Venue

The family-run guest house is a real jewel and is situated in a secluded location near to the Dalyan Delta in the Mediterranean region of SW Turkey. A frequent boat service takes guests across the river to the hotel thus preserving its tranquillity.
Boats are readily available on the gently flowing Dalyan River and provide an opportunity to head downstream to Iztuzu turtle beach through the labyrinth of channels alongside the reed beds of the Dalyan Delta or upstream to the renowned Thermal Baths and Lake Koycegiz – or just to wander through Dalyan enjoying the cafe culture and the views across the river.
The entire region is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a paradise for ramblers with endless treks winding along the river banks, through the reed beds and up into the surrounding pine covered slopes.
The hotel provides a complementary minibus and riverboat service for guests wishing to visit Dalyan Village. The ten minute trip is scheduled at frequent intervals throughout the day.

Yoga…

Yoga takes place in the purpose built room, in the gardens, or in the upstairs outside area around the tower, according to the requirements of the group. The ambiance of the hotel is well suited to the yoga classes.
There will be two yoga classes a day. Mid holiday there is one day with no yoga so that you can go further afield on an excursion or just relax by the pool. The early morning class is followed by breakfast and the early evening class is followed by our evening meal.

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 left traces and inspiration in Dini’s practice, her toughest teachers are her children. They 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

Accommodation is provided in comfortable en-suite rooms linked by the central tower. Rooms are large and have a small lounge area. The rooms overlook various aspects of the lush landscaped gardens and swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the surrounding unspoilt countryside.
The tranquil swimming pool and surrounding area envelopes guests with peace and quiet. Loungers near the pool-side area allow guests to lie back in the warmth of the sun, soak up and adapt to the more natural rhythms of a slower pace of life.
Buffet breakfast and dinner are served in the Garden Restaurant. They offer a menu that is varied and plentiful, consisting of local dishes and traditional Turkish cuisine. A light a la carte lunchtime menu is also available.
Ingredients are sourced daily and locally wherever possible. The dinner menu is supplemented by the daily harvest of home grown vegetables from the hotel vegetable garden.

Prices & Travel details

Price: £450 pp shared; £495 pp single

Included – Accommodation, breakfast, dinner and yoga
Not included – Flights, insurance, transfers, treatments, lunch and snacks, all bottled water, teas and coffee.
Flights – There are both chartered and scheduled flights to Dalaman airport. Free Spirit are very happy to help you search the internet for flights. It is usually cheaper to book your flight as early as possible. Prices generally increase as the plane fills.
Transfers – Your transfer can be organised for you. The transfer is 20 minutes by taxi to the river. From there you will be ferried across and taken the short remainder of the journey by the hotel car to the hotel. Total journey time is about 40 minutes.

Join the retreat

To book your place, contact Debbie at debbie@freespirityoga.co.uk or +44 1273 564230. A deposit of £150 pp is due upon reservation, which will be followed by an invoice and information pack. The balance is due six weeks before the course commences.