Living with Ease
Retreat at Centro Santillan
Sunday 8th - Thursday 12th December 2024
4-night Yoga for BackCare & Vedic Philosophy Retreat
Welcome to the information and booking pack for this retreat.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Complete the booking form (link below)
2. We will EMAIL YOU to let you know if you have a place. If Single Rooms have sold out, you will be offered a sharing room. Please don't send money or book flights until confirmed.
3. We will send you deposit details. Once you've paid THEN you can book your flights!
Join Anji & Chidekarasananda Saraswati Swamini at this special retreat:
Living Easefully with Yoga & Vedanta
Join Anji Gopal and Chidekarasananda Saraswati Swamini of the Arsha Vidya Lineage of Swami Dayananda for this extra-special 4-night retreat.
We invite you to heal body, mind and spirit with a unique combination of Yoga movement, breathing and Restorative Yoga paired with Vedic philosophy and chanting. All of this takes place in an award-winning retreat centre with wholesome food, great company and surrounded by nature.
Yoga is a practical whole-self science - leading us on the journey to a more easeful self. In the 2020s, this is exactly what is needed for healing and peace. We both value sharing simple wisdom that can make our lives better - to find better health, to live more comfortably in this beautiful but tumultuous world.
It is rare to find a mixture of experienced physical Yoga practice with Philosophical study in a retreat outside India - we very much hope you will join us.
This retreat is for anyone - if you have physical or spiritual experience, you will benefit from exploring these practices together. If you are just starting out on your Yoga journey you are equally welcome.
"My goal was to see what I could hear when all the noise of our normal lives is dialled down, and I found the time to reflect and relax to be priceless."
VENUE
Our home will be the Santillan Yoga Retreat - regularly voted as one of Europe's top 10 retreat centres. We will have sole use of the whole venue.
Santillan is an Andalusian paradise, surrounded by the silence of the mountain and with wonderful sea views, yet only 25 minutes from Malaga airport. Malaga enjoys the most annual sunshine of any European city.
There are 22 rooms, all with air-conditioning and en-suite and each with a private outdoor space, with views of the gardens, hills or sea.
There is a heated freshwater pool, a small tennis court, and beautiful gardens. There is space - space to walk, to sit, to lie, to look at the stars.
“Overall fantastic retreat - lovely location, excellent food. I felt calmer and stronger. The yoga spaces and equipment really are exceptional”
YOGA
Anji will lead 2 hatha Yoga sessions daily.
Practice will be a mix of active Asana (physical postures), passive Restorative (resting postures), Pranayama (breathing) & Relaxation.
Anji will incorporate Yoga for BackCare & other practics tailored for finding better health in the body you have. Yoga for BackCare is a gentle, practical and powerful approach to improving spinal health. We will stretch, strengthen, move, hang, lie, breathe and more.
Expect 2 yoga sessions of around 2 hours - morning & afternoon - c.8 in total. Santillan is the best equipped yoga studio in Europe, all equipment is provided. We will use props, the yoga wall and the outdoor yoga shala if possible.
Anji's teaching is clear, kind, sometimes challenging but always inclusive - previous retreaters have been different ages & stages - and practices are generally suitable for mixed ability groups. We will have an assistant teacher present to support you.
Whilst most practices are suitable for all, we will be practicing physical exercise for several hours a day. Therefore this retreat is not suitable for absolute beginners or those with serious health concerns. Please contact us for a chat BEFORE BOOKING if you have any health issues or pain.
VEDIC PHILOSOPHY
“How do we judge our spiritual growth? It's not how long you can meditate.
The question is - Is your life getting smoother? Are your interactions easier?”
We will enjoy 2 x 1 hour sessions daily with Swamini. These will be in the form of a 45 minute lecture followed by Q&A as well as a chanting session one evening.
We will be introduced to a selection of accessible teachings from Advaita Vedanta, all around a theme of 'Living Easefully'. Vedanta is the science & philosophy of The Vedas - the ancient books of the Hindus. The teachings are non-denominational, and ALL FAITHS are welcome. You will find deep value and practical wisdom in this work.
Swamini offers down-to-earth teachings, with a sense of joy and a warm heart. She incorporates chanting, philosophy & meditation.
