DALYAN TURKEY RETREAT
JULY 2019
Monday 8th - Monday 15th July 2019
Spectrum, Dalyan, Turkey
I am very pleased to announce that in July I will returning to Turkey to lead a yoga retreat at Spectrum, Dalyan for the second year running. I actually booked this week before my last retreat there had even finished as my guests and I were so impressed with our stay! Spectrum - our private villa - sits at the foot of a mountain and is truly a magical place. The onsite shala is within the 6 acres of land we have to explore, and provides the perfect place to delve into our yoga practices. Our meals are made from locally grown organic food, prepared in traditional Turkish style by excellent local chefs. Dalyan itself 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 can visit the local sanctuary to see the turtles preparing for release back into the wild. If we are lucky we will see turtles on one of our two boat trips as well!
“I had an amazing week at Spectrum with Laura. She provided a range of options in her yoga sessions which meant I always had new challenges to explore but could also go at my own pace. I left knowing what I needed to do to make progress in my practice.
Spectrum was a beautiful place to do yoga, relax and reflect. A lot of love and care has gone into the venue and there are flowers, art works and a wide range of books to enjoy. It felt a lot more homely then other places I’ve stayed and the hosts were really helpful. There were lots of areas to socialise with other guests but it was also easy to find quiet spaces for me-time. The food was some of the best I’ve ever tasted! Fresh and wholesome but also delicious and varied.
Finally the boat trips were exceptional, it was a real luxury to have a private boat just for our group. My highlight was interacting with nature- snorkeling, swimming in the volcanic lake, and finally, looking up to the stars on the night boat trip.”
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in a tranquil private villa 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 breezy 'Karma Kafe' where you can enjoy drinks and snacks.
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 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. If you don't feel like walking or using public transport, taxis are very affordable; ~£2.50 into town, ~£15.00 for a round trip to the beach in a large taxi that you can share between 7 people.
FOOD
The food at the villa 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. It is simple but healthy and delicious. We will dine alfresco, with views of the surrounding mountains, or the sky at night.
We will eat breakfast after yoga 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 another 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 coffee and water throughout the holiday. You can also start a tab for any additional soft drinks, fresh coffee 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. There are 2 resident yoga teachers onsite who offer aerial yoga and stand-up paddle board yoga at an additional cost.
“The place was lovely, comfortable and relaxed, the yoga and all the additional activities were perfect but also the days flexible enough to let everyone be as active or relaxed as they wanted with no explanation. It was probably one of the most easygoing holidays I’ve had yet, also there’s been a definite progression in my yoga... it all completely exceeded my expectations. And I’d love to go again...”
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 set within the villa's orchard, with the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Yoga mats and props are provided but feel free to bring your own in you prefer.
12 ISLAND SAILING TRIP
Included in the retreat is a wonderful daytime cruise on a private sailboat. 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 private 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 and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or just sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lunch is served on the boat.
EVENING RIVER CRUISE
This is a really special trip that takes us on a river boat down tributaries leading to Candir lake, a warm volcanic lake where we can swim. We then continue on to the candlelit mud baths and hot springs. A BBQ dinner is prepared and enjoyed on the boat as we travel back under the amazing stars seen from the middle of Koycegiz Lake.
DALYAN
Dalyan has a beach where you can find the turtle sanctuary, 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 is also a 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). Taking a taxi is very affordable if there is a group going.
PRICE AND WHATS INCLUDED
Poolside ensuite single room:
Early bird £745 (until 31/10/18)
Full price £815
Poolside ensuite double / twin room:
Early bird £695 per person (until 31/10/18)
Full price £765
8 days and 7 nights staying at the peaceful villa
2 x 90mins small group yoga classes per full day (apart from boat trip days)
1 journey to arm balances and inversions workshop
Freshly prepared breakfast & dinner* made with locally grown organic ingredients.
* restaurant dinner not included
12 Island sailing trip
Evening cruise
Transfers to/from Dalaman Airport
Transfer to boat trips
Yoga mats and props
Beach towel
Tea and coffee
Wifi
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Dalaman airport (currently ~ £250)*
*Skyscanner.net is a good place to look for flights.
Lunch and restaurant 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 £15 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
*£350 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your space.
Full payment to be made by 6th May, no cancellations or refunds after 6th May 2019.
I understand paying a lump sum can be difficult so please email to arrange a payment plan if you need to space out your payments.
“Laura’s yoga retreat was wonderful. The yoga schedule was a perfect balance between dynamic and challenging classes and time for reflection and calm. I will be back next year!”