Yoga & Cleanse 8 Day Retreat
Margaret River
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Tue 12th - Tue 19th October 2021 Upgrade your health, vitality and wellbeing on this cleansing, healing 8 day retreat in the heart of picturesque Margaret River. The carefully designed program helps you restore physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing through yoga, meditation, healing foods, fasting, yoga coaching, massage, forest and ocean walks, and fire ceremony. This beautiful retreat is hosted by Mandy and Robert, who have decades' experience teaching and facilitating transformational retreat programs around the world. All of this in a luxury venue in Margaret River, one of Western Australia's most stunning destinations with its spectacular Marri forests and beautiful, wild beaches.
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2021 dates
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retreat highlights
about this retreat
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about yoga & cleanse
rewire your mind, reset your health
During a single day we take in millions of impressions through the senses - all of which imprint upon and become embedded in the our body, mind and soul. Their accumulation leads to sensory overload, stress and a reduced capacity to cope physically, mentally and emotionally. When stressed, we can become less mindful of what we eat, what we do, and where our thoughts lead us. We make reactionary and sometimes poor choices which often lead to more stress with a negative impact upon our mental and emotional wellbeing and physical health. The focus of this retreat is to consciously retreat from the sources of all those impressions and to literally empty ourselves through cleansing yoga, meditation and pranayama and through a yogic diet and fast which includes teas, tonics, juices and then the introduction of nourishing, healing foods. We literally create space within our bodies which provides respite. We become naturally quiet and meditative without the burden of constant digestion, paving the way for deeper states of awareness. holistic yoga for healing & health Traditional Hatha Yoga is comprised of 5 distinct points which together comprise a balanced and holistic system of self-care and self-awareness. These include: proper exercise (yoga asana, walking in nature); proper breathing (pranayama); proper relaxation (yoga nidra); proper thinking (meditation); proper diet and lifestyle (sattvic/peaceful food, time in nature). On this retreat you'll be guided and supported to fully experience the 5 points of yoga and the yogic lifestyle. The Hatha Yoga sessions will be therapeutic in their focus - cleansing, healing and rebalancing. When practiced with sincerity and integrated into everyday life and everyday thinking, Traditional Yoga perfectly and effortlessly brings balance and harmony to the 5 aspects of self: the body, breath, mind/emotions, wisdom and soul. We share the teachings of yoga 'philosophy' which relate to the cleansing practices offered on this retreat and increase our understanding of the 'self', the causes and sources of stress and tension, and the rationale behind the methods. cleanse & build On this retreat we take a 'soft' approach to fasting with the inclusion of Ayurvedic herbal teas, broths, tonics, juices and an abundance of filtered, pure spring water which rises from the ground upstream. We prepare for and break the fast with nourishing, easily digested foods such as soft fruits, kitchari (rice, mung bean, spices, vegetable dish) and then reintroduce broader, nourishing and delicious foods. In some cultures and traditions, fasting is a regular practice, but for many of us, fasting of any form is rare. Ekadashi (the 11th day after the full and new moon) is the given day for fasting on the Vedic Lunar calendar. When we restrain from our usual eating habits, the body is allowed to rest internally, with no energy being spent on digestion, you literally create an inner space, an emptiness from which subtle and profound yoga experiences are given the space to emerge. You may experiences depths in your practice which are not normally accessible to you. Physically your body feels lighter and refreshed. Given its brevity and the fact you will consume pure water, herbal teas, tonics, broths and juices, this fast should be suitable for most people. lightness & joy Our diet and lifestyles are comprised of highly addictive foods and behaviours, so refraining from usual eating can be challenging, but is ultimately empowering and transformational! With the support of your retreat facilitators; a grounding in yoga and meditation practices; and the knowledge you gain through your experiences and the information imparted; you'll leave this retreat profoundly lighter, freer and revitalised. We invite you to experience the depths possible in yoga during fasting. This is truly a powerful combination which can help transform your relationship with food; help overcome deep-seated fears which may influence your thinking and choices (you won't starve!), increase your willpower, resolve, mental focus and clarity of thought; understand and reduce anxiety, tension and stress, and deepen your appreciation of life and sense of purpose. |
Kitchari - Ayurveda's miracle cleansing food
Rose, cardomom & jaggery coconut lassi
Fresh infusion of immunity-building Kadha Tea
Papaya with lime to break your fast
Delicious, sweet and nourishing carrot halwa
Herbs, greens, lemons and limes straight from the garden to the glass.
