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Posted May 22, 2013

FAQs: Food & Rooms

Our high quality accommodation and catering is an important part of your Yoga Rocks holiday experience. If you can't find an answer to your question below, or in the other FAQ sections please e-mail us at info@yogaholidaysgreece.com


Can I get a cup of tea/bite to eat anytime?
Yes, there is a separate kitchen for the guests which is always stocked with coffee, teas, various fruit, oranges to squeeze, nuts, honey, homemade yoghurt and more. You can help yourself anytime. A homely spot to snack, read or simply relax.
Guest Kitchen at Yoga Rocks Retreat
Can I have a single room?
We have a limited number of single rooms available. If one is available you will pay a €200 single supplement on most retreats. In practice it is often nice to share with another guest; we sensitively arrange the room sharing.
Is there any beer/wine/spirits and can I smoke?
We ask our guests not to drink alcohol at the retreat and to smoke outside the perimeter. There are two tavernas nearby where you can have a drink and most people have a drink at the Friday Cretan Banquet to celebrate the end of the week.
Is the retreat vegetarian? Yes, we are fully vegetarian with no fish or meat at the retreat itself. We provide a well balanced and delicious menu. Most of our guests are not vegetarian but find the cuisine one of the highlights of the holiday. At the Friday night Cretan banquet there is normally some fresh fish. You can always pop to the taverna should you have any extra needs.
Do you cater for gluten free, vegan, raw and other special diets?
We can cater for just about any special diet, but please let us know in advance so we can stock up on what we need to feed you well.
Is the food organic?
While not entirely organic, much of it is. On any retreat it's likely all the fruit and veg will have been produced on the island and we prepare all food fresh from these local ingredients. Yoghurt and bread are made at the retreat and no tinned, preserved food is used.
What is a typical room like? All the rooms have a balcony with a sea view, air con and a nice bathroom. They are fresh and spacious - lovely to relax in.
Yoga Rocks Guest room Picture
Do you supply towels? We provide hand towels and a bath towel for the room. We ask you to bring your own beach towel. Thanks.
Are there clothes washing facilities? Most people find for one week they have enough clothes and normally too many! However, we will always provide a bucket and washing powder if needed. We do have a washing machine you might be able to use, especially if you are staying longer than a week, or have particular needs.
Can't find the answer to your question?
Please email us on info@yogaholidaysgreece.com or check out these other frequently asked question and information categories at the right hand side of this page.    
Want to know more about the food here?
Click on Food at the Yoga Retreat for much more on including sample menus, our sourcing and food philosophy as well as traditional diet of Crete.

Posted May 20, 2013

FAQ: General

Here are some miscellaneous questions we have been asked, starting with the weather! If you can't find the answers to your questions below or in are other FAQ sections please email info@yogaholidaysgreece.com

What's the weather like? The weather is normally lovely but bring a jumper for cooler evenings at the beginning and end of the season. Check these websites for temperatures.
What massage services do you have? There is always at least one kind of massage. We think it very important that a high quality massage is available for you at Yoga Rocks to complete your relaxation. We have incredibly talented masseurs ranging from oil massage and Thai massage to deep healing.
Are you really on the beach?
The retreat is just above the beach. We are equal distance from two lovely beaches, one with a taverna and umbrellas (see pic) and the other completely untouched. Yoga Retreat Location- Yoga Rocks on Triopetra Bay
Are there watersports? You can snorkel and swim at Yoga Rocks but there are no motorised water sports nearby. We have snorkels, masks and flippers you can borrow.
If there wifi available? The internet connection can be slow and come through a mobile signal so downloading and streaming is not possible. You can surf and check emails in the upstairs kitchen.    
What nationalities do you have at the retreat? We have people from all over the world. Some teachers have a greater following in specific countries. In our experience people's nationalities melt away at the retreat.
What is the average age? In 2010 we had guests from 0-70 years old. We welcome all ages and there is something for all ages every week. Different teachers tend to attract younger or more mature guests. Write to us for more info.
Can't find the answer to your question? Please email us or check out these other frequently asked question categories: Booking, Paying & Travel

Posted May 19, 2013

FAQ: Yoga at the Retreat

Yoga is a massive topic and we get asked many questions by beginners, experienced yogis and teachers alike. So don't be shy, if you can't find the answer to your question below, or in are other FAQ sections, please write to us at info@yogaholidaysgreece.com

What does the daily schedule look like?
Each teacher schedules the retreat differently, depending on their yoga style and the sun rise and sun set times as well as the daytime temperatures. We normally have a good idea of what the schedule will be for each teacher so you can ask us, but we are very flexible and happy to make changes according to the needs of the individual group.

