Yoga Destination/Travel - Yoga Magazine

SERENITY AT SEA

root@ — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:04:02 +0000

A Hebridean Yoga & Wildlife Retreat

Words: Archana Karki

Imagine a voyage where the tranquil serenity of yoga meets the untamed beauty of the Scottish Hebrides, where each day unfolds like a carefully crafted masterpiece. This was precisely the journey, organised by Hebrides Cruises, that the Editor and Publisher of YOGA Magazine had the privilege to embark upon. Setting sail aboard the Emma Jane, alongside fellow adventurers, from the quaint fishing town of Oban in western Scotland on August 26th, 2023, we embarked on a captivating exploration of the inner Hebrides, returning to Oban on September 1st, 2023.

Yoga and Nature: A Harmonious Union

What renders this retreat truly exceptional is the harmonious amalgamation of yoga, wildlife encounters, and cruising through awe-inspiring landscapes. Guided by yoga practitioners, Laura Bicker and Iain Bruce-Low, the yoga sessions seamlessly unfolded both on board and ashore. The retreat commenced with a heartwarming guided meditation and an opening ceremony on the eve of August 26th. At 7 am the following day, we collectively ascended to the upper deck of Hebrides Cruises’ vessel, Emma Jane, to practice yoga postures and meditation, an experience that set the tone for the entire journey.

In the days that ensued, we ventured to diverse, secluded, and breathtaking locales for our yoga sessions. Laura and Iain carefully curated these spots to foster profound connections with nature. During our forest yoga practice on a rainy day in the moss-covered Ulva forest, I personally felt that the environment transported us to an era where sages meditated, allowing moss and trees to flourish around them.

The instructors immersed us in an array of practices, from forest yoga on the pristine white sands of Gunna to turquoise waters of Cairns of Coll and the majestic hills and Fingal’s cave of Staffa. Under their nurturing guidance, we delved into forest yoga, ceremonies featuring heartfelt singing, fire ceremonies, and an array of therapies including meditation, reiki, sound baths, and even acupuncture.

Chanting and meditation at these exclusive locations did more than unite us with one another; it united us with nature itself. It felt as though our collective voices resonated through the skies and deep into the sea. Our instructors’ infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth made this journey truly exceptional.

Exploring Hidden Gems in the Hebrides

Skipper James Fairbairns, a maestro of the seas, skilfully orchestrated our itinerary and shore excursions to harmonise with our yoga sessions, ensuring a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure.

Cruising through the captivating coastlines of the Hebrides is an unforgettable odyssey. The sheer beauty of these landscapes is enough to steal your breath away, whisking you to another world entirely. Hebrides Cruises organised visits to some of the most idyllic and tranquil beaches and bays, including Cairns of Coll, Staffa, Inch Kenneth, Mull, Gunna, Ulva, and the colourful Tobermory. Favourable weather conditions graced our journey, gifting us sun-drenched afternoons and a spellbinding full moon night.

Wildlife Encounters: Beyond Imagination

Each evening, James – also our Wildlife Guide – joined us to discuss the possibilities for the following day’s itinerary and shore excursions. His keen eye and extensive experience ensured we never missed any extraordinary wildlife sightings.

Our Hebrides Cruises’ adventure was punctuated by remarkable wildlife encounters. Dolphins, seals and various sea birds graced our presence regularly, while the sight of a surfacing minke whale left us in awe. On one occasion, over a dozen dolphins were swimming alongside Emma Jane, ducking and diving into the sea. Otters and majestic sea eagles, their wings gracefully slicing through the sky, provided the grand finale to this wildlife symphony. There was palpable excitement among us as a pair of eagles perched on a tree during our approach to Staffa. On the beach of Gunna, friendly seals swam so close that it felt as though they were eager participants in our yoga sessions. Surrounded by the best of Scotland’s west coast wildlife, including dolphins, minke whales, sea eagles, and otters, our adventure was bathed in love and healing.

Impeccable Hospitality

The crew of Hebrides Cruises worked in seamless harmony, ensuring our experience was not only captivating but also supremely comfortable – we felt genuinely pampered. The ensuite cabins were pristine and inviting, equipped with thoughtful amenities including a small study table and a dresser.

