This will be the 3rd Yoga/ Nia retreat that Beatrix Montanile and Jennifer Hicks have done together.  Both instructors are adept in teaching to all ages and all levels within any
given group so there are absolutely no requirements or restrictions regarding one's personal experience in either yoga or Nia in order to participate on this retreat. On past
retreats, the age ranges have fallen anywhere between mid twenties to early nineties and a great time was had by all!  For testimonials and to view photos from previous
retreats, click here.

YOGA - Beatrix Montanile
The purpose of yoga practice is to calm the activities of the mind so that one can connect with their inner joy and peace This can only be achieved by diverting the
mind's attention away from all of its external concerns and distractions.  We accomplish this through focusing our awareness on the breath and in so doing, this in turn
connects us to our feelings, our intrinsic flow of energy and restores our body to its natural alignment and sense of ease.   It is also through our attention on the breath
that we become anchored wholeheartedly to the Present.  The benefits to doing this are enormous because we can then really free ourselves of the hidden physical and
psychological blockages than impede our energy flow, creating tension and stress in our bodies that can potentially result in disease at its worst but at the very least -
fatigue, lack of enthusiasm and even possibly, depression.   Our goal during this retreat will be to arrive at a sustainable state of energized relaxation.  A state where the
body may feel refreshed, renewed and restored to its original wholeness once more.

NIA - Jennifer Hicks
Jennifer Hicks, a Brown Belt Nia instructor, leads workshops and introductory Nia classes at local festivals and events in Toronto and around the world. She has been practicing
Nia for 8 years and has found great joy in spreading the movement, music and magic that Nia offers. Jennifer first came to Nia after a serious struggle with anorexia and bipolar
disorder. After years of sometimes painful and often mind numbing physical fitness regimes, Nia introduced her body to a freedom, creativity and self-expression that taught her
how to respect her body's way and move according to it's design. She now also  teaches Nia to adults recovering from cancer as well as those with neurological deficits such as
traumatic brain injury.  She enthusiastically embraces the potential for fitness, healing, and spiritual development that Nia offersand her students report that her classes are fun,
energizing and sweaty and that her joy and vibrancy in movement are contagious.  To learn more about Jennifer and Nia, read her recent write up in Toronto's Globe & Mail newspaper or visit her website: www.jennhicks.ca/Nia.html

SAMPLE INTINERARY
Mornings will begin with deep breathing and gentle yoga stretches followed by meditation on the beach.  After a delicious, healthy organic breakfast, a full day of interesting
activities awaits you.  At the close of the day your spirit will soar through the healing rhythmic movements of Nia dancing at sunset.

  • Day 1 : Arrival day!  When we all finally arrive, we will have our first dinner together at La Sirena Eco Retreat Center followed by a briefing on the week's activities.
    
  • Day 2: Today we will hike approx. 30 minutes into the jungle of La Sierra Nevada, have a hearty lunch at the Mamasanta Cultural Center.  This natural reserve offers the
    possibility to observe wildlife. The afternoon will be spent swimming, tanning and end with Nia dancing on their beautiful white sanded beach.

  • Day 3:  Day trip to Quebrada Valencia, a majestic water fall rising out of the middle of the rainforest.  We will lunch and spend the day bathing, climbing and refreshing
    ourselves in the natural jaccuzzis the water has caved into the rock. Nia will take place at sunset on the beach at La Sirena.

  • Day 4: Day trip to Tayrona National Park, a tropical paradise that boasts fascinating wildlife as well as the odd pet parrots kept at the restaurant where we will lunch
          at Arrecifes. The hike to Arrecifes is about 45mins - 1 hour and horses or donkeys can also be hired to transport you. After lunch you can choose to relax  or
          continue along the sea edge on another 15 min. walk to La Piscina where there is a great beach for swimming. Nia will take place on site at sunset.

  • Day 5: Hiking back up into the Sierra Nevada jungle in order to spend the afternoon lazily drifting back down the Palomino River in water tubes.  We will attempt a picnic
          lunch right out in the water!

  • Day 6: A visit will be paid to Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia.  You will be free to use this time as you please; lunching, shopping, visiting museums or simply
    strolling the streets of this picturesque port town.

  • Day 7:  Visit the Flamenco Sanctuary. We will be in Colombia at the tail end of the rainy season; the perfect time of year to witness flamencos as they come to feed at
    the salt water marshes that exist right in the middle of the desert.  We will lunch in Caricari where the sea salt harvesting pools provide fresh shrimp year round. On our
    final evening, a campfire drum circle beneath the moon-lit sky will bring our magical journey to its celebratory conclusion!

  • Day 8: Departure Day. Hasta Luego Colombia!


WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Lodgings
  • Breakfasts & Dinners
  • Ground Transportations
  • Tubing and Picnic
  • Nature Hikes and Safaris
  • Yoga and Meditation Classes
  • Nia Classes
  • Drum Cirlce
  • Hired Guides

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
All flights / Tipping / Medical expenses / Lunches at Parks or Cultural Centers / Bottled water
Alcoholic beverages / Entrance Fees / Horse hire / Healing Therapies

A LA CARTE TREATMENTS
For an additional fee, participants may also partake from the following treatments:
Thai Yoga Massage or Reiki.  Email AtmaShaktiYoga@gmail for details.