Yoga On the beach Below Yoga Rocks

On which days does the yoga start and finish?
Most people arrive for the retreat on the Saturday so they can settle in and the first class is Sunday morning. The last yoga class is normally Friday morning, leaving Friday afternoon free for absorbing your week and relaxation. Occasionally a group may do Friday afternoon and, rarer still, a Saturday morning yoga class.

What type of yoga is good for me?
There are many different styles of yoga with many different ways of teaching them. At Yoga Rocks we like to look to the similarities between styles rather than the differences! However, some styles are more suitable for some people than others, so you can write to us to see which week would be good for you. What's often more important than the style is the personality and experience of the teacher - our teachers are all caring, knowledgeable and supportive. We have a page about which retreat week is best for you here.

What will I get out of the yoga retreat?
You will enjoy a peaceful yet fun and healthy holiday with like minded people in a beautiful place. However, it is not just your holiday that will be greatly enhanced by yoga but your return to your real life too. Most people go home with a new sense of well being, some good habits and a higher level of energy - in some cases this can change your life! We can't promise this though, but we will do our utmost so that you have a great holiday and you should gain a relaxed smile at the very least.

Smiles  After a Yoga Rocks Holiday

Who is the yoga retreat for?
The retreat is for anybody who wants to come. We have guests from 0-70 years old, and from all over the world.

Are the retreats suitable for yoga beginners or people with no yoga experience?
Most yoga holidays here are aimed at all levels. Our teachers are highly experienced in working with all level groups. However occasionally, especially if a teacher is teaching two weeks, some weeks may be better for more experienced yogis. We can advise you on this.

Do I need to bring any yoga equipment? We have black yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga bolsters, blankets and cork yoga blocks for you to use. Some people prefer to bring their own mat - of course this is fine.

Is there meditation?
Some weeks there is formal sitting meditation otherwise there is pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), chanting or some form of enjoying the space between the thoughts. The atmosphere at Yoga Rocks is particularly good for finding quiet space for yourself. If you have a particular interest in meditation please contact us and we'll recommend particular retreat weeks.

What are the yoga spaces like? We have two lovely yoga spaces, one inside and one outside.They are both spacious and light with great views looking out to sea. The indoor shala is heated and air-conditioned. The shaded outdoor deck, next to the swimming pool, is bathed in the sound of the sea below and bird song. You will probably end up using both, depending on the weather and your teacher's preference.

Inside Outside Yoga Shala at Retreat

What are the class sizes? Class sizes vary, but are normally between 5 and 20.

Is there pranayama taught on the Retreat? Pranayama are yogic breathing exercises and most teachers do some form of pranayama during the week, either as separate sessions or, before or after asana practice.


Posted May 18, 2013

FAQ: Booking, Paying & Travel

We get asked many different questions by future guests - if you can't find your question below or our other FAQ sections please email info@yogaholidaysgreece.com

What happens once I contact you?
We will answer any specific questions you may have and if appropriate offer you two ways to pay a 25% deposit or the full amount to reserve your yoga holiday. If you don't want to confirm your place straight away we are here to answer your questions on accommodation, yoga, travel plans or anything else.

What should I do if I get no reply to my email?
We endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours so if you do not hear anything by then please write again or ring on 0044(0)20 32862586. Very occasionally mails get lost in cyber space.

Who is writing to me?
All mails are answered personally by Yoga Rocks hosts, Helen and Phil. We are happy to help you throughout the booking process and will be there during your retreat to make sure you have a great holiday.

Helen & Phil your Yoga Rocks Retreat hosts

How can I pay?
You can pay by Pay Pal or by bank transfer but your bank may charge you for the bank transfer. Once you decide by which method you want to pay, we'll email you either our bank details or a Pay Pal invoice. Pay Pal is very secure and free for you to use. If you haven't used it before just follow the instructions with your card - the verification process may take a few days. Once you've paid your deposit or the full amount your place is confirmed. If you pay a deposit we'll send you a reminder so you can pay the balance two months before the retreat begins.

