exotic natural settings, rejuvenating retreats, sacred sites,
unique accommodation, nurturing experiences.
Our small groups are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like minded travellers, with no more than twelve in your party.
We always base ourselves in one location for a period of time, allowing you time to rest or explore at your own pace. Your accommodation is always unique and carefully selected for it’s authenticity to the region. We also cater to your individual requirements within the retreats, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy !
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Contact Julie if you would like to be inspired ! …and you are always welcome to bring a friend.
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17 - 27 March 2012
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led by Julie ~ fully booked!
18 August – 1 September 2012
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led by Sarah ~ fully booked!
13 – 27 October 2012
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led by Sarah
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Best described with an article written by one of our guests … |
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“For many years India has called me, but the right company to go with, and the time available to go, never coincided until earlier this year when I discovered that Julie (a dear fellow meditator ) was escorting a group to an Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Retreat in the southern Indian province of Kerala. Although only recently returned from Europe, I could not pass up this opportunity. What a soft and gentle introduction to India it was!
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The resort is situated high on a hill amongst tropical groves and herb gardens overlooking the soft sandy beaches and warm waters of the Arabian Sea. Accommodation was in cottages separated by gardens and from my outdoor area I could sit and watch the local fishermen below, pulling in their nets, gaze at stunning sunrises and sunsets, sleep in a hammock under the pergola or I could swim in the warm pool or go to a yoga class.
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On the day of our arrival we had a medical assessment with two Ayurvedic doctors who then prescribed our individual treatments including herbal medicines, massage therapies, diet recommendations, steam baths, facials, etc. The daily treatment routine took a couple of hours. I have experienced a lot of massages from different therapists in the past but nothing like what I experienced in Kerala; two therapists work on you at the same time synchronizing long vigorous strokes, the massage oil is medicated for each person’s condition, it is used very liberally, in fact it is poured onto the body and amazingly the skin absorbs it all. |
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The effect of all this treatment over a ten day period was noticed mostly for me on the emotional level. There were times that while I was receiving the massage emotion would well up without any particular memory, the tears would just run down my face with a bitter-sweet feeling. Physically the body just becomes soft, open and free of all aches and pains and stiffness.
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After the massages and the great company, the main attraction was the food! We each received a long list of meals recommended for our body type, in the restaurant we would order our meal from the list and it would be freshly cooked, deliciously satisfying and including lots of tropical fruits. Some in our group did a bit of exploring around the surrounding towns and villages but for me the intensity of the treatment and the heat and humidity of southern India was such that I just happily lazed about without any desire to venture out, except for a couple of brief shopping outings.
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| The next time I go, I will add some travel at the end of the retreat. There is a renowned tourist attraction nearby, houseboating on the Kerala backwaters which sounds very inviting. " | ||
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Remember, we also create retreats specifically for you and your friends
• If you would like to view our 6 minute film, shot on location
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Visit the Dalai Lama in his home town in the foothills of the Himalayas!
A very small group of us have just returned from the most spiritually enlightening & uplifting experience.
Surrounded by snow capped mountains;
monks chanting their deeply resonate Om to wake you; the reverence of being in the presence of an enlightened being - His Holiness the Dalai Lama; the gift of deep peace, love and compassion that infuses you from being in this sacred space; sharing the joy, laughter & gratitude for life with the Tibetan community; sacred walks, fabulous food ....plus so much more.    You may like to continue on from your Himalayan experience and enjoy the nurturing of our Kerala Retreat.
For the full blissful experience! | ||
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17 - 30 May 2012
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An exquisite journey along the sacred Camino walking where pilgrims such as Francis of Assisi have ventured before us. Weaving our way through an intimate and untouched area of Spain, immersing ourselves in to the spiritual essence of the real Spain. Food, wine, walking, boutique rural inns, cooking classes – a pure delight for the senses - Spanish style ! |
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View our detailed itinerary. Contact Julie to find out more
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20 May – 2 June 2012 ~ now open
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Imagine a kingdom where happiness is paramount, where culture and tradition remain intact and where Buddhism has predominated since the 7th century. This country is Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. Step inside a mystical kingdom floating high amongst the clouds in the Himalayas, a place often romantically referred to as the Last Shangri-la. Enter a land of ancient customs and traditional culture, of tiny temples perched high on mountain tops, of majestic fortresses built thousands years ago rising up to the sky and of soaring mountain peaks. 
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Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist country perched between India and Tibet and with over 70% of the country covered in virgin forest and spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range, it boasts some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Occupying the high mountain valleys between China to the north and India to the south, Bhutan has long been a mystery to the West. The Kingdom has maintained its traditional Buddhist way of life for centuries and the rugged, unspoiled, mountainous terrain has nurtured numerous ethnic groups within its remote, protective folds. These distinct cultural and linguistic traditions continue to this day, uninfluenced by the outside world.
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We are one of the few invited visitors into this beautiful country and our exclusive experience highlights the scenic magnificence within the spiritual heartlands of Bhutan. We take you on a magical journey across the western & central provinces, weaving through the Bumthang region of the Drukpa people, following the trail of Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who bought Buddhism to Bhutan. Having just returned from our second journey in 2011 through this extraordinarily amazing kingdom, in the six months between these two trips I have noticed changes. |
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Contact Julie now for more details
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Coming Soon - The Kimberley
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As our groups are small and have limited spaces, contact Julie at your earliest convenience to register your interest or to reserve your place. |
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Proposed 2012
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Whenever you feel like a sublime treat for you....
