Retreat to the Mystical Land of Goa, India

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1 Retreat to the Mystical Land of Goa, India with Wendy & Darin February 4th 13th, 2019 A 10 day Yoga & Meditation Retreat

2 Elegant, Natural Accommodation Daily Yoga & Meditation Organic & Local Vegetarian cuisine World Class Holistic Spa Lifetime Connections Beach & Market Excursions

3 Join us on a journey to the mystical land of Goa, India, nestled on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The theme of this retreat offering is celebrating the Joy of Being. Through the practices of yoga and meditation you will be guided to anchor into your true essence. Off the mat enjoy a stroll on one of the many nearby white sand beaches lined with coconut palms, explore the World Heritage site of Old Goa settled by the Portuguese for hundreds of years, or peruse wares from Tibetan and Kashmiri traders at the famous Anjuna market. Your home away from home will be Samata Retreat Center located in North Goa. Samata means a state of equilibrium and balance. It s a place that nurtures guests in every way. The accommodations are built from recycled teak and designed after a traditional style village. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and Wi-Fi access. Savour delicious gourmet vegetarian meals lovingly prepared from the onsite organic garden. At the heart of the property is a 150 year old mango tree. Surrounding the tree are lush gardens filled with birdsong, occasional monkey visits, and fly-by s of the giant hornbill. Cool off in the beautiful teardrop shaped pool surrounded by palms. The serene yoga spaces are surrounded by rice and buffalo fields. Wendy and Darin, co-creators of Shanti Retreat, will draw upon many years of study and practice to provide insight into the world of yoga and meditation. The breath, energy, and stillness of your natural state of being will be brought into awareness with the practices of meditation, hatha, slow flow and restorative yoga as well as yoga nidra; the practice of deep relaxation. Samata is also home to a highly acclaimed holistic center. Your retreat includes a treatment from one of the experienced practitioners of Acupuncture, Tibetan medicine, Ayurvedic massage or Vedic Astrology. Choose the modality that speaks to you. Give yourself the gift to disconnect from your daily routine. Nurture and nourish your body, mind and soul in a community of kindred spirits, while enjoying sun, sand and sea all in the exotic setting of India the birthplace of yoga. Join us for scheduled activities or allow yourself to just be. It s your retreat, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

4 Samata Holistic Retreat Center & Spa Samata is a Boutique Yoga Retreat Center located in the peaceful village setting behind Arambol Beach, North Goa specializing in yoga retreats, yoga holidays, and teacher trainings. After traveling extensively all over the world, the owners have concluded that the climate in Goa during the winter season is one of the best in the world. It is warm and sunny during the day, great for sunbathing and swimming, while at night, you may need a sweater or jacket, and a cozy blanket for sleeping. Come relax, unwind, and sink deep into your retreat while enjoying the lush gardens. The morning birdsong and occasional monkey visits, not to mention the fly-by s of the giant hornbills are just some of the magic that Samata has to offer. The Retreat also has the strongest holistic clinic presence in all of Goa offering Chinese therapies, acupuncture, Tibetan medicine, Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, and a range of body work and massage. Included in your retreat is one 60 minute treatment of your choice! Samata is also the primary fundraising center for the Dunagiri Foundation for Himalayan Herbal Research and Yogic Studies

5 What s included in your 10 Day Retreat? 9 nights accommodation at Samata Holistic Retreat Center in private or semi private accommodation. Daily morning meditation seated, walking or a silent walk through the rice fields and swaying coconut palms. Twice daily yoga classes with Darin and Wendy; gentle Hatha, slow flow, restorative yoga & yoga nidra. ALL YOGA PROPS PROVIDED. Inspiring Teachings & Evening Gatherings 3 delicious, nourishing, homemade vegetarian meals per day highlighting organic produce from the retreat s garden. + all day access to the Mango Tree communal kitchen, fully stocked with homemade drinks, healthy snacks and fruit. Sunset Dinner at a gourmet beach front restaurant. One sixty minute spa treatment at Samatic Clinic. Choose from ayurvedic massage, Tibetan therapies or a vedic astrology reading. Organized group activities 2 Beach Trips + a visit to the local Anjuna Flea Market, Afternoon free time to enjoy the amenities; teardrop pool, commons areas for relaxing, reading, taking a nap, shopping in Samata s boutique or connecting to WIFI. Retreat does not include flight to and from Goa, India; airport transfers ($30-$35 USD each way), alcoholic drinks at beach dinner, travel or medical insurance; online India e-visa ($60 CDN), tips and gratuities. Laundry available upon request.