Swamini Chidekarasananda Saraswati is a sannyasini, having been initiated into the Paramahamsa sannyasa ashrama (a traditional renunciate lifestyle) by her Acharya, Swami Sakshatkrutananda Saraswati, Chief Acharya and Chairperson of Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh.
Her life is dedicated to bringing the Wisdom and Light of the Rishis, and traditions of Sanatana Dharma culture to all spiritual seekers, regardless of background, language or culture. You can check out her YouTube lectures here.
“I was surprised how quickly two yoga sessions a day became normal and doable - and how I would miss them when they came to an end.”
MEALS
Food forms a huge part of health and we will eat well, from dinner on the first night to brunch on the last day, all catered by the amazing chef, Javier. Food will be vegetarian. Lunches will be simple - fresh salads and soups. Dinners have 3 courses.
All meals are buffet-style, hot drinks & fresh water are included and there is an honesty bar with soft drinks. We eat at communal tables.
There will always be fruit, bread & hot drinks available (self-served) – including in the early morning prior to practice.
A TYPICAL DAY
Our programme builds day by day as we explore and enquire. Practices will be varied, sometimes serious, sometimes fun, always useful.
Typically we start morning practice around 8am, followed by breakfast at 10.30am. The morning lecture will be after breakfast.
During the day there is free time: to have lunch, to gaze, swim, walk in the hills, lounge in the many seating areas, sleep, eat, read, chat & ponder as you breathe it all in.
Treatments are available daily, including massage, sound healing & more from a hand-picked team of therapists.
The afternoon lecture will start around 4pm and be followed by evening practice - these sessions are typically slower and quieter, more focused on going deeper and relaxation.
Both morning and evening yoga sessions are around 2 hours long.
We hope also to offer one evening of chanting & bhajan.
“What a great retreat! A lovely group of people, delicious vegetarian food & a perfect location. The yoga was a lovely combination of challenging and relaxing. Anji’s warmth, skill and enthusiasm made me look forward to every class. She is an outstanding teacher and communicator. Can’t wait for the next one!”
TRAVEL
Centro Santillan is 36 km east of Malaga. The closest international airport is AGP (Malaga) and serviced by a large number of airlines from many countries.
We will arrange a taxi transfer for you: fee ~ €60 each way for a regular passenger car, which may take up to 4 people (depending on luggage). Cash paid directly to the driver. We will allocate guests to shared taxis closer to the time.
Arrive Sunday 8th December at Santillan from 4pm & depart Thursday 12th December by midday. The first class will be on Sunday evening around 5pm.
TREATMENTS & EXCURSIONS
A range of hand-picked therapists are on site daily (payable locally in Euros) and we will help you choose the right one for your needs. Having a treatment on retreat adds to the renewal of your body & mind - we highly recommend taking a treatment.
Malaga is a beautiful port city, with a Picasso Museum, shopping and fabulous Spanish cuisine, and it's close to other cities in southern Spain.
At previous retreats, some guests chose to spend an extra night in the city before or after the retreat. On booking, we will share more information about excursions
ROOMS
Santilan is a traditional hotel built in the Spanish style. that has been equipped & refurbished by the family owners in a sympathetic & loving way.
All rooms are ensuite & air conditioned. Some face the sea, others the exquisitely manicured gardens. All are peaceful and well equipped in a homely style.
All solo occupancy rooms have a double bed. Shared rooms can be twin or double.
PLEASE NOTE: There are a number of single and shared rooms. Single rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate your preference on the booking form.
“I loved the time and space that the retreat with Anji gave for reflecting and noticing things about body and mind. I came home having had lots of thoughts about the path I’d like to be following, and the changes I’d like to make as well as seeing how regular yoga practice can be the grounding anchor that I need, which was a revelation as I hadn't felt that before.”
PRICE
Retreat price Per Person:
Single Room, en-suite £1200
Twin Room, shared as double or twin, en-suite £960
Non-refundable Booking Fee: Shared £550 / Single £600
The balance is payable in Euros at the venue on arrival.
Retreat price includes: 4 nights accommodation, full daily programme, 3 meals a day, use of yoga studio and other facilities, wifi, tea, coffee and drinking water.
