East West Yoga

The Yoga Retreat
Yoga sessions will take place every day from Sunday morning through to Friday morning and departures will be by Saturday mid-day.  Classes take place in the Village Hall in Scalasaig, the main village on the island and these will be taught by Gerry Chambers and Lynda Purvis, a three hour class in the morning and between 1 and 2 hours in the evening.  Participants on the course should have had at least one year's regular practice with an Iyengar teacher.  Those who have practised other methods of yoga but who are keen to come should speak to us first.  You will need to bring your own yoga equipment to the retreat.

Getting there
Colonsay is a beautiful unspoilt island in the southern Hebrides about 2.5 hours by ferry from Oban on the west coast of Scotland.  While it is not remote, it does take some careful planning to get there. Ferries run most days and there is normally only one ferry in each direction per day.  A typical journey could involve taking a train to Glasgow and then a connecting train from Glasgow to Oban (2 or 3 per day) followed by the ferry crossing.  The village hall and most of the island's facilities are very near the ferry terminal. We would advise you to arrive on Colonsay by the Saturday evening ferry on 13 June (usually at 16.30 hours).   You should book accommodation for seven nights from Saturday to Saturday.  Bicycle is an ideal way to get around the island which is rugged in places but not mountainous. Bikes can be hired on the island or you can bring your own.  Cars can be taken to the island but are not really necessary when you get there unless you find accommodation in a more remote location.

Facilities on the island
It is the natural environment which makes Colonsay such an appealing place and a popular vacation choice especially during the school holidays. However it never gets busy and you soon feel you are away from busy urban life.   You will find further information about the island on the websites mentioned below.  There is a very good village shop with a wide range of whole foods and fresh produce, and this will be especially useful if you are self-catering, something we recommend. There is a very good hotel owned by the Colonsay Estate which in addition to accommodation has a restaurant and bar.  There are a couple of other cafes and a good bookshop. Wifi is available in the hotel and there is good mobile phone reception.

Accommodation
There is a variety of good quality accommodation on the island to suit all budgets.  There is a backpackers lodge, a boutique hotel, bed and breakfast, and self-catering cottages, many of which are owned by the Colonsay Estate.  We are asking participants to find their own accommodation but you should do this soon. Accommodation costs are therefore not included in the cost of the retreat. You may not be able to find suitable accommodation if you leave this to the last minute and we strongly advise securing accommodation early.  The Estate's self catering cottages and apartments are very good value if shared by 3 or 4 people.  Bear in mind the proximity of your accommodation to Scalasaig when booking it.

We have again booked Scalasaig farmhouse (http://www.colonsayestate.co.uk/holiday-cottages/colonsay/countryside-views/scalasaig-farmhouse.aspx) which sleeps 6-8 and if you are interested in this you need to reserve it soon directly with us at a cost from approx £200 pp sharing a twin room (cost to be confirmed).

Costs
The cost of the retreat is £349 which includes your yoga tuition and share of hall rental charges. Accommodation costs and meals are not included and you will need to make your own travel arrangements.

Further information
The following websites will be helpful in planning your trip:
For information about trains:  www.scotrail.co.uk
Ferry information: www.calmac.co.uk
Info about Colonsay and accommodation: www.colonsay.org.uk
The Colonsay Estate (for self-catering cottages and apts):  www.colonsayestate.co.uk

Gerry Chambers and Lynda Purvis

EastWestYoga
5 Castle Park
4 Raddenstile Lane
Exmouth EX8 2JH

01395 266616

www.eastwestyoga.org.uk

You will find a booking form here.