Special Yoga Retreat Week at COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay in April

American teachers Jessica Bellofatto and Colleen Saidman, directors of Yoga Shanti Yoga Center in Sag Harbor, will be holding their third annual Retreat Week at the COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay from 8th to 14th April 2008.

Jessica and Colleen have been involved in the deep study of Yoga for over 25 combined years. Both originally certified in the 800 hour-plus Jivamukti Teacher Training Program. They have since worked with teachers such as Genny Kapuler, Richard Freeman, John Friend, Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten and Rodney Yee.

Together Colleen and Jessica opened Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor, New York, almost a decade ago. The studio now has a cult following.

On this spring retreat at Parrot Cay, five hours of Yoga daily will feature a deeper look at the transformative effects of a combined Yoga asana, Pranayama and Meditation practice. Students will be steeped in these ancient traditions uniquely adapted for our modern lives. With Jessica and Colleen, challenging Vinyasa-style Yoga  is paired with a deep understanding of alignment and knowledge of the benefits of restorative asanas. Their approach incorporates teachings from Yogic and Buddhist traditions, as well as poetry and music as varied as trance or Bob Dylan. Most importantly, Jessica and Colleen are able to find something to touch and inspire us all.

During the Retreat Week, students can take advantage of COMO Shambhala's substantial facilities in other areas of holistic wellness while eating healthily from menus featuring organic COMO Shambhala cuisine. They can also partake in other physical activities, including tennis and watersports. Substantial time is available for relaxing around the pool, or for further wellness treatments, such as massage or Ayurvedic therapies.

The resort itself is inspirational - on a 1,000-acre private island in the Turks and Caicos ringed in porcelain-fine sand. There are villas located on the beach in serene whites and teaks, some with private pools, others, including The Residence, with three rooms sharing an ink-blue infinity pool.

Retreat guests can come alone, share a room with a friend, or opt for more couple-orientated accommodation with a private pool. The entire experience is designed to support students in their quest to get the most out of the five-day Yoga program, which also evinces a strong sense of camaraderie within the group.

Retreat prices start at US$5,988 for single occupancy in a Garden Room, or US$8,328 for double occupancy. Alternatively, guests can opt to share a twin-bedded room, subject to availability and allocated by the hotel, for a lead in price of US$4,164 (all rates exclusive of 10% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge). Prices include accommodation, a full American breakfast daily, lunch and dinner from  special COMO Shambhala menus (not beverages) and all airport transfers in the Turks and Caicos.

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