Retreat price does not include: airfare, transfers to / from the retreat (c. €60 each way per vehicle but shared), massage treatments or travel insurance.
NB: You are required to have appropriate travel insurance for an activity holiday.
BOOKING
If you would like to attend, don’t delay. There are just 22 rooms at Santillan. Because of minimum attendee requirements, some rooms will be allocated to sharers. If all single rooms are taken, you will be offered a sharing room.
Email [email protected] to register your interest or ask any questions. You can copy Anji if you want to contact her: [email protected]
ALSO complete the booking form below. BUT PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS until we have confirmed you have a room and you have paid your deposit.
"This was my second-ever retreat, both with Anji at Santillan, and it was another amazing trip, with new and different experiences. Even though our group was broad in age and yoga knowledge, with a range of reasons for being there, we were brought together by Anji’s inclusive, skilful and caring teaching."
Meet Anji
Anji Gopal, M.Ost, BSc (Hons) is a London-based back pain expert who focuses on using Yoga as a practical and gentle way to improve spinal health.
Anji’s approach is to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and restrictions to find better health through the application of simple and accessible yet powerful and transformative yoga practices. Nothing too esoteric - practical and useful - but also tapping into the healing power of working with body & mind.
As an ex-banker, she understands the stress of modern city-living, and as a health professional, working in the NHS & private practice, she uses her knowledge and skills to help anyone who needs to improve their experience of living in the world today.
She is a kind, caring & welcoming teacher who has students from around the world. And she really does know, from personal experience, that Yoga is the key to a better lived experience.
FAQ
What is a Yoga retreat?
A yoga retreat is the gift of TIME. Time for you to explore your Yoga practice, time for the benefits of the practice to settle in body & mind. Time to work out who & where you are. Time to rest, to reflect, to renew.
Who goes on Yoga Retreat? Will everyone be a Yoga Expert?
NOT AT ALL! If you have taken a class with Anji, you know that her teaching attracts a range of NORMAL PEOPLE. Her teaching is accessible to all & focused on what each individual can do. Whether you are new to Yoga or have many decades practice – at the end of the day, we are all students, seeking to learn more.
On this retreat, Anji welcomes anybody with an enquiring mind. Your fellow seekers will be a range of interesting & interested beings who also want time & to explore Yoga a little more. You don’t need to bring anything with you, or wear special gear – just bring yourself.
I might be on my own, will that be strange?
It’s pretty common for retreat-goers to attend alone – so don’t be nervous about being a solo-traveller. Retreat groups are always welcoming & friendly, but time to be alone is also precious. You are the boss of how much you interact (or not) with your fellow retreaters.
FOUR hours of Yoga a day?
A typical 60-75 minute Yoga class flies by – and often we wish for more time to explore. To explore movement, breathing, rest, just being.
Think of a workshop as being a LONG class – with the TIME needed to truly enjoy the practice & explore how they sink it. Rather than a sprint finish, think of the Yoga time as a long mountain walk.
I have some health concerns, will I be able to keep up?
You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire before you come along, and are encouraged to have a chat with Anji prior to booking if you have any health concerns. Remember, Anji’s approach to teaching is to be inclusive with modifications if necessary.
Listening to your own body is all part of our growth as Yoga students & you will be encouraged to rest if needed. This is Advanced practice as far as we are concerned!
Our Yoga Assistants are all qualified teachers in their own right and will be on hand to support you in the room. You can practice on a chair if needed.
I know Anji is a Registered Osteopath – will health advice be given?
Anji’s teaching is focused on finding health through Yoga. The practices will include elements of Yoga for BackCare, therapeutic sequences, exploration of what health & wellbeing means for us all and more. Modifications during yoga practice will be offered.
However, nothing will be constituted as ‘treatment’ or individual healthcare recommendations, beyond a normal yoga experience. Anji will not be offering individual consultations during the retreat. Again, please complete the health questionnaire on booking – or give us a call & have a chat if you have any questions.
How big will the group be?
The Yoga studio is big enough for 30+ & the centre has capacity for 40 guests, so there will be plenty of space. We anticipate around 20 retreaters and we have the whole place to ourselves.
What do I need to bring?
All yoga equipment is provided. The centre is fully equipped with more Yoga kit than we will need. We will provide a packing list when you book.