Is the holiday refundable?
All holidays are fully refundable up to six weeks before start date of the retreat (including the deposit). We can give half refunds from six weeks to three weeks before the retreat start date.

I live in the UK can I pay in pounds?
Yes normally we offer the option of paying the equivalent of the euro price in pounds to save you paying exchange rate costs.

I can't find the price for the holiday
Click here: Retreats & Teachers and click on the more button for each teacher and the price is on that page. The normal price is €750-€800.

Finding the retreat

Paying for the Yoga Holiday

Yoga Rocks, Yoga Holiday

What is included and will I need money?
Accommodation, yoga and all meals except for our Friday evening meal are included in the retreat cost. Hot drinks and snacks are available at all times from the guests' kitchen. The Friday Cretan feast at a traditional taverna is normally between €10 and €14. You will also need money for transfers and maybe massage, souvenirs or drinks at a taverna. Everything at the retreat except for massage is included. The nearest cash point from the retreat is half an hour's drive away so it is good to bring euros with you or pick them up at the airport.

Where should I fly to?
You can fly to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) aiports on Crete. Chania confusingly is sometimes written Hania though it can also be written Khania, Cania, Canea and Kania and in Greek is Xania!

Are transfers available for night flights?
Our taxi drivers are happy to pick you up any time. Some flights do get in at funny times! You can pick up a hire car from early until late.

How far and how much are the transfers from the airport to the retreat?
Both Heraklion (€110) and Chania (€120) are about one hour and forty-five minutes from the Yoga Rocks retreat by taxi. Normally you will be able to share the taxi with up to three other guests. You can also rent a car from the airport for the week. This will be about €155- a little more in high season. We arrange both car hire and taxi transfers as well as sharing these with guests arriving at similar times.

Airport Map and Triopetra

Can I have a single room?
We have a limited number of single rooms available. If one is available you will pay a €200 single supplement on most weeks. In practice it is often nice to share with another yogi and we sensitively arrange the room sharing.

Can we bring children to the retreat?
Unless the teacher has specified otherwise, we can provide for well behaved children. Please contact us over details if you want to bring kids. Those who have been so far had a great time.

Can I come alone - will I feel welcome?
Many of our guests come alone and all feel very welcome. The community atmosphere is a lovely part of the retreat and there is always room to find your own space.

I’m travelling alone does this mean I have to pay a single supplement?
No we can sensitively put you with another yogi of the same sex. If you want a single room there is a single supplement.

Can a friend come who does not want to participate in the yoga?
We welcome non participating partners, though few find they can resist joining in. For those who really don't want to do the yoga we can work out a non-participating rate on most retreats.

Yoga Relaxation

Can I take a bus to the retreat?
You can't get right to retreat by bus but you can get to Akoumia which is about 11km away and normally we can pick you up if you arrange it in advance. We are very happy to do this if you have made the effort to get the bus! From either airport it is three buses. They are not so regular and it would be good not to have so much luggage. If you are serious about bus-ing it we can help you organise it. Its not the most relaxing way to start a week yoga retreat if you are not used to travelling. Crete bus timetable here

What time is best to arrive?
On the first Saturday of the retreat the rooms will be ready from 14.00 but you can arrive earlier than this and have some lunch while you wait for your room to be ready, or leave your luggage and explore the beaches. You can also arrive late - there are always some late arrivals.

When must I depart?
We normally ask you to be out of your room by 10.00am on the Saturday you depart but you can then hang out at the retreat for lunch or at the beach until it is time for you to go.

Are your retreats only Saturday to Saturday or can we join at a different time, Sunday to Sunday for example?
Some weeks there may be an option to come on other arrival and departure days, depending on your flights or circumstances. Please write to us and ask.

Do you offer any discounts for families or otherwise?
Sometimes we have early bird retreat discounts, for our Facebook group or particular weeks. If you are coming with your family, want to share a room with three friends, want to come for two weeks or more or have any special requests/circumstances then let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Do you ever cancel yoga retreats due to low numbers?
No we never have and never will cancel a holiday due to low guest numbers. Guests as well as teachers have taken time out, organised flights etc and we will always run the scheduled retreat.

What happens if the teacher can not make it to their retreat week?
Thankfully not a situation we've been faced with - but if it were to happen we have expert teachers on standby who could cover the yoga retreat and all guests would have the option of attending the replacement teacher or receiving a full refund.

