Thanyapura Mind Centre Inaugurates World-Class Yoga Programme With First Ashtanga Weekend Retreat

PHUKET, THAILAND – The innovative Thanyapura Mind Centre will hold its inaugural weekend yoga retreat between November 18 and 20, suitable for all levels of practitioners searching for a boost to mind, body and soul.

This will be a truly world-class programme run by an exceptionally well-qualified teacher and instructor who has worked beside and been taught by some of the world’s most eminent scholars in Ashtanga.

The Foundations of Ashtanga Yoga workshop will be run by Kimberly Roberts, a seasoned teacher with extensive knowledge and experience of the Ashtanga system.

Thanyapura’s mind centre is committed to bringing the best and most knowledgeable partners to the centre and Ms Roberts is certainly one the best Ashtanga teachers to ever visit Phuket.

The retreat will explore the foundational practices of Ashtanga yoga, leading students at their own pace to revitalise and prepare the body to experience its deeper essence in meditation. Practitioners will move through the postures at their own pace and advance only when ready. The practice will be adjusted to the appropriate level for each student. No prior experience is necessary and all levels of students are welcome.

The weekend will begin with an introduction and discussion on Friday evening, before moving into practice and meditation on Saturday, followed by a discussion group. Sunday’s class will continue to explore details of the Ashtanga system, ending with a seated meditation. The weekend will close with a question and answer session.

Residential rates, which include all yoga, three meals, fitness and pool access in the adjacent Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club (TSLC), plus one-hour complimentary massage, start at THB11,600 for single occupancy and THB20,200 for double occupancy.

A non-residential option is also available at THB3,300 per person per day, which includes yoga, lunch, fitness centre and pool access at the TSLC and a one hour massage.

This weekend program marks the initiation of Ashtanga yoga into the curriculum of Thanyapura’s offerings. An ongoing, seasonal Ashtanga (Mysore) program will eventually be incorporated into the schedule so that students may continue the study of Ashtanga yoga at Thanyapura.

The boutique retreat centre, located just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, is surrounded by the natural beauty of a national park, and also offers excellent accommodation with access to the Olympic-standard sports facilities of the ground-breaking TSLC. In addition, guests are invited to enjoy the on-site organic dining options, spa and events facilities as well as the Mind Centre’s meditation programmes.

Beginning her committed practice of Ashtanga yoga in 1992 under the guidance of Richard Freeman in Boulder, Colorado, USA, Kimberly spent a year studying with Sri Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy in Mysore, India, where she was authorised to teach the Ashtanga system. In addition, Kimberly earned a teaching certificate from the White Lotus Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She also has extensive experience guiding meditation students in retreat settings.

The Foundations of Ashtanga Yoga Retreat coming to the Thanyapura Mind Centre on Phuket.

Resource : Ms. Padmini Mangunta Online Communications Director E-mail: padmini@thanyapura.com Tel: +66 (0) 76 336 000 Mobile: + 66 (0) 8 3173 4655 www.thanyapura.com

October 12, 2011