ONE TWIN SHARE SPACE LEFT! Email reservations@maruia.co.nz.
Iyengar Yoga Rain Forest Retreat with Marla Apt: Applying Yoga's Healing Principles to Self-practice
6 days and 5 nights at Maruia River Retreat, South Island, New Zealand
About MARLA APT
Yoga practitioner, Yoga researcher, Yoga teacher, Yoga therapist
Credentials
Founding Board Member, Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics
Senior level Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
Retreat Description
According to vedic texts and the Patañjali Yoga Sutras, the practice of yoga is a process that works on body and mind to remove obstacles, purify, and transform. Along the path, practitioners enjoy the many healing by-products of the practice. Our retreat’s daily asana and pranayama practices will provide an opportunity to closely observe ingrained patterns and how to nurture the healing benefits of yoga. The practices provide a framework for the absorption and awareness that leads to transformation.
Learning Objectives
We will explore a full range of categories of asanas that work on the multi-layered anatomical, physiological, emotional, energetic, and mental body. We will also learn how to use support in asana for the creation of space, release of pain or tension, restoration, and the inner penetration that prepares us for the energetic work of pranayama. The intimate setting will allow for questions, conversation and the development of an individualized approach to practice. There will also be some time for supporting yoga philosophy and theory.
Retreat Package inclusions:
Total of 20 hours of classes and workshops with Marla Apt
5-night stay single or twin share occupancy with Super King or 2 King Singles bed set-up in a Luxe Villa or 1-bedroom Master Villa
Bespoke vegetarian menu curated by Maruia River Retreat’s Resident Chef (dairy and egg included)
Welcome Snacks and Teas upon arrival
Dinners every night
Brunches every mid-morning with breakfast provisions in your villas
Gourmet Packed lunch on the Nelson Lakes National Park day-walk.
Guided Nature Walk on NZ flora and fauna and access to private nature trails within the 500-acre nature estate.
Use of Retreat facilities: River hot tub, infrared chroma-therapy forest sauna, cold shower and Finnish sauna facilities and access to the library collection
Free Wi-Fi at the Lounge and Wellness Centre. There is 4G mobile coverage so you can use your own data for your Internet in your villas
Local guided tour and group transfer service to and from Nelson Airport to Maruia River Retreat (bookings required).
Arrival day: Pick up at the Nelson airport at 11am, includes a visit to the Maruia Falls Scenic Reserve
Departure day: Arrive at Nelson Airport at 2pm (depart MRR at 11am), includes a visit to Lake Rotoiti and the Nelson Lakes National Park
Retreat Pricing: RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
NZD5,500 per person based on twin-share occupancy at the Luxe Villa
NZD7,250 per person for solo occupancy at the Luxe Villa: availability upon request - email reservations@maruia.co.nz
ABOUT MARLA APT
Professional Summary
Marla has been teaching and studying yoga for over 25 years in the US, India and abroad. As a Founding Member of the non-profit organization, Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics, she is dedicated to making the healing benefits of yoga available to all as well as educating teachers in the art of yoga therapy. Marla is based in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Education/Experience
Studied with BKS Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and the faculty of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India for almost 30 years. Assisted in the medical/therapy class in Pune and studied yoga therapy with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in the USA.
Created yoga therapy interventions for three medical research studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA): yoga as a treatment for depression, anxiety and IBS
Created the first yoga therapy content to be incorporated into the curriculum of the David Gefffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Social/Volunteer Organizations
Served as President of the Southern California and National Iyengar Yoga Associations of the United States. Served 8 years on the national Iyengar Yoga Certification committee. An assessor for national Iyengar Yoga certification exams in the United States and other countries. Created national training for Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers in the USA in ethical guidelines for teaching and working with trauma. Honored by the Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California as the recipient of their leadership award.
Marla also shares her knowledge internationally as a writer and contributor for Yoga Journal