Aromatic herbal teas
It's not just what you eat... "Before you eat, four conditions should exist in the environment. If these conditions are not met, then it is better to remain hungry. First of all, you should be surrounded by a calm and quiet atmosphere. Secondly, you should be under no mental or physical pressure. Thirdly, the food you are about to eat must be properly cooked with all the ingredients. Lastly, there should be enough time in which to eat gracefully." Yogi Bhajan |
Retreat programDay 1
2.00pm Arrive 4.00pm Welcome Circle 5.00pm Hatha Yoga 6.30pm Agni Hotra 7.00pm Dinner 8.00pm Healing Meditation & Chant 9.00pm Mouna (silence) & Rest Day 2-7 6.00am Rise 6.30am Mano Yoga Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 8.30am Chanting & Meditation 9.00am Breakfast 10.00am Beach or Forest Walk 12.00pm Satsang 1.30pm Lunch 2.03pm Rest/Reflection 4.30pm Masterclass/Cooking Demo 5.30pm Yoga 6.30pm Agni Hotra (final night is a Havan Fire Ceremony) 7.00pm Light Dinner 8.00pm Healing Meditation & Chant 9.00pm Mouna & Rest Day 8 6.00am Rise 6.30am Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 8.30am Chanting 9.00am Check out of room 10.00am Brunch 11.00am Satsang/Closing Circle 1.00pm Departure * days 5 & 6 are silent days * days 5 & 6 are fasting days (light broths, teas, soups at meal times, fruit and juices at other times) * private counselling sessions available on request if required * onsite massages available to be booked |
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About the venue & program
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Daily RhythmWe establish a rhythm and routine which bring immediate calmness to the body, mind and soul. The schedule for your days and evenings is taken care of, allowing you to relax deeply, immersing yourself in the program and the retreat process. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
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Rest, write, read & reflectMany people come to a retreat for rest and respite. We have allowed time in the program for the rest you need and reflection. Our wide verandahs overlooking the creek and forest with comfortable chairs and hammocks are the perfect place to read, write or reflect.
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Sattvic Food
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AccommodationThere are two accommodation options which include twin share rooms with ensuite bathrooms in a renovated farm house. The other option are luxurious garden split level, loft style apartments. Each suite comes with a spa bath, king bed, lounge area and a kitchenette suitable for singles or couples. There is also the option of staying offsite in lovely rammed earth cottages at the nearby Bussells Bushland Cottages (4 minutes drive).
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About the facilitators
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Mandy BeckerKnox
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Inclusions & Cost
twin share room per person$1990• full 8 day Yoga & Cleanse program with listed inclusions • All meals • Onsite accommodation for 1 person in a beautiful twin share room with ensuite bathroom • 50% when booking. |
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• A 6-month payment plan is available for an additional $100 on any option.
Offsite accommodation. Stay nearby in a rammed earth cottage at Bussells Bushland Cottages. $2490 pp single room.
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The serene Bussells Bushland Cottages features lovely, quiet rammed earth cottages surrounded by wildlife only 4 minutes drive (or 25 minutes walk) from our retreat venue. A retreat within the retreat.
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.
- 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 Robert facilitate all Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. They are both exceptional yoga and meditation instructors with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience. They have literally taught thousands of people yoga and to meditate and how to effectively apply the knowledge gained to enhance and transform lives.
- 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 to attend this retreat?
No, we welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery. The yoga and meditation 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?
- Gilgara Retreat Centre 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 Cape to Cape trail and the famous Margaret River vineyards.
- Gilgara is located along Caves Rd, near the corner of Caves Rd and Carters Rd. The address is 3 Old Ellen Brook Rd, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285.
- Directions from Perth: Take the Kwinana Freeway to Bunbury, then the Bussell Highway to Busselton and onto Margaret River. 1km before Margaret River town, turn right onto Carters Rd. At the end of Carters Rd, turn left onto Caves Rd. Gilgara is 50m along on the right.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- On all options (including payment plans) $400 is a non-refundable portion per person in the event you cancel. If you book for a 'couple' then the $800 deposit is the non refundable portion.
- If you cancel 0-3 weeks before the retreat the full amount of the retreat minus the non-refundable $400 deposit is payable.
- If you cancel more than 3 weeks before the retreat full payment minus the non-refundable $400 deposit will be refunded to you. If you have paid by payment plan, the $100 payment plan fee will also be retained.
- If the organisers cancel the retreat the full amount you have paid will be refunded to you.
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.
- If you get sick during the retreat, an after hours locum doctor (bulk billed) or you can attend the Armadale Hospital Emergency Department (24 hours emergency) which is 5 minutes by car.
COVID POLICY
If the retreat cannot go ahead due to Covid-related restrictions (no travel between regions, groups size restrictions, lockdown etc) the retreat will be cancelled or rescheduled. Participants will be offered the following:
• full refund to same account/card paid from
• transfer to rescheduled date, or to same retreat on a future date listed on website (subject to availability)
• credit for any future retreat or program with Kookaburra Yoga
If the retreat is affected by Covid-related restrictions imposed once the retreat has already commenced and during the retreat, then refunds will not be issued. Participants must comply with all government directions and rulings.
If you are unwell with any respiratory symptoms on the retreat commencement date you are not permitted to attend the retreat, unless you have been tested for Covid19 and have evidence of a negative result. The usual refund policy applies if you are unwell and cannot attend.
If you become unwell with any respiratory symptoms during the retreat, you will be required to self-isolate in your room, and to book a Covid19 test at your own expense at the nearest testing facility. You will need to self-isolate until the test results are returned to you. If the result is negative you may rejoin the retreat program.
• full refund to same account/card paid from
• transfer to rescheduled date, or to same retreat on a future date listed on website (subject to availability)
• credit for any future retreat or program with Kookaburra Yoga
If the retreat is affected by Covid-related restrictions imposed once the retreat has already commenced and during the retreat, then refunds will not be issued. Participants must comply with all government directions and rulings.
