Come join us for this Ashtanga Yoga Summer Retreat in Karkku, Finland
29 July - 4 August 2019
7 days/6 nights
Imagine a week of total surrender into yourself and your practice! Join us for this Ashtanga Yoga Summer Retreat in Finland - enjoy the silence of the present moment, the natural beauty of Finnish Nature, and a home away from home in a 16th Century traditional Finnish manor.
A yoga retreat is an opportunity for every student to give this precious gift of time away for introspection and freedom from daily routines to develop your practice, cultivate discipline, explore your inner world through meditation, and just be in nature in a dreamlike holiday setting. Unwind the stresses of your mind and body and allow inner change and healing to unfold in your body, heart and mind.
We start our days with meditation, breath work and Ashtanga Yoga. Then have a delicious brunch and some free time to explore the gardens, rest, and swim at the lake. We will end the afternoon with Yin Yoga or Technique/Alignment workshop, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. Combined with fresh, delicious, lactose-free and nutritious vegetarian food prepared with love and care in the manor’s kitchen, this retreat is a treat to remember.
Treat yourself to a week of yoga, meditation, the beauty of Finnish Nature, sauna and relaxation.
Sign up early and avail of the Early-Bird Discount until April 30th.
The Retreat Center:
The retreat center, Tuomiston Kartano, is located about 2hours and 20minutes drive from Jyväskylä, (about 2.5hours from Vantaa). It is a traditional family manor from the 16th century, which rests on a high hill in Karkku, located in the middle of the most beautiful Pirkanmaa.
Package includes:
6 Nights Accommodation in a room of your choice:
*Twin Sharing or 4 Person-Sharing
**2 vegetarian meals per day (brunch and dinner)
dinner upon arrival
brunch before departure
1 Sauna with
**Food is vegetarian (not vegan), we serve cheese and eggs and milk products. The milk products are non-lactose.
Special Non-gluten/Vegan menu is also available, with extra +10e/person/day. Please inform us in advance upon registration.
*Sheets and towels not included, please bring your own.
all sessions:
5 Mysore classes and 1 Led Class
Daily Pranayama and Meditation
2 Yin Yoga afternoon sessions
2 Technique/Alignment class
Daily Yoga Nidra - deep relaxation
The Practice
The focus of this retreat is the practice of the Ashtanga Yoga method as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and now taught by his grandson, R. Sharath Jois, the Director of KPJAYI, in Mysore, South India.
Each morning we will start the day with meditation and pranayama followed by the Ashtanga Yoga practice. We will start and end the retreat with a "led class" of the Primary Series and the rest of the mornings we will do Mysore style Ashtanga (self-practice), which is the traditional way of learning Ashtanga (teacher to student). Mysore classes mean the student practices at their own pace and progress through the asanas as and when they are ready. The teacher will go around the class offering one-on-one attention to each student and adjust when necessary. You need to know at least the Sun Salutations and the standing postures of Primary Series before coming to the retreat.
In Led classes the teacher guides all students through the Primary Series of Ashtanga following the proper Sanskrit Vinyasa count. The classes are suitable for all levels, focusing on both practice and philosophy.
Teacher: Bela Lipat
KPJAYI Authorized Level 1
In the afternoons, there will be Yin Yoga classes alternating with Technique/Alignment workshops, and end with Yoga Nidra. All classes are in English.
Accommodation and Location
The roots of Tuomisto manor stem from the 1500s and its unique spirit has been forged over many generations. Located in beautiful Pirkanmaa, the charming manor is situated in the village of Karkku and stands on a high hill overlooking lake Rautavesi, as well as being a stone’s throw from lake Riippilänjärvi. Tampere is only 40 km away, to which there is easy road and rail connections. The manor has gone through a transformation in 2016-2017. From being a private residence, it has become a retreat center for the advancement of well-being. The manor’s soul always ensures a peaceful and uplifting experience. The benign spirit of Kalle, the resident ghost, and the zen-master Yoda the cat, also play their role in creating a magical atmosphere.
There are twin-sharing and 4-person sharing rooms, all warm and cozy, with a fairy-tale like charm and atmosphere.