I'm not a very healthy person.  Will everyone there be an Instagram model?

​

Right. Let's get this clear from the beginning.  Retreat is the exact opposite of social-media modelling.  While we appreciate influencers who have made yoga more accessible to everyone (Kudos to you, Adrienne) our retreats have been described as "the real thing", "down-to-earth" and "humanised". Trackies/ PJs, thongs / uggs are all encouraged.  Because here, less really is more.

​

I'm not a very flexible person.  Will you expect me to twist into a pretzel?

 

Yoga was never meant to be an extreme sport.  Yoga is truly for everyone.  It is in fact one of the few exercise regimes that can be practiced lifelong, even during pregnancy or old age.  Another beautiful thing about yoga is that it's adaptable to disability, sickness or injury.  Ask Alexis for "anytime postures" to get the most out of your practice. 

​

 

I'm not a morning person. Is the early start optional?

 

Early rising is a traditional practice on retreat and an expectation of all Retreat Participants. Yogi's over the centuries have discovered the best (and sometimes only) time to dedicate to reflection is early morning while the rest of the world sleeps.  Retreat is your chance to try this routine. 

​

​

I've seen the word "Retreat" around a lot lately. How do I know the difference between the real deal and just another money-making machine?

​

Great question!  The word retreat has it's origins in contemplative practice.  If the "retreat" you see advertised offers little, if any deliberate reflective practice, then chances are it is really a "resort" (read here 10 Ways to know the difference between Retreat & Resort).   

​

​

Who do I speak with about dietary needs?

​

Alexis will send out a short questionnaire, including dietary needs, in the weeks leading up to retreat.  

Meals are prepared free from gluten, refined sugar, animal products including dairy but please let us know if you have requirement outside of this.  We offer herbal and black tea, but no alcohol or coffee. 

Each cabin has its own kitchenette, so, aside from alcohol, you are welcome to bring any personal extras.

​

Are there any rules on retreat?

​

Yes. We ask that you keep five precepts for the weekend:

​

1. No alcohol, cigarettes or recreational drugs.

2. No lying.

3. No stealing.

4. No sexual misconduct (ie sex or the intention for sexual relations outside of partnership)

5. No killing (including vegetarian eating for the weekend) 

​

This means:

​

1. Yes to clean eating, fresh water and ocean air.

2. Yes to taking a good hard look at yourself through soft, loving eyes.

3. Yes to generosity, gratitude and abundance. 

4. Yes to clear boundaries, safety and trust within the group.

5. Yes to kindness, gentleness and respect for all living things. 

​

*In contrast to coercion/punishment-based rules, the five precepts are an exercise in self-reflection.  We invite you to choose consciously and avoid disturbing other retreat attendees.  Cabins are smoke-free zones but otherwise a place for your total privacy.

​

​

What does our accommodation look like? Will I be sharing with someone from the group?

​

Each self contained cabin contains a queen bed, single and pull-out trundle bed, newly renovated ensuite and kitchenette, table/desk space and outdoor courtyard. Photos in the slide gallery above are all taken on location. 

The property itself is absolute waterfront with a much-loved grassy area and jetty, large shady fig tree, commercial-kitchen and marquee-style long table with weather protection. 

Workshops take place in a weather-proof timber-floored building. Movement is facilitated on the grassy waterfront early morning and sunset. 

​

​

I'm not keen on too much sun.  Will we be outdoors a lot?

​

The Yoga and Psychology Retreat is a sun-safe event. All workshops and meals take place under full cover.  Outdoor events take place during the early morning and sunset.

​

​

Can I claim my retreat fee as a deduction or rebate?

​

Indeed you can.   Ask us for an invoice when you book in for claiming on private health, NDIS, professional development or tax purposes. 

​

Can I count time on retreat toward continuing professional development?

​

Yes, health, law and education professionals will be able to log these hours toward their CPD requirements.  

​

How did your retreats come about?

​

Our own experiences of retreats have inspired us to run our own. 

​

Our first retreat was held in 2014, with 14 yoga students. Since then, we've held 4-day Corporate Retreats, Mother-Daughter Retreats and included various guest speakers from Indigenous story-tellers to Artists and Musicians.

​

Rachel and Alexis have enjoyed early morning exercise on the banks of the Maiwar River since the lifting of COVID restrictions in 2020. In this time, they have discovered their shared love of contemplative practice and alongside their friendship, the business partnership has blossomed.

​

What's new about the 2023 Retreats?

​

Partnering across disciplines and using the common framework of Marshall Rosenberg's Non Violent Communication, our combined mission is to capture our shared experience as a sustainable offering of resources for trauma-affected individuals and families.

​

It is our hope that these resources will reduce burnout amongst professionals working with trauma-affected individuals and families through providing support materials, and a replicable template for hosting retreats in their own communities. 

​

Download your copy of The Yoga & Psychology Retreat Induction Pack here

​

Remember, places are strictly limited to a 'first come, first served' basis. As  accommodation is strictly limited, we cannot take any further bookings once the quota is reached. 

​