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.

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 Savusavu: The domestic flights from Nadi to Savusavu are included in the retreat package. The flights leave Nadi at 7:00, 10:00 and 15:00. They return from Savusavu at 8:30, 14:00 and 16:30. Flight time is one hour. The carrier is Pacific Sun http://www.pacificsun.com.fj/

* If the times don't allow for a same-day connection, you can stay at Raffles Gateway hotel which is straight over the road from the airport, and is comfortable and pleasant.

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 – 9.00 Yoga practice and talk
9.30 am Breakfast
10:30am – 12:30pm Free time: Snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing...
1.00 Lunch
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.
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 Yoga practice / Meditation / 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: Many teachers attend the retreats and all hours on the retreat can be accredited towards your Yoga Alliance teacher training certificate. Heart of Yoga is planning an actual Teacher Training in 2010. Keep an eye on the Dates and Prices page.

Q:  Are the locations near a beach?

A: Both our retreat destinations in Fiji are near a beach!  Bring your snorkels and masks or borrow some from the resorts!

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, 

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..."

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