Yoga and Spiritual Retreats and Festivals for 2015 and 2016.
By Serena Deeb
VEDA MELA
NOVEMBER 7-8. THE REEF, DOWNTOWN LA
Plan a staycation for your soul and venture into downtown Los Angeles for this celebration of yoga and the Vedic arts. Designed to nourish your body, mind and spirit, this eclectic weekend includes yoga, meditation, wellness, Ayurveda, music, food, and more. Keynote speeches feature Mother Maya Tiwari and Mallika Chopra. Roll out your yoga mat, indulge in a spa treatment, soak up some sound healing, attend a workshop, or simply connect with fellow Angelenos in a beautifully conscious environment. Teachers and presenters include Shiva Rea, Demetri Velisarius, Sianna Sherman, Kia Miller, Sarah Ezrin, Sigrid Matthews, Mas Vidal, Mark Whitwell, DJ Drez, Sheela Bringi, and J-Heart. Wander the exhibit hall and explore products and tasty delights from several companies. Kombucha Dog will also be hosting a special dog adoption to help find happy homes for homeless canines. The best part: the proceeds benefit two wonderful nonprofits: Yoga Gives Back and Mother Om Mission.
SEDONA VEDIC ASTROLOGY CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 19-23. SEDONA, AZ
Awaken the mystic within you and soar away to the spiritual vortex of Sedona, Arizona. Nestle into the Poco Diablo Resort for this five-day event centered around Vedic Astrology and learn from the leading figures who have devoted their lives to this ancient Eastern science. Fill your transformative weekend with expansive yoga classes and an array of intensives, lectures and workshops that will open a whole new Universe within you. Learn to interpret your birth chart, explore Ayurveda, participate in ritual and ceremony, and align yourself with the planetary movements that bear a cosmic significance on your life. Gain a deeper understanding of your role on this planet: your “essence.” Teachers include Komilla Sutton, Christina Collins, Nalini Kanta Das, Sam Geppi, Dennis Harness, William Levacy, Mas Vidal, Ruth Hartung, Jeff Masters, Julie Swietlik, and Rama Jyoti Vernon. Through the integration of ancient wisdom and the modern Western world, find guidance to navigate your journey and embrace our interconnectedness.
BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL
MARCH 29-APRIL 3, 2016. UBUD, BALI
Magical transformation in a supported space lies at the heart of this five-day yoga, music and dance festival on the Indonesian island of Bali. Designed to connect kindred spirits from across the world,will celebrate the 9th annual Bali Spirit Fest. Honoring the traditional Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the festival preserves harmony in three areas: among people, with nature, and with God. An abundance of yoga classes will complement a plethora of musical offerings, including kirtan/chanting and the fusion of Indonesian sounds with visiting global artists at both the Coco Love Stage and One World One Stage. The sacred celebration places a strong emphasis on community outreach, known as karma initiatives, raising funds to support several Balinese organizations.
Private Retreat w/Unlimited Yoga at Santa Barbara Yoga Center
Santa Barbara
santabarbarayogacenter.com/weekend-yoga-retreats
Immerse yourself in practice at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center’s full studio apartment available to rent for short stays. Relax and rejuvenate in sunny downtown Santa Barbara. The onsite studio apartment includes bamboo floors, your own private yoga studio, props and unlimited classes at the yoga center. Private sessions and massage available with prior booking. Retreats are $220 a night for one person, $240 a night for two people (each person receives unlimited yoga). Special pricing available for stays longer than two nights.
