Turkey Adventure & Chill Retreat - October 2010
FANTASTIC NEW RETREAT - adventure and calm all in one amazing place!
Dates: 4th – 11th October 2010
Price: £600-£800 pp
Location: Huzur Vadisi, Turkey
Teacher: Katy Appleton

Huzur Vadisi Turkey Landscape

Katy Appleton is overjoyed to offer you a fantastic appleyoga adventure that takes you to the pine forested mountains of Turkey's stunning 'Turquoise' coast for an inspiring, relaxing yoga holiday you will never forget!

This retreat really does have something for everyone:

ADVENTURE
For the adventurous among you, we have horse riding in some of Turkey's most stunning landscapes, some astounding ancient sites to visit, as well as parasailing, kayaking, rafting, boat trips, mountain biking and canyoning - all just a short trip from the retreat.
CHILL
If you're looking to chill out, you can enjoy a fabulous body scrub at the Turkish Baths, indulge in a daily massage without leaving the retreat centre, or lie back in a hammock with a great book. There are also some inspiring walks nearby in the Turkish countryside, and a quiet beach 15 minutes away.

"This unpretentious retreat is a delicious place to escape the stresses of life at home... the food is legendary." Harpers & Queen

Retreat

The yoga shalaRetreat includes
  • 7 Transformational Vinyasa flow yoga sessions with Katy - one each morning starting 5th October
  • 5 Evening Lunar yoga practices with Katy - one each evening
  • 7 nights accommodation at the beautiful Huzur Vadisi location
  • 3 meals a day plus unlimited fruit, tea, coffee and water
Retreat doesn't include
  • Flights or travel insurance
  • Excursions or day trips
  • Extra treats and activities
  • Taxi rides
Sample Daily Schedule:

Mornings: applefusion - lovingly developed through Katy's life experience as a ballet dancer, yoga teacher and pilates instructor.

What to expect: Transformational solar vinyasa flow yoga: a variety of active asanapractices for all levels: dynamic prana vinyasa flow, energetic andalignment-based hatha yoga, liberation creative dance, pilates core inspiration, body prayer, invocations, heart opening practices to liberate body and mind - are you ready? WOO HOO!
Suitable for all levels - just bring your heart and spirit!

Free Time: Soak up the energy, sunbathe and swim by the pool, have blissful massages and take some time out to just rest and recharge.

Late Afternoon: Introspective & awaking lunar yoga practices.
These sessions will consist of various techniques such as pranayama, meditation, mantra, yoga nidra, nada yoga to bring you home to YOU.

Breakfast AreaMeals
Turkish cuisine is recognized as one of the great cuisines of the world and this is reflected in our delicious, mainly vegetarian food based on fresh local produce - fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, cheeses and yoghurt. Meat, fish and poultry is provided on (advance) request. People are continually delighted at the amazing variety of dishes - a guest "complained" he hadn't had the same meal twice in a two-week holiday.




Location


The Yoga Shala

Relaxing in Huzur Vadisi
Huzur Vadisi has been running since 1993 and is built around a traditional restored farmstead with a natural stone swimming pool and a spacious shaded yoga sala. Accommodation is in comfortably appointed yurts scattered among the olive groves. Some rooms are also available. Huzur Vadisi's combination of stunning unspoilt location, welcoming and experienced staff, and 'legendary' food, ensures a memorable experience for which people return year after year.
 
"Huzur Vadisi is my favourite yoga holiday destination and many of my students return nearly as often as I do. The facilities are unique, the valley peaceful, the food excellent and the staff helpful and friendly." Simon Low - The Yoga Academy

Huzur Vadisi is a place immersed in nature, where the only sounds are the cicadas, the call of owls at night and in springtime the song of the heavenly nightingales. At night the valley is completely dark and the night sky is absolutely wonderful.
Huzur Vadisi is the name of the farmhouse and of the mountain valley in which it is situated. Surrounded by virgin pine forest, you can walk unhindered in any direction to spectacular view points of the coast and islands and inland to unfolding mountain ranges.
The original farmhouse is the inspiration for the careful restoration and building at Huzur Vadisi.
Special features are the beautiful natural stone swimming pool, the traditional wooden Kösk (where the word kiosk comes from meaning summer house or pavillion), a favourite spot for siestas, and the lovely terrace shaded by vines where meals are served. And of course the yurts in which you will sleep.
 
