the sanctuary
a healing retreat space for women
14-17 October • Margaret River WA
"The things which women reclaim are often their voice, their own values, their imagination, their clairvoyance, their stories, their ancient memories. If we go for the deeper, the darker, and the less known we will touch the bones." ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estés
A beautiful 4 day retreat for women to gather in a nourishing sanctuary to rest, reflect and dream. |
gentle yoga • qi gong • meditation • reflection • self-cultivation practices • eft (tapping) • deep rest • dreaming and visioning
|
highlights
|
2023 dates
click date to book
|
This female-centric retreat is for all women in any stage of life. Experience of yoga and qi gong is not required. Simply a willingness and desire to reconnect with your beauty, radiance, intelligence and stillness - to emerge into the light and purpose of your inner self with grace and gentle courage.
program
|
Saturday
2.00pm Arrive & Tea 3.30pm Welcome Circle & Mandala 5.00pm Gentle Yoga 6.00pm Meditation 6.30pm Dinner 7.30pm Yoga Nidra Sunday 6.30am Qi Gong 7.30am Meditation 8.30am Breakfast 10.00am Women's Healing Circle & Satsang 1.00pm Lunch 2.00pm Silent rest 5.00pm Gentle Yoga 6.00pm Meditation 6.30pm Dinner 7.30pm Yoga Nidra |
Monday
6.30am Qi Gong 7.30am Meditation 8.30am Breakfast 10.00am Women's Healing Circle & Satsang 1.00pm Lunch 2.00pm Silent rest 5.00pm Gentle Yoga 6.00pm Meditation 6.30pm Dinner 7.30pm Yoga Nidra Tuesday 6.30am Qi Gong 7.30am Meditation 8.30am Breakfast 10.00am Closing Circle & Mandala 12.00pm Lunch |
"I know myself with absolute clarity, and embody true wisdom. I delight in my body, in the senses, in my wholeness, in the world. I trust in the desires and choices which flow from my heart. I live from my medicine and magic which I share with the world" |
the sanctuary
You are invited to join Mandy and Jemma in our lovingly curated space for women and women's practices, the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a retreat program where women can come together in a safe and sacred space where they can connect with each other and the sanctuary within their own Self.
Here we women gather to embrace deep rest, reflection, nourishment, and connection. Collectively we dream in the woman who we are becoming. With the presence and wisdom of the woman that we are. While honouring with gratitude the woman and the girl that we were.
The Sanctuary is a celebration of our lives and experiences as women across time. This retreat is for all women in any stage of life. Experience of yoga and qi gong is not required. Simply a heart felt willingness and desire to shed the veils which mask your beauty, radiance, intelligence and to emerge into the light and purpose of your inner self with grace and gentle courage, then we invite you to join us in the Sanctuary.
Fully inclusive price from $1390. Payment plans available.
$100 earlybird discount - book and pay by 14 August (Early bird special code - SWROct23.
about the retreat
the venue
Gilgara is nestled on a hillside near the corner of Caves Rd and Carters Rd, just five minutes by car from Margaret River town, Gracetown and Prevelly beaches. The homestead and surrounds are very quiet and peaceful. The centre and grounds are a beautiful, pristine and vital environment which supports, replenishes and holds you during your retreat.
the practices
teachings and practices specifically suitable for a woman's body and energy system drawing from traditional and modern healing modalities.
gentle yoga
somatic, healing movement integrating breath and mantra. Our yoga sessions are slow, mindful and deeply restorative.
qi gong
gentle movement meditation bringing harmony, flow and authenticity to the mind, body and breath.
meditation
guided practices drawn from ancient traditions and contemporary wisdom - to cultivate an inner sanctuary of knowing, connection, clarity and peacefulness.
reflection
guided group contemplation and journalling. Time for personal reflection.
mandala
during the retreat, we together create a mandala from our intentions, dreams, insights using words, images, and chosen objects.
sacred satsang
sharing of our thoughts, feelings, insights and reflections. Time for questions and discussion.
eft (tapping)
a powerful holistic healing technique based on Chinese acupressure and modern psychology, which helps calm the nervous system, rewire the brain and harmonise energy.
dreaming and visioning
journey deeply inwards to the inner sanctuary to bring to life the gifts and insights of your dreams and visions.
sattvic food
pranic, life-giving and incredibly delicious vegetarian meals to nourish and sustain. Vegan, gluten-free and catered to specific needs.
community
enjoy the company and support of other women in an open, caring and safe sanctuary. Through these connections we come to realise that we are never alone on the healing path.
