllic island escape - Awaken to the Elements Yoga Retreat in Fiji, which starts on the 14th of December. 

More about Fiji retreat and booking follow the link 

Wellness holiday - priceless gift to every woman!

…Did you realize how easy it is to get lost in your daily routines? There is a lot of pressure on us women to do and achieve more. Does it ever seem like time is speeding up and your to-do lists never end? Or maybe you more and more often realize that you don’t have time for YOURSELF. We are all very busy – with the demands of work and a fast pace life, it is really hard to make time for what matters most – our health, our loved ones, our passions – so often they end up taking the backseat. 

And it doesn’t matter you are dreaming about better, yet unexperienced life or you are living your perfect life you always dreamed about, you still DESERVE time for yourself - for a Wellness Retreat designed specially for woman. 

Magical, full of contrasts Ibiza island and personal development couch Leonora invite You to a week full of discoveries. Spend a week off the beaten path, in the luxurious, private villa with serene sea view and sunsets, where comfort and style await you. You’ll get a chance to immerse yourself into the new experience while you dive deep into the creativity and potential dwelling inside of you. In most beautiful surrounding you will learn and practice how to create harmonious life and delve deeper into feminine nature. This unique retreat is a perfect combination for the both intense and relaxing week where you’ll reach the balance between body, mind and soul.  

What‘s waiting for You in Inspiration Within You retreat:

• Beautiful Ibiza island with its mountains, perfect beaches, sunny days, fruit gardens. Oasis of tranquility in a luxurious private Villa.
• Daily work with your mind, body and soul guided by professional spiritual teachers and trainers.
• Deep meditations, inner soul journeys, women energy practice, walks.
• Healthy lifestyle tips & tricks given by special guests.
• Light and delicious vegetarian cuisine from fresh, organic products. Additionally detox program with professional guidance and support upon request.
• A small, cosy groups of exceptional, like-minded women.
• Individual consultations.
• Special massages lead by professional therapist will give you physical and emotional detox.
• Innovative techniques combination in one retreat: NIA dance practice under open sky lead by certified trainer. NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) movement technique, a fusion of physical and spiritual techniques: yoga, taichi, aikido, jazz and modern dances, etc. Will help you connect with your body. More info: www.nianow.com
• Hemi-Sync meditations. Hemi-Sync (hemispheric synchronization) is an audio-guidance technology working with binaural sounds that by synchronizing the two hemispheres of your brain help you to relax deeply, focus your attention, improve performance. More info: www.hemi-sync.com

With the help of unique methodology:

You‘ll understand who you are. You‘ll answer to yourself, why you are the way you are.

You’ll learn how to use and act from your inner „source“. With such state of mind you‘ll never loose your determination, confidence and energy.

You‘ll grow as a women, overcome inner blocks.This methodology will help you use your femininity daily, feel light and be open to yourself.

After Inspiration Within You retreat You will be:

• Rested
• Surprised by yourself
• Open to yourself and others
• More free and… lighter
• Full of energy and inner peace
• Full of feminine beauty, happiness and strength
• You’ll accept yourself as amazing as you are
• Free of fears, knowing how to overcome stress, tiredness and other obstacles
• Ready for changes
• „Juicy“ and passionate for life!

Wellness Retreat Inspiration Within You is a unique transformational experience, an experience you couldn’t find anywhere else. Explore the magic of a tailored holiday designed specially for woman which starts 21st of November, 2015 (8 days). 

For more details and booking Inspiration Within You Retreat follow the link

Top autumn wellness escapes

Fall is full of nostalgia and romance when time seems to have slowed down. Take a journey of tastes and colours to discover beautiful places and great people who host retreats with love. We all dream about a little wanderlust, so choose your well deserved escape from our fall & winter collection.

Fall / winter wellness holidays that can't be missed this year:

Hill Yoga - Vinyasa & Iyengar Inspired Yoga, Seville, Spain

Remotedly located on 3,000 acres of wild, unspoiled landscape Hill Yoga retreat in Spain offers entirely authentic yoga holiday experience. A privately owned and family-run historic 16th-century house turned into something magical, reminding how luxurious simplicity can be. For a peaceful escape from the stresses of modern life, enjoy morning yoga classes, home cooked food with love, a walk through the tree-filled surrounding acres on one of the marked walking paths. Horse riding and visits to nearby cities can also be arranged. If you’d rather stay to admire the abundance and natural beauty, you can unleash your inner artist with painting. Spend a week off the beaten path enjoying your yoga holidays with a great sense of tranquility.