The Ambience
The feeling at Huzur Vadisi is very much of being a houseguest - it's a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the groups averaging around twenty people. Due to the nature of the courses, guests tend to share similar interests and values, which creates a friendly, supportive and lively atmosphere which is particularly welcoming for people holidaying on their own. There is also plenty of space to be by yourself and be quiet if you wish.








Activities

Trips
Many people find they don't want to go anywhere once they arrive at Huzur Vadisi it is so restful, but if you want a contrast to the natural peace of the valley, the small town of Gocek is only a ten minute taxi ride away. It has an elegant palm lined seafront with bars and restaurants - yet still retaining its laid back and friendly village atmosphere. Shopping includes jewellery, carpets, ceramics, clothes, spices and a weekly market. There are also banks and cash points.
There are several fascinating local destinations to visit for those who want to explore further afield. The staff at Huzur Vadisi can arrange these trips for you, and give you first hand information, details and advice on either an individual or group basis.

Boat tripsBoat Trips
The all time favourite day out is to sail around the islands and bays of this stunning coastline on a traditional wooden boat. There is plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing, with space to stretch out, as well as a shady deck area. There are loos on board, and a cabin to change in. A delicious lunch is cooked on board.

Beaches
In Gocek people generally take boats trips and swim moored off one of the lovely islands in the bay - described by the yachting fraternity as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Huzur Vadisi arranges a boat trip most weeks for guests to do this and it is the most popular day out. There are also a couple of beaches within a fifteen minute taxi ride from Huzur Vadisi - one is a beach in the next bay along which has lovely views and slightly pebbly sand. The other is a private beach at a five star hotel in Gocek which you can use if you pay day membership, which includes money off if you eat lunch at their chic restaurant overlooking the bay. For serious beach lovers there are two beautiful long sandy beaches, which are protected as nature reserves, within an hour's drive.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES
There are a number of sporting activities in the area. The prices are based on per person for a full day's activity, which usually entails an early start, so may mean missing yoga class.

SEA KAYAKING  @ 36 Euro
RAFTING @ 37 Euro
MOUNTAIN BIKING @ 26 Euro
CANYONING @ 29 Euro
* Prices quoted correct at time of printing but may vary slightly

Most of the activities take place in or around the Dalyan or Fethiye area (about an hour away) and transport costs need to be added. This will depend on numbers. The minibus return price is 260 TL (max 14 people in one bus).

DALYAN On the way to Dalyan

Dalyan is a lovely little town on a reedy river estuary, about an hour from Huzur Vadisi. You can travel by river boat to visit Lycian rock tombs, the ancient ruins of Caunos, hot sulphur springs and mud baths.


FETHIYE Ruin at Telmessos

Fethiye is an hour away and is the nearest large town set on a beautiful bay with shops, bazaars, seafront cafes, Turkish baths and the ancient ruins of Telmessos. For the energetic there is also low key nightlife.


ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES Archeological ruins

There are a variety of city sites in the region, usually situated in dramatic, beautiful locations, and where we are often the only visitors. The favourite is Cadianda, perched on a wildly dramatic mountain top, which is also the nearest at just over an hour away. Tlos, Pinara and Xanthos are a full day's trip, but are well worth the effort if you have the time.

 

Rooms

Yoga YurtYour accommodation is something rather special... The nomadic yurt (which is the Turkish word for home) is a beautiful circular domed "tent", made on a wooden trellis frame.


There are also some rooms available. The house provides a sitting room with open log fire for cooler evenings at the beginning and end of the year.
 
Comfortable and spacious, in hot weather the apex of the roof is left open to the sky, the so called "Eye of Heaven" - at night you can see the stars from your bed. The interior of the gorgeous yurts

Equipped with "proper" beds, electricity, wooden floors and home comforts, it is definitely not camping!

White cotton mosquito nets ensure you can sleep in blissful peace, free from the usual Mediterranean wildlife.







Travel

Travel day and transfers
Monday 4th Oct is a travel day and the yoga starts on the morning of Tuesday 5th Oct. Huzur Vadisi can arrange air-conditioned minibus transfers from Dalaman airport. The price varies a little depending on the number of transfers and passengers, but is charged at the same rate as government controlled fares for taxis. Please allow around £30pp return. If a group arrives on a single flight the transfer cost can be reduced.

