© 2012 Byron Yoga Lounge | Unit 22b, 1a Banksia Drive, Byron Bay Nsw 2481 | PO Box 225 Byron Bay 2481 | T 0402 770 441 | E yogawithliz@gmail.com
© 2012 Byron Yoga Lounge | Unit 22b, 1a Banksia Drive, Byron Bay Nsw 2481 | PO Box 225 Byron Bay 2481 | T 0402 770 441 | E yogawithliz@gmail.com
Cambodia Retreat 10th – 18th July 2012
Our Retreat
A unique opportunity to experience Yoga within a Buddhist community…….. Surrounded by the Lost City of Angkor Wat and its temples……
The Retreat is hosted by Liz Costigan from Byron Yoga Lounge who follows the teachings of BKS Iyengar.
Cambodia is an enchanting historic Country whose culture and inspiring people will capture a piece of your heart! We offer the beginner to experienced student an opportunity to extend and deepen their yoga practice through the teachings of Iyengar Yoga. Enjoy the all inclusive tours, massage and time out to explore the temples, country side, markets and experience the smiles and infectious optimism of the Khmer people.
A percentage of profits from the retreat will be donated to Lost and Found Children’s Orphanage in Siem Reap. (See below for further details)
The Retreat Includes
- 8 Nights accommodation at the exquisite Empress Angkor Hotel
- Daily buffet breakfast and Dinner/lunch/snacks included
- Twice Daily Yoga / Pranayama / Guided Relaxation
- 3 half day temple tours to the Lost City of Angkor Wat – neither words nor pictures do it justice…. One of the wonders of the world! (Transport and Tour Guide included)
- Floating Village boat trip… includes transport to and from, and tour guide
- Lotus Lake Yoga Afternoon… drift among a lake of lotus flowers before enjoying a restorative yoga practice in the heart of a lotus farm in the country! An ox ride with cart… (A common form of transport in the country!) is on offer!
- New! Khmer Cooking Class – starts with introduction and advice on individual menu options. Market tour to choose fresh herbs / fish / vegetables then guidance and training to prepare meal with professional Khmer Chefs at the beautiful Lotus Lake Eco Tourism Site.
- Two complimentary 1 hour massages
- Airport transfers from Siem Reap international Airport to Empress Hotel
- Babysitting available upon request for a minimum fee.
Cost
Full Price – $1650 (All inclusive except for airfares)
Early Bird (before 31st March 2012 – also extended to past retreat students) – $1450
Bsb – 802 185
Acc – 131395
Or use our secure paypal account by clicking the pay pal link below
Non Practicing Partners and Children
We are happy for partners and children to join us on the Retreat and will offer a reduced rate for people who do not participate in the Yoga. Experienced first hand – this is a child friendly environment. Should you decide to travel with your children, the Retreat and its coordinators are not responsible for the welfare of your children, but we can provide cost and information on in-house child minding.
Adult non practising – $1000, Child – $400
Price does not include airfare –
Testimonials
“….. The whole retreat from start to finish was so well planned with amazing input from Liz and Simone and hotel staff to ensure that it was an unforgettable experience. Cambodia is a true jewel, a place of such friendliness, peace and love – the perfect place to experience yoga.”Kylie
“….. What a fabulous way of learning and experiencing a different country and gaining an understanding of the practice and way of life with Iyengar Yoga. I also really enjoyed (meeting and) making new friendships with such wonderful and warm people that also came to the retreat. Thank you!”
Janine
I have been a Yoga student since my early 50’s. I started training under Liz not too long after that and Karena about 7 years ago. What a journey it has been! I have watched both Karena and Liz go from strength to strength as teachers as they continue to study and train in the Iyengar System – their commitment to the discipline, their study and the school is very inspiring! After practicing/attending regular classes with their guidance and love for their art – it has inspired me to a higher level in my own life. Both are compassionate, caring and disciplined top shelf teachers not to mention joyful and fun to be with! It doesn’t matter what level or age of the student – they will recognise that in an instant and assist as appropriate to help all students who walk through their door.
Danny Cahill cahill@quikdsl.com.au.
Both Karena and Liz have been my Iyengar yoga teachers over the past 5 years. It is evident through their teachings that they see yoga as a way of life not merely a hobby or a source of income. They have constantly challenged me with my practice and at the same time cared for me as a person.
Each class is different providing an exceptional variety of Iyengar poses. Both Karena and Liz create a safe environment by thoroughly explaining all poses along with the benefits. They make the precision of Iyengar very pleasurable! They also have the incredible ability to keep an eye on everyone at the same time and tailor poses to individual needs and levels of experience.
