After a particularly busy period at work, two days switching off at a yoga retreat surrounded by nature in the Royal National Park sounded like bliss - and it didn't disappoint.
Nestled among the rolling hills of Otford and a short walk from the beach, the retreat is minutes away from Otford Train Station or just over a half an hour drive from Wollongong or south Sydney.
Govinda Valley which has been operating specialised retreats for years, is now the home of Heart and Soul Retreats which offers all-inclusive yoga and wellness getaways.
The all-inclusive retreat program includes meals, thrice-daily yoga, workshops, kirtan and accommodation. Everything is optional and guests are encouraged to do as much or as little as they please. Yoga is practiced three times a day, often taught by volunteer yoga teachers who bring a variety of styles to the program - though all are suitable for beginners. A workshop is also held each day at noon with topics including life coaching, breathwork, Tai Chi, and cooking classes.
Kirtan - a style of singing meditation - is practiced in the morning and evening at the retreat. As someone who hadn't participated in kirtan before the experience was a little daunting at first, but it didn't take long to feel comfortable enough to join in with everyone else.
Guests can also head into nature to help them unwind by wandering the 20 acres of rolling hills, gardens and bushland the retreat is set upon, or venturing to the beach 10 minutes away. A beautiful creek is also located close to the retreat and is a lovely space to sit and reflect.
An in-house wellness centre offers guests relaxing massages, reiki healing and vedic astrology. Treatments are not included in the program cost.
As with most all-inclusive retreats, food is a big part of the experience. Guests are treated to three healthy, vegan meals each day prepared with some of the produce grown on site in their organic garden and the rest sourced locally, where possible. As a non-vegan, I found the food tasty and varied and after only a few days could really feel a change in the way my body felt after a meal.
Accommodation is comfortable and clean with large windows allowing light to stream in. There are rooms to suit different budgets including shared, dorm-style rooms or private ensuite rooms. Short and extended stays are available. For those particularly short on time, a day pass is available allowing guests to enjoy everything the retreat has to offer, without an overnight stay.
After two days at Heart and Soul I felt refreshed and energised. The last morning we woke before sunrise to make the short walk to the beach. It's a bit tricky in the dark - though we have a torch - but the spectacular sunrise and fresh morning air is worth it. It caps off a short getaway - immersing myself in nature, reading, eating nourishing food and practicing gentle yoga - that helps kickstart a healthier daily routine.
Heart & Soul Retreats
- From $90 a night (shared room) with ensuite rooms also available
- 51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford
- Phone: 4294 1765
- Click here for more information
The Illawarra Mercury stayed as a guest of Heart & Soul Retreat