6 Accommodation Styles & Retreat Rates All of the cottages are built from recycled teak wood. The rustic yet elegant architecture has a temple like feeling. All rooms have AC, ensuite bathroom, hot water, wifi, and a safe for your valuables. The large and beautiful pool, in the shape of a tear drop, is a great place to relax in the sun on comfortable pool chairs. Drink a juice, catch some rays, and cool off during the afternoon heat. Retreat Rates Semi Private 2 Share Room (w/ 2 single beds or a king) $ 2399 Simple Private Room (w/ single bed) $ 2650 Deluxe Private Room (w/ king bed) $ 2935 What to Bring Essentials: Passport and a photocopy of it, India e-visa, flight tickets, extra form of ID, cash, credit card. Health & Wellness: any personal toiletries, vitamins, medication or prescription, sunscreen. Clothing: hat, swimsuit and cover up, sunglasses, light airy clothing, layers for cooler mornings and evenings, comfortable clothing for yoga. Other: snacks for traveling, books, journal, walking shoes, sandals, clock or watch, laptop, camera, adapter.

7 Amrit Holistic Kitchen & the Organic Garden Amrit Kitchen uses quality organic ingredients, locally sourced foods and fresh picked herbs, veggies, and fruits from their vast garden. Ayurvedic guidelines and principles of food-combining are taken into considering in the preparation of all meals, for optimal health and digestion. This will ensure vitality and rejuvenation during your stay at Samata. The organic garden grows all the food you will eat at Samata, and the chefs will keep your mouth watering. Everything is fresh and homemade wherever possible! The highest standards of hygiene are upheld in this beautiful kitchen. Sample Menu Breakfast: Cinnamon amaranth hot cereal, buckwheat granola wit cashew-hemp milk, gluten free muffins, stewed fruit, fresh baked breads with homemade jams, hard boiled eggs. All eggs are specially sourced from local, organic, free-range chickens, coffee and tea. Lunch: Fresh garden salad with home made fennel dressings, carrot ginger soup, and papadam; Dinner: Chickpea Chana masala, fragrant basmati rice, raisin chutney, turmeric pickle, sautéed garden greens with garlic, vegan raisin almond cookies and tulsi tea.

8 Registration, Payment & Cancelation Policy To register or for any questions, please Lacey at A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required upon registering to secure your booking. Retreat payment can be made by cheque payable to Shanti Retreat or by money transfer to The 2nd instalment of $750 is due August 3rd, 2018 OR pay in full by this date to receive an early bird discount of $100! The remaining balance is due November 3rd, For registration later than November 1st, the $500 deposit is required to secure your space and the full payment is due within 3 weeks. Payment plans are available upon request. Please let us know if you would like a registration form. In the case of a cancellation, a full refund minus deposit for cancellations before November 3rd, 2018; 50 % refund minus deposit for cancellations after November 3rd, 2018 ; No refund is available after January 3rd, 2018.

9 Traveling To India Flight information We highly recommend arriving in Goa, or India, at least 2-3 days prior to the retreat start date. This will give you time to rest from the journey, adjust to the time difference and begin to accustom yourself to the country, climate, culture, etc. For the departure, we suggest leaving one day after the retreat and if you can give yourself some time to adjust back in Canada once you arrive home. Guests are responsible for booking their own flight to and from India. We suggest flying into Goa, the closest airport to Samata, and looking for a travel time that is no longer than 25 hours. Alternately, international flights are also available to Mumbai, and then choose a 1 hour domestic flight to Goa...or a 10 hour train ride for the more adventurous traveler! India E Visa All guests are required to apply for an online e visa for travel to India. The online visa is easy and allows you to complete everything at home on the computer. It only takes 5-20 business days, costs $60 CDN and is valid for one stay of 30 days. Please click here to apply. Arrival & Transfers to Samata Retreat Airport transfers are not included in the retreat rate. We will provide you with Samata s drivers contact info to arrange transport to the center. We recommend always using official taxis. The rate each way is approximately $30-$35 USD per taxi. To book a night or two at Samata before the retreat, please contact them directly via . Vaccinations & Health Insurance Samata strongly encourages all guests to purchase medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in India. There is no required vaccination for India. Please do your research about immunization and contact your local travel clinic for more information, so you can make an informed and personal decision. This and That Weather In the beginning of February, the average temperature is 24 degrees, with a high of 30 and low of 19 in the evening. Many say that February is the perfect time to travel in Goa as it is not too hot. Be sure to bring light and airy clothing, swimming gear and sunscreen. Electrical Plug In India, you can use the adapter plug with 2 round holes or 3 round holes in the shape of a triangle. Water- Outside of the retreat center, be sure to drink purified bottle water.