As well as weekly classes, my experience with Karena and Liz has also expanded to yoga indulge days and a trip to Cambodia this year –both not to be missed! I strongly recommend both Karena and Liz at the Byron Yoga Lounge – they have been a true inspiration to me and ensured that my healthy addiction to Iyengar yoga continues……
Kylie Betts
Flight Information
Flights from Australia can be purchased for as little as $500 (return) with Air Asia (with one nights stay in Kuala Lumpur on flying to Siem reap)
Singapore Airlines fly direct to Siem Reap.
To join our Airfare Flight Alerts email list contact yogawithliz@gmail.com
Accommodation
The retreat is held at a charming and exquisite 4.5 star resort with adult and children’s swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and beautifully appointed Massage/Treatment rooms. The rooms are superior twin OR single, spaciously designed and children are most welcome.
Experienced child minders are available at the hotel as an additional extra.
Food
The buffet breakfast and (al la carte/buffet) dinner menu will be a combination of vegetarian and seafood options. Those with special diets will be catered for so please advise if you require a special diet option. Two dinners (Welcome and Farewell dinner) will be held at the Pool Terrace with Apsara Dance and Traditional Khmer Music. The local village offers in abundance fresh exotic fruit and delicacies which you will have the opportunity daily to purchase.
Yoga and Tour Schedule – Sample
Day One
6-7am (Optional sitting meditation/Pranyama)
7-9am – Asana Practice
9.15-10 am Breakfast
Free Time (massage, markets etc)
4-7 pm – Asana/pranyama/relaxation
730 – Dinner
Day Two
7-9am – Asana Practice
9.15-10 am Breakfast
Free Time
1330-1630 Temple Tour
6-7pm Restorative Yoga
730 – Dinner
About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the base for visiting the temples of Angkor some of which date back to 1100 and houses the largest standing temple in the world. It is a charming town with old French shops and houses, tree lined streets and a slow-flowing river. It has colourful markets, massage houses and restaurants galore! Unlike many Asian Countries it is relatively hassle free. Cambodia is generally a safe country to travel in but common sense is still necessary whilst travelling to any Asian Country. Khmer women and men dress conservatively and when visiting the temples it is respectful to wear long trousers/skirt with shoulders covered. Bargaining is expected in the local markets!
General Information
Visa – You will need a one-month tourist visa (US$20) which you can get on arrival at Siem Reap… or if you wish to avoid the queue – apply for a visa on line via E-Visa Kingdom of Cambodia ( this will cost you approximately AUS $45) + postage and handling please visit www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/
On leaving Siem Reap expect to pay departure tax of US $25. We will notify you of any changes to taxes or visa’s.
Health – When travelling in any country it is important to have comprehensive health insurance. Visit your Doctor at least six weeks before you travel to find out about Recommended Vaccinations or medications when visiting Asian Countries. There is an International Adult and Children’s hospital in Siem Reap.
Seasons - July is an ideal time to visit as the temperature drops from April. July is the beginning of the wet season which lasts until October. So expect some short sharp downpours mostly in the afternoon. The risks of Mosquito born diseases such as dengue fever and malaria are low at the start of the monsoon season but pre-cautions by either ointments/sprays or medications are still recommended. The largest health risk in Cambodia is heat stroke and it is recommended that you maintain regular intake of bottle water throughout your stay. The hotel will provide you with two bottles per day per person and can also provide you with umbrella’s for outings!
Money – A combination of US dollars and Riel is used. At first confusing to work out! You may pay for some thing in US dollars and get Riel as change! Take small denominations of US dollars… Plenty of $1, $2 and $5 dollars and you can exchange either Australian dollars or US dollars into Riel when you are in the country. The local currency Riel is useful for buying smaller items such as fruit or various street food treats!
About Cambodia Children’s Sanctuary
Founded three years ago the orphanage is supported by Lost and Found Tours. There are 24 children living in the sanctuary and were mostly street children who where found and delivered to the Orphanage! It is run by the delightful Mr Sok and local Cambodian volunteers and funded totally through donations and the Lost and Found Tours. All of the children (of age) attend school and presently they are building a new dormitory to create space for the children who are currently sleeping twelve in a queen size bed! The children’s ages vary from three to twelve years old.
How you can help- The children love visitors!! We are more than happy to take you (a short trip) from the hotel to visit. Byron Yoga Lounge will ask for donations of clothes/toys to deliver for the children’s sanctuary – so any spare space in your luggage over would be greatly appreciated! We will donate a percent of our profits to the Sanctuary to buy rice supplies (the stable diet) and contribute to rent that the Sanctuary are required to pay to house the children.
About Liz Costigan
Liz is a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and is the founder of Byron Yoga Lounge in Byron Bay NSW Australia.
“I have travelled extensively through out Asia, and Cambodia is a place I know I will visit over and over again. The connection with the people, the culture and the whole experience of Cambodia is truly amazing. I travel with my six year old son … who like my self can’t wait to go back each year!
Liz is committed to Iyengar Yoga, has a daily practice and currently studies with Senior Iyengar Teacher Glenn Ceresoli. She studied with Simon Marrocco for six years.