 Gaia ~ the spirit of Mother Earth Want a pampering, easy, indulgent retreat locally ? Need a break now ? |
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Bali Yoga Retreats Contact Julie for your many options. |
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Journey travelled in November 2009 |
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An amazzzzing journey that may be repeated in the future ! |
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Experience the sacred in a unique journey exploring the essence of spiritual Indochina. Join us on a truly magical journey exploring rarely visited sacred sites, temples & locations in Some of the highlights & inclusions you will enjoy are ~~
$5995 twin share $1650 single supplement
Contact us for further details |
 
Thailand Whatever your goal, this world renowned wellbeing retreat is pure indulgence! |
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Previous Journeys experienced in 2006 & 2007
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Join us on a journey to experience and enjoy ‘la vera Italia' ~ the true Italy . The true life. |
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A SNAPSHOT OF OUR PROPOSED ITINERARY
Wed 30th May 2007
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Arrival into Rome …the eternal city of the senses ! Our home for three nights is a quaint boutique hotel located in the former Library of the Kingdom of Italy (circa 1900). In the heart of Rome , you are in the elegant shopping and dining area of via Del Corso, and close to the Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and the Spanish steps. Three days to enjoy the delights of Rome . We will be guided through some of the architectural, artistic and culinary highlights of this amazing city, always with plenty of time for you to wander the stradas, enjoy a coffee, take in the sights… to personally discover the hidden joys within this wonderful city. wonderful company |
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Sat 2rd June –Sat 9th June
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Our journey to Umbria hugs the Tevere River and the Sabini Mountains ... a very scenic introduction to one of the most special regions of Italy . Our lunch stop is in the stunning hill town of Orvieto – an ancient Etruscan village laden with artists and sculptors. Famous also as the original underground city housing wine cellars, aqueducts & popes in hiding! …we will have plenty of time to explore this wonderful town. |
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Our home for seven glorious nights is an amazing 8th century Abbey, now converted into a wellbeing retreat. Immersed in the forest of the most spectacular national park in Umbria –the Sibillini – we have stunning vistas and access to some of the most breathtaking walks and scenery that Italy has to offer. Including one of Europe 's tallest waterfalls – the Cascata delle Marmore. Legend has it that two hermits were searching for a mystic location and arrived into the Nerina Valley where they built this hermitage. The Abbey is still a place full of magical beauty and spirituality, where you can connect in nature, quieten the mind and stimulate & recharge the senses! unique accommodation |
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Time here is for you to enjoy the serenity, the pampering treatments, yoga, meditation, the delicious food, the space, the scenery, the walks. Your time to indulge with what your heart desires. We will also be venturing out to the small towns within our vicinity, enjoying the many delectable regional food and wine morsels native to this part of the world. Our guided walks & talks through the most fascinating aspects of this region, will be a progressive discovery of the richness and variety of treasures within our realm here. Immersing ourselves in these sensual experiences will hopefully allow us to understand and appreciate how we can bring harmony & joy into our everyday living. Nearby towns include the beautiful Spoleto, Bevanga, Montefalco, Spello, Norcia & Orvieto. unforgettable experiences
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Sat 9th June – Fri 15th June
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After the tranquility of the rolling hills and forests of Umbria , we now head to the majestic Amalfi Coast . Our small hotel has been chosen for it's location in the stunning hilltop town of Positano , as well as it's simple & traditional qualities. Your room has a private terrace overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea. Enjoy breakfast served on the balcony overlooking the Amalfi coastline before deciding on what to do for the rest of the day with the many options that await you. Our time here will be spent exploring the region by boat, foot and vehicle along this spectacular coastline. Home to buffalo mozzarella cheese, paper making, limoncello liqueur and the colourful maiolica ceramics ~ we will visit and experience the traditional artisans of the area. stunning scenery |
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We also have access to some of the most spectacular walks in Italy … high above & hugging the Amalfi coastline through Cyprus , orange, lemon groves and the most breathtaking scenery you will ever see! Or maybe a boat trip with a stop over at restaurant you can only reach by sea. Or a massage with local herbal oils in your room after a day on the beach? The Amalfi coast is light, fresh, fun and stunningly beautiful… the perfect place to revitalize and rejuvenate ! beautiful walks
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Fri 15th June
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Time to depart this wonderful journey and continue home, or on your onward journey. I trust that you will take with you many wonderful memories and experiences that will continue to enrich your spirit in your daily life. “This garden does not whet your appetite but quenches it”
Epicurius ~ Philosopher 340 - 271BC |
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Your L'Essenza Italia retreat includes:
• All accommodation ~ 3 nights Rome, 7 nights Umbria & 6 nights on the Amalfi Coast all with private facilities
• Delicious breakfasts daily • All dinners at the Abbey…with the amazing sommelier chef Renato ! • All transfers & touring in an air conditioned private Mercedes vehicle • All luggage transfers • Body & face treatments at the Abbey in Umbria • Morning optional Yoga, meditation & walks • Guided walks on some of the most spectacular trails in the world in Umbria & the Amalfi Coast • Visits to small & beautiful wineries and restaurants only known by the locals • Guided walking tours in Rome and other regional towns throughout • Single room supplement is available |
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Remember we can individually design journeys & retreats for you based on your personal requirements to local and overseas destinations.
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Themed retreats that we have planned for the future:
Yoga, art, photography, sacred journeys, cooking / food tours
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Register your interest for any of the above retreats… or contact us with your specific ideas and we would be delighted to create a personalized journey for you. |
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