WINTER WELLNESS WEEKEND RETREAT
Enjoy a fast and easy getaway for the Queen's birthday holiday! Yoga by the Sea's Winter Wellness Weekend is set at Manly's iconic Q Station, a unique heritage listed site located on the fringe of North Head’s National Park, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Just a hop, skip and a jump for most, this mini-retreat cuts out unnecessary travel for city-hoppers looking to maximize their time on a nurturing winter escape, close to home, yet back to Nature.
Hosted by Yoga by the Sea’s Sasha Hawley, this northside retreat includes three soul-warming yoga & meditation classes, cacao welcome circle and organic treats, all delicious meals, heavenly sound healing journey and yoga nidra, Q Station history tour, guided nature hike through the National Park (and an earlybird massage if you book by April 30th). With lots of free time to unwind at your own pace, experience the seclusion of Q Station’s coastal retreat, with Manly’s magical markets, music and beaches only moments away! Touching on Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, we’ll be exploring how we can mindfully live, explore and communicate in our everyday lives to sustain the good vibes and positive benefits we experience on a wellbeing retreat.
HOST: SASHA HAWLEY
Ecowarrior & creator of Yoga by the Sea - a sustainable, homegrown, community-minded business founded in in Bondi, 2006. Born in Sydney but at home in the world, Sasha has taught the practice of peace via yoga, tai chi, meditation & humour throughout Europe, Turkey, South America & Australasia for 20 years. Among Sasha’s students - sports pros, celebrities, royalty, kids, teens, the active, elderly, disabled and pregnant - everyone is welcome! Certified by the Australasian Yoga Institute, she completed her Advanced Teacher Training in Rishikesh (India) & Pre-Natal Yoga Training via Bliss Baby (Byron Bay) before becoming a Mum herself. As a result, her mellow seaside classes feel like you've been hugged by Mother Nature, while her Retreats are creative, inspiring & nurturing.
YOGA by the SEA
Don’t forget to BYO yoga mat! Sasha will be guiding you through three of her signature Yin & Yang classes, weaving in Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, a favourite source of inspiration and guidance on how to live a balanced and ethical life both on and off the mat. To make the most of the winter sun, seaside classes occur at sunset and after sunrise at Q Station, overlooking Sydney Harbour, before dinner and breakfast (as its advisable to wait until after Yoga to eat main meals). With two decades of experience, Sasha facilitates classes and retreats that everyone can access, tailoring on-the-spot variations to suit beginners, challenge those more experienced, and soothe injuries, aches, pains, pregnancies, stress, burnout & fatigue. The traditional Hatha elements relax the nervous system, cool emotions, improve flexibility, release deep tension, massage & detoxify organs, restoring mental/ physical/ emotional equilibrium within a meditative approach. The warming Vinyasa elements create a flowing cardiovascular endorphin kick, improving strength, fitness, balance, focus, endurance, joint stability, attention span, wellness and wellbeing, Due to the principles of Yoga by the Sea, classes take place where natural healing elements and sea views dominate the senses, outdoors (weather permitting), with plenty of feel-good sunshine (Vitamin D) and ion-rich, ocean air (Vitamin Sea). Keep in mind, you do what you want, when you want, so we encourage you to honour your boundaries, health conditions, energy levels etc. and rest when needed.
ACCOMMODATION: Q STATION
A hidden gem located at North Head on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Manly, Australia. This hotel destination provides a unique look into a slice of Sydney's history and at the same time delivers a destination that cannot be replicated anywhere, a must stay for all Australians and tourists alike! Located in the midst of 36 hectares of National Park in North Head Manly, only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, or take the scenic route via a 30 minute ferry from Circular Quay. Experience the magic of Sydney Harbour from your spacious Deluxe room with ensuite bathroom, queen bed, high ceilings, ornate windows and French-style doors that lead onto a shared balcony with historic, park or garden views. Wake up to the tranquil sounds of the Aussie bush, with all the creature comforts that make a winter’s getaway as cozy as possible.
CACAO WELCOME CEREMONY
Kind of like an earthy Welcome Drinks with your host Sasha! This will be an opportunity to meet and greet fellow retreaters, share information, drink ceremonial Cacao (magical hot chocolate) and set intentions for our weekend, before a relaxing sunset yoga class. Gathering together to drink Cacao is a wonderful way to create healing, connection and inspiration. Engaging with chocolate as a ritual (rather than consuming it mindlessly like candy) has a positive impact on our individual wellbeing, as well as our global ecosystem. Cacao ceremonies have gained popularity because they are spaces for people to connect with each other in new ways, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with ancient parts of ourselves that remember the simple power of gathering together in community.