Dates: 2nd-9th & 9th-15th November, 2015. Price: from 1380 GBP, 7 days

For more details and booking follow the link

Inspiration Within You - Wellness Retreat for Woman, Ibiza, Spain

We invite you to discover inspiring holidays designed specially for woman. Spend a week off the beaten path and explore original charm of unspoiled beauty of magical island of Ibiza. During tailored wellness retreat you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself into the new experience while you dive deep into the creativity and potential dwelling inside of you. In most beautiful surrounding you will learn and practice how to create harmonious life and delve deeper into feminine nature. This unique retreat is a perfect combination for the both intense and relaxing week where you’ll reach the balance between body, mind and soul. 

Dates: 21st-28th November, 2015. Price: from 1295 EUR, 8 days

For more details and booking follow the link 

A Yoga Place For Adrenaline Junkies - Power Yoga & Surfing Retreat, Rincon, Puerto Rico

This is a clear choice for adventure lovers. Get alignment based Power Yoga on the treetop deck and stay in a luxury bell tent, all within a jungle oasis just minutes from the beach. Even more amazing adventures await you each day including 2 days of surf lessons, a day of paddle boarding and snorkeling in a marine reserve, and mountain biking on trails that are accessible for beginners and fun enough to get you hooked! If you’d rather meditate to the sound of the ocean or continue the adventure with a day hike to the waterfalls or window caves, all activities are led by real experts. Go and explore an active holiday dream.

Dates: 10th-17th October & 3rd-10th December, 2015. Price: from 1400 USD, 8 days

For more details and booking follow the link 

Your Personal Piece of Paradise - Yoga Retreat, Fiji Islands 

Kick off your shoes, and prepare to be swept away. A week of discovery and connection will flow just south of Fiji’s main island where a palm-fringed private lagoon provides space to soak in the wonders of nature. During Awaken to the Elements Yoga Retreat we’ll dive into the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space... finding their connections within and without in an ideal setting – a totally authentic, fresh and natural Fiji experience. Start your morning with a liver-cleansing juice and guided meditation, followed by a nutritious homemade breakfast and local fruits. Enjoy 1-2 yoga classes per day, nourishing yourself with lovingly prepared meals from fresh, local, organic ingredients. After spa treatments take your time to explore the paradise that surrounds you. Treat yourself and indulge in a idyllic island escape.

Dates: 14th-21st December, 2015. Price: from 1495 GBP, 8 days

For more details and booking follow the link 

Ayurveda Balance - Holistic Weallness Retreat, Sri Lanka

Start your journey of absolute relaxation and rejuvenation from our little discovery situated in the south of Sri Lanka. As soon as you arrive you will feel the unique aura of the place filled up with history. Owners Dainius and Asta did their best to keep this authentic harmony and make you feel home away from home. Here all the focus is on providing personalised Ayurvedic treatment and procedures which are inspired by the ancient and highly efficient Ayurvedic therapy Panchakarma, a therapy cantered on body cleansing, as well as freeing the body and soul from harmful impulses. 

This personal wellness escape is available during all year round so plan your holidays and get ready to enjoy authentic Ayurvedic tranquility and peace. Whatever your intentions are: to maintain, manage or improve health and well-being, regain some balance between body and mind or nourish and rejuvenate your body - you will definitely feel in good hands.

Dates:…..whenever you feel like ready. Price: from 700 EUR, 8 days

For more details and booking follow the link 

Vinyasa Yoga, Matt Pilates, Detox Diets & Weight Loss Retreat, Monda, Spain

Plan your personal escape anytime you desire. The concept which is based on an individual requests and high attention to detail invites you to start your retreat whichever day of the week you feel most ready. Shantisom offers packages of six nights for yoga, detox or intense weight loss; however, everything is customisable and can be changed to your needs. The success of this wellbeing hotel is not only the high standards of the services they offer, but also the feeling that they build around you. If you wish to spend your time in solitude, you will be left to your thoughts and guided only when needed. If you want to get away from all your work but lack courage to turn off your inner wi-fi button, they will be sure to do it for you. There is no need to ask because they already know your answer.

