This weekend retreat is THE opportunity to set blissful standards for the rest of your year. Allow me to lead you through two invigorating and restorative yoga sessions every day. Between them you can chose to spend your days at the beach, dangling your soul by one of the pools and saunas, nourishing your senses hiking through the nearby nature reserve, exploring historic and cultural highlights of the island or getting pampered in the serene Spa of your 4-star hotel in Mellieha – a European destination of excellence congratulating to non-traditional tourist destinations.

The venue

Mellieha in the north-west of the island overlooks Malta’s largest beaches and the wetland of the Ghadira Nature Reserve on the other side of the bay. This area invites for contemplative walks between shallow, reedy ponds surrounded by scrub and migrating birds who like to rest in the area. Furthermore, the picturesque landscapes on the coastal region are second to none, with many trails leading to spectacular vista points. Some of Malta’s most spectacular snorkel and dive sites lie also off this coast.
The town itself is a bustling community of distinctive character. A self-styled rural hub, it has its origins in the 15th century and invites to explore its rich history, enjoy its café culture or indulge in one of its top-notch restaurants. Most of these are supplied with fresh produce from the vast and fertile farmlands in the near inland.

Yoga…

Classes will be held 75 minutes twice daily, before breakfast and in the late after-noon. Weather pending, they will be held in the lush Gardens of the hotel, on the beach and in a dedicated yoga room in the hotel.

The morning yoga session will feature invigorating, strengthening and stimulating vinyasa flow through variations of and additions to Surya Namaskars. Dini works without a pre-set schedule, but takes what there is and builds on it. One of the beauties of a yoga retreat is that it allows to spend more time on poses and areas that need particular attention or improvements. Dini doesn’t shy back to gently push her students asana boundaries. The only ‘cannot’ is in the mind and once that is dropped, possibilities are endless.

The evening practice will be a restorative Yin Yoga session whereby seated poses are held for several minutes, letting go of any muscular tensions and alignment issues. This allows the body to release traumas in different koshas, or layers, possibly stored there for years or even decades. As the yin areas of the body like connective tissue, ligaments and bones are accessed in the serene stillness of a yin practice, we open our wholeselves up to boundless opportunities. Letting go of old stresses and sorrows you no longer need, be prepared to leave this practice feeling profoundly relaxed and at peace on a physical, mental and emotional level.

… with Dini M.

Dini is a sailor, mother, writer and yoga teacher. She lives on a sailing boat with her family and teaches Yoga and Ayurveda at retreats, workshops and festivals around the world.

She has been practicing Yoga and meditation, on and off the mat, since starting university aged 19. Fitness and dance teachings turned towards yoga many years ago. Her continuous studies of Ayurveda, work as Doula, passion for wholesome nutrition and holistic approach to motherhood all influence her teachings. Whilst many great teachers including Iyengar, Shiva Rae, Simon Borg-Oliver, Amanda Fuzes, Cam Storey, Clive Sheridan and Vipassana’s Goenka to name but a few have influenced her merging style, her kids play a transformational role in the journey of taken yoga beyond the mat and into a happier and healthier life. Old yoga scriptures are also a resource she often draws back upon.

Often pranayam, mudhras, bandhas and sometimes even kryas make their way into her classes and give students a whole new angle to approach movement, breath and life. Her subtle, Thai massage influenced adjustments have created a name for themselves and can aid major shifts in body, mind and soul.

Be prepared for more than a normal yoga holiday. Transformation and change are the only constants in life. Dini’s authenticity and aliveness, coupled with a great love and passion for teaching, has inspired many yogis and others around the world to also dare living the life that they dream of.

Accommodation

You will be staying at the 4 Star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha, surrounded by lush gardens and only a ten minute walk or a few minute bus ride    from the beaches. The bustling town lies right at your door step, yet you can also retrieve into the peace and serenity of the hotel’s own spa area, readily available sauna and steam room and different pools, including one with breathtaking views over the whole bay.

A varied and plentiful breakfast buffet will be served every day and a la carte lunch menu is available for those who don’t want to leave the oasis. Rooms are large and comfotable, with garden or sea views and include all the little luxuries you’d expect.

Prices & Travel details

Prices include:

4 night accommodation in comfort twin/ double rooms at the 4 Star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha, breakfast buffet every day, greeting at the airport and transfer to accommodation, free non-alcoholic welcome drink during check-in, vegetarian welcome dinner, two yoga sessions per day and possibly a few surprises more.

Greeting at the airport and transfer to accommodation

Free non-alcoholic welcome drink during check in

4 night accommodation in comfort twin / double rooms at the 4 Star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha, including

• Accommodation in elegant furnished rooms, all with Bath/shower, hairdryer, WC, Satellite TV, Mini bar, direct dial telephone, tea & coffee making facilities and a free safe in the wardrobe..

• Free use of the two outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool as well as the gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath, relaxation area, showers, changing rooms, lockers.
• Service and local taxes

Buffet breakfast everyday

Vegetarian welcome dinner

Morning (vigorous flow) and evening (yin) yoga session every day

Sundreamstravel assistance throughout your stay

Price organizing your own flights: 199£ pp (38£ single room supplement)

Price with flights from Heathrow: 399£ pp (38£ single room supplement)

• Direct return flights on Air Malta on the following schedule:
• 19FEB  KM101 London Heathrow 11:25 Malta 15:35
• 23FEB KM102 Malta 16:50 London Heathrow 19:25
• Inflight meals
• All airport taxes and surcharges
• 10kg hand luggage and 20kg checked luggage per person

To book your place, please contact pierre@sundreamstravel.com.