"My first visit to Martin and Frans Yoga retreat took my breath away! for once I was speechless! The views and early morning walks gave me time to reflect on my year so far and after changing jobs and health concerns it was a well needed break from the hustle and bustle of my daily life!
A fantastic programme (optional of course!) of visits to local towns, spas, monasteries and waterfalls kept me entertained and offered me the chance to experience new adventures such as horse riding and rock climbing. The food (cooked in the style of the local cuisine) was amazing and all the produce was fresh and local - even the orchard in the grounds kept us adorned in plums and apples.
The daily yoga practice and individual tailoring and adjustments has helped me achieve a new level! I have now been able to stay in a routine and have managed to correct a poor sleep pattern through the art of meditation! Many Many thanks for this haven and I cant wait to come again next year!"
- Sally. Visited August 2011.
“A wonderful week.An idyllic location, great food and excellent Yoga tuition for all levels of practice. Brilliant excursions ensured an excellent time was had by all. I would recommend their yoga retreat to any one”.
Sian , May 2011.
"Dharma Yoga holidays in Bulgaria was the most happy and exciting week
I have spent for a long time. In terms of my Yoga practice, I have
never been able to make so much progress in my asanas before thanks to
close and fantastic motivational support and a group work spirit. On
top of hours of daily practise, we were able to discover the beauty of
the Bulgarian mountains and nature going for walks, hiking, rock
climbing or horse riding soaking up the peacefulness of the
breathtaking surroundings. We have also enjoyed delicious cooking of a
professional chef and spend a lot of time socialising and having fun.".
Damian Lucian. Human Behaviour Philosopher, Life and Business Coach, Inspirational Speaker and Author. May 2011
Sat 2 June to Sat 9 Jun 2012
Sat 11 August to Sat 18 August 2012
Sat 18 August to Sat 25 August 2012
If you would like to join us on one of our retreats or have a question please either contact us on 01702 600762, via our contact us form or just pop in to the cafe at 129 Southchurch Road
The Centre
New for 2011/2012
We now arrange optional activities which include, Para Gliding, Rock Climbing, Horse Riding, Massage, Head Massage and Hiking.
The centre is an evolving concept and we are currently planning to construct two straw bale houses next year, with our ultimate aim to construct an Earthship on the site. We are implementing our plan to use the sun to provide our hot water and to start using photo electric cells for our electric supply. We are opening the orchard for camping and are interested in offering long and short stay in exchange for jobs around the centre and the grounds.
The day can start with a walk over the mountain to see the sunrise at dawn in the clear morning light. There are views are in every direction and, with no roads, no pollution and no noise it makes for a peaceful and introspective start to the day.
After breakfast there will be a choice of staying at the centre or joining us on a trip to a local beauty spot or one of the many places of interest. Lunch can be provided if you stay at the centre, or a packed lunch is available. Most opt to take lunch in a restaurant or cafe, it is very inexpensive and a meal can be bought for a few pounds.
The trips are either half or full days, if you prefer to stay at the centre there is a small pool and garden furniture where you can relax in the warm sunshine. There is the village of Vaneshda Voda at the bottom of the mountain, the walk down the mountain takes about twenty mins where there is a couple of cafes and hotels. By next summer the spa resort should be fully restored and open, its where the locals go to take the waters.
After the days events there is time to refresh before the afternoon practice. The time will vary depending on the heat, it can get quite hot. The second practice will be technique and may include two teachers, so there will be lots of help and advise.
After the practice there is time to shower and relax before dinner. Dinner will offer a full choice of hot dishes and salads and will include choices for non wheat and gluten free. Othe r diets can also be catered for. All meals will be vegetarian and will include locally influenced dishes. We source as much of our larder from the local markets as we can where the local farmers sell the produce grown on there small holdings.They use traditional farming methods that has been passed on from generation to generation.
After dinner there is time to enjoy the warm evenings, where the days events can be discussed.
Accommodation
the centre has en-suite rooms and shared facilities.There is also one small suite with two rooms and its own bathroom. There are rooms in the main house and in the converted barn. We have a traditional summer kitchen where we eat together and a cellar with sofas, a small library and some games
The Studio
the studio is in the converted barn and has views over the mountains.
The Garden
the garden is large and has its own orchard. There is a small pool and garden furniture to relax between events.
Catering
all meals are vegetarian and freshly prepared by on site chef Martin. The menus reflect the local cuisine and are of restaurant standard. There is lots of choice and will include wheat and gluten free choices. Other special diets can be catered for. We source as much of our larder from the local markets as possible. The local markets are stocked with fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers, who have been using traditional methods passed on from generation to generation.
Yoga
there are two studio classes a day. There is a morning self practice with hands on adjustment and lots of personal attention. The late afternoon class is technique and will look to expand and explore the limits of your practice. There is the opportunity to start the day with an early morning walk over the mountain.This is a peaceful and introspective experience and an ideal way to begin your day of yoga. There is the opportunity to experiment with diet, thinking about nutrition and its affect on your practice, we can tailor a diet to meet specific requirements.
There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss yoga philosophy. You will have the opportunity to make the week a personally transformational experience.
Trips, days out and days at the centre
there will be organised trips to local beauty spots and places of interest. Some of these trips will be a full day and some a half day. There will also be the choice of staying at the centre to relax.The village of Vaneshda Voda is at the bottom of the mountain and is about a twenty min's walk. The village takes it's name from the the spring "Stinky Waters" around which the village grew. There are a couple of cafes and hotels where lunch and coffee is available.
What is included in your weeks stay
all yoga and meals at meal times. Refreshments at meal times, there is a fridge stocked with drinks and snacks to purchase at other times. Accommodation includes linen and towels, but not beach towels. We do not provide yoga mats or equipment so you will need to bring your own, or you can purchase one from the centre shop. The trips in the itinerary are included and the choice of packed lunch. You will have the chance to buy lunch at local cafes, eating out is very cheap, a meal can cost a couple of pounds
Not included
flights are not included, transfers are possible depending on arrival times and arrival airport.There is an excellent bus service from Sofia bus station for about ten pounds each way.