Dates:…..whenever you feel like ready

For more details and booking follow the link 

More hand-picked retreats for you - www.retreatsilove.com

To be well, travel well – tips to upgrading your holidays

Healthy holiday trend is one of the growing concepts worldwide. More and more people are looking for a break from their busy lifestyles, ability to optimise their health, control stress levels or just desire to unwind both their body and mind. Mind matters is one of the Top 10 Wellness Travel Trends. It means that mindful vacation is important condition while planing next voyage. New practice learned on the trip can be incorporated at home while developing your practice can improve your everyday life. 

Many people wellness holidays relate to medical issues or visiting Spas. Spa treatments can be a big part of it but wellness is not just about Spas. Maintaining your personal well-being can be achieved in different ways: spending time in the nature, watching a sunset, enjoying healthy and fresh food, boosting energy levels or developing your interests. It doesn’t mean that wellness traveller is searching only for health improvement, a wellness traveller can be motivated by desire for relaxation, tranquility, inner rejuvenation or simply an authentic local experience. 

It’s an old-fashioned way of thinking, that holiday is a guilt- free time when you can press ‘pause’ and pamper yourself with doing nothing, eating to your hearts desire and fulfilling all your temptations. Slow food as a slow traveling is becoming a big part of wellness vacation. Mindful dining is promoted as an alternative to the fast food. Paying a special attention to   healthy food, quality and freshness, local ingredients and slow eating pleasure. Nowadays travellers are looking for new type of vacation where they can stay active, be surrounded by beautiful nature, rejuvenate, maybe even challenge themselves by going for a new adventure.  Such vacation is a perfect combination of exploring new destinations, cultural experiences and taking some time for yourself. 

Retreat is well-planned type of health holidays which helps to slow down your body and mind, gives you time to think or escape the overthinking, fully immerse yourself in what you are doing, so you can truly be in a place to soak up the experience. 

Is retreat becoming the opposition to modern life? We believe that going on a retreat doesn’t mean that you need to run from something or somebody in your ordinary life, for us it’s more like a journey of inspiration for your body and mind. Like a true treat which you can give to yourself at any time of your life. Maybe you are looking for a perfect getaway where you do not really need to get away from it all. It could be just a right choice of a unique hotel which introduces holistic lifestyle practices such as yoga and meditation, detox programmes and healthy nutrition to appeal to wellness ­travellers. Follow your desire to take your time out to delve deeper into your yoga or pilates practice with passionate teachers. Or maybe sounds of the waves and ocean breeze are the ultimate treat for you? There is no magic formula for a retreat. Just find the flow that works for you and go for it. 

We followed this trend for a while  and we invite you to discover new world of inspiring holidays with Retreats I Love. A world of laughter, love, care……and well-being.

Trusted escapes for you - www.retreatsilove.com

Impossible conversations on happiness

“Retreats I love” has been found for you to discover your little inner love affairs. For beautiful places, breathtaking spaces, mouthful of tastes, unforgettable experiences, and oh so many other great life treasures.  It’s all we love really and we asked all of you to share #whatIlove with us to create beautiful ongoing unsaid conversation of all the RiL community. This project has put a lot of smiles on our faces and we keep receiving more cards from you making it a long conversation…

"ADVENTURE IS MY OCCUPATION"

She has a strange urge to smile when she is down, she gets the kicks of booking a one way ticket, she loves to walk on the grass barefoot...

 

 "BOOKSTORES ARE MY SECOND HOME"

She loves the smell of old wood and the sound of turning each book page, she loves to retreat into the aisles of book shelves until she comes out smiling..

"NATURE GIVES ME SHIVERS"

 She loves to sit still and listen quietly to the sound of morning and inhale the fresh air of the dawn, this feeling of solitude, she loves…

"DO YOU KNOW THE SMELL OF THE MORNING"

She loves to cover up in white linen sheets and

inhale the smell of coffee…

"POWER PUFF... MAN"

He loves the feeling of attainment and being able to take care of the ones he loves...

 

"FREEDOM HUNTER" 

She is restless, she is busy, she is bossy she loves challenges when on the mat or when in the office wearing high waisted trousers in the boardroom...

 

"INSPIRATION JUNKIE"

She inhaled inspiration and exhaled love for the surroundings. She had a Stendhal Syndrome and could never get enough of beauty. And her eyes craved for more and more of that. Until her eyes itself became the most beautiful piece of art.

"THE SLEEPER"

She was light as a feather. Never gave in to having roots. Filled her days with art and creativity. Could only find peacefulness while looking at the graceful shape of the airplane wings. Until sleep would catch her on the moment of departure.

