This weekend yoga retreat offers a potent blend of 5 hours daily yoga & meditation practice, delicious healthy organic eating and optional use of the in-house spa. As a result of this full immersion experience, dormant energies will awaken and help you tap your full potential.
Whether you are a complete novice or more seasoned yoga practitioner, this 2-day yoga retreat is a great opportunity to learn and experience what traditional Hatha- and Kundalini-Yoga is all about. This variety of Tantric or Agama Yoga differs from many of the dynamic, aerobic-like modern forms of "Yoga" in that it works on the circulation of energy in the body, the awareness of energies and the chakras, and thus the ability to feel, move and control energy within oneself is being trained. It is based on the ancient shastras (scriptures) and stresses the importance of proper mental focus during the yoga practice. This multidimensional approach to the yoga practice generates a harmonious development in the practitioner, from physical and energy development to emotional, mental, and last but not least spiritual development. The emphasis is on the practice, but explanations & theory will be given to assure a correct understanding of the underlying mechanics at work.
This Weekend Yoga Retreat includes:
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Initial private consultation with Julien, the retreat leader |
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Two daily group Hatha Yoga classes (2 x 90 mins., Saturday 23 July & Sunday 24 July 2011) |
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Daily late-afternoon sun salutations (30 mins.) |
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Daily talks, satsang, Q&A sessions (60 mins.) |
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Daily meditation class (mantras, music & sounds) (30 mins.) |
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Complimentary use of La Clairière swimming pool |
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Complimentary 30-minutes Spa treatment at La Clairière (1 time/person) |
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2 nights accommodation |
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Friday evening vegetarian gourmet welcome dinner (22 July 2011 - day of arrival) |
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Full board - 3 delicious, healthy, organic, home-made spa cuisine meals daily |
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Drinking water & ginger teas |
Awards:
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Recommended by Ecolodge |
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Recommended by Marie-Dominique Perrin |
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Proud Member of the Healing Hotels of the World |
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Proud Member of Biohotels |
Return on Investment:
Inspired, Energized, and Balanced.
Not only will you feel more vibrant and in tune with your Self, but you will leave this weekend armed with a set of yogic practices that empower you to bring about positive lifestyle changes.
About La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel
The exceptional location of La Clairière enables you to organically experience the sublime play of nature's four elements – the fundamental basis for a naturally harmonious life. The external harmony of the surrounding forest is being mirrored by La Clairière's dedication to a concept of holistic wellbeing. The in-house state-of-the-art spa offers a wide array of vitalizing and natural spa treatments designed to bring about harmonization, balancing, and rejuvenation.
Beyond the awe-inspiring surroundings and the exceptional spa facilities, fine, tasty, organic meals using exquisite local ingredients typical for the Alsace region are being prepared with great care and love.
Transfer Time: 60 minutes from Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
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>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel |
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Testimonials:
"I was ready to be transported into another world - to a haven set amongst a wooded paradise of oaks, beeches, alders, and pines, where I could be pampered by soothing hands and
relax in the stainless steel heated outdoor pool whose water is filtered through the deep layers of sandstone and enhanced with minerals."
(Nick Hordern, Brighton)
"I came to this hotel because I heard of the spa and the beautiful area, and I was NOT disaapointed. First the area, the mountains, woods, and town are just enchanting to walk through and enjoy. La Clairière was terrific - I felt like I could have stayed another week. I've been to spa's in New York, California, Paris, London, Greece... and they pale in comparison. The treatments were terrific with natural products. I also thought the food was great, all organic produce."
(Ellen Lubmann, New York )
• Address: La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel, 63 route d'Ingwiller, 67290 La Petite Pierre, Parc Naturel des Vosges du Nord, Alsace, France
• GPS: N 48° 51' 28", E 7° 20' 20"
• Contact: discover@asianyogaholidays.com, +66 (0)83 393 90 21
• Hospitality Partner Website: www.la-clairiere.com

Julien Balmer
Julien Balmer joined Agama Yoga in 2002 and has been teaching at the Thailand headquarters and in Europe for the better part of the last decade. Julien has informed his own background in Hatha-Yoga, Tantra-Yoga, and Kundalini-Yoga with intense study of numerous experts and rare sources, as well as his own deep and committed practice. He is a dedicated and sincere teacher, adept at bringing subjects into grasp without sacrificing their mystical qualities.
