AUGUST 28 SEPTEMBER 5 2017 A Culinary Wellness Adventure The idea for the culinary wellness adventure in Bali began in March 2016 when Sylvie and I visited Bali to celebrate the beginning of our sixth decade. While there we decided that it would be good to run a retreat in Bali as it has so much to offer. We were encouraged to offer a second Exotic Immersion from the positive feedback we received from the 2016 group.. This is some comments from this group: The early morning pool swims were glorious Loved the fresh coconut water with Turmeric Sylvie s Yoga classes gave me confidence to continue daily practice The talks and discussions were informative The eating experience, amazing food and Moxa food school was an inspiration encouraged me to add new ingredients and buy a spiralizer The organization of the retreat flowed, provided education and plenty of relaxation time These cold winter days serve to enhance the desire for an Exotic Immersion on a tropical island. Time to indulge the senses and explore another culture through mindful enjoyment. The intention and purpose of the retreat is to help you create your own unique healing and health experience.
Desa Sanctuary Retreat Ubud Bali Since the first flyer and information we have had a change of venue. So this is an update The retreat will now be held at Desa Retreat Center, a peaceful corner in the heart of Ubud. The sanctuary offers a unique setting and environment for our retreat. The pool, Yoga Shala and communal areas for discussions, dining and relaxing are beautifully enhanced with topical foliage. The villa is tastefully decorated with art, antique furniture and comfortable day beds. The retreat venue was created by Hollywood designer, David Seligman who uses green principles in all his designs. He is well known for a number of set designs for movies such as star wars. David has designed and created a number of fabulous homes and retreat centers in Bali including Tuksu retreat and spa center. Desa Sanctuary is within walking distance to a number of places in Ubud that we will explore as part of the wellness culinary adventure. Eateries, ecstatic dancing, sound healing gong bath, exceptional massage choices and additional Yoga classes for all levels from beginners to experienced practitioners are all close at hand. Accommodation at Desa Sanctuary Retreat All the rooms are attractively designed with a variety of atmospheres, views and private bathrooms..
The Culinary Experience We will begin the retreat with a 3 days of juicing - a powerful way to calm ourselves and be ready to embrace the gifts this exotic environment offers. A selection of locally sourced, organic produce for juicing will be selected to include everyone s individual tastes: Some juice combinations we have used: Papaya, Pineapple, Ginger, Lemon, Mint Water Spinach, Pineapple, Red Bell Pepper, Celery Carrot, Garlic, Turmeric, Papaya Seeds, Chili, Cayenne. Ginger, Parsley, Spirulina Papaya, Cucumber, Aloe, Coconut Freshly made coconut water and herbal teas will also be available. Nutrition is a very important area of focus on this retreat and is made up of three components:- Resting our digestive systems Balancing & Building a healthy digestive system Enjoying fresh food suitable to your individual constitution After the juicing there will be a breaking the fast ceremony followed by a light meal. From then on Sylvie & I will be your daily guides to the best eateries Ubud has to offer, exploring a range of foods and venues.
A Typical Day will include When you wake in the morning the temperature will be around 25-27C, you can enjoy a drink of something refreshing such as lemon grass beverage. A refreshing plunge in the pool could be followed by a Yoga class with Sylvie. For the first three days delicious combinations of juices, coconut water and refreshing herbal beverages will be offered 4x daily During the juice days we can enjoy a tranquil environment, relaxation, massage, yoga, yoga nidra (a guided form of meditation), sound healing, information and discussion on the benefits of juicing, and perhaps a gentle rice paddy walk.. After the first 3 days juices then breakfasts will be provided and we will commence our culinary journey. The next five days activities will include talks & discussions, a tasting and raw food preparation class, massages, walks, meditation, sound healing, and guided trips to local eateries.
