Yoga, meditation and moreWeekend in Somerset with
Margherita Dal Pra
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LOCATION: Croydon Hall, only less than 2 hours from central London, is a nurturing place and offers a creative and sustaining environment that is at once friendly, welcoming, relaxing and meditative. It brings a sense of quality to all that we do here. The main building is a fully refurbished mansion near Minehead in Somerset, with glorious woodland gardens and exquisite views of the Quantock Hills. The surrounding countryside offers beautiful walks and rambles. With generous grounds, and leisure facilities comprising an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, AromaSpa and mini gym, Croydon Hall offers guests a treat on many levels. Situated in the timeless beauty of the Exmoor National Park, and built over a century ago by an eccentric German Count, the house has a colourful history and has seen many changes over the years. Certain areas of the garden date back to a much earlier time, when the land was owned by the monks of nearby Cleeve Abbey, now a ruin and National Trust site.
PROGRAMME: The aim of this refreshing and rejuvenating weekend is to explore yoga in a broaden aspect and how to apply your practice to your every day life outside the mat. Our weekend will begin on Friday evening at 6.00 pm with a gentle asana practice and the deep relaxation of yoga nidra, followed by dinner at 7.45 pm. After dinner we will have our first session of "voice awakening". After breakfast on the following days, we will practise from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm (vigorous asana, pranayama meditation and chanting). After lunch you will be free to explore the gardens or the countryside, or just to chill out at Croydon Hall and have time to enjoy treatments sessions offered at the centres. Our afternoon class on Saturday which will include "voice awakening" will be from 5.00 to 7.30 pm, and will introduce more pranayama and meditation techniques and voice expression. Dinner will be at 8.00 pm. The Sunday, sunday the programme will be very similar, in evening after dinner will be dedicated to meditation, singing, chanting and fun. The Monday morning’s class will be from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, and will again incorporate vigorous asana, pranayama and meditation. Our weekend will finish with Monday lunch served at 1.30, but you are welcome to stay for a while during the afternoon if you wish to chill out for a bit longer! Classes will be suitable for all levels of experience, except complete beginners to yoga. For those willing to make the most of the weekend treatments like massage will be available in between classes booking in advance is recommended (treatments are not included).
SPECIAL GUESTS:
MEALS: The meals are vegetarian and organic and special diets can be accommodated if required and ordered in advance. Since Croydon Hall opened nine years ago it has earned a reputation for delicious vegetarian cuisine. All their food is freshly cooked on the premises, in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art kitchen. They do not use a microwave. They offer an organic food option and cater for special diets too - vegan, wheat free and gluten free. Please enquire for more details
ACCOMMODATION: They can currently accommodate guests in twin, double and triple bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities. Most of these rooms are en-suite with a shower and have a view of the gardens. They also offer accommodation in several dormitory bedrooms.
COST: The cost of the weekend, including accommodation, tuition (yoga classes and finding your voice workshops), all meals, from Friday evening class and dinner to Monday lunch is from £365 (10% discount for bookings before 28th February or unless otherwise stated) twin/double or triple rooms. Accommodation are standard type (rooms can be en suite or shared bathroom) or superior twin/double en suite and it's based on first comes first served basis. It does not include transportations, insurance and treatments. For accommodation in shared rooms, please let me know when booking if you have agreed to share with anyone else. A limited number of single rooms may be available, at a supplement of £96. Please note that spaces are limited and rooms are assigned on first come first served basis, so I suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings should be made directly to me on shantiyoga[at]gmail[dot]com. A non-refundable deposit of £180 is due on booking, and cheques (payable to Margherita Dal Pra) should be either given to me please email me for booking form and contact information. The balance of payment is due on or before Friday 28 February, if booking happens on or after 28th February full amount is due. I regret that, once made, payments cannot be refunded unless the weekend is full and I am able to find someone to take your place. You may, however, transfer your booking to someone else, so long as you let me know that you have done so.
GETTING THERE:
best way
is
by rail - This is our recommended way of travelling; reduce
your carbon footprint! You can connect from Paddington to Taunton
and this is also a stress free travel (i recommend booking your seat in
advance as it is a very popular route and its Easter!). Once at Taunton you can either
get a taxi or we can organise a pick up for you. What to take: bring your own yoga mat and any props (like yoga block and strap) if you have/use them. Blanket and cushion for yoga nidra. Walking boots and waterproof jacket if you are a walker or a good book if you like to be more chilled out!
Please check
For further information and booking please email Margherita at shantiyoga[atsign]gmail[dot]com or call +44 (0)7919 174071. For more information about the property see http://www.croydonhall.co.uk/. |
