As humans continue living at a fast pace and technology keeps progressing, the number of people turning within to find peace and a spiritual connection is growing rapidly.  Being a non-judgemental path, yoga practice has likewise seen a rapid growth, with yoga schools, centres, ashrams and teachers dedicated to its various now abundant worldwide. 

Traditionally, yoga was taught one on one.  The teacher would administer yoga postures specific to the individual’s needs and conditions.  Since yoga’s popularity, the yoga ‘class’ has evolved to accommodate many different people at the same time, as well as different styles of yoga.  Whether practising yoga alone, one on one or in a large group, self-awareness remains the key to receiving yoga as a therapy to mind and body.

Changing times, different environments and the diverse backgrounds and ideologies of its teachers have seen yoga adapt into many styles.  However, because of yoga’s essential essence being as powerful as it is, its ability to connect people to themselves, each other, to nature, life, love and wisdom has remained strong and unchanging throughout time. 

One of the greatest attractions of yoga is its all-embracing quality – of cultures, beliefs and religion.  It remains an open path without dogma, its main concern being with developing a healthy mind and body.  No matter what type of lifestyle you lead or other paths you follow, a connection with yoga can be found within.

Jessie Chapman
Yoga Teach and Retreat Operator
Jessie is Australia's bestselling yoga author of 4 yoga books (HarperCollins Australia & Ulysses Press USA) and writes regularly on yoga and health for Wellbeing and other leading magazines. Jessie is well placed to provide the expertise to run retreats also running workshops and designing yoga programs for specific needs.

Jessie discovered yoga in 1991 and has been teaching since 1997. During the retreats she teaches morning Vinyasa flow yoga, afternoon restoration yoga as well as yoga classes to build core strength, relaxation, meditation and evening yoganidra.

SPA TRAVEL UPDATE....

The Spa at the Bulgari Resort Bali invites in-house guests for a weekly Yoga session every Thursday at 8-9am and 5.30-6.30pm in harmony with the natural surrounding elements.  Private Yoga sessions are also available upon request for quests wishing to have a session at their preferred time and place.  Yoga instructor Bapak Alit performs Ashtanga Yoga which improves circulation and calms the mind.

.Jemma Rivera on her Strength and Stillness Retreat in Bali – this luxury retreat staying at Amankila and maya ubud with daily yoga, meditation and qi qong practice and more.. Visit our Spa Calendar

Think tropical climate, warm balmy evening, a group of friends celebrating after a day of pampering and relaxation. For a bespoke Spa Travel experience with add inclusions such as butler service, private dinning and complimentary champagne contact Signature Services at Spa Travel.

Jessie Chapman's Yoga Spa Retreat, Kamalaya Koh Samui -
with twice daily yoga, wholesome foods and much more...visit our Spa Calendar

Take yourself on a journey to the stunning Bay of Fires, Tasmania. Book your space now on the Walk to Rejuvenate as there are only a few places left...visit our Spa Calendar

Needing that dynamic facial? Well the likes of Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen and Liberty Ross give Anastasia Achellios the double thumbs up...the LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi is the place...book now.

Spring in Italy take the journey and experience Fonteverde offers new aesthetic treatments, which give an immediate result, with therapies carried out by the beauty therapist and doctor together. One of the novelties is the medical Newderm, a synergy of two of the most efficacious treatments for the face.  It consists of a micro derma-abrasion with a mandelic acid medical peel with innovative radio frequency equipment.  The treatment is carried out in four phases which stimulate both cellular renewal and the synthesis of collagen, helping to tone and hydrate in depth the skin of the face, thanks to radio frequency.  The other anti-oxidant, regenerating treatments are based on the efficacious in depth application of vitamin C, fruit acid and hyaluronic acid.
Fonteverde offers not only the experience of the beauty therapist and medical attention but also the possibility of a consultation with the cosmetologist.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand is launching four new amazing programs for your mind, body and soul including: Asian Bliss, Introduction to Detox, Optimal Fitness and Personal Yoga. To read more

Coming Soon:  An amazing array of events at Kamalaya Koh Samui for January 2009.