Can't find the answer to your question?
Please email us or check out these other frequently asked question categories: General questions
Yoga at the Retreat
Food & Rooms


Posted May 16, 2013

Things to Do at Yoga Rocks, around Triopetra and further afield

There are many things to do round the retreat and further afield. Though most guests do very little and really relax, there are always options. Here's a mini guide:

Nothing
This is a popular pastime at Yoga Rocks.

Massage
There is always at least one kind of massage. We think it very important that a high quality massage is available for you at Yoga Rocks to complete your relaxation. We have had some incredibly talented masseurs ranging from oil massage and Thai massage to deep healing.

Swimming Pool & Hammock Lounge
We have a swimming pool and shaded and sunny hammock lounges.

HammockLounge at Yoga Retreat Rocks Retreat

Library & Film Night
Our library has a good selection of yoga and reading books. Sometimes we have film night if it suits the week.

Cinema Night at Yoga Retreat Yoga Rocks

Beaches & Swimming
There are four beautiful beaches within walking distance and many more if you hire a car for the week. One is completely unspoilt. There is a beach either side of the three rocks that give the area its name - Triopetra.

Snorkelling
You can snorkel - it is not prolific tropical reef but there are some nice fish and the visability can be mind blowing. Click here to check out the fish. The octopus below was spotted just below the retreat - thanks Denis for the photo.

Octopus at Yoga Retreat - Yoga Rocks

Can we borrow snorkels?
Yes we have snorkels, masks and flippers for you to borrow.

Walking
There are lots of nice walks around the retreat.

Spili
A popular afternoon out is to go to Spili which is about forty minutes drive and has many shops for tasteful souvenirs and tavernas for, amongst other things, traditional ice coffee.

Spili fountains

Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a pleasant seaside holiday town 30-40 minutes by car east of Triopetra. It is a busy little place and you will appreciate the peace and quiet of Yoga Rocks on your return.

Matala
A little further afield from Yoga Rocks is Matala where Joni Mitchell and lots of other hippies once lived in caves. You can see the caves, a nice beach and lots of tourist shops. Our guests have come back with completely conflicting reviews but we like it! It makes a nice addition to a day out at Phaistos.

Phaistos/Festos Palace
Crete is full of ancient history and the best place to see it within in a day trip from Yoga Rocks is Phaistos and its a spectacular setting for a palace. Click here for an interesting web page on Phaistos another webpage is here

Nick Karma Yogi From Yoga Rocks At Phaistos

Knossos
Knossos is too far to visit from the retreat in a day trip but you could go and see it easily on your way to Heraklion airport. It is the most famous archaeological site on Crete. This site has a lot of information on it - click here

Psiloritis/Mount Ida
Interestingly you can still see snow on the top of Psiloritis, Crete's highest mountain, from the retreat in to June - a great sensation when you come out of the yoga room into the warm sunshine wearing your shorts and vest. In Greek mythology this was where Zeus spent much of his childhood.

View of Psiloritis from Yoga Rocks, Triopetra

So much more!
There are so many things to do on Crete that are a little too far to do in day trips whist on retreat. We're happy to help if you fancy extending your holiday on the island after the retreat and using some of your new found energy to get to know anything from Europe's biggest gorge to the delights of Chania.


Posted May 12, 2013

Food at Yoga Retreat

Above is the interview from TV chef Paul Rankin when he came along to Yoga Rocks.

Food is a vital part of any yoga retreat or holiday and at Yoga Rocks we love food and take seriously it's origin, journey and preparation. Tasty meals, that are both nutritious and wholesome, revitalise the body and are one of the highlights of your stay here.

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We source over 90% of our fruit and veg from Crete (organic where possible), have a personal relationship with many of its producers and are blessed to be on an abundant island with an amazing range of seasonal produce.  

In many places eating seasonally means eating restrictively - not so at Yoga Rocks. Here we enjoy the extra taste and nutrition of seasonal local produce as well as immense variety. Cretan produce is famed through out Greece as tastier and healthier for very good reason. Even ancient chronicles attest to the incredible taste of food on Crete relative to the rest of the Mediterranean.

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For breakfast you can expect to help yourself to yoghurt, gruelsi, bread and jam, all made at Yoga Rocks. The yoghurt is made from local sheep's milk until this dries up around August. Fresh Cretan fruit as well as dried fruit, very local honey and tasty nuts are also in unlimited supply. You can squeeze your own orange juice, make yourself a variety of herbal, green and black teas and fresh coffee throughout the day as well as at breakfast.