Gilgara is nestled on a hillside near the corner of Caves Rd and Carters Rd, just five minutes by car from Margaret River town, Gracetown and Prevelly beaches. The homestead and surrounds are very quiet and peaceful. The centre and grounds are a beautiful, pristine and vital environment which supports, replenishes and holds you during your retreat.
the practices
teachings and practices specifically suitable for a woman's body and energy system drawing from traditional and modern healing modalities.
gentle yoga
somatic, healing movement integrating breath and mantra. Our yoga sessions are slow, mindful and deeply restorative.
qi gong
gentle movement meditation bringing harmony, flow and authenticity to the mind, body and breath.
meditation
guided practices drawn from ancient traditions and contemporary wisdom - to cultivate an inner sanctuary of knowing, connection, clarity and peacefulness.
reflection
guided group contemplation and journalling. Time for personal reflection.
mandala
during the retreat, we together create a mandala from our intentions, dreams, insights using words, images, and chosen objects.
sacred satsang
sharing of our thoughts, feelings, insights and reflections. Time for questions and discussion.
eft (tapping)
a powerful holistic healing technique based on Chinese acupressure and modern psychology, which helps calm the nervous system, rewire the brain and harmonise energy.
dreaming and visioning
journey deeply inwards to the inner sanctuary to bring to life the gifts and insights of your dreams and visions.
sattvic food
pranic, life-giving and incredibly delicious vegetarian meals to nourish and sustain. Vegan, gluten-free and catered to specific needs.
community
enjoy the company and support of other women in an open, caring and safe sanctuary. Through these connections we come to realise that we are never alone on the healing path.
About the facilitatorsMandy BeckerKnoxMandy is director of Kookaburra Yoga, creator of the Hatha Yoga Method and co-owner of Kookaburra Creek. She has decades experience teaching the subtle, powerful and transformational methods of traditional yoga and tantra, and creating and leading retreats, teacher trainings and beautiful yogic experiences. Her knowledge and insights have been inspired through devotion, consistent practice, higher education in yoga, Ayurveda, the arts, and integration of yogic values and concepts into everyday family and professional life. Mandy continues to study with her own teachers AG Mohan and Indra Mohan and is always learning and evolving. Yoga has been a support throughout her personal and professional life, and Mandy teaches and shares soulful, spiritual yoga which is relevant, practical, accessible and profoundly beautiful.
For more about Mandy see her bio Jemma DoakJemma has over twenty years experience working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established and varied psychotherapy and counselling modalities combined with mindfulness, movement and body awareness methods. This offers an increased focus on body/somatic experiences and an individuals unique experience and process. Jemma seamlessly weaves somatic psychotherapeutic techniques, with neuroscience and ancient wisdoms in a gentle, trauma informed and trauma sensitive environment. This approach and method is highly effective.
For more about Jemma and to book private sessions jemmadoak.com |
Venue & Accommodation
We have 5 twin share or single rooms in the homestead and 8 luxury garden apartments onsite at Gilgara, our main venue. Offsite accommodation is less than 5 minutes away (by car) in 4 gorgeous rammed earth 2 bedroom cottages at Bussells Bushland Cottages.
Luxury apartment, Gilgara
|
Homestead - twin share rooms Gilgara
|
Rammed earth cottages, Bussells
|
Cost and Booking
- Click 'Book Now' button to book and confirm your place.
- A non refundable $400 pp deposit is required when booking.
- The price is all inclusive and is based on the accommodation option you choose.
- There is a $100 early bird discount if booked and paid in full by 14 August.
- 4 month payment plans are available. This incurs an additional $100 fee.
