Align Your Paths to Wellness
Swap wedding prep for yoga props for a weekend
Your wedding is a celebration of two individual life paths coming together, embracing the gifts you bring each other. In the midst of planning, take time to consciously acknowledge this shifting energy. Affirm the bonds that have led you on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and strengthen them with appreciation and awareness of one another’s mental, physical and spiritual needs. These four top-notch yoga retreats, in rejuvenating environs, offer expert guidance and personal attention for couples.
DAHLONEGA SPA RESORT
An hour-and-a-half north of Atlanta, this wooded Blue Ridge Mountains yoga destination is the sister of renowned resorts Maya Tulum in Mexico and Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica. Seasonally themed packages like the Spring Cleansing are one option, as well as the four-day Mind, Body, Spirit program, or just stop in for a wellness weekend that includes two spa treatments each. In addition to five yoga classes, breakfasts, hiking, an aroma steam cabin, a Watsu tub and unlimited Jacuzzi time, Dahlonega Spa Resort lets guests add spa treatments and weekend dinners. Nearby vineyards and beautiful waterfalls supply plenty of extracurricular entertainment beyond the resort.
PRICE: $360-725 per weekend
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dahlonega Spa Resort
300 Blueberry Hill
Dahlonega, GA 30533
866.345.4900
http://www.rrresorts.com/f.html#/dahlonega/
OMEGA RHINEBECK CAMPUS R&R RETREATS
The Omega Institute’s peaceful haven in the Hudson River Valley has been a source of physical and spiritual well-being in the northeast for more than 30 years. A peaceful getaway with gardens, a sauna and a sanctuary, this resort is ideal for spontaneous couples, socially conscious yogis or beginners. Partake in workshops on creating a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle then drop into one of the daily tai chi classes or Chakra meditations. The Ram Dass Library features 7,000 works on holistic living, tennis and basketball courts are at your disposal, and you can even kayak in the lake on warm days. Choose between a two, three, five or seven-night stay.
DATES: Open April 25-October 24, 2010
PRICE: $382-$1,519 per person
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
877.944.2002
http://www.eomega.org/omega/visitors/rest/
WHITE LOTUS THAI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING
Thai massage is a bodywork practice with roots in Ayurvedic and Buddhist teachings. The two-person practice lets you give and receive healing energy. Because you are assisted, the stretches are much deeper than typical yoga asanas and allow for completely different movement and positions. Located on sacred Chumash Indian land in the mountains above Santa Barbara, this retreat teaches students how to perform a full-body Thai massage, and imparts an understanding of the body’s meridians and acupressure points. An excellent option for couples looking for a vitalizing, shared practice. Rock pools and a hot tub give participants a relaxing space, and vegetarian meals are provided.
PRICE: $1,975 donation per person, $450 deposit required.
DATES: April 2-4, November 6-14
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
White Lotus Foundation
2500 San Marcos Pass
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805.964.1944
http://www.whitelotus.org/thai-yoga-therapy-training.html
YOGA HALE
Situated near the Kahalu beach of exotic Kailua-Kona, this spa offers Experiential Yoga Retreats with surfing, cooking or art lessons included. Guests enjoy sightseeing tours, conscious living, a salt-water pool and an ocean view from every room. Yoga classes focus on peaceful meditations and breath work. The itinerary for just one day includes visits to a Buddhist temple, a black sand beach, restaurants and a sunset viewing from the Mauna Kea summit. Bikram (hot), vinyasa, tantra kriya and yin yang yoga classes are offered.
PRICE: $1,650 per person
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Yoga Hale Studio
77-6530 Naniloa Dr.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808.938.9980
http://www.yogahale.com/yogaretreats.html