For lunch and dinner our chefs treat you to a varied buffet of culinary delights. To give you an idea of what you can expect here's an average week's menu from the retreat. It will change consistently through the season and you can expect more than just what is written below for each day. There is normally a selection of dips and sprouts available. Equally there is no set menu, every week is different.

Sunday
Lunch:
Boureki - Filo Pastry Pie with Courgettes, Mizithra (fresh Cretan cheese) and Mint
Beetroot and Walnut Dip
Rocket Salad
Tomato Salad
Dinner:
Spicy Lentil Soup
Freshly Baked Spelt Bread
Parsley and Avocado Tabouli
Thyme Stuffed Mushrooms
Greek Salad
 
Monday
Lunch:
Briam – Roasted Potato, Aubergine and Tomato Greek Style
Mountain Greens with Olive Oil and Lemon
Raw Carrot and Beetroot Slaw
Selection of Sprouts
Local Olives
Dinner:
Feta Stuffed Peppers
Quinoa with Parsley and Basil Oil
Roasted Courgettes
Mixed Leaf Salad
 
Tuesday
Lunch:
Mexican Spicy Beans
Brown Basmati Rice
Guacamole
Fresh Corn
Radicchio  Salad
Home-made Chilli Sauce
Dinner:
Various Spelt Pizzas
Greek Salad
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Tzatziki
 
Wednesday
Lunch:
Green Lentil Moussaka
Vlita – Greek Mountain Grown Greens
Lime and Mint Coleslaw
Stuffed Courgette Flowers
Dinner:
Yellow Thai Curry
Rice
Ginger and Cucumber Salad
Mung Bean Sprouts
 
Thursday
Lunch:
Kidney Bean and Mushroom Burgers
Spiced Roast Potatoes
Home-made Tomato Chutney
Mixed Leaf Salad
Dinner:
Yellow Dhal
Aubergine Curry
Vegetable Samosas
Raitas and Chutneys
 
Friday
Lunch:
Yigantes (Greek Butterbeans) with Garlic and Mustard
Spanakopita – Greek Spinach Pie
Greek Salad
Tomato and Avocado Salad
Fava – Greek Dip

Dinner: Taverna!
We close the week with a trip to a traditional taverna.
A much loved evening out, a chance to taste local cuisine
and experience a Cretan night out.

 
If you're still reading you must love food as much as us so here's some more info on the food you'll enjoy on a yoga holiday here: 
    
Cretan Produce:
Famed throughout Greece for it's tasty ingredients things really do taste better here....

Crete with high plateaus, mountain valleys and low fertile plains provides an amazing variety of produce. From all the traditional Northern European fare, like apples and pears cultivated in fresh mountain valleys, to fruits like bananas and kiwis not normally grown on this continent.

Good produce grown well and picked recently is full of flavour. Transporting it for days (weeks in the case of non European origin food) in cooled containers diminishes taste and vitamins - if they were there in the first place as it may have been picked too early! Traditional local cuisine embraces the freshness and  flavours of the produce rather than masking them - we try as much as possible to emulate this.  

The ingredients speak for themselves - good tasty food is simple on Crete. Eating some yogurt made with milk from the sheep walking freely on the mountain behind the retreat, with honey gathered from bees feasting on the thyme that covers the hills nearby, topped with walnuts from a village above Spili (20km away) whilst sat in the sunshine overlooking the sea is a breakfast that is hard to match.

We do not use any tinned produce and prepare all meals from scratch.

Our Water:  
The water comes from a spring on the mountain behind the retreat and is as delicious water gets in our experience. No buying plastic bottles of water, or getting into bed having forgotten to do so! Quality non-chlorinated water runs through every tap.

Traditional Diet:
The traditional Cretans in a 30 year study were shown to be the healthiest around - the diet playing no small part of that. Of course, the outdoor life, less stress and cultural factors will also play a part. We luckily are in a position to emulate their diet and well as their stress free and energetic lifestyle on a yoga retreat here.

