TURKEY

SERENITY and SUNSHINE YOGA RETREAT

with Fatima Balkan & Nina Fowkes

KAS, TURKISH RIVIERA

11th- 17th October 2022 -6 nights
£895pp (2 friends shared room) - £995pp (single occupancy)

Hop aboard your yoga mat and join us on this vibrant yoga holiday in the magical town of Kas on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise coast.

This retreat is a eclectic mix of inspiring yoga taught by one of Turkey’s top teachers, with tantalizing food, and the experience of staying in a traditional style, family run hotel, located just a short walk from the old town and harbour. After a sunrise yoga practice on the roof top terrace with sweeping views over the Mediterranean, you will be ready to explore the exotic delights of Kas. Take a walk on the Lycian way, enjoy a boat trip, visit the Hamam, or simply relax and unwind at one of the nearby beaches.

Kas is perhaps one of the best locations for swimming and diving you are likely to find in the Mediterranean; deep blue crystal clear water where you are almost guaranteed to spot turtles.

This is the perfect retreat to choose if you are seeking a relaxing holiday with plenty of adventure. Non yogi partners and friends are welcome to join in too!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

5 morning yoga sessions
4 evening yoga sessions
Six nights accommodation with breakfast/brunch
Three delicious traditional dinners
Welcome drinks
Fire ceremony in a mountain village retreat centre

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Optional boat trip excursions
Optional hamam visit
Airport transfers (from Dalaman to Kas - can be arranged )

HOW TO GET THERE

You can fly to Dalaman airport with Easy Jet, British Airways or Turkish Airlines. Kas is a 2 hour taxi ride from the airport.

Private transfers can be arranged at approximately £50 per journey.

TYPICAL DAY

Your day starts with a 90 minute yoga session on the hotel roof terrace or in the nearby ancient Greek theatre nestled amidst the olive trees. After an inspiring practice set against a mountain backdrop there’s chance for a dip in the pool or sea before a delicious vegetarian breakfast/brunch buffet.

You will be free all day to explore the exotic delights of Kas, visit the Haman or the local markets, take a stroll to the marina, walk a stretch of the Lycian way, or simply relax at one of the beaches (all a short walk or boat ride away).

There will be the option to take a boat trip to the Sunken City of Kekova, or to Kastellorizo the nearby Greek Island.

We meet up again in the late afternoon for a restorative yoga practice just before sunset.

Kas is famous for it’s excellent cuisine. Three traditional vegetarian /vegan dinners will be included in the retreat, allowing guest to explore some of the wonderful local restaurants on offering a variety of exceptional fish and seafood dishes, alongside the traditional ‘Mezze’ vegetarian cuisine. On our final evening we will head up to a mountain retreat for our final practice, fire ceremony and vegetarian supper.

YOGA

You will be practising yoga in some stunning settings amidst nature. The morning classes usually take place on the hotel roof terrace as the sun rises above the beautiful nearby Greek island. On a couple of mornings we may walk through the olive grove to practice at the ancient theatre, next to our hotel.

Evening classes can either be on the cliff top helipad watching the setting sun, or in a well equipped, bespoke yoga studio, complete with Iyengar style rope wall. Apart from the breath-taking views at all the outdoor locations, the classes are inspiring, well planned and progressive.

The style is Iyengar yoga with some more restorative and contemplative practices in the evenings. Fatma Balkan and Nina Fowkes have over 30 years teaching experience between them and come together to lead heartfelt, joyous inclusive practices suitable for all levels from complete beginners to the more advanced yogi.

'THAI MASSAGE/TURKISH MASSAGE'

During the week you will have the option to experience either a Thai Massage with Nina or to have a traditional Turkish massage in the nearby hamam. Treatments are possible by arrangements at approximately 30-50 Euros per session. A full range of hydrotherapy and spa treatments are on offer at the Marina.

OUR YOGA TEACHERS

FATMA BALKAN

Deftly melds the anatomical precision of Iyengar Yoga with the softness and beauty of the Turkish landscape making each class a deep and transformative experience.

Born in Ankara, Turkey 40 year old Fatma started her career in media and dance before turning to the teachings of yoga and Vedic philosophy. Over the past 15 years Fatma has shared her life between India, Turkey and the UK, training intensively in yoga studies, eastern philosophy and Ayurveda. Fatma is formally qualified in traditional Hatha Yoga. Since 2009 she has been a dedicated student and practitioner of Iyengar Yoga and has qualified in this system with senior teacher Sheila Haswell who conducted the first Iyengar Yoga teacher training in Turkey.

Fatma weaves the stories and wisdom of India into her classes along with her contemporary anatomical understanding of the body. Her classes are structured to meet the needs of every student at every level with attention to safety, alignment and precision, allowing the time for each student to explore their inner space and discover the abundant joy within’

“Fatma is an inspiring yogi. Just the way she carried herself spoke of a great practice. She taught with ease and care, technically brilliant and heartful. She was the highlight to a great holiday.”

NINA FOWKES

Yoga and Massage have been Nina’s passion for the past 30 years. She has lived, practiced and studied throughout Europe, the Far East and the USA before settling in West Sussex where she founded the Yoga Garden in 2009.

‘About 5 years ago a friend invited me to visit Kas – I had reservations at first about travelling to Turkey but these soon evaporated during the incredible scenic drive along the stunning coastline to Kas. I’ve travelled all over the world and can honestly say that I’ve never felt so inspired by a town or it’s inhabitants & culture in the way I have been about Kas. I knew from that very first trip it was the perfect location for a yoga holiday’

Nina is your host and therapist on the retreat holidays in Turkey, working together with local teachers to ensure you have a thoroughly wonderful and inspiring holiday.