The lower deck lobby emerged as our communal hub, where we savoured canapés, beverages, and delightful conversations. The lobby featured a well equipped kitchen, a bar, a dining area, and an enticing shelf adorned with
captivating books. Over the course of our journey, this space became our epicentre for interaction, especially during our evening gatherings. Each night, James provided weather updates and the following day’s itinerary. Prompted by the yoga instructors we shared our cherished moments of the day. Just outside the lobby, a jacuzzi awaited, offering the perfect respite for a relaxing soak.

Culinary Delights

Dining aboard Hebrides Cruises’ vessel, Emma Jane, was nothing short of extraordinary, courtesy of renowned chef William Rocks from the esteemed Tigh an Truish Inn and Restaurant on Seil Island. William, a quarter-finalist in the recent Master Chef Professional series, delighted us with exquisite and healthful three-course creations. His culinary prowess was matched only by his warm and engaging personality as he described each course with evident pride. Even after dinner, we were treated to an array of local cheeses, biscuits, and beverages.

Stewardess Sophia added an extra layer of charm to our journey. Always sporting a warm smile, she demonstrated unwavering dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Her flair for decor was evident in her exquisite table settings, adorned with rocks, feathers, shells, candles, and meticulously folded mats and napkins. To our delight, our cabins were magically tidied and adorned with a nightly chocolate on our pillows.

Friendships Formed, Memories Crafted

Over the course of six nights, the fleeting introductions during our initial gathering over canapés and fizz transformed into profound and enduring friendships. Hebrides Cruises’ voyage didn’t merely connect us to nature and yoga; it united us as a community of kindred spirits seeking serenity, adventure, and balance amidst the heart of the Hebrides.

Laura and Iain ensured our journey culminated with a closing ceremony to remember, where we danced, sang, and shared stories under a luminous full moon. Disembarking, we returned to everyday life with a profound connection to both nature and self.

The “Serenity at Sea: A Hebridean Yoga and Wildlife Retreat” aboard Emma Jane is a testament to the magic that transpires when the healing power of yoga converges with the wild and untamed beauty of nature. It’s an experience that not only rejuvenates the body and soul but also forges connections destined to last a lifetime. For those in search of a genuinely transformative journey, this retreat is an invitation to discover serenity amid the untamed allure of the Hebrides.

The pictures bear testament to this extraordinary odyssey but to experience it contact:
Hebrides Cruises
www.hebridescruises.co.uk
Tel: 01631 711 986
E: info@hebridescruises.co.uk

Archana Karki is the Publisher of YOGA Magazine.

The post SERENITY AT SEA first appeared on Yoga Magazine.

A RELAXING RETREAT BY THE BEACH

root@ — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:05:52 +0000

So often in life, we find our-selves swamped by the constant demands for the day to day life. Long meetings that could have been an email, late nights at the office trying to meet deadlines, barbeque with the in-laws that you’ll never impress, weekends swamped with house chores-it all takes a toll on you. Sometimes your mind and your body just needs a break from the daily drudgery. I recently discovered the perfect place to take this much needed break.

Tucked away on the eastern corner of Cyprus, right by the sea, the Robinson Cyprus is a nice little getaway destination. And for those focusing on their physical and mental health and wellbeing, it has all the ingredients to help you take care of your mind and your body.

If you’re here, I suggest you start your day with a relaxing yoga session.

Take a morning yoga class to clear your mind, rest and rejuvenate. The yoga classes take place in an outdoor area directly by the beach so you can practice yoga while listening to the sounds of the waves at the sand and feeling the breeze in your hair. The yoga classes there offered up a variety of options with focus on mobility, dance and movement. The classes are very beginner-friendly, so anyone can join in. But if you are an advanced practitioners and want to stretch your bones a bit, there are several advanced classes you can take. After the yoga session, head on to their restaurant to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or you can book an exclusive breakfast at the Breeze Beach club overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Once you’ve lingered over the breakfast long enough, unpack your swimwear and go for a dip in the ocean. The water there is warm and clear, perfect for a bit of sea swimming. Since the resort sits on a stretch of nice, sandy beach, you can also lounge in the morning sun for a bit along with other guests for a while.

If swimming is not your cup of tea, you can also try a variety of water sports in the sun including stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, surfing, wind foiling and catamaran sailing. I have to admit though, that paddle boarding is a lot harder than I
imagined. Once you’re done with the water sports, there are a number of land based activities for you to also try. The resort has a bunch of tennis courts, volleyball courts and football field. Pick your poison. If you’re alone, you can even sign up to an app that pairs you with a tennis partner or volleyball team.