Organizers & Presenters Sylvie McLean I was incredibly lucky to have met Anna de Zeeuw and Mark Whitwell so early in my yoga life. Their teachings from the Heart of Yoga resonated strongly with me. Gentle is the new advanced. This yoga, appearing slow paced and gentle to the observer, will radiate its effects in a subtle way to the deepest parts of your being. It is a truly authentic Yoga experience from Krishnamacharya who was Mark Whitwell s teacher. During the retreat I will design yoga classes for you that will include the practice of asana (poses), pranayama (breathing) and meditation as a seamless practice. The development of a practice tailored to your personal needs. Valmai Becker Valmai has 30 years experience in Naturopathy, Herbal medicine and running retreats. She was co- director of Canterbury College of Natural Medicine and author of the NZQA Clinical Herbal Medicine curriculum. She now runs courses at her property Phytofarm - A Herbal Learning Garden in Little River, Canterbury, New Zealand. I love my plant centered life, growing herbs, running the apprenticeship program, encouraging people to explore and indulge themselves in the wonders of plant medicines Wellness Experience with Valmai To spend quality time with yourself we need to slow down and re-set the system. The fastest way to do this is to lighten the digestive load and let the body find its harmonious center. Then we can experience nutrition at its best through food that enlivens, is visually appealing and nourishing.
Talks & Discussion will include: The Health Benefits of Juicing The Gut & Brain Connection - Finding the Lost Vagus Reducing Inflammation Through Our Food How do we do it? The Gut Our Marvelous Microbes Sound Healing Gong Bath Sound healing is a tradition that pre-dates the use of music for entertainment by several thousand years. It s a system that recognizes that sound is energy and can carry information through intent and intelligence as well as affect us at a cellular level. Music and sound can help the mind and body to relax through the use of vibration, rhythm, and subtle distraction from everyday thoughts using harmony, harmonics and specific timbres and melodies. With the right intent and guidance sound can help reduce stress, alter consciousness and create a deep sense of peace, wellbeing and better health.
What our package includes: Phytofarm Retreat Pack including an eye pillow for relaxation & Yoga Nidra classes (this will be posted to you at the end of July). In Bali you will be given a traditional Balinese Sarong Accommodation for 10 nights in an authentic Balinese environment (Pre retreat night August 27 and including night of 5 September) Arrival & orientation meal; four days of fully catered culinary juices, 6 breakfasts, Farewell Dinner Daily Yoga Classes, Talks Guided Ubud Experience details on the best of everything available in town. 3 x 60 min Massage during juice days A no cooking Raw Vegan class. Ecstatic dance, Gong Bath sound Phytofarm Retreat Pack will include: Insect repellent; Sunblock; Skin Healing Gel Peppermint & Lavender Healing Balm Skin Brush Enema kit (To be used during juicing days) Retreat Price Shared room accommodation price is NZ $1,950 Single room accommodation is NZ $2,450
Massage & Spa Treatments Massage is one of the divine experiences to be enjoyed in Bali. The Balinese therapists really make an effort to envelope you. Massage can be pure relaxation or selected for a totally therapeutic experience. Sylvie & Valmai can advise you on the best treatment and practitioners depending on your needs. Additional expenses in NZ Dollars 2x lunches approximately $12 per lunch 4x Evening meals approximately $20 Short Taxi journeys around Ubud $10 per taxi (Shared) Additional wellness, spa & massage treatments $30 - $50 Weather, Clothing & Accessories Bali s climate has two distinct seasons Dry (May September) and wet (October April). The daytime temperatures during August/September are typical around 25-27C and evenings 18-20C. Bring light clothing - pants, shirts, tops. A light jacket if you feel chilly in the evenings, loose clothing for Yoga class, swimming gear, Phytofarm retreat pack. The Balinese people are welcoming, polite, friendly, and smile is never far away. Bali is predominately Hindu and generally relaxed about dress but if you are venturing to more remote areas it is appropriate to be respectful and wear modest clothing. A reminder of items to bring with you: A small day pack, walking shoes, sunglasses, torch, universal power adaptor, Tampons can be difficult to get, book/journal, reusable water bottle (Bali is trying to limit the use of plastic), zip lock bags for items that might attract insects, electrolyte packets, medications you must have a doctor s prescription with your name, dose, frequency of dose and correct name of the preparation. Check your pass port has 6 months before the expiry date. Contact Valmai if you want any further information or help on valmai@phytofarm.co.nz Cell Phone 021 82 94214 Land line 03 325 1314