10 10 Day Joy of Being Retreat Schedule Yoga, meditation, beaches & markets Monday February 4th Arrival & check-in to Samata Holistic Retreat Center 5:00 pm Welcoming & Opening Circle 6:30pm Dinner 8:00 pm Restorative Yoga with Wendy Tuesday 8:15 8:45 am Meditation Talk with Darin 9:00-11:30 am Hatha & Slow Flow Yoga, Meditation & Mantra Chanting with Wendy 12:15 pm Lunch Afternoon Free time to relax, read a book, swim, take a nap, enjoy a massage... 1:30 pm Samata Garden Tour 4:30 6:00 pm Hatha Yoga with Darin Wednesday 8:15 8:45 am Silent Walk 9:00-11:30 am Inspiring Teachings; Hatha & Slow flow Yoga with Wendy 12:15 pm Lunch 1:15 pm Departure for Anjuna Market 8:00 pm Yoga Nidra Talk & Practice with Darin Thursday 8:15 8:45 am Seated Meditation with Wendy 9:00 11:00 am Hatha & Slow Flow Yoga & Mantra Chanting with Wendy 12:15 pm Lunch Afternoon Free time to relax, read a book, swim, take a nap, enjoy a massage... 4:30 6:00 pm Laughter Yoga, followed by Hatha Yoga with Darin

11 Friday 8:15 8:45 am Walking Meditation around the Mango Tree 9:00-11:00 Hatha Yoga with Darin 12:15 pm Lunch & Afternoon Free time 1:15 pm Departure for Arambol Beach & Mini Markets 8:00 pm Restorative Yoga with Wendy & Yoga Nidra Saturday 8:15 8:45 am Silent Walk 9:00 11:00 am Hatha Yoga & Slow Flow & Mantra Chanting with Wendy 12:15 pm Lunch & Afternoon free time 5:00-6:00 pm Conscious Movement with Darin 8:00 pm Satsang and Q&A (optional) Sunday 8:15 8:45 am Seated Meditation 9:00-11:00 am Hatha Yoga with Darin 12:15 pm Lunch & Free Time 3:45 pm Departure for Sunset Beach Dinner and Shopping Monday - Day of Silence - 7:00-8:00 am Self Serve Breakfast 8:15 8:45 am Walking Meditation 9:00-11:00 Hatha & Slow flow Yoga & Mantra Chanting with Wendy 12:00 pm Lunch & Afternoon Free time 4:30 6:00 pm Hatha Yoga with Darin 8:00 pm Inspiring Teachings / Spiritual Cinema Tuesday 8:15 8:45 am Silent Walk 9:00-11:00 am Hatha Yoga with Darin 12:15 pm Lunch 1:15 pm Departure for Beach 8:00 pm Restorative Yoga with Wendy Wednesday February 13th 8:15-8:45 Seated Meditation 9:00-11:30 Morning Yoga & Group Closing Circle 12:15 pm Lunch Departure from Samata Retreat Centre. May your journey be filled with stillness, joy and love!

12 Testimonials from the 2017 Retreat at Samata Wendy and Darin put on the best retreat...ever. Samata was such a peaceful, tranquil haven with the most delicious organic food that came mostly from Samata's huge garden or locally from organic farmers that the retreat's owner sponsors to support and encourage organic farming. The treatments that were offered at Samata were very professional and enjoyable. Holding it all together in their web of organization and kindness were Wendy and Darin and of course Lacey, with their twice daily yoga classes along with silent walking meditations through the countryside and excursions to the beaches and of course shopping. All in all I have to say it was one of the best experiences I've experienced and I felt transformed. Om Shanti. ~ Anne It was a joy to be with you all in Goa, India for the 10 day yoga retreat! The entire experience was nourishing and healing. The Samata Retreat Centre was an oasis with it's beauty, hospitality and incredible meals. Of course Wendy and Darin's Classes were also instrumental in helping me unwind, recharge and reset. I felt like a new man afterwards. I was so surprised how limber and relaxed I was at the end compared to the stressed, tight, sore mess I started off as LOL. This was an experience of a lifetime that I was so grateful to participate in. Thank you with all my heart! ~ Wade Samata in Goa, India with Wendy & Darin was incredible. The yoga classes were just what I needed, the retreat center was beautiful and the food delicious. It was a treat that I would indulge in again and again. Highly recommended! ~ Sabrina