"MY NAME IS - ADVENTURE ADVENTURING"

Adventure was her second name. She smiled every time she saw an opportunity of adventure. She filled her hair with new adventurous ideas every single day before her first cup of coffee. She had a small notebook where she listed her crazy ideas in bullet points. And guess what, they were crazy only until they became real.

So come on join in and keep talking of thing you love! Hashtag #whatIlove & #retreatsilove to join in the conversation! 

Ode To Hammam - Traditional Art In Morocco

A Turkish Bath, known as a Hammam, is an experience that should not be missed while visiting Morocco. Throughout history, ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Romans and Moroccan’s have felt the healing powers of daily bathing for therapeutic and wellness benefits, as well as playing a big part in cultural and social aspects. 

For centuries The Hammam continues to exist as a unique part of Moroccan culture and life. Hammam is the home of the tradition of physical and spiritual purification. The body and skin is cleaned and they are purified from toxins, the blood circulation increases, immune system is stimulated so that the physical and mental system is supported with Turkish bath.

Nowadays traditional art of hammam is inspired by ancient Moroccan customs and influenced by luxury spa rituals. This unique Hammam experience offers a perfect escape from busy city life. Let the soothing comfort and echoes of running water surround you, whilst relaxing on a heated marble table that stimulates blood circulation and opens the pores. Immerse yourself in an oasis of hot steam, eastern oils and perfumes in authentic Moroccan tiled rooms while relaxing your mind and cleansing your body until your skin glows. 

Like a traditional riad, a hammam is an ancient ritual in Morocco, the art of taking care of your body and mind. If you are already inspired by the relaxing, cleansing and long purifying Hammam experience join us for pilates weekend retreat from 8th to 11th of October in beautiful Marrakesh. 

Our recommended SPAs which you will have a chance to visit during this weekend escape:  
Les Bains De Marrakesh
Hammam de La Rose

To find out more & to book Blossoming Oasis retreat follow this link

September, October retreats - still a chance for a few spells in sun

Blossoming Oasis - Matt Pilates Retreat, Marrakesh, Marocco 

Exotic and relaxing Moroccan escape is the best way to face the autumn. You have no choice but to become relaxed as you arrive to a privately owned contemporary villa with exceptional location overlooking atlas mountains, yet close to Marrakesh attractions. From morning pilates practice, sweet touch of the Moroccan sun, relaxing dip in the outdoor pool, home cooked meals to die for… to following the long rituals of Hammam for cleansing your body until your skin glows. If you desire to unwind, relax and rejuvenate this calm and serene pilates retreat is the ultimate weekend away.

Dates: 8-11th of October, 2015. Price: from 775 GBP, 4 days

To find out more & to book Blossoming Oasis retreat follow this link

French Fairy Tale - Vinyasa Yoga, Meditation & Detox Retreat, Cotignac, South of France

If you love fairy tales and feel a strong desire to be inspired by one - visit this unique retreat, held at a 16th-century château, located in Cotignac, South of France, surrounded by ancient forests and vineyards, just under an hour from Saint-Tropez. Not only it is a journey for your aesthetic eye, but also a true escape for your mind and body. This holistic retreat experience combines nutritional science and the ancient wisdom of the East. During your stay, experts in nutrition, meditation, yoga and wellbeing are on hand for one-to-one consultations, classes and group talks. If you'd like to feel in the petit shoes of Marie Antoinette, this retreat is definitely for you!

Dates: 27th September – 3rd October, 2015. Price: from 2295 GBP, 7 days

To find out more & to book French Fairy Tale retreat follow this link 

Vinyasa Yoga, Matt Pilates, Detox Diets & Weight Loss Retreat, Monda, Spain

Take your personal escape any time you fell most ready for it. All the well-being programs are specially designed to suit your needs, so  it all starts with your choice. If you choose the Detox Programme, you will always be guided by a nutritionist who will help you throughout the days of pure cleansing. Massages will balance your energy levels and the freshly made cleansing juices will not only rejuvenate your body but also make your skin glow. If that is not enough, you are  welcome to join the morning yoga classes and go for walks around the Andalucian hills. Whichever experience you choose to live for the days you are in Shantisom, they will be surely lived out in the best quality.

Dates:…..whenever you feel like ready
To find out more & to book this retreat follow this link