Wonder is one of the 9 core emotions or “rasas” of the Tantric tradition. The others are Love, Joy, Peace, Anger, Courage, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. Wonder asks us to develop the qualities of “mystery and curiosity” leading us to experience life moment by moment as fresh, vibrant and alive. You’ll find the warmth and beautiful environment at Fiji’s Daku Resort is the perfect place to experience more wonder in your life and yoga.

During Mark’s retreat you’ll be able to bid goodbye to jadedness, and hello to curiosity.
Many of us can feel jaded from burn-out or endless routine. So if the umpteenth sun-salute of the week reminds you of Groundhog Day then this yoga escape will rekindle your fire and mojo. Come with a friend or on your own to enjoy creatively flowing morning asana sessions to find joy – not pain- in your yoga.

You’ll learn fresh ways to focus your mind and playful (but safe) techniques to take your yoga in new directions tailored to each individual in the group according to your abilities and current condition such as old injuries.

Enjoy a heightened sense of Wonder as your focus keeps returning to the journey not the destination, to the experience not the outcome. There will be helpful notes to guide your new skills which you can apply to any style of yoga/asana when you return home to keep the experience fresh.

Keep smiling with a serene massage by the sea then cultivate further contentment in midday Yoga Nidra sessions – deep relaxation or “psychic sleep” – and learn to relax in individualized restorative practices each afternoon. In contrast to the flowing morning sessions, these use yoga props to help you hold postures for longer with less effort to develop profound inner stillness and a boost of energy.

For the curious there will also be (optional) discussions around the pool on the origins and philosophical principles of Yoga and Tantra that provide a path to experience wonder, joy and love.

Our aim is for you to not only enjoy a holiday in the friendly, family environment of Daku Resort, but to learn simple techniques (including breathing, meditation, visualisation, mudras and sound) and individualized asana sequences to recapture a sense of purpose, lightness and freedom that make present-moment awareness a scintillating and joyful possibility.

Flexibility – or lack of it – is of little importance in this approach, which is open to anyone who can breathe and sincerely wants to improve their life.

What past yogis have said about Mark’s Fiji Yoga Escapes:

I really like the approach and philosophy that Mark brought to the yoga sessions – very practical and irreverent. I enjoyed having a good laugh, not something typical yoga teachers promote/encourage in their practice.

It was also very nice to see how Mark could tailor the poses to suit individual needs, from those who practice yoga regularly to an 82 year old!

The mix of yoga sessions and free time/organised activities were very well balanced. You felt free to choose to participate or to do your own thing. I think everyone felt they had enough personal time during the trip without being forced to join in all the activities all the time.
Caroline (2011)

The yoga shala is in a spectacular location and was a lovely place to practice.

Mark’s knowledge and communication skills are outstanding. Mark’s warmth, patience and social skills make him an ideal person to lead a retreat in a foreign country. I was slightly apprehensive about travelling and paying for a retreat with a teacher with whom I was unfamiliar, particularly since I was initially thinking about going alone. I had no expectations of the teacher and was pleasantly surprised. Merioni’s cooking is outstanding and the quality of the food was excellent.
Kathy (2011)

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Mark’s Yoga Training
Mark had a strong meditation practice before graduating from the “Heart of Yoga” teacher-training in 1998, (based on the approach of TKV Desikachar.) He has since trained with many respected Yoga teachers including further in-depth study with both TKV Desikachar and his son Kausthub Desikachar. He has studied aspects of “ISHTA Yoga” and “Anusara Yoga” and has studied with Rodney Yee. His current teacher over several years is the great Donna Farhi. He also continues his mentoring in pranayama and meditation with Sindar Pal Kaur in Sydney.

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Daily programme

Mornings will include creative, flowing asana sequences, sun salutations, and invigorating pranayama (breathing) practices, with time for deep relaxation.

Afternoons will be a gentle, individually-tailored session to restore your body using props, aiming for a fantastic boost of energy and sense of well-being.

