Retreats
Rarotonga Retreat – September 2023
September 2023 saw 14 of us (yogi’s and friends/clip ons 😊) head for Rarotonga on an exploratory yoga retreat/holiday……would this work and would it be something The Yoga Gem would offer students going forward.
Morning practices started at 6:30am for 2-2.5 hours to the sound of the ocean and very busy roosters, followed by a super healthy communal breakfast outside in the lush garden. These shared breakfasts were always hugely entertaining and it was a joy to see 14 people getting along so well, humouring and generally looking out for each other.
Between breakfast and the afternoon practice (3pm – 5:30pm) we all made the most of what the island had to offer - either going snorkelling, swimming with turtles, hanging out at the beach, visiting the Botanical Gardens, eating fresh fish dishes at a local, shopping, cycling or hanging out by the gorgeous pool…..never a dull moment.
Our practices included chanting and partner yoga work. It was a truly humbling experience for me to see the commitment of the yogi’s on tour, the openness to trying new things, the chanting and daily reciting of the invocation.
Rarotonga Retreat Gallery
Student Reviews
“Jolanta’s inaugural yoga retreat to Rarotonga was awesome! The whole trip was so well organised with early morning and late afternoon yoga sessions still allowing time to soak up the sights and sounds of Raro. Jolanta is a great teacher, she caters for varying levels of experience and the classes were very well planned and paced…. we particularly liked the morning sessions , feeling very zen and set up for the day! Our hands are up for the next one, Thanks Jolanta”
Greg & Lallit
“A wonderful retreat - a first for me as a relative newbie!
I was a bit apprehensive initially to be in a group with much more experienced yogis but it was not a problem at all. The pace was manageable and I was able to develop my practice and confidence gradually over the week. Definitely would go again with Jolanta as our teacher and with such a great group of people!”Helen Clayson
“What a joy to be able to spend a week in a beautiful location with a dedicated group of yogis. Jolanta’s attention to detail meant that we had all the equipment required to extend our practice during the week, while partner work was a highlight. A perfect mix of yoga, fun, shared excursions and relaxation. I’ll definitely be signing up for the next retreat!”
Lisa Burch
“This was my first ever retreat and I was a little worried about how I would cope but I shouldn’t have been concerned, Jolanta paced the practice perfectly and I came home feeling uplifted and knowing I’d made progress with my yoga and my understanding.
I felt very connected to the group, they were so supportive, encouraging and lots of fun. Jolanta, thankyou so much for this wonderful opportunity, it was a healing experience for me.”Donna Burns
“My first International retreat, knowing only the teacher. The experience of complete oneness and inclusion well beyond the mat. I was living yoga. Megan x”
Megan Wilson
“I have just returned from a week in Rarotonga, where a group of 14 of us enjoyed the most amazing yoga retreat, lead by our MASTERTON teacher, Jolanta.
We had 3 full days and 2 half days of beautiful yoga in a shala amongst tropical fruit trees and flowers with time for shopping, swimming, and snorkeling in between.
We enjoyed a variety of poses, some fun partner work, our beautiful invocation to Patanjali alongside some beautiful chanting.
What a wonderful place for a retreat with special like minded people!
I cannot wait for the next retreat, wherever that may be!
Suzanne McCleary
Future Retreats
We intend to take a formal full yoga retreat to the island in 2024.