‘I can never thank you enough for our experience we shared last week. I will be eternally grateful to you’ – Adrian Tribble

HIDEAWAY HOTEL

Located right beside the Kaş amphitheatre, this traditional family run hotel is the perfect spot for a yoga holiday. The roof top terrace offers amazing views over Kas harbour, Meis Island (Kastellorizo) and the Mediterranean. The owners are yoga lovers and have installed a special yoga platform right above the dining terrace, as well as providing the first bespoke yoga studio space in Kas. The hotel has a small fresh water pool and when you wish to cool off in saltwater, you can take a dip from the swimming platforms of the neighbouring Leymona Beach – just 3 minutes away.

The quiet Ottoman style hotel is decorated with traditional furnishings and all bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and balconies enjoying views over the sea, amphitheatre, town or mountain.

The harbour and town centre are just a few minutes walk.

KAS

Kas (pronounced "kash") is a small, magical town, nestling between the dramatic Taurus mountain range and Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast. It’s a former fishing village that did not get proper road access until the 1980's, hence its reputation as a remote and hidden gem, which became a popular location on the 'hippy trail' in the 60s and 70s.

Kas is steeped in culture and history (Lycian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman) and retains the laid back atmosphere with a pace of life much slower than the rest of Turkey. Surrounded by ancient sites and historical treasures it is among the top ten diving destinations in the world.

You will find an abundance of interesting and unusual places to relax, from bohemian hideaways, to rustic beach bars where you can soak up the sun by day and watch the dramatic sunsets at night… Wherever you chose, you are guaranteed one thing… a welcoming smile, fantastic service, and a totally chilled out atmosphere.

THINGS TO DO

TAKE A BOAT TRIP

Step aboard the beautiful gulet Taylia for an unforgettable and exhilarating day on the water exploring the sunken Lycian city at Kekova or the surrounding islands along the coast. Relax on the boat, take in the stunning views and swim in the warm turquoise sea as Captain Ismail catches fish for lunch…

book turnkey

HOW TO BOOK

EMAIL TO BOOK

A £250 deposit will secure your space. Your remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your retreat.

Please note: If the trip is cancelled due to low numbers, the deposit is fully refunded.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How to get to Corfu?

Rarely is there a retreat that includes a flight….the price includes your return flight from Heathrow airport with British Airways
Can I have single accommodation?

Our accommodation prices are based on shared occupancy. Yes Upgrades are available for Single Occupation. All accommodation is based on first come first serve.
Do you have mats and towels?

We provide a range of yoga mats, bricks & blocks, cotton belts, blankets and supportive bolsters. You are more than welcome to bring your own mat, if you prefer this option.
I have never practised yoga before. Can I come?

Yes – we are always happy for beginners to start with us. George Roussakis is especially skilled at teaching the fundamentals and guiding the student in a safe & harmonious way. A retreat is an ideal way to immerse yourself in daily practice without interruptions.
What to pack

Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely and with ease. We want you to feel the connection of your bare feet on the earth, so you can leave your shoes at the door. Post practice: At the tail-end of the Summer and into the Autumn, the days are warm & balmy and evenings are still extremely comfortable. However we always recommend to pack a light jumper and trousers just in case. Normally we will send you a weather report a few days before hand. At times, Corfu may have a rain shower: we will move our practice indoors if this is the case. Other items: The usuals: suncream, insect repellant, Summer footwear, Walking/hiking shoes, Swimming stuff, prescribed medication. You will not need to pack beach towels (all included).
Weather

In September, Summer starts to drift away from Corfu, albeit slowly, with averages of about 23°C (73°F). Highs peak at around 28°C (82°F) and lows drop down to 17°C (62°F). There can be the odd rain shower.
What to expect

The teacher may apply a hands on adjustment to help modify and correctly align a pose or possibly help you to express a deeper aspect of the pose. If you prefer not to receive assists, please feel free to let your teacher know.
Health Concerns

We will be sending you a health questionnaire and we would be grateful to be made aware of any health issues.
Will I need a Passport?

Only if you are a non-EU citizen
Will I need insurance?

We always encourage you to buy your own health & travel insurance, in case of cancellations, emergencies, or travel issues.
I have an allergy or a specific dietary requirement

Just let us know and we will tell our in-house chef!
What are the terms?

Please seen the T’s & C’s section

TESTIMONIALS

ADORED EVERY MINUTE

Judi Mead, PA

"This was my first yoga holiday and it was the perfect balance of yoga, relaxation and fun! Our small group was lovely. I instantly felt welcome and that I belonged. The Nur Beach is a fantastic, modern, boutique hotel. I shared a large and very comfortable ocean view room with a private terrace and plunge pool. The huge walk-in shower with sea view was wonderful after an exhausting day swimming and lounging on the sundeck! Mehmet and his team were really welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. The delicious breakfast served on the terrace after sunrise yoga on the sundeck and a swim was perfect, as were the sundecks and sumptuous sunbeds and being able to jump/dive straight into the sea. The perfect way to spend a day chilling out and watching turtles bobbing up and down as they swam past.

Nina is wonderful, thinks of everything and it's like visiting with a local! Our yoga sessions, mainly taught by Fatma, were a mixture of teachings and I've learnt so many different postures and breathing/meditation techniques. Fatma is such a beautiful, gentle, inspiring person and a fantastic teacher; she very subtly adjusts postures and poses and I feel so privileged to have been taught by her in such a beautiful place. I have met wonderful people and returned feeling rested, energised, inspired and at peace. I will definitely be going again! Namaste “