You will also receive a free half hour spa massage.

Programme ouline:

7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Alternate days: optional sessions on the philosophy and practice of yoga OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation.
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra (Alternate days only)
12.30pm: Delicious set lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Spa treatments, free time, swim, local excursions
4.30pm – 5.45 pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm:  Set dinner

Daily programme details

Saturday 12 May
Arrive Nadi. Overnight Nadi.

Sunday 13 May
Early flight to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be there in time for breakfast.
Once you’ve settled down, we’ll come together for a morning vinyasa flow yoga session, followed by an optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR use it as free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7. 00pm: Dinner

Monday 14 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30 pm: Visit to Savusavu town
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 15 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Beach / boat outing
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 16 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
6.00pm: Drinks and dinner in town

Thursday 17 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit
6.00pm – 7.00pm: Gentle/restorative yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 18 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm: Coconut demonstration
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Final dinner

Saturday 19 May
Return to Nadi and on to international flight

Costs
AUD $1980.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single supplement: $350

Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 6 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities, and 1 night in Nadi.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Daku are provided.
• Course fees

Excludes

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

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Rachel’s coming back again! Her week of Singing in Paradise in Fiji has become a regular part of the calendar for many of her followers and it just gets better and better.

Andrew Davis has been 7 times (!!!) and he said of the last one:

“It was a wonderful week of song and friendship with a fantastic group of enthusiastic singers. I am sure we sang more ‘out of class’ than any other group.”

It is a joyous week in a beautiful location: a feast of workshops wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji. In the mornings, everyone comes together to learn and practice songs in 3 and 4 part harmony, singing from Rachel’s collection of contemporary Australian, gospel and world music songs. In the afternoons, the choir spends time learning Fijian songs and singing with a Fijian village choir. It’s a time when people form wonderful friendships both within the group and with the Fijians, and revel in the blissful release that singing brings. And as well as singing, there’s also time to snorkel on the coral reef, swim in the pool – or just relax and read a book.

Rachel Hore is an exceptional teacher who brings a fantastic energy and warmth to her work. She can mould a group of relative strangers into a beautiful choir in an astonishingly short time, and she makes each and every singer believe in the glory of their own contribution. She has a relaxed, fun style of teaching and it suits beginners right through to experienced singers.

Perhaps her most impressive strength is her unique ability to arrange music in a way that is not difficult to learn, even for a beginner, and those arrangements resonate deeply with the singers – call it bliss, call it ecstasy, but it raises the hair on the back of your neck, and is never forgotten.

Rachel has been performing and teaching throughout Australia and internationally for the past 20 years. A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, she began her singing career with the highly acclaimed Australian vocal quartet ‘Arramaieda’, who became an important influence on the now flourishing choral scene in Australia. Rachel has conducted large choral events for over 400 voices including the Melbourne Millennium Chorus and the Woodford Folk Festival Fire Choir. She teaches at the annual choral retreat Wintersong, and overseas choral workshops Singing in Tuscany and Singing in Siena. She welcomes both experienced and novice singers.

Rachel’s website can be found at www.rachelhore.com.

COST:

$2180 twin share
$350 single room supplement
Non-singing partners welcome: $1200

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 8 nights accommodation at Daku Resort
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Course fees
• Excursions as listed.

Program Excludes

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals taken in transit at the airport
• International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.

The course runs for 7 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
Prices quoted are per person twin share with private facilities.

Travel note:
Because this week attracts so many people it is very helpful to us if some people can arrive early OR leave late. If you have that flexibility please let us know; we will give you free accommodation for the extra night.

The Programme

Saturday 19 May
Fly to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be welcomed into it with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony

Sunday 20 May Introduction to the week. After a poolside lunch, there will be an introduction to the coconut in Fiji and a walk around resort gardens. In the afternoon there is an opportunity (optional ) to visit Yaroi village to join their church service, and later to join their choir rehearsal. In the evening there will be dinner and some singing.

