Yoga Ayurveda Weekend Retreat – Embodying the five elements
Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May 2025
Step into a sanctuary of wellness and rejuvenation, where the ancient healing practices of Yoga and Ayurveda come together to nurture your body, mind and spirit. This Yoga Ayurveda Retreat offers a transformative experience amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, providing the perfect environment for deep relaxation, self-reflection and holistic healing.
This weekend retreat is all about connecting to the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth), within yourself and in nature. Learn and feel each of the elements in your body, understand what role they play in your Ayurvedic constitution and how to balance them for optimal health.
What to expect:
1. Personalized Ayurvedic Wellness
Upon arrival, you will receive an Ayurvedic mini consultation to determine your dosha (mind-body constitution). This personalized approach ensures that all aspects of the retreat are designed to restore balance and harmony in your body.
2. Daily Yoga Practice
Immerse yourself in daily yoga sessions. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, I will guide you through asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation techniques that enhance your physical flexibility and mental clarity.
3. Ayurvedic Healing Treatments
Indulge in the healing touch of traditional Ayurvedic self-care therapies, including Abhyanga (herbal oil massage). These therapies promote detoxification, relaxation and rejuvenation, supporting your body’s natural healing processes.
4. Sattvic, Nourishing Cuisine
Savour delicious, plant-based Ayurvedic meals designed to nourish and restore balance to your body. Each dish is carefully crafted with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, chosen for their healing qualities and to support your digestion and vitality.
5. Nature Immersion and Restorative Spaces
Surrounded by lush greenery, a serene landscape, the nearby Otaki River and the Tararua Ranges, this retreat offers an abundance of peaceful outdoor spaces to meditate, reflect or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings. We will explore the five elements through immersing ourselves in nature, taking cold water plunges, mindful walks and resting under the graceful trees of the retreat centre.
6. Workshops and Knowledge Sharing
Throughout the weekend, partake in enriching workshops that delve into the principles of Ayurveda, nutrition and mindfulness, particularly in regards to the five elements and your individual constitution. Learn how to incorporate these ancient practices into your daily life for long-lasting health and wellbeing.
Whether you are new to Yoga or Ayurveda or are looking to deepen your practice, this retreat is open to all. I am dedicated to offer a truly blissful time through the integration of Yoga, Ayurveda and deep nature connection.
Cost: single room $499, shared room $540, day rate $190. Payment plans available. A $100 non-refundable deposit will secure your place.
Reach out today to book your spot! Contact Anja on 021 02350601 or anja@avida.co.nz
@ Strathean Retreat Centre, Te Horo, Kapiti Coast
Ayurveda Foundation course (online)
4 Wednesdays starting 26 February @ 7-8.30pm
In this series of four online classes (26 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 19 Mar) I will share my knowledge of Ayurvedic Medicine from my years of study and practice. By the end of this course, you understand the following principles:
• The philosophies that underpin Āyurveda
• The five mahābhūtas (elements)
• The twenty guṇas (qualities)
• The seven dhātus (tissues)
• The three doṣas (vāta, pitta, kapha)
• The fifteen subdoṣas
• Agni (the digestive fire) how it works and what disturbs it
• Āma (morbid material in the body)
• Mala (waste products)
As we go through the theory, I will relate all of this back to your own body and wellbeing. So you will feel empowered to better look after your own health.
Bookings essential. $120 for all four classes. Anja 021 023 50601 anja@avida.co.nz
Sunday morning Yoga & Chai @ 9-11am
Paekākāriki: Sunday 23 February, 9 March, 30 March, 13 April, 18 May
Motueka Valley: Sunday 2 March, 16 March, 23 March, 6 April, 20 April, 27 April, 11 May
Join me for a blissful blend of relaxation and rejuvenation in my Yoga and Chai class! Start with a calming yoga flow designed to stretch and strengthen your body, followed by a cozy session where you will sip on warm, spiced chai tea. It’s the perfect way to unwind on a Sunday morning, find balance and connect with yourself in a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. All levels are welcome!
Yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, eye pillows and yoga blocks are provided.
Cost: $25/$15. Limited to 12 people. Bookings required: Anja on 021 02350601; anja@avida.co.nz
@ Ayurveda Wellness Centre, Paekākāriki and @ The Pole Barn, Atamai
Autumn Equinox Celebration
Cacao Ceremony I Havan Fire I Kirtan Chanting
Thursday 20 March 7-9.30pm
We are celebrating the Earth’s changing season as the Sun moves into Aries. Within this astrological context we draw in the power of collective intention for new beginnings with a heart opening cacao elixir, followed by an ancient fire ceremony (havan) and the sacred chanting of the heart (kirtan). This is a special evening full of high vibration and deep connection. Hosted now in its fifth year by Anja and Ahly.
Bookings essential: $33 Anja 021 023 50601 anja@avida.co.nz
@ Ayurveda Wellness Centre, Paekākāriki