Yoga and Meditation Retreat in The Gambia

Just a 6 hour flight away from the UK, Gambia is a very appealing destination for a week of winter sun and yoga. The Sandele Eco Retreat Centre is a really special place to rest and recharge your batteries, and at the same time a place to become inspired.

The sun, sea and forest provide a perfect setting for yoga and meditation, alongside  many pioneering sustainable tourism and community based projects taking place at Sandele. There are two yoga circles available for practice .One is close to the beach, overlooking sea, perfect for sunset meditations.  The other is  a quiet space in the shade of palm trees. Also available is  a large expanse of beach. The climate , in the high 20-30s over the dry season, is very pleasant in the shade and perfect for outdoor yoga practice.Yoga and meditation practice take place twice per day, – one before breakfast and one late afternoon before dinner. The Yoga practice is aimed at reviving and relaxing, nourishing and recharging, A mix of classic Yoga poses, pranayama and meditation. Classes will be taught with reference to the Sutras of Patanjali and modern texts that deepen our experience of Yoga in modern life. My teaching is inclusive to suit all levels and adaptable to all abilities and ages. Food and accommodation – half board  accommodation is provided. A substantial cooked breakfast, along with cereals , yogurt and fruit is offered, which is usually eaten late morning after the first practice of the day, Dinner is  three courses .There is always a vegetarian option. Accommodation is in large comfortable guest rooms which sleep up to three people. Students can upgrade to a single room or to luxury lodge for an additional supplement. Activities other than yoga include: bush walks within the grounds, swimming or relaxing on the beach, djembe drumming lessons, evening bonfires, tie dye with Jaineba, hair braiding, and massage. Excursions include: joining the Kartong lady elders at Folonko, the sacred crocodile pool,for prayers and blessings, visit to Kartong school, visit to the Reptile Farm, bike hire, Brikama market and craft market, River trips, walk down the beach to Gunjur village and sea rescue, early morning bird walk ( Kartong is a bird -watchers paradise) All the Sandele staff are Gambians, many from the local village Kartong, and there are also a number of European volunteers around much of the time working on various projects . the staff are very friendly and always around to help. The main direct flights to international airport Banjul from the UK are from London Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester with Thomas Cook and Gambia Experience ( via Monarch Airways). The next retreat is 17-24th March 2015, venue Sandele Eco- Retreat, Kartong , The Gambia. Cost £510 (EXC FLIGHTS) Further information on the website: www.unwind.uk.com/retreats. Or email aston@nullunwind.uk.com.