MEALS:
Hot buffet breakfast is included at Views Restaurant, located in the Main Accommodation Precinct. Healthy lunch boxes will be provided including a salad, wrap, raw cacao bar, whole fruit, sourdough baguette & butter, sparkling mineral water. A two course dinner at Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar will be served each evening with your choice of main and dessert from the menu designed by Executive Chef, Shane Davey. Sparkling water is included with dinner and guests can purchase additional drinks on the evening.
HISTORY TOUR
While staying at this historic gem, join their fascinating 1 hour trip through time, spanning 150 years at the Quarantine Station. Discover the stories behind the land, historic architecture and first visitors, starting their new life in Australia after making the arduous & lengthy journey from their homelands. Ultimately a success story for the growing Sydney population, those that were quarantined in the name of Health recorded tales of love and loss within a landscape of rapid cultural and social change, medical history and progress.
MEDITATIVE NATURE WALK
Meeting at the North Fort, we’ll take a silent meditation walk to North Head Sanctuary Visitors Centre and Sydney Harbour lookouts. 1 hour round trip with time for refreshments at Bella Vista Café. For those keen to explore further, there is the option to continue along the Barracks Precinct bushwalk to postcard-perfect Shelly beach... A walking meditation is designed to cultivate gratitude for Mother Earth, syncing the mind, body and soul while we are out and about. If you don’t like to sit and close the eyes to meditate, this is a great alternative that still trains the mind in calm, embodied awareness within a natural environment.
FAREWELL SOUND HEALING
Much like Yoga, the history of sound healing goes back thousands of years when Greek physicians used mythical instruments to heal patients, tapping into the power of vibration to aid digestion, treat mental disturbance and promote sleep. It wasn’t until the 19th Century that researchers began to study the healing effects of music, finding it could lower blood pressure and assist the work of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body calm down and recover from stress. Following check out and a light lunch, the one hour Yoga Nidra (guided meditation) and "Sound Bath" recital is an invitation to lie down, digest and relax for the peaceful crescendo of our Wellness Weekend as we shift seasons, preparing for the upcoming new moon - a perfect time to set positive intentions. Hosted by renowned maestro, Elizabeth Wittingslow, this audible feast will finetune and restore a healthy vibrational frequency to your mind, body and soul.
Hosted by Yoga by the Sea’s Sasha Hawley, this northside retreat includes three soul-warming yoga & meditation classes, cacao welcome circle and organic treats, all delicious meals, heavenly sound healing journey and yoga nidra, Q Station history tour, guided nature hike through the National Park (and an earlybird massage if you book by April 30th). With lots of free time to unwind at your own pace, experience the seclusion of Q Station’s coastal retreat, with Manly’s magical markets, music and beaches only moments away! Touching on Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, we’ll be exploring how we can mindfully live, explore and communicate in our everyday lives to sustain the good vibes and positive benefits we experience on a wellbeing retreat.
HOST: SASHA HAWLEY
Ecowarrior & creator of Yoga by the Sea - a sustainable, homegrown, community-minded business founded in in Bondi, 2006. Born in Sydney but at home in the world, Sasha has taught the practice of peace via yoga, tai chi, meditation & humour throughout Europe, Turkey, South America & Australasia for 20 years. Among Sasha’s students - sports pros, celebrities, royalty, kids, teens, the active, elderly, disabled and pregnant - everyone is welcome! Certified by the Australasian Yoga Institute, she completed her Advanced Teacher Training in Rishikesh (India) & Pre-Natal Yoga Training via Bliss Baby (Byron Bay) before becoming a Mum herself. As a result, her mellow seaside classes feel like you've been hugged by Mother Nature, while her Retreats are creative, inspiring & nurturing.
