Q:  Who can attend the retreats?

A:  Anyone who is able to travel to the destination can attend the retreat. The Yoga practice is modified to suite the individual, and you don’t need to have prior experience (except for Teacher Training).
All levels are welcome. 
“If you can breathe, You can do yoga”

Q:  Can I bring my children?

A:  Children under 18 years are welcome when accompanied by a parent. Child care can be arranged upon request for extra charge (Fiji retreats only). Please contact us well in advance to discuss.

Q:  How to get there?

A: Making your way to our retreat destinations in Fiji is easier than you think! Many international airlines fly to Nadi, the main airport in Fiji.

To find the best airfare from your nearest international airport, please search on:

http://www.travelsupermarket.com/ (For UK and EU) or
http://www.farecompare.com/ (For US / AU / worldwide)

From Nadi you take an easy local flight to either one of our retreat destinations.

to Taveuni: Pacific Sun and Air Fiji offer daily flights from either Nadi or Suva to Taveuni. There are also boat services from Suva.

For more information on Pacific Sun's schedules and timetables, please visit their website.
http://www.pacificsun.com.fj/

to Delhi: Multiple international airlines fly to Delhi from around the world.  Make sure to apply for your tourist visa for India in time. Most nationalities can do this online!  

Q:  Will I need a visa for Fiji?

A: Most nationalities (including UK and US) do not need a visa to enter Fiji. For further details please consult this web page:

http://www.fijiembassydc.com/default.asp?contentID=521

Q: What is the daily schedule like on the retreats?

A: Here is an example of a daily program:

7.00 Light Breakfast
8.00 - 10:30am Yoga practice and Talk
11:00am Hearty Brunch
12.00 - 2:00pm Free time: Snorkeling, swimming, sun  bathing
2:00pm Afternoon Visit to local village / Walk to waterfalls
4.00 – 6:00pm Yoga workshop and Meditation
7:00pm Dinner

Q: What levels are the Yoga classes for?

A: The Yoga tuition on the retreats caters for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced and experienced Yogis and Yoga teachers. All levels are welcome. For special needs, please talk to us in advance.

Q:  Will I need vaccinations or malaria medication?

A:  Hepa A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Yellow Fever vaccines are recommended.  Malaria preventative medication not necessary.   Find more info from:

http://www.traveldoctor.info/vaccinations/fiji.209.html

Remember to bring any own personal medications!

Q:  What is included in the price?

A: Heart of Yoga Retreats are all-inclusive (except for flights):
All Yoga tuition, meditation, accommodation and vegetarian meals (some with optional fish) are included, unless otherwise mentioned.
Our prices also include airport transfers, interesting local excursions, and in some cases even a complimentary massage.
Please consult the Date and Prices page for more detailed information on each retreat!

Q:  How much Yoga will we do each day?

A:  There will be approximately 3-4 hours of Asana practice / Meditation / Discussion / Workshop each day, (except on arrival and departure days).  This will either be broken into two sessions or one longer session.
On arrival and departure days we offer a shortened Yoga / Meditation class, which may vary.

Q: Does Heart of Yoga / Mark Whittwell do Teacher Training?

A:  Yes! Heart of Yoga offers a Teacher Training course in November 2010. See details on 'Teacher Training' page on this website. All hours on other Heart of Yoga retreats can be accredited towards your Yoga Alliance teacher training certificate.  

Q:  Are the locations near a beach?

A: Our retreat destination in Fiji is right on the beach!  Bring your snorkels and masks or borrow some from the resort!

A:  Who teaches the Yoga classes?

Q:  All Yoga classes are taught by Mark Whittwell, unless otherwise stated. 

Q:  What should I bring?

A:  Packing list essentials include:  Comfortable, loose fitting yoga clothes, Yoga mat (if you have your own),  beach wear, light long sleeves/trousers for the evening, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, personal medication, note book and pen, camera.

Q:  Will I need to do some specific reading before the retreat?

A: No prior reading or study is required. However we can highly recommend Mark Whittell's book "Yoga of the Heart" and T.K.V. Desikachar's "The Heart of Yoga".
      

Q:  What style of Yoga is taught on the retreats?

A:   Ha-Tha Yoga as taught by Sri Krishnamacharya "the Teacher of our Teachers"  - the father of Yoga as we know it.

      
Mark Whittwell studied in direct lineage of Krishnamacharya. He teaches in a very holistic way and is devoted to help each student find a personal Yoga practice that s right for them. 

Q:  Will Meditation be taught?

A:   Meditation will be incorporated in the Yoga practice.   Mark says:   "You cannot do meditation.  It arises as a Siddhi, a gift, in the right circumstance..." Time for Meditation will be allowed for after each Asana practice and Relaxation.

Q: What other activities besides Yoga are available:

A: Many additional activities are included in the price. These include snorkeling, village and market visits, special events such as Fijian dance and kirtan chanting evenings, walks to waterfalls, nature hiking trails. Scuba diving, kayaking, boat tours and many interesting cultural visits are also available.

Q: What kind of food is served? What about drinks?

A: Healthy vegetarian meals are served on the retreats, plus optional fish on request. Wine or other alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.

Q: What about food allergies and dietary requirements?

A: We try to cater for most common allergies and dietary restrictions. Please talk to us in advance.

Did we answer your Question?

If not, please contact us, or email: info@heartofyogaretreats.com