Santosha in Nova Scotia Retreat
Oh, beautiful August on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia - we can't imagine a more perfect setting to celebrate summer and cultivate contentment, or Santosha! Santosha is a practice of dropping into the moment - experiencing sounds, sights, feelings, joys, challenges, insights - and riding the wave with contentment in heart and mind. This is a robust offering with many wonderful, unique elements included in your package – please read on to learn more!
Checka and Courtney, who share a deep love for yoga and the outdoors, are thrilled to have Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort and Retreat as our home base for this epic five-night summer retreat. The Resort was created by owners Paul and Barbara when they fell in love with this beautiful land on St. Ann's Bay at the heart of the famed Cabot Trail. They absorbed the energy of the ocean, forest, waterfalls, wildlife and glorious natural bounty - and knew they had to share it with fellow seekers around the world.
Nature, and a deep respect for all it provides, is woven into every detail of life at Cabot Shores, from 30% of their energy coming from solar power, to nourishing guests with organic food from their own land and local suppliers, to complimentary lavender and mint bath products in each room.
We will practice yoga twice on each full day of the retreat aside from our Ingonish excursion day; expect invigorating all-levels vinyasa flow in the mornings and a chill class, such as SPA Yoga or Restorative Yoga with Reiki, in the afternoons. All classes are exclusive to our retreat group, allowing you ample opportunity to deepen and be supported in your practice. We warmly welcome those with all levels of yoga experience to join this retreat!
Also included are two group excursions to explore the island together:
1) Daytrip to the town of Ingonish in the Cape Breton Highlands (beach time, two hiking options so you can choose between rigorous or more gentle, and some unique shops).
2) Hike to one of the many waterfalls on the island (we will choose based on access and magnificence)!
There are hiking trails beginning right at Cabot Shores to explore any time as well. Stay alert for beaver, moose and more! Many local artisans are within walking distance too. To facilitate time on the water, we have reserved kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for our group for the entire retreat (paddle boards are first come first served). And for an extra sweet summer night -- your retreat will include will include a live music concert on Saturday! If you love to play music yourself, you’ll be in for a treat as there are usually informal jams after each concert. Music is a big part of life at Cabot Shores, so there are plenty of instruments on hand to borrow.
With all of this adventure and movement in store, it is just as important to slow down, be still and receive. To soothe your yoga / hiking muscles and provide an extra special spot for star gazing, we have reserved a private hot tub for our group for each night aside from arrival night. In addition, Cabot Shores has a lovely array of Healing Arts offerings you can add to your retreat, from infrared sauna to massage to acupuncture (advance booking for massage and acupuncture is recommended – we will provide more information as the retreat approaches).
A hearty and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner are included beginning with dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day. Eat outside under the sun on the large deck of Whiffs Lodge, while eagles soar overhead and the ocean subtly roars in the background, or dine inside with delectable food, good conversation and friendly service.
LODGING AND PRICING*:
We have reserved two Chalets and several Lodge Rooms (all accommodations have air conditioning) for our group. (The more camping-style domes and yurts tend to be very warm during late summer and we want to be sure everyone is comfortable). We have space for just 14-16 yogis to join us, so don't delay! Here are your options (all prices are per person):
1) Shared room in Chalet (this price point applies to a spot in shared upstairs room with 3-4 separate beds OR to 2 people sharing double/queen bed in private downstairs room). Each chalet has two shared bathrooms. Price: $1,600 - Four spots remaining!
2) Private room in Chalet (one person in a double or queen bed downstairs). Each chalet has two shared bathrooms. Price: $1,800 - SOLD OUT
3) Double Occupancy Lodge Room with private bathroom (either two separate beds or one double/queen bed - first come first served) with private bathroom. Price: $1,700 - SOLD OUT
4) Single Occupancy Lodge Room (double or queen bed) with private bathroom. Price: $1,900 - SOLD OUT
*The above represents early bird pricing; costs increase $100 after May 31.
GETTING THERE:
You will fly into JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) on Cape Breton Island. There are several flights connecting through Halifax and other Canadian cities each day. If you're curious about Halifax, you might consider extending your trip to check it out - it's a great city! The Sydney airport is about one hour away from Cabot Shores; we will provide transportation between Sydney Airport and Cabot Shores (included in your cost). We will make an effort to pick you up as close to your arrival time as possible, but there may be a minor wait time in order to accommodate all arrivals. If for any reason you would prefer to fly into Halifax and travel the 4-5 hours from there by shuttle on your own, we can offer some information on companies to contact. And of course - you could alternatively decide to make it a road trip adventure and drive to Cabot Shores! (Some have asked about ferries, but this is only an option if you happen to be coming from Newfoundland or Prince Edward Island).
Please email us your flight info once you have booked it!
INCLUDED:
· Five nights accommodation at Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort and Retreat
· Three meals per day (omnivore menu with plenty of options for vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free diners and those with food allergies). Gratuity for food service is also included in your retreat price.
· Twice daily yoga classes aside from one class only on Ingonish excursion day
· Airport pick-up and drop-off (Sydney airport only)
· Two group excursions (including transportation)
· Unlimited use of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards
· Private hot tub for our retreat group
· Saturday night concert ticket
· Use of resort grounds / water access / hiking trails at your leisure
NOT INCLUDED:
Flights
Optional Healing Arts add-ons (massage / acupuncture / sauna)
Alcoholic beverages (will be available for purchase and you are welcome to enjoy your own in your Chalet / Lodge Room)
IMPORTANT INFO:
For anyone who has animal allergies, we want to make sure you know that Cabot Shores is a pet-friendly resort - other guests coming from nearby might be traveling with their pets.
If you are traveling from outside of Canada, please check that your passport / passport card is valid six months beyond the retreat.
Purchasing trip insurance is recommended for ALL retreats.
Deposits and subsequent balance payments are non-refundable. Please reach out in the instance of emergency.
REGISTRATION AND ROOM CHOICE:
A deposit of $400 will secure your spot. Click here or on button at the top of this page to pay deposit, and then email Checka at info@yogawayretreats.com to specrth WEify 1) room preference and 2) roommate if you are registering with a friend(s) or partner. Otherwise we will be happy to match you up with roommates if possible. Balance payments will be due June 30 (an electronic invoice will be provided). Payment plans (for deposit and/or balance) are available upon request.