Overview
After several years, we are finally returning to India…but this time to the exotic north region of Rajasthan on a special luxury partnership with Six Senses Fort Barwara. We will enjoy this creative retreat during the season where our tiger safari is favored for spottings! Before the height of the summer heat, we’ll be able to relax on the beautiful grounds to gather plenty of inspiration, and each day will be themed with the senses.
The senses match with both the elements and our chakras. Each day we will steep our activities and classes around moving though these. Besides daily yoga/meditation and creativity classes, some of the additions will be:
Smell / Earth / Root Chakra
Aromatherapy Class, Welcome temple incense blessing, Walking tour to village.
Taste / Water / Sacral Chakra
Cooking class, Indian liqueur tasting, Aqua yoga.
See / Fire / Solar Plexus Chakra
Tiger Safari at sunrise, Candle meditation.
Touch / Air / Heart Chakra
Barefoot walking meditation, Pottery workshop, Ayurvedic spa treatments.
Hear / Ether / Upper Chakra
Closing temple blessing with chants, Sound bath.
Yoga and meditation classes will be held daily to prepare our bodies and minds, and then our travel journal creation classes will help us find news ways of seeing. Both yoga and art work together to find focus in the many layers of smells, sites, and sounds that abound in this amazing part of the world. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, unintimidating and personal experience.
Activities
Not only will we take advantage of the amenities and beauty of our hotel and the Six Senses wellness experience, but we’ll enjoy some cultural activities such as a walking tour to the local village, a pottery class, private cooking class, and two blessings at the temple. One of the highlights mid-week will be a sunrise TIGER SAFARI, where we’ll set off on this adventure to explore the depths of Ranthambore National Park on the trail of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Once the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today Ranthambore National Park draws the attention of many passionate wildlife lovers and photographers. Expert naturalists lead the way in luxury safari jeeps showing us all things small and large that live in the wilds of Ranthambore.
Wellness + Creativity
Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and vinyasa flow.* Plus meditations such as yoga nidra, guided meditation and a walking meditation will be offered. We will have the opportunity to attend a candle meditation, temple blessings, and aqua yoga, as well a relaxing sound bath. India’s culture and rich yogic background lends itself to be more mindful and intentional, and we will embrace just that as we experience the week and how we approach the itinerary.
Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga and meditation classes during our time in India will take place at beautiful settings around the sprawling palace and grounds, and we’ll also participate in ceremonies at the on-site temple.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Mindy
This retreat will be led by Mindy. Living in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, Mindy has a love of the outdoors, all things artistic and wellness-related. Her hometown in Banff has been her foundation for teaching art and yoga for the past 20 years. No travel experience is complete without a journal to record the finer details of her surroundings through sketches combined with watercolors, acrylic pens, and ink. On retreat, prepare to be inspired and nurtured as her strength lies in the ability to cater to groups' and individuals' needs. Mindy loves to inspire guests to see the delight in their surroundings through art and how we can feel at ‘OM in the world.’
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What if I'm not experienced in yoga, Is this retreat still for me?
We are for all levels of yogis. We've had many yoga beginners come to the retreats and many who found a new love (or renewed love) of the practice. One of the reasons we like to keep the number of guests so small is to better personalize the classes and yoga attention placed on each person. After seeing where each guest is in their yoga practice and level, the classes can be given on what best suits the group. Plus, there is a range of styles and levels taught throughout the week so you can choose the classes which best suit you. The most "advanced" yogi are those who are honest and true with where they are physically and mentally - which can mean holding back and taking it easy when you need rather than over pushing yourself to twist into that advanced pose.
Can I bring a friend/partner who doesn't want to participate in the yoga classes?
Absolutely! Non-participants are always welcome. All classes are voluntary and there is always plenty of activities (or total relaxation) that can be enjoyed in place of one of the yoga classes.
Do I Have to take every yoga class during the week?
Again, all classes (and activities) are completely voluntary. I always say to guests that the retreat weeks are for you...whatever you need. So if you need to take it easy one morning, then by all means, do what you need physically and mentally.
What type of yoga classes are offered, and what levels are welcome?
This is YOUR WEEK so you're encouraged to take the time you need, go at your own speed, and try and let go - whether that means diving in deep into the morning and evening classes for the week, or maybe it means needing to rest one day instead. There are usually a big variety of levels and we love that guests can attend and participate without feeling any pressure. That said, for a basic overview, we do a general vinyasa flow in the mornings about 60-75m and enjoy an evening class which is more restorative or themed (hips, heart-openers) for around 40m. There are various meditation times throughout the week with about 15m guidance of various methods and encouragement to take any free-time to explore further on your own if you wish. And this week is much more than just ASANAS (the physical movements of yoga). Hopefully it can be about finding something, letting something go, gaining balance in life, and enjoying many aspects of the holiday - from the cuisine, daytrips, a beautiful culture, and new friends!
What if I'm a single traveler?
Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile which has always worked out really well. All the rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. Plus most guests find that they are mainly only in the rooms to sleep as most tend to relax in the common areas (salons, terraces, pool, etc) when we're not in class, on daytrips, or having meals. It's up to you if you prefer the single room, but it's not required if signing up alone as we will pair you with another guest. The locations and villas differ on policy as some have extra rooms to offer and we can accommodate a single supplement at a reasonable price upon request. A couple of our locations have very limited space with just enough rooms for the number of guests in the retreat, so supplements tend to be higher as it’s mainly covering the cost of another guest. All details can be given upon request.