World-Class Yoga Retreats in Parrot Cay

This fall, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos will be hosting three of America’s most important Yoga teachers to lead five-day and six-night residential retreats.

The first retreat will take place from 24 to 30 October 2010 and be led by Elena Brower. Entitled ‘Anusara Yoga: From Awareness to Acceptance' with Elena Brower, it will comprise two daily Anusara classes, including asana, pranayama and meditation.

Eight years ago Elena opened VIRAYOGA, one of New York City's foremost Anusara Yoga studios. Featured in the New York Times, Yoga Journal and Fit Yoga magazine, Elena continues to study with John Friend, Anusara's founder, as well as other renowned Anusara teachers. Her studies of Reiki and Pranic Healing also inspire her teaching. With subtle alignment cues and carefully sequenced practices, Elena guides students to observe their bodies more precisely in order to refine their physical form as well as enhance their inner experience. Her approach offers the ideal blend of active and contemplative practice. She believes Yoga can improve every facet of our lives, creating a greater sense of alertness and overall wellness.

Elena’s retreat prices start from US$5,728 for a Garden Room for single occupancy to US$8,741 for double occupancy. Ocean View Rooms start at US$6,316 for single occupancy and US$9,329 for double occupancy.

The second retreat will take place from 5 to 11 December 2010. Entitled ‘Moving From Conflict Toward Peace: An Exploration of Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Chanting’, it will be led by Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman.

Rodney and Colleen have been cultivating their practice and teaching together for many years. Together they created and present the online Gaiam Yoga Club. Rodney was a co-founder (and former owner/director) of Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, California; he is also the author of Yoga: The Poetry of the Body and Moving Towards Balance. Colleen, who was originally certified in the 800 hour-plus Jivamukti Teacher Training Programme, opened the hip Yoga Shanti studio in Sag Harbor, New York, in 1999.

Their December retreat presents the opportunity for guests to take a vacation from the mind’s chatter so they can learn to re-inhabit their bodies using the tools of observation, vibration and movement - plus hard work and some rock and roll music - to focus on specific alignment and sequencing for standing poses, hip openers, twists and backbends. The principles of alignment will then be brought into a flow class where the focus will be on receptivity in preparation for pranayama and meditation.

During both retreat weeks, Elena, Rodney and Colleen will recommend specific COMO Shambhala treatments. Daily meals from the healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine menu will complement the experience. This synergistic approach to a balanced lifestyle is reflected in the relaxing environment of Parrot Cay - a peaceful, private island - where students will find it easy to maintain focus.

When it is time to kick back, there is a mile-long beach, numerous water sports, as well as opportunities for guests to extend their stay and make even more of their visit to the Turks and Caicos. Partners will also find plenty to occupy them should they not be taking part in the two daily yoga sessions.

Rodney and Colleen’s retreat prices start at US$6,077 for a Garden Room for single occupancy to US$10,907 for double occupancy. Ocean View Rooms cost US$7,020 for single occupancy and US$10,033 for double occupancy.

All rates are inclusive of 11% tax and 10% service charge, six nights of accommodation, five hours of yoga on retreat days, full American breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from a specially prepared COMO Shambhala Retreat menu, and roundtrip airport transfers.

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