ACCOMODATIONS
Accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy at La Sirena Eco Retreat Center. This simple yet charming retreat center is situated on a peaceful and relaxing semi-
private Caribbean beach-front property of approximately 7.5 acres that is part of a coconut plantation. Nestled in the foothills of La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the largest
coastal mountain range on earth, facing inland provides you with a view of its majestic snowy peaks. Turn around and you are looking out at an endless horizon of emerald green
Caribbean waters.


PACKING LIST
We will be arriving toward the very end of rainy season so there could be slight rain mornings or nights but the rain does not usually last long.  Because of the mountains and
ocean breeze the weather passes quickly.  Average temperature are a lovely 25 C. or 80 F.

  • Yoga mats!  Please do not forget your mat. Also, bring along any yoga books or books of a spiritual nature that you have been meaning to read or re-read. This week is
    designed to allow you time to focus on your spiritual side . Also, bring a notepad or journal to make not of insights and observations.
  • Comfortable clothes for yoga and Nia– Two sets is a good idea.
  • Light sweater or sweatshirt for cooler evenings
  • Shoes suitable for Walking/hiking - due to rains, the jungle can get quite muddy.
  • Swimsuits  - Two swimsuits is a good idea.
  • Beach towels and other things you bring to the beach. Also, a cover up like a sarong or shirt and pants are great to have because of the strong sun.
  • Mosquito repellant & Sun lotion
  • Flashlights & Cameras - Flashlights for walking at night are a great idea.
  • Batteries and Rechargers
  • Binoculars (you can consider these mandatory if you are excited about bird watching and spotting wildlife)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Money - you will need to pay for park entrance fees and meals that are not covered in the itinerary.  All this comes to no more than $100.  You will also need cash for
    souvenir shopping and any additional healing treatments you might wish to include.  ATMs are available at certain locations.
  • Positive attitude and Good energy – Most importantly...don't forget to bring these!

TRAVEL  & INSURANCE
From Toronto, fly into Bogota and then take a domestic carrier to Santa Marta where you will be met by either Beatrix or Jennifer.  As a group we will take a local
bus for a 1.5 hour ride to our destination. Approximate cost for both flights return $850.  

All participants are required to have Travel Health Insurance.   We recommend that you make your arrangements through our travel agent, Karen Vereecken at World
Wide Tours.  She is well informed regarding the requirements for this trip and will ensure that you get the best rates possible.  Call: 416-264-2551

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
Travel in Latin America is an exciting and often challenging experience.  While we step out of our own countries and travel through new ones, we experience new cultural
encounters and meet many people from all walks of life.  While common sense is the surest approach to dealing with daily situations, we offer the following guidelines to
think about while traveling.

Begging
In Latin America you may encounter begging which sometimes may be overwhelming.  If you would like to give a contribution, it is better to buy a locally made meal instead of
giving money.  It is a good idea not to bring anything of great value with you. Dress modestly and do not flash fancy jewelry, wads of cash or expensive electronics.  This will
invite a situation that can be avoided.  Always be polite and firm without rudeness.  

Bank Machine Theft
As in any place, ensure that nobody is watching you while you take money out of the bank machine or looking at you while you enter your pin number. It is a good idea to get
an extra bank card from your bank in case you loose your card while away. Once you activate the new card the old card will immediately loose its validity.

Night Safety
Stick together and don’t forget to have a card that has the retreat center address and telephone number on it with you at all times.

Theft of Luggage
Do not leave your bags alone in airports or bus stations.  Bags are generally safe underneath the buses. Keep your valuables in your daypack (credit cards, bank card,
money and passport).  This daypack should stay on your lap when using public buses (do not let anybody tell you differently).

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK LIST

Prior to departing on your Adventure, it is essential that you have the following:

1. Passport
2. Proof of Medical Insurance
3. Airline tickets
4. Emergency cash
5. Credit cards/Debit cards
6. Proof of Yellow Fever Inoculation (recommended but not mandatory)

And be sure to make backup documents and copies of:

* Passport
* Driver’s license
* Travelers checks
* Credit cards + customer service numbers in case you need to report them stole?
* Debit card pin numbers
* Insurance policies
* Your travel itinerary to leave with someone at home
* All your travel documents to leave with someone at home in case of emergency
* Emergency Contact Phone Numbers to leave with someone at home

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT:

Cost:  The Yoga & Nia retreat to Colombia costs $1, 299.  However, if you register by August 30th, 2010, you will qualify for the Early Bird Special of $1,149.  A non-
refundable deposit of $150 is required upon registration to reserve your spot.  If you find that you cannot attend the trip after having registered, your deposit may be
transferred to a friend.  The remaining balance will be due 30 days prior to departure.  There will be NO REFUNDS after this but again, you can send a friend in your place or
apply 50% of the amount to future retreats with Atma Shakti Yoga...we presently offer 2 retreats per year (the next retreat will be to Ecuador in March 2011). Payments may be
made to Atma Shakti Yoga by certified cheques or bank drafts, cash, Paypal money transfers or credit card payments.  
*If paying by credit card an additional 3% service charge will be applied.

To Register:  Send an email request along with your phone number to: AtmaShaktiYoga@gmail.com and you will be contacted within 24 hours.


click here to return to previous page
YOGA & NIA in COLOMBIA