Basunti, India 2020 Retreat

Basunti Lakeside Retreat, Himalayan Foothills, Himachal Pradesh, North India

Friday 10th – Friday 17th April 

With Melissa Lomas and Philip Copestake

The theme for the retreat will be The Cakras.

We will make the most of the amazing environment at Basunti to explore the seven energy centres of the body. We will focus on one cakra each day, using a variety of practices and the elements all around, to expand our awareness of each energy centre.

There will be at least three practices each day shared between Melissa and Phil. The practices will include Asana, Pranayama, Relaxation, Meditation, Chanting, Mindful practices and Creative work. Most of the practices will take place on site at Basunti – in the purpose-built thatched yoga shala; the roof terrace with panoramic views of the lake and mountains; or the meditation area with views over the lake.

There will be free time each day to swim, take a massage and have some quiet reflective time in the beautiful grounds of Basunti or explore the surrounding area.

Basunti

Basunti is an idyllic private lakeside retreat, in the foothills of the Indian Himalaya. It is situated at the heart of a wildlife reserve and has been developed sympathetically in accord with the local environment. The garden and grounds are beautifully cared for; full of tropical flowers and plants and water features. The surrounding area including the lake attracts a diverse range of birds and wildlife, and is perfect for peaceful walks, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Accommodation is full board in twin or double bedded en-suite lodges, each with their own private veranda. Food served is predominantly vegetarian, with much of the fruit and vegetables grown organically in the garden. Fresh bread and cakes are baked on site each day. Meals are served buffet style on the large spacious verandas. There is a beautiful pool with views over the lake. www.basunti-yoga-india.co.uk

The Teachers

Melissa and Phil began their Yoga training together in 2000 and have studied and shared practices together ever since. They are both Association for Yoga Practitioners. Their teaching first and foremost responds to the needs of the student; physically, mentally, energetically and emotionally. This approach places particular emphasis on the breath, forming a bridge between body and spirit. Working in this way has the capacity to stretch and strengthen the body, breath, mind and heart, bringing balance and equilibrium.

Melissa Lomas

Melissa has been practising Yoga since 1991, and teaching since 2000. Melissa teaches group classes, workshops and individuals in and around South Yorkshire. Since 2012 Melissa has also incorporated Mindfulness practices into her teaching and has become increasingly interested in the nourishing power of chant. She is also a qualified Counsellor and works in this field alongside her yoga teaching practice.

Philip Copestake

Phil began practicing yoga in the late 1980s and completed his teacher training in 2002. He has taught group classes, individuals, and a number of workshops, mainly in south-west London where he lived for over 25 years. As a practicing artist, Phil is fascinated by the connection between the experience of yoga and the creative process, bringing elements of this into his yoga teaching. He also has a background in the Biological Sciences and works in a health-related field alongside his art and yoga teaching.

Fee

£850 (based on two sharing)

A non-refundable deposit of £250 to be paid by 1st August 2019.

The balance can be paid in instalments and is due by 1st January 2020.

The package includes:

7 days to relax and be nourished in the beautiful and tranquil setting at Basunti.
At least three practices per day, shared between the two teachers.
Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner, with refreshments during the day.
All Yoga mats, blocks etc are provided at Basunti.

To reserve a place on this retreat please contact either Melissa (info@melissalomas.co.uk) or Phil (philipcopestake@gmail.com).

If you have any questions about the trip or require any further information, please either email us, or call Melissa on 07853817888 or Phil on 07725565984.

There will be an Information Meeting giving more details and practical information held during the summer.

There will also be the opportunity to extend this week’s retreat and take part in an extended tour of India, over either one or two weeks prior to the Retreat, being arranged by Bev Scholefield in conjunction with an Indian Tour guide that she has travelled with several times in the past. If you would like more information about this, please let me know, and I can put you in touch with Bev.

Additional costs

Flights to Amritsar via Bombay from Manchester are currently around £500 Travel to Basunti from Amritsar.
Tourist e-visas are about £40.
You will need Travel Insurance to cover you for the trip.