NATURE RECHARGING YOGA RETREAT

THERAPEUTIC APPROACH FOR ULTIMATE HEALTH

This special location, village Goveđari in the National Park of Mljet Island is truly a stepping stone for deeper connection with yourself and together with our well curated Yoga program, an unique opportunity for healing processes of all kinds.

In this retreat you will be guided through some therapeutic practices of Ashtanga system, Pranayama and self inquiry talks and exercises based on yoga teachings. Furthermore, with special exercises, you will have the chance to deeply connect with the amazing healing and recharging power of Mljet nature.

Our goal is to assist you in reaching the state by which you can truly recharge life and gain intuitive clarity for the year to come.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Boutique House Mljet is situated in the heart of the National Park Mljet, in the calm and picturesque village of Goveđari, ethnological and architectural interesting place from the 18th century. Benefit of this extraordinary location is that the official entrance into the National Park Mljet is just 300 m away so you can enjoy refreshing walks through pine tree forest or rent a bike and explore untouched nature of National Park.

Thru the history our stone home was a village school, which offers you a breathtaking view to the rest
of the park. On the first floor there is a Multimedia art gallery Stara Skula (Old School) which regularly showcases different artist thru the year and during our retreat will serve us as the most beautiful yoga shala. Stara Skula was opened in the summer of 2011, as the first gallery of its kind on the island of Mljet. This building dates from the early 20th century and has served several purposes during its history: primary school for the island's pupils, local post office and doctor's surgery.

If you are a nature lover then Mljet is a place for you. Being one, out of eight Croatian national parks, NP Mljet provides untouched forests of holm oak and Aleppo pine together with typical Mediterranean vegetation. All of that is enriched with two salty “lakes”, a Great and a Small Lake.

Mljet was declared a national park in the 1960’s and it represents the first institutionalized attempt to protect an original ecosystem in the Adriatic. The walking possibilities on the island are endless and you will find some incredible archaeological remains of great historical and cultural value.

Getting to Mljet is pretty easy from Dubrovnik and Split as there are a number of catamaran options including some services that operate year round. If you are traveling by car your option is to drive to Prapratno (Peljesac) and take a car ferry from there to Sobra (Mljet).

You are welcome to arrive anytime between 3 and 4pm to have time to settle down in your room and get ready for the first day practice. We will meet at 5.30pm for the opening circle and introduction where we will share important information to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. We will start our journey with the therapeutic asana and pranayama practice followed by the delicious dinner lovingly prepared to nourish your body and soul.
We will be starting our mornings with guided meditation and short pranayama practice followed by Ashtanga led class. Our intention is to introduce you with some new insights for the practices to come in the next few days. It is going to be a playful and creative masterclass with plenty of details focusing on anatomical and subtle alignment of standing & forward bending asanas of Primary series. Class is suitable for all level of practitioners. Advance ones will enrich their experience with useful, inspiring concepts and beginners will pave their path to Ashtanga yoga by bringing attention to some subtle elements.
Then it is the time for vegeterian brunch, taking time to replenish your energy. Use the free time to rest, beach time or simply enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the retreat environment.
In the afternoon we will have Satsang and explore particular principles of Patanjali Yoga Sutras and how we can embody those ancient concepts while practicing on mat. This workshop will enhance your bodily and mental awareness and help you progress in your journey.
Our first day will close with delicious dinner served in the beautiful environment of Mljet Island.
We will start our day with short meditation and pranayama followed by Ashtanga Led class focused on anatomical and subtle alignment of back bending asanas of Primary and Intermediate series suitable for all level of practitioners.
Back bends are delicate and challenging Asanas. They deal mainly with two areas in the body: the lower part of the spine and the heart area.
The lumbar spine is a place with a huge number of nerves and every stimulation of this area produces an immediate and major response of the autonomous nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is engaged by the stretch of the back muscles and by the curve of the lumbar spine.
We will learn how to minimize the flexion of the lumbar area in order to avoid pressure in lower back and safely concentrate on the stimulation and opening of the heart area.
Then it is the time for vegetarian brunch and some free time to rest, or engage in personal reflection.
In the afternoon we will immerse ourselves in the beautiful nature of Mljet island. With special exercises we will understand how close is the connection between ourselves and the nature, in particular with the trees. Trees can help us in harmonizing our subtle bodies, integrating the natural healing force of Mother earth.
After a delicious dinner, our third day will close with the relaxing practice of Yoga Nidra - the yoga for sleep. This awesome methodology combines ancient yogic techniques with modern psychological approach to body and mind relaxation.
We will start our day with Pranayama class followed by Ashtanga Mysore practice where, under the guidance and assistance of Marco and Petra, you will be able to incorporate all the new insights you have learned. Those ones new to Mysore practices will be guided through specific parts of their own practice.
Then it is the time for nourishing brunch, taking time to replenish your energy.
The afternoon of the fourth day is free. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the National Park’s lakes, take a bike ride, or reach one of the wonderful beaches that characterize the natural paradise of Mljet.
Our fourth day will close with delicious dinner and the traditional Vedic Peace Meditation.
After Pranayama class, we will dive again in Mysore practice where you will be able to understand the unicity of your body and how Ashtanga practice can be specific tailored for every type of personality and body form. Marco and Petra will assist you through the practice with personal guidances and suggestions.
A nourishing brunch is the perfect moment to replenish your energy.
After a good rest-time, in the afternoon we will spend again some time to connect with the magical nature of Mljet. In this session you will learn how to detect some special spots where you can recharge your energy and use nature as the best possible healing force available to humankind. Its going to be fun!
Our fifth day will close with delicious dinner and party night with music and gathering together.
A guided restorative class will summarize all the elements of this retreat. We will sense in our bodies the energizing and healing power of the yogic practices combined with the connection with nature.
After a traditional mantra chanting closure, we will meet again to enjoy once more or delicious brunch lovely prepared by our amazing cook. Then you are ready to go back home fully recharged for life to come :)...