•    Please forward your flight details to Jane at Huzur Vadisi on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so that transfers can be arranged well in advance and everyone informed. It's important for them to have your flight number in case of delayed flights.
•    The transfer time from Dalaman airport to Huzur Vadisi is around 40 minutes.
•    Please make sure you have the Huzur Vadisi phone number in case of any problems on arrival (+90 (0)252 644 0008)

Flights
Many of us our traveling on this Thomas Cook flight:
London Gatwick -> Dalaman 4-Oct-2010 Dep:10:40 Arr:16:40
Dalaman London -> Gatwick 11-Oct-2010 Dep:17:40 Arr:19:55

Charter Flights
Kay at Robinson Travel
(Also good for group booking)
01271 812 504  
Flightline 0800 036 0777 www.flightline.co.uk
Thomas Cook   www.flythomascook.com
Airtours
(widest choice UK airports)
0800 028 4934 www.mytravel.com
First Choice 0870 750 0001 www.firstchoice.co.uk
Thomson 0870 550 2555 www.thompson.co.uk
Easyjet   www.easyjet.com

Scheduled Flights
Turkish Airlines
(from Heathrow & Manchester)
0207 766 9300 www.turkishairlines.com
Cyprus Turkish Airlines
(from Stansted, Manchester & Glasgow)
0207 930 4851 www.kthy.net
       

Logistics

To bring...What to bring:
  • Your sense of adventure and not forgetting your sense of humour!
  • There is electricity in the yurts, but you should also bring a TORCH
  • Sarong, swimwear
  • Camera
  • Water flask
  • Please bring your own BEACH TOWEL
  • YOGA MATS – we have mats, belts and blocks, but you may want to bring your own mat for extra comfort on the outdoor tiled floor.
  • A pair of walking shoes or strong sandals if you want to take advantage of the lovely walks
  • Turkish Lira to pay for drinks, massages etc at the lake
  • Think nature...  think fun...

Pool AreaHairdryers
To answer one of the most frequently asked questions - there are plugs for your hairdryer in the yurts.

Visa
At the airport UK citizens are charged £10 in cash for an entry visa. Visa costs for other nationalities vary, so you will need to check.

Currency Exchange
Generally you will get a better rate of exchange in Turkey. This can be done with cash or travellers cheques almost everywhere, or withdrawn by card from one of the several ATM cash points in Gocek.

Extra payments
Extras at Huzur Vadisi including minibus transfers, bar bills and excursions, can be paid for in sterling, lira or euros at the end of your stay, but cash only please. They don't have credit card or UK cheque facilities in Turkey.

Telephones and communications
Their Turkish telephone number is (00 90) (0) 252 644 0008
If phoning locally you will only need the last 7 digits.

You may want to let your family and friends know that you can only receive incoming international calls at Huzur Vadisi. To call out internationally you can phone from Gocek. Local calls are unaffected. You are welcome to receive calls.

Mobile Phones

Due to the mountains, mobiles are out of range at Huzur Vadisi, although it is possible to receive and send text messages. A five-minute walk from Huzur Vadisi will bring you to a point where you can receive a signal to phone out.

Internet Connection

Huzur Vadisi have recently joined the 21st Century and now have the mixed blessing of a wireless internet connection!

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you take out your own travel insurance.

Book NOW!


Standard Room - £600pp
sharing
Add to cart£600
Standard Room - £800pp
single
Add to cart£800

Terms & Conditions:
In the event of cancellation:
60 days or more prior to the retreat: Your entire payment will be refunded, less £200 which is your deposit.
59-30 days prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable, but are transferable (less £200 deposit) to a future appleyoga retreat.
29 days or less prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable.

All descriptions of holidays and facilities are correct. However should amenities or courses be unavailable due to acts of God, technical failure or unforeseen difficulties of any kind, we will try our very best to provide an acceptable alternative, but under such circumstances cannot be held liable. While the highest standards of care are provided, neither can we accept liability for loss or damage to your personal property or any medical condition which may develop during or after your holiday. Your holiday insurance should cover these and any other contingencies.