Locals gather, collect and sometimes grow a wide range of local greens - most are not eaten outside of the island though some are highly prized in Athenian markets. When possible we enjoy the tasty and nutritious curiosities here as well as regularly using the local grown greens or 'horta' as they are collectively known. Cretans have always added lemon juice to their greens - nutritionists now tell us the vitamin C in the lemon juice is vital for extracting iron and other minerals from them. The more you look into the traditional Cretan dietary idea the more it seems to tie uncannily with the most modern ideas of good eating.

Exceptional Diets:  
Please contact us if you have any special dietary requirements. We can normally happily look after you here you without you missing out on the treats. We regularly have vegans, lactose intolerant,  nut allergies, celiacs as well as gluten avoiders - if in doubt please ask and we'll let you know if it's possible.   


Posted May 8, 2013

2013 Yoga Rocks Groups

Most of the yoga retreats here we run ourselves; take the bookings, organise the teachers and deal directly with the guests. We do have some yoga holidays where a yoga group comes and uses the space. During these times the yoga retreat operates as it would on any other week. We are there with our team to host the group and support the teachers.
Pool Yoga
In 2013 we have Jadranko Miklec (Croatia), Sarah-Jane Rawkins with Daniella Gfeller (UK/NL), Gabriele Haslinger (Austria), Maja Tellegård (Sweden), Ginny Moffat (UK), Gilly with his wife Miri (Isreal) and Susan Chopping (UK) all bringing groups here.

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The visiting group will organise guests into groups for transfer and we’ll help them get you here. If you have any questions about your stay (that your group leader cannot answer) please ask - we are here to help.

If you are joining one of these groups we are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you here. They will all be fantastic yoga holidays & retreats.
Yoga Retreat Smiles
Posted May 6, 2013

Which Yoga Retreat is Right for Me?