For a less sweat-breaking activity, you can try archery with a bow and arrow. You can go sightseeing around the area. A Greco-Roman amphitheatre still stands in the site that has been restored and is still used for performances. If you like cycling and would like to take a trip around the area, you can rent a bicycle. The bike station at the resort has some top-quality mountain bikes and racing bikes that you can use to go around and enjoy a stunning view of surrounding mountains. In between all of these activities, don’t forget to sneak a few bites of the delicious food at the resort.

The main restaurant at the resort offers some amazing Cypriot food. Enjoy the kebabs, fresh fish, cheeses and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, you can also head back to the Breeze beach club where they hold BBQ nights up to three times a week. After your long day of activity (and delicious food), enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic aromatherapy or a deep massage to work out all the tension in your muscles. You can also take a late night swim at the resort’s pools to wind down. Our spirits need a break every now and then. I enjoyed giving my spirit a break at the Robinson Cyprus.

The post A RELAXING RETREAT BY THE BEACH first appeared on Yoga Magazine.

DEFINE.LONDON

root@ — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:03:56 +0000

With state of the art facilities furnished with spectacular opulence and a majestically designed ambience, the studio epitomises everything unique about DEFINE.London. Exuding a tranquil elegance, the studio provides customers with a luxurious venue to exercise in style before relaxing and socialising away from the noise of the bustling streets of London. As part of DEFINE.London’s devotion to elevate the client as the heartbeat of the company, the Fitzrovia studio is the perfect place to work out in peace before, during or after a busy day at work.

The fitness hub also provides somewhere for clients to relax and socialise, including a ‘DEFINE.London Vanity Area’ equipped with the latest luxury beauty products and changing facilities. DEFINE.London has also confirmed two exciting collaborations with Free Soul Protein and Born Nouli Activewear.

Regarding the official studio launch Ashley said: “We are extremely excited to have a studio launching in Central London which was a huge dream of mine when I first started mapping out the DEFINE.London plan.”

The launch also coincides with an exciting DEFINE.London app, available to download now on Apple and Google Play. Fitness fans can plan and schedule their classes directly from their Mobile device, whilst being introduced to the brand and instructors themselves.

With a core team of seven multi-cultural, multifaceted fitness experts, DEFINE.London has classes designed for all fitness levels and sporting backgrounds.With the core remit of ‘Aspire to Inspire’, DEFINE.London uses an intense mix of isometric moves throughout the class to keep the metabolism high. Despite sticking to a formatted class within each concept, no two workouts are the same as they aim to change up the choreography in every class to keep the muscles guessing. Classes are also led by the music, maintaining an upbeat mood and keeping exercise fun and inspiring.

The post DEFINE.LONDON first appeared on Yoga Magazine.

FLY

root@ — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:01:04 +0000

We have two studios, one for our yoga classes and another for our barre and low impact classes. The space is specifically designed to take your headspace away from the city hustle to a place of Zen, instantaneously. Our yoga classes are taught in a beautifully immersive and cinematic studio with high spec surround sound and visual display. Our floor-to-ceiling screen plays footage of landscapes from around the world. During the class you’ll be travelling to places like Hawaii, Yosemite, Patagonia, The Granites Beach in Australia or New Zealand’s beautiful South Island.

We have taken yoga and meditation back to basics in a bid to increase the accessibility to London city folk who may have previously been put off by the spiritual element of the practice. Our founder, Charlotte Cox, says, “We take the quality of our teaching very seriously. We have hand-selected each of our talented teachers, and each of them has a style and language that is accessible to anyone, including beginners.” Our instructors are also usually supported by assistants, who are dedicated to adjusting the postures of participants, ensuring correct alignment and muscle activation.

Our creative flows are accompanied by curated playlists, leaving clients feeling the perfect mix of Zen and energised after class. We run classes lasting either 45 minutes or 75minutes to cater for both the time-poor and the avid practitioners who require longer classes to develop and deepen their practice.

Our Barre classes are taught by London’s finest instructors from dance and ballet backgrounds and our Low Impact classes utilise TRX trainers, free weights and body weight as resistance tools to strengthen and tone targeted groups of muscles. Cox explains the need for complementary disciplines to achieve optimum strength and flexibility: “We see visitors who tend to plateau in their yoga practice, and struggle to build the strength required for certain postures. Complementary strength training can really help you to take it to the next level and enhance your practice.”

The post FLY first appeared on Yoga Magazine.