>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of Julien |
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An accomplished cross-country skier in his youth, Swiss Virgo Julien came upon the spiritual path eight years ago after lots of adventure in his early 20s. He traveled extensively throughout Central and South America while enrolled in university, and spent a good amount of his time exploring our amazing planet, immersing himself in unknown cultures and meeting its peoples and ways of lives.
In February, 2001, a life-changing and near-fatal accident on a small paradise island in Brazil kindled his interest in the mysteries and spiritual traditions of the East. He soon embarked on his first trip to Asia, where he did his first meditation retreat at a Thai forest monastery. A few months later Julien found himself in Swami Vivekananda Saraswati's First Month Intensive at
Agama Yoga in Rishikesh, which radically revolutionized his outlook on life. The Truths set forth by this passionate teacher deeply touched him, and a feeling that "this was it" began to unfold.
However, he did not drop out all at once. He returned to Switzerland for another year to earn his Masters degree in Finance & Economics from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He wrote his master's thesis on the dollarization of developing countries with special reference to latin-american experience, and was awarded a prize for the best thesis of the year.
In early 2004, Julien moved to tropical Koh Phangan, Thailand, and committed himself fully to his yoga practice and a continuous striving for yogic realization. He also became a filmmaker, producing and co-directing Through the Eastern Gate, a poetic documentary about three young Westerners searching for meaning in modern times; the film has so far screened in 11 film festivals on 4 continents, and was picked up by Alive Mind Media/Lorber HT Digital for DVD distribution in late 2008.
In 2008, Julien conceived and initiated the Phangan Film Festival (PFF) - an annual open-air event bringing high-quality independent films from around the world to this beautiful island. Following PFF's successful first two years, the festival was invited to tour and the Samui Film Festival (SFF) was born.
Julien has experienced the transformational power of the Yoga system first-hand and wishes to share this treasure with others. He has informed his own background in traditional yoga with intense study of numerous experts and rare sources, as well as his own deep and committed practice. Julien has been teaching in Europe and Southeast Asia for the better part of the last decade, most notably at the Agama Yoga Thailand headquarters where he serves as a senior resident teacher. He also facilitates transformational workshops around the globe, creating a sacred space for his practical knowledge and experiential wisdom to overflow onto others.
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| Publication |
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| Condé Nast Traveller |
2010 |
Yoga Holidays – The What, Why, and Who |
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| Spiegel Online |
2010 |
Filmfest auf Ko Samui – Kleine Inseln, großes Kino |
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Testimonials >>click to expand/collapse
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| 30 May 2011 |
"Thank you Julien for your commitment to us all, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, for your patience and humility, for being open and accessible, for inviting opinion and debate, for encouraging us to move beyond our thresholds and deepen our practice and understanding." (Tanya, Dubai)
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| 30 May 2011 |
"Serene, warm and very knowledgeable." (Maja, Zagreb)
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| 18 Feb. 2011 |
"Julien is very articulate and concise. Clear messages and instructions. Attention to detail." (Ahmed, Brisbane)
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| 18 Feb. 2011 |
"Julien is the first person I meet to create a deep interest in yoga inside of me." (Lana, St. Petersburg)
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| 23 Jan. 2011 |
"Julien is able to explain in a manner that is easily understandable. He is open, friendly, and willing to share his knowledge. Thank you!" (Sue, Bangkok)
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| 23 Jan. 2011 |
"Great speaker, very knowledgeable, looking forward to more…" (Arline, Bangkok)
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| 13 Sept. 2010 |
"Thank you very much for having guided me back to the true meaning of Yoga. I feel privileged to have crossed your path. I do hope to come and do some more yoga at your centre in Koh Phangan." (Angelina, London)
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Thank you! We have received your booking and will be sending you a confirmation shortly.
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