We are often asked by prospective guests which retreat, teacher or style of yoga they would enjoy most. Our short answer would be that most retreat weeks are suitable for most people. Quality and experienced teachers are one key to great yoga holidays – their care and understanding should make their particular style accessible and enjoyable to all. Having said this certain styles and retreats may appeal to different people.
Acro Yoga Pool Pyramid at Yoga Retreat
Ashtanga yoga is one of the most physically demanding styles of yoga. It is set sequences of poses, either led by the teacher or taught Mysore style. In the Mysore method everyone works through a set sequence in their own time holding each position for 5 breaths, receiving help from the teacher as needed. Ashtanga yoga retreats at Yoga Rocks are suitable for anyone, though it helps if you have a reasonable level of fitness. This style of yoga encourages fast physical changes and after a week here you will have a personal practice and the confidence to continue it at home. Some people love the physical nature of an Ashtanga retreat as by the time they have finished their morning practice they really feel they deserve making a holiday of the rest of the day on a beach with a book or in a hammock. Others if they don't soften the practice and approach it joyfully can find it a little over strenuous .
Maria Boox teaches Mysore Ashtanga at Yoga Rocks
In 2013 Maria Boox teaches Mysore style here. David Williams, who first took Ashtanga to the USA, teaches led Ashtanga in a way designed to make it a lifetime practice. Danny Paradise will be teaching a more freestyle led class and he likes to include the Ashtanga pranayama (breathing) sequence. Melanie Cooper also teaches Ashtamga yoga mornings in 2013. For more on this style and its founder Pattabhi Jois click here.    
Vinyasa yoga owes its flowing movements supported by the breath to Ashtanga. Each Class is different and some people really enjoy the variety of yoga poses. Some teachers are very creative; others stick to more well known poses. Each pose has variations so that those who are more/less flexible or strong can benefit from going as far as they are comfortable with, in a safe way – it should be a fun, but challenging, yoga style.
Setu Bandhasana on Yoga Holiday
At Yoga Rocks in 2013 we have David Lurey and Helen Reavill teaching vinyasa yoga, both have a very varied yoga back ground meaning that lots of different influences pop up in the flow. Over the course of a week’s retreat the focus of the classes can bounce between strong asana, restorative flow, pranayama and meditation techniques. Though the teacher leads the flow, it is often the needs of the individual groups that create it. Vinyasa builds strength and flexibility and suitable for those who are willing to move.
One popular form vinyasa flow yoga is Shiva Rea’s Prana Flow Yoga. This uplifting yoga works towards a free style flow which she calls trance dance. In 2013 we have Simon Park leading a Shiva Rea Prana Flow teacher training module. One of the most respected and exciting Prana Flow teachers joining Yoga Rocks this year offering a teacher training retreat. The lovely Coral Brown leads  a Prana Flow retreat in June 2013.
Twisting with Sky at Yoga Rocks
Hatha yoga often refers to a gentler form of yoga. The postures are steadier and can be held a little longer while the emphasis is often on a more traditional Indian style of yoga. Those who are not so physically active often enjoy hatha yoga more. Though not as physically tough as some yoga, it reaches deep levels, gently opening you up physically and releasing stress from the body and mind. Hatha yoga is nice for those who want a gentle practice, be it beginners, or experienced yogis who know their body and mind will benefit from a softer practice. Everyone has something to gain by learning to relax in a good hatha pose – and this can sometimes only be learnt on a yoga retreat rather than in a yoga class squeezed between work and social commitments.
Yoga Retreat Stretch
Sky  teaches hatha yoga at Yoga Rocks in 2013. Sky and has a vast array of knowledge and yoga goodies he loves to share. His yoga is deeply rooted in traditional practice with real flair thrown into the mix. Laura Gilmore will open the 2013 season with hatha yoga afternoons.    
Iyengar Yoga gives much emphasis to the details and integrity of the poses. Often poses are held for a longer time and props are used instead of variations. We have no pure Iyengar teachers here though Melanie Cooper will be exploring some afternoon Yin Yoga classes in her retreat here. Yin Yoga holds the poses for a very long time, so you have space to focus on alignment, allowing the body and mind to melt into deep hip openers and forward bends. It is very satisfying but also challenging as, a little like in meditation, you resist the urge to move.   
Liz Warrington will lead a Scaravelli yoga retreat. A subtle and deep style of yoga that frees up the spine and invites transformation. 
Acro Yoga on the rocks that give Yoga Rocks its name
Acro Yoga is partner yoga and plays with the qualities of trust and reliance. The basics are not difficult so anyone can try and it feel s nice and looks good (!) – hence the photos and films all over the internet. If you want to try some acro yoga, whether you have done some before or not, David Lurey’s retreat would be great week for you. He’s one of only a handful of level 2 Acro Yoga teachers in the world and likes to explore the fun of this style over a few afternoons on his yoga retreat here. It is quite a nice way to get to know the other guests a bit better so tends to lead to a very sociable retreat atmosphere and it is fun.
Acro Yoga with David Lurey at Yoga Rocks
All of the above needs to be taken with a liberal pinch of salt. Great yoga is honest, sincere and heartfelt – these qualities make for special yoga holiday. There are many labels attached to the various yogas simply as a way to give people an idea of what to expect.
As we said at the beginning, the safe, supported and encouraging way our teachers lead you through the yoga is more important than the style, when it comes to having a great yoga retreat. Beginners, advanced pupils and teachers all attend most of the weeks. The calibre of our teachers mean other yoga teachers want to come to practice and learn more, but to come as a beginner is real a gift to yourself - you will learn so much.
One thing we have not touched on is other yogic activities like pranayama (yogic breathing exercises,) meditation, or chanting which can often be enjoyed here. While some teachers like to teach some meditation as a separate session, others simply encourage and show you how to find the meditative space within your yoga practice, while others weave a sitting practice into a class.
Meditation at Sunset
In the meantime if you have any questions about on specific retreats and what further yoga activities might be on offer please write and ask. Our teachers teach from their vast knowledge and personalities, some weeks are very much yoga holidays while other weeks are deeper yoga retreats that tend to the monastic. Neither is better - they are all good for some people at some time. Feel free to write, tell us about your yoga experience and what you are looking for and we'll help you pick a suitable week. Often the highly driven look for strenuous yoga when they'd benefit more from learning to relax in a more meditative class, while those that are more naturally meditative and relaxed could do with a more active class to light some fire inside them!     
Finally we’d like to express that while the teacher is vital and the style may not be the most important thing, the biggest plus about Yoga Rocks yoga retreats is not one exclusive thing. It’s a combination of world class yoga teachers, the amazing natural energy in the beautiful environment, the locally produced tasty and nutritious bounty of food that is lovingly prepared and the caring atmosphere that we, our team and our teachers create all combining to make something very special. Hopefully, at some point in the future you’ll get the opportunity to experience one of our yoga holidays in 2013

Currently you'll find answers to most FAQs you might have about a yoga holiday at Yoga Rocks - we'll be expanding these and adding more exciting yoga related matters soon.

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