If you are unwell with any respiratory symptoms on the retreat commencement date you are not permitted to attend the retreat, unless you have been tested for Covid19 and have evidence of a negative result. The usual refund policy applies if you are unwell and cannot attend.
If you become unwell with any respiratory symptoms during the retreat, you will be required to self-isolate in your room, and to book a Covid19 test at your own expense at the nearest testing facility. You will need to self-isolate until the test results are returned to you. If the result is negative you may rejoin the retreat program.
what are the payment options?
Full payment or deposit (50%) on booking confirms your place.
- $400 of this is a non refundable deposit if you cancel.
- For the couples option $800 is the non refundable portion ($400 per person)
- online payments only: credit card, paypal or direct deposit
- full payment must be received 30 days prior to retreat
- payment plans available. There is an additional $100 fee for payment plans.
- In the event you cancel the $100 payment plan fee will be retained with the deposit.
What should I bring?
- clothing for: yoga, bush walking, warmth, waterproof jacket if raining
- sturdy shoes for bush walking
- shawl and warm clothing for meditation and evenings
- notebook and pen
- reading material
- torch
- mosquito repellant
- toiletries, personal items
Testimonial
A Downright treat of a Yoga Retreat
Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox share almost 70 years of yoga experience between them. Two years ago they began hosting retreats at their tranquil Perth property. The intimate operation boasts glowing reviews in totality. Here is why.
Kookaburra Yoga Retreats are located on Mandy and Robert’s 10-acre property in the Perth Hills about 40 min from the CBD. The lush green property spans across a valley with a creek running through the centre, shaping the land like an open greeting card.
Yoga, meditation and other practices takes place inside an elevated yoga centre (top image). The centre was built by Robert in accordance to traditional yogic guidelines, and it was blessed by Mandy and Robert’s spiritual gurus.
The yoga practice and teaching is authentic, immersive and easy to follow. It was emphasised that yoga is not competitive but instead is practiced with the intention to unify one’s body and mind – because everybody is different, everyone's practice will differ. Robert’s 30 years as a qualified counsellor make him the ideal person to speak to about any specific personal challenges.
Mandy and Robert ‘practice what they preach’, drawing not only from academic points of view, but also from a wealth of empirical experience. They are shining examples of the benefits of a yogic lifestyle and their warm demeanour makes it easy to feel welcome and ask questions.
Mandy’s cooking alone is enough to recommend the retreat. Each day is another delicious spread of nutritious food. Mandy – a scholar in dietetics – teaches guests the role of diet in life during theoretical seminars. Cooking classes and recipe-snaps are a great opportunity to bring the experience home with you.
During ‘satsang’ (group sharing meetings) on the final day I shared my unexpected highlight, namely the social connection. Despite plenty of solitude and even silence for two days, guests eat together, meditate, practice yoga, share stories, walk through the bush, chant, engage in fire ceremonies, and become a genuine community.
No matter the reason – be it passion for yoga, desire for sustained health, or much needed wholesome healing – a week at Kookaburra Yoga Retreats is all you could hope for and more. It is the holiday your mind and body really wants.
Ben Dodderidge. Read the blog post here
Kookaburra Yoga Retreats are located on Mandy and Robert’s 10-acre property in the Perth Hills about 40 min from the CBD. The lush green property spans across a valley with a creek running through the centre, shaping the land like an open greeting card.
Yoga, meditation and other practices takes place inside an elevated yoga centre (top image). The centre was built by Robert in accordance to traditional yogic guidelines, and it was blessed by Mandy and Robert’s spiritual gurus.
The yoga practice and teaching is authentic, immersive and easy to follow. It was emphasised that yoga is not competitive but instead is practiced with the intention to unify one’s body and mind – because everybody is different, everyone's practice will differ. Robert’s 30 years as a qualified counsellor make him the ideal person to speak to about any specific personal challenges.
Mandy and Robert ‘practice what they preach’, drawing not only from academic points of view, but also from a wealth of empirical experience. They are shining examples of the benefits of a yogic lifestyle and their warm demeanour makes it easy to feel welcome and ask questions.
Mandy’s cooking alone is enough to recommend the retreat. Each day is another delicious spread of nutritious food. Mandy – a scholar in dietetics – teaches guests the role of diet in life during theoretical seminars. Cooking classes and recipe-snaps are a great opportunity to bring the experience home with you.
During ‘satsang’ (group sharing meetings) on the final day I shared my unexpected highlight, namely the social connection. Despite plenty of solitude and even silence for two days, guests eat together, meditate, practice yoga, share stories, walk through the bush, chant, engage in fire ceremonies, and become a genuine community.
No matter the reason – be it passion for yoga, desire for sustained health, or much needed wholesome healing – a week at Kookaburra Yoga Retreats is all you could hope for and more. It is the holiday your mind and body really wants.
Ben Dodderidge. Read the blog post here
Venue location
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Venue Gilgara Retreat. 3 Old Ellen Brook Rd, Gracetown WA 6285.
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