Accommodation Options
Gilgara Homestead (onsite)
- $1390 twin share room (1 person, single bed)
- $1890 single room (1 person, king size bed)
- $1290 twin share room (1 person, single bed)
- $1790 single room (queen size bed or single bed)
- $2190 single luxury apartment onsite (1 person, king size bed)
- $3890 couple - luxury apartment onsite (2 people, king size bed. No option for twin beds)
- October Retreat - book & pay by 14 August (Early bird special code SWROct23)
- if you require a payment plan, please book, pay your deposit and let us know on the booking form you would like to take up this option which incurs an additional $100 fee.
Margaret River retreat venue
Facts & Questions
Why choose Kookaburra Yoga for your retreat?
- Established, reputable business. Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre is directed by experienced teachers Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox in Perth, Australia. Kookaburra Creek Yoga is well established having been operating for twenty years. Jemma Doak has been in private practice for 22 years.
- Retreat management experience. Kookaburra Yoga have offered professionally organised and facilitated international retreats for over ten years. Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
- Health & Safety. Our venue is maintained to a high standard to support the health and wellbeing of participants. We take every precaution to ensure the hygiene and health of participants.
- Quality food. Food is an integral part of our retreats and menus and ingredients are planned and considered to ensure they are nourishing, health-promoting and conducive to yoga and meditation.
- High quality program. Directors Mandy and Jemma are exceptional facilitators with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience.
- Professional leadership. Both Robert and Mandy have worked professionally in high-level leadership positions in government and the not-for-profit sector and are leaders and skilful group facilitators able to guide individuals and groups safely through peak experiences and the transformational change which often occurs on retreat.
- Value for money. Retreats are fully inclusive with everything included in the cost. There are no additional costs and there are no items or services offered for sale during the retreat.
- Socially responsible. We care for people and the planet. All our retreats cause as little harm as possible. We are an entirely vegetarian venue.
- Personal development. Kookaburra Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. You'll be gently guided to explore limitations and obstacles to achieving your potential and become equipped with the tools, techniques and practical wisdom to evolve and grow. Kookaburra Retreats are transformational and potentially life-changing!
Do I need experience in Yoga and QI GONG to attend this retreat?
We welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery. The practices on each retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring and respectful manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of each participant.
WHAT ARE THE VENUE DETAILS?
- The 4 day retreat is at Gilgara Homestead, Margaret River.
- Accommodation is onsite and also offsite at Bussells Bushland Cottages.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Your deposit of $400 for 1 person or $800 for 2 people is non-refundable if you cancel.
- If you cancel 0-2 weeks before the retreat the full amount of the retreat is payable.
- If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the retreat the full amount minus the non-refundable deposit will be returned to you.
- If the organisers cancel the retreat the whole amount you have paid will be refunded to you.
- If the retreat is cancelled or postponed due to Covid you will be issued with the choice of a refund or credit.
What if I am not in perfect condition or if I get sick?
- You should be fine to attend if you are in reasonable health. Please check with your own health care provider if you have any concerns or doubts.
- Please do not attend if you have symptoms of respiratory illness. If you get sick with respiratory illness during the retreat you will be required to self-isolate until are you well or until you have a negative Covid test.
- We are within close proximity to Margaret River. If you get sick during the retreat, an after hours locum doctor (bulk billed) can be called or you can attend the local health services. The nearest major hospital is in Bunbury (1 hour).
WHAT IS THE RETREAT SIZE?
Maximum Capacity:
- There are twin share rooms - 10 people
- There are 6 luxury garden studio apartments - 6 people
- There are up to 8 places staying offsite.
what are the payment options?
- $400 deposit when booking to reserve your place
- Online payments only: credit card, paypal or direct deposit
- If you require a 4 month payment plan select this option when booking. An additional $100 will be added for payment plans.
What should I bring?
- clothing for: yoga, bush walking, warmth, waterproof jacket if raining
- sturdy shoes, water/wind proof jacket for bush walking
- shawl and warm clothing for meditation and evenings
- notebook and pen
- reading material
- torch
- toiletries, personal items
"I loved your retreat, I think it's a beautiful harmony of modalities and I loved getting to experience a taster of different modalities. I felt straight away that you were both able to hold safe space and the fact that I felt safe to release and then bring in at such a deep level in only my first time in the group is testament to the safety you provide." Cherie
Kookaburra Yoga RetreatsBeautiful retreats in sacred destinations close to home and around the world |
|
