MOUNTAIN & SEA YOGA RETREAT
TURKEY, AUGUST 2018
6th - 13th August 2018
Villa Cabrece, Dalyan, Turkey
I’m really excited to tell you about my upcoming retreat to Turkey. I first visited the country last summer and couldn’t get enough of the food, the rich culture, the sunshine and the welcoming people. I am so pleased to be returning this August, and have planned something really special for you. Dalyan is an area of natural beauty with gorgeous coastlines, spectacular mountains and a conservation area full of wildlife. The protected loggerhead turtle’s nesting grounds are nearby, and we will hopefully see some of the turtles on one of our two boat trips! Our private villa will provide the perfect place to delve into our yoga practices with two classes daily in our onsite yoga shala, 6 acres of land to explore, and delicious traditional Turkish meals made from locally grown organic food.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in the tranquil Villa Cabrece situated on over 6 acres of land, with a beautiful view the nearby mountains. With a large outdoor pool, dedicated yoga shala, and masseuses on hand, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind. You can sunbathe in one of the many sunloungers by the pool, or escape the heat in the Turkish style Salon, the shady Tree House, or a hammock under a tree. There is also the Villa's 'Karma Kafe' where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, a library and an outdoor cinema.
All rooms surround the swimming pool and have mountain views front and/or back, with en suite facilities (toilet, sink, shower and hairdryer), plus wifi, air conditioning and fly screens on the windows. The single rooms open up directly onto the pool on the ground floor, whereas the twin/double rooms are upstairs and have French doors, which open onto a large shared balcony.
The laid-back riverside town of Dalyan is a 15-20 minute walk away, where you can visit the markets and restaurants, or soak up the rich ancient history of the area. Riverboats connect Dalyan with İztuzu Beach to the south, home to protected loggerhead turtle nesting grounds.
FOOD
The food at Villa Cabrece is mostly home/locally grown and organic village-style Turkish food. The menus are drawn from Turkey’s rich culinary traditions and centuries-old village food preparation methods. We will dine alfresco, with views of the surrounding mountains, or the sky at night.
We will eat breakfast at the Villa each morning, which includes a glass of fresh juice and a cup of filter coffee or tea. A vegetarian 4 course dinner is included on 5 out of the 7 nights. Another dinner is included as part of a sailboat cruise. On the last night we will head to a local restaurant together. Lunch is not included, however you can find many yummy options in the local restaurants of Dalyan, or eat at the Karma Kafe onsite at the Villa.
You can help yourself to tea, instant coffees and water throughout the holiday. You can also start a tab for any additional soft drinks or snacks that you would like. Dietary requirements will be catered for, just make sure to let us know in advance.
SCHEDULE
We will have daily dynamic morning yoga sessions before breakfast, and relaxing evening yoga sessions before dinner everyday, except when we have other activities planned. We will also be taking 2 sailboat cruises (details below). Besides this, your time is yours to enjoy how you wish; chilling by the pool, exploring Dalyan, visiting the turtle rehabilitation centre, or taking advantage of the additional activities offered by the Villa such as massages and cookery lessons.
YOGA
My teaching style is candid, alignment based, and lighthearted, inviting you to explore the limits both mental and physical that you place upon yourself. On most full days we will be practicing yoga twice daily. The morning classes are designed to get us up and moving, ready for the day ahead. Giving you space to play and express yourselves - expect to sweat and try new things. The evening classes by contrast will be much softer, allowing you to unwind and relax. We will be practicing in the shady outdoor yoga shala onsite at the Villa in front of the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Yoga mats and props are provided but feel free to bring your own in you prefer.
THE BOAT TRIPS
12 Islands Sailing trip
Discover the beautiful Turquoise Coastline with towering mountains and forest covered hills, and experience secret coves and secluded swimming areas. A peaceful and relaxing day on a spacious boat with sunny or shaded spots for everyone. Throughout the day we will stop at many of the stunning bays. During each stop you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters, or just sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lunch is served on the boat.
Evening cruise
This trip includes swimming, sunset BBQ dinner at Iztuzu beach, swimming in Candir Lake and Volkan’s secret candlelit hot springs. One of the highlights of this evening are the amazing stars seen from the middle of Koycegiz Lake and hopefully catching a glimpse of one of the endangered and protected loggerhead turtles.
DALYAN
Dalyan has an outstanding beach, fascinating wildlife, and the majestic remains of an ancient Roman city, where you can see the Kings' Tombs of Kaunos hewn into the cliffs. There are many restaurants and shops as well as a bustling market selling traditional turkish textiles, leather goods and mosaic glass. There are also newly built Hammam (Turkish Baths) with a sauna and steam room.
The Dalyan delta is an area of immense natural beauty and has become one of Turkey’s most treasured natural conservation areas. Flanked by imposing mountains and pine-clad hills, the river spreads out into tributaries which are teeming with local wildlife. Dalyan is located on the river, between Koycegiz Lake with hot springs and natural mud baths, and delta, where the river meanders out to the Mediterranean. The river and tributaries lead out to the stunning sand bank, known as Ìztuzu Beach, home to the famous loggerhead turtles. To travel across to the beach by water taxi takes 40 minutes or 25 minutes by ‘dolmus’ (public mini-bus).
PRICE AND WHATS INCLUDED
Poolside ensuite single room: £725 (15% discount applied)
Poolside ensuite double / twin room: £695 per person (discount applied)
8 days and 7 nights staying at the peaceful Villa Cabrece.
2 x 90mins small group yoga classes per full day (apart from boat trip days)
1 journey to inversions workshop
Freshly prepared breakfast & dinner* made with locally grown organic ingredients.
* final restaurant dinner not included
12 Island sailing trip
Evening cruise
Transfers to/from Dalaman Airport*
*if you decide to arrive a day early (see flight info below) your transfer will still be included.
Transfer to boat trips
Yoga mats and props
Beach towel
Tea and coffee
Wifi
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Dalaman airport (currently ~ £300)*
*some of the cheaper flights arrive quite late at night, so one option would be to fly out a day early and stay in a local hotel at a very reasonable rate - ready to start fresh at the retreat the next day. Skyscanner.net is a good place to look for flights.
Lunch and final dinner, where we will enjoy local cuisine away from the Villa.
Additional activities such as massages, entry to the hammam etc.
Your Visa to enter Turkey which will cost approximately £12 and can be purchased online here
I hope that you can join me! Please email me with any questions, or to book*, at hello@lauraharveyyoga.com
*£400 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Full payment to be made by 25th June, no cancellations or refunds after 25th June 2018.