YOGA by the SEA
Don’t forget to BYO yoga mat! Sasha will be guiding you through three of her signature Yin & Yang classes, weaving in Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, a favourite source of inspiration and guidance on how to live a balanced and ethical life both on and off the mat. To make the most of the winter sun, seaside classes occur at sunset and after sunrise at Q Station, overlooking Sydney Harbour, before dinner and breakfast (as its advisable to wait until after Yoga to eat main meals). With two decades of experience, Sasha facilitates classes and retreats that everyone can access, tailoring on-the-spot variations to suit beginners, challenge those more experienced, and soothe injuries, aches, pains, pregnancies, stress, burnout & fatigue. The traditional Hatha elements relax the nervous system, cool emotions, improve flexibility, release deep tension, massage & detoxify organs, restoring mental/ physical/ emotional equilibrium within a meditative approach. The warming Vinyasa elements create a flowing cardiovascular endorphin kick, improving strength, fitness, balance, focus, endurance, joint stability, attention span, wellness and wellbeing, Due to the principles of Yoga by the Sea, classes take place where natural healing elements and sea views dominate the senses, outdoors (weather permitting), with plenty of feel-good sunshine (Vitamin D) and ion-rich, ocean air (Vitamin Sea). Keep in mind, you do what you want, when you want, so we encourage you to honour your boundaries, health conditions, energy levels etc. and rest when needed.
ACCOMMODATION: Q STATION
A hidden gem located at North Head on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Manly, Australia. This hotel destination provides a unique look into a slice of Sydney's history and at the same time delivers a destination that cannot be replicated anywhere, a must stay for all Australians and tourists alike! Located in the midst of 36 hectares of National Park in North Head Manly, only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, or take the scenic route via a 30 minute ferry from Circular Quay. Experience the magic of Sydney Harbour from your spacious Deluxe room with ensuite bathroom, queen bed, high ceilings, ornate windows and French-style doors that lead onto a shared balcony with historic, park or garden views. Wake up to the tranquil sounds of the Aussie bush, with all the creature comforts that make a winter’s getaway as cozy as possible.
CACAO WELCOME CEREMONY
Kind of like an earthy Welcome Drinks with your host Sasha! This will be an opportunity to meet and greet fellow retreaters, share information, drink ceremonial Cacao (magical hot chocolate) and set intentions for our weekend, before a relaxing sunset yoga class. Gathering together to drink Cacao is a wonderful way to create healing, connection and inspiration. Engaging with chocolate as a ritual (rather than consuming it mindlessly like candy) has a positive impact on our individual wellbeing, as well as our global ecosystem. Cacao ceremonies have gained popularity because they are spaces for people to connect with each other in new ways, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with ancient parts of ourselves that remember the simple power of gathering together in community.
MEALS:
Hot buffet breakfast is included at Views Restaurant, located in the Main Accommodation Precinct. Healthy lunch boxes will be provided including a salad, wrap, raw cacao bar, whole fruit, sourdough baguette & butter, sparkling mineral water. A two course dinner at Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar will be served each evening with your choice of main and dessert from the menu designed by Executive Chef, Shane Davey. Sparkling water is included with dinner and guests can purchase additional drinks on the evening.
HISTORY TOUR
While staying at this historic gem, join their fascinating 1 hour trip through time, spanning 150 years at the Quarantine Station. Discover the stories behind the land, historic architecture and first visitors, starting their new life in Australia after making the arduous & lengthy journey from their homelands. Ultimately a success story for the growing Sydney population, those that were quarantined in the name of Health recorded tales of love and loss within a landscape of rapid cultural and social change, medical history and progress.
MEDITATIVE NATURE WALK
Meeting at the North Fort, we’ll take a silent meditation walk to North Head Sanctuary Visitors Centre and Sydney Harbour lookouts. 1 hour round trip with time for refreshments at Bella Vista Café. For those keen to explore further, there is the option to continue along the Barracks Precinct bushwalk to postcard-perfect Shelly beach... A walking meditation is designed to cultivate gratitude for Mother Earth, syncing the mind, body and soul while we are out and about. If you don’t like to sit and close the eyes to meditate, this is a great alternative that still trains the mind in calm, embodied awareness within a natural environment.
FAREWELL SOUND HEALING
Much like Yoga, the history of sound healing goes back thousands of years when Greek physicians used mythical instruments to heal patients, tapping into the power of vibration to aid digestion, treat mental disturbance and promote sleep. It wasn’t until the 19th Century that researchers began to study the healing effects of music, finding it could lower blood pressure and assist the work of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body calm down and recover from stress. Following check out and a light lunch, the one hour Yoga Nidra (guided meditation) and "Sound Bath" recital is an invitation to lie down, digest and relax for the peaceful crescendo of our Wellness Weekend as we shift seasons, preparing for the upcoming new moon - a perfect time to set positive intentions. Hosted by renowned maestro, Elizabeth Wittingslow, this audible feast will finetune and restore a healthy vibrational frequency to your mind, body and soul.
