Winter Solstice Retreat

As the cocoon of winter closes in, embrace the opportunity to go within and explore your Self with our Winter Solstice retreat.  Harness this time of seasonal transition and move from darkness to light with the solstice energy of rebirth, transformation, creativity and creation, new beginnings and the release of what is holding us back.

The journey will begin by exploring inwards – facing our shadows and the learnings from the previous cycle, exercising the witness and cultivating the tools and practices to release and clear. We will focus on working with that energy, activating and balancing it and increasing our own inner light and energy during time of dark all supported by daily theory and practices including Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

Honouring both the Winter Solstice and International Yoga Day on 21st June, we will do 108 Sun Salutations, bringing the darkness into light and continue the journey with focus on the next chapter, goals and focuses.

4 nights, shared accommodation (unless camping), all meals and the full retreat programme.

• Daily Hatha Yoga 
• Daily Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
• Meditation
• Karma Yoga (action with meditative awareness)
• Mantra and Yantra Practice
• Fire Ceremony (Havan) and Chanting (healing sound vibration)
• Group discussions
• International Yoga Day Celebration with 108 Sun Salutations
• Nourishing organic vegetarian food (vegan and dietary options available) 
• Shared accommodation with cosy fireplaces, facilities and resources. 
• Use of the on-site sauna

Exchange:
Standard Price: $750

Early Bird Price*: 10% discount is available up to 30 days before the retreat start date if payment made in full by 20th April 2024

(*use EB10 discount code at checkout for 10% off )

Start Time: from 3-5 PM Weds 19th June – arrival/registration
Finish Time: 11AM Sunday 23rd June 2023 – retreat concludes after brunch, guests are welcome to depart at their leisure on Sunday afternoon, no later than 2pm. If you are needing the bus on Monday morning, the overnight stay on Sunday is included.

Complimentary pick up: Wednesday 19th 2:30pm Golden Bay Visitor Centre
Complimentary drop off: Monday 24th June in alignment with Golden Bay Coachlines services.

• Special Dietary Requirements: All meals provided are vegetarian. Vegan, Dairy Free & Gluten Free can be provided for an additional NZ$15. Please advise us at time of booking.
• Private Sessions: Private yoga and Therapeutic Consultations and Bodywork are available by appointment. Click here to find out more.
• Private rooms: Limited options are available on request, subject to availability and additional fees.
• Camping: Please bring your own tent & camping gear.

For more information or to request any extras, please email us.

SWAMI KARMA KARUNA SARASWATI 

Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience in the yoga field including significant training in India including ongoing visits and guidance with her teachers from the Bihar School of Yoga. She is also certified by Yoga Alliance as an Education Provider) and is a senior teacher of Yoga Australia and Yoga New Zealand. A Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications with a minor in Psychology determined an early interest in working with groups and individuals. Swami Karma Karuna specializes in a range of areas including stress and emotion management, Restorative Therapeutic Practices, Yoga Psychology and Women’s Health. She is also a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand and travels throughout the world, leading workshops on yoga therapy topics, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding retreats and offering therapeutic one-to-one yoga sessions. Swami Karma Karuna is passionate about sharing an authentic and down-to-earth approach, weaving together ancient practices with a touch of psychology and brain science aimed at motivating people to live their yoga here and now. Several guided practice MP3 tracks including Hatha Yoga classes, Yoga Nidra and Meditation techniques are available through the Anahata Yoga Retreat website and articles on a variety of subjects can be read in the Australian Yoga Life Magazine.