Monday 21 May
Morning workshop. After lunch we will visit Vivili village, see how they live and hear some singing from their magnificent church choir. Evening dinner.

Tuesday 22 May
Morning workshop. After lunch you will have some free time for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.

Wednesday 23 May
Morning workshop. In the afternoon we will return to Vivili village to continue learning songs with their choir, returning via a beach for optional swimming and snorkeling.

Thursday 24 May
Morning workshop. After lunch, there’s time for relaxing or taking optional outings to beach along the coast.

Friday 25 May
Morning workshop. Afternoon free for optional visits to waterfalls (good level of fitness required), pearl farm or snorkeling: cost not included in programme. In the evening we will go into Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and dinner in town.

Saturday 26 May

Morning workshop. Afternoon free. Final concert in the evening.

Sunday 27 May

Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi.

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Lessa has been entranced by the symmetry and balance of traditional quilts since she began making them. She plays with different blends of colours and experiments with background space within the boundaries of the mariners compass design, and her fractured circles are a fabulous mixture of whirling colours.

Her workshops are lively mixtures of technique, creative discussion and of course the sheer joy of sharing stories over a quilt. She will help you grasp the intricacies of each design with ease. Her many years of experience as a teacher has led her to develop a multitude of tips to achieve accuracy when piecing leading to easier assembly of pieced blocks in the final quilt. Students are invariably encouraged to achieve higher than their expectations through her patient and trusting approach. Her aim is for a stress free workshop which is fun while learning something new.

The course:
Lessa will teach traditional machine piecing for Fractured Circles and paper foundation piecing for the Mariner’s Compass. Students have a choice of one of these classes. Notes will be provided to both help during the course and when home to complete anything not finished. You will need to bring basic sewing supplies, fabric and a sewing machine (a very basic one is all that is needed – maybe even consider finding a second hand one). You will receive a list of materials to bring along with you.

Lessa Siegele is from Adelaide SA and has been actively involved in the Quilters Guild of South Australia since its inception in 1984 and is a Life Member. Her desire to spread the joy of quilting as widely as possible led her to establish Quilt Encounter an annual 6 day live in conference, which has been fully booked each year. In a voluntary capacity she has successfully managed this conference which features up to14 tutors from differing quilting disciplines for the past 19 years since its inception. As a well known quilt maker, teacher and judge she regularly travels throughout Australia teaching machine-piecing and traditional quilting. She has also taught in the USA and New Zealand.

Lessa was awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2002 for services to the art of quilt making as a teacher and to the community through fund-raising. This award recognizes her enthusiasm to organize and involve as many people as possible in furthering the art and craft of quiltmaking and her long involvement in coordinating highly successful fundraising activities for various charitable institutions in South Australia. Lessa was also presented with the Rajah Award at the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne in February 2007 for her Outstanding Contribution to Australian Quilting.

Programme
The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoon excursions or free time to relax, swim have a spa massage or simply continue quilting. We may alter the programme in response to the weather or the interest of the group.

Saturday 2 June
Arrive Fiji – overnight in Nadi

Sunday 3  June
Fly to Savusavu.
You will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
Morning / early afternoon workshop: an introduction to the week.
Late afternoon: free to relax.
7.30pm: Dinner

Monday 4 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.
7.30pm: Dinner

Tuesday 5 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Tapa (decorate bark cloth) making demonstration.
7.30pm: Dinner

Wednesday 6 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
In the afternoon we will have a boat or beach outing.
7.30pm: Dinner

Thursday 7 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoon free
7.30pm: Dinner

Friday 8 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
7.30pm: Dinner
Finish individual projects; end with show and tell. Afternoon visit to Vivili village for traditional meke (dance).
Final lovo dinner.

Saturday 9 June
Leave Savusavu and on to international flights.

Cost: $2180 twin share.
Includes domestic flight Nadi – Savusavu, airport transfers fro Savusavu airport, 7 nights’ accommodation, all meals, course fees and excursions as listed.
$350 single supplement.

Partners welcome: $1200

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