YOGA & SUNSHINE HOLIDAY on the AGEAN SEA
WITH SUSAN DESMARAIS
Spring Retreat: 17-24 May 2010
The 5 Elements - Balancing Energy through Yoga & Meditation
Hatha yoga means to yoke, or balance between contrasting energies. Our bodies contain all the
elements around us - earth, water, fire, air & ether. By building upwards through each element each
day, one can learn how these elements relate to the corresponding body parts, what they symbolise
- energetically, physically and emotionally. This understanding will help bring about a balanced
foundation, that will augment one’s own practice.
THE TEACHER
Susan lives and teaches in Rome, Italy. She has been teaching yoga retreats
for 6 years. Her background in Japanese culture and in Buddhism
brings a unique perspective to her teachings in yoga. Along with many
years of training and experience in various styles of yoga, Susan has been
most influenced by her studies with John Friend, the founder of Anusara
Yoga. She has been an Anusara-Inspired teacher for 4 years, and is currently
completing her certification. Susan’s specialty is teaching yoga as
yoga therapy, therefore, no matter how strong the practice, it is always
taught in a therapeutic manner. Years of various personal injuries and
pain has inspired Susan to share yoga in a way that is uplifting, energising,
healing, and therapeutic at the same time.
YOGA TRAINING & STUDIES
Susan's yoga training includes over 700 hours of Anusara ® , half of which has been with John Friend, the founder of Anusara ® , in both Levels I and II Teacher Trainings, Teacher Immersions, Therapeutics, Master's Immersion, and four Advanced Intensives. She has assisted senior certified teacher Jayendra Hanley in Europe and taken countless trainings, workshops and classes with other senior certified teachers such as Desiree Rumbaugh, Amy Ippoliti, Martin & Jordan Kirk, Sianna Sherman, as well as Tantric philosophy scholar Douglas Brooks. Susan's initial Yoga Teacher Training was a 200 Hour Teacher Training at Stillpoint Yoga, in the Sivananda tradition. She has also taken countless other classes and workshops with many other top yoga teachers over the years.
For the last three years Susan has been an Anusara-Inspired T teacher. She is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and she is in the process of becoming certified Anusara ® teacher.
THE YOGA
Invigorating asana with Vinyasa, Surya Namaskar, Pranayama & Meditation practice will be offered at this ideal setting, surrounded by natural beauty, silence and nature.
Each morning includes 1/2 hour of Pranayama before breakfast. Morning asana classes run for 2 hours. This practice consists of Surya Namaskar & Vinyasa, with the focus on Heart-Opening, Arm- Balancing, Inversions & Standing Asanas - both individually and in partners.
The afternoon sessions are 1-1.5 hours, with the focus on Forward Bends, Hip Openers, Twists & Meditation. All classes are designed for all levels, and all yoga taught has therapeutic qualities. Please advise Susan of your yoga experience and whether you have any health issues in advance.
The Venue
The Atami Hotel is a charming, small luxury boutique hotel, surrounded by natural beauty on the
Agean sea. The tranquil atmosphere, comfortable rooms and friendly service make for a relaxing
holiday. All the rooms at the Atami face the magnificent view of Paradise Bay, the most beautiful bay
in the Bodrum area.
All rooms are en-suite, with a refrigerator, with a beautiful seaside view and sitting terrace.
Flight & Travel Details
Fly into Bodrum-Milas airport (23 km. from Bodrum and 3 km. from Göltürkbükü). Please refer to
the Atami Hotel website for ALL travel details, including local transfers & Visa information.
Activities and excursions
We will have afternoon free to explore the local area, including the lively Yalikavak market (only on
Thursdays), where one can experience a true Turkish market. It is there where we will enjoy afternoon
tea with Turkish cakes that are unbelievably tasty. From there, we will go to Bodrum to enjoy
the Hamam.
Food
The family at the Atami are Turkish/Japanese. The food is beautifully
prepared, light, and very high quality. We will have the pleasure to
enjoy a blend of Asian and Turkish cuisine.
What is included
*Acommodation of your choice with 2 meals daily, plus afternoon tea
*All yoga classes
What is NOT included in the price
*Flights to Bodrum and local transfers to The Atami
*Insurance (it highly advised to have travelers insurance, in case of any unforeseen
emergency)
*Massage and other treatments
*Local excursions
*Wine with dinner
*Any meals taken whilst out on excursion
Arrivals/Departures
The arrival time is from 16:00pm on Monday. Please try to organise your travel arrangements
accordingly.
On the last day, the departure time is at 10. Attendees are welcome to book additional
days at the venue before or after the retreat, directly with the venue. Please note that the hotel's rack rates would apply for extra days.
What to bring:
*Clothing for yoga
*House slippers
*A swimming costume
*Sunscreen & insect repellent
*Lounge wear (sweats, etc.)
*Walking shoes
*Umbrella
*Extra euros for massages, excursions & for tipping the staff at The Atami
Costs
€595 - Standard Double
€880 - Standard Single
€770 - Deluxe Double
€1195 - Deluxe Single
+50 After March 17
Please note that if you have already attended a previous Kikuchi Yoga Retreat, or if you bring
a friend to join you, you are entitled to receive a reduction of €25.
Booking Details
It is advised that you connect with Susan if you would like to have a space held while you are checking
out travel logistics. When you are ready to confirm and make a deposit, you will be sent a booking
form to fill out.
Please visit Susan’s website for details on cancellation & refund policies.
Traveler’s Insurance is recommended for any emergency cancellations.
For Reservations please contact
Susan Desmarais of Kikuchi Yoga
email: kikuchiyoga@mac.com
www. kikuchiyoga .com
Skype: kikuchiyoga
Europe: +39.346.376.3722
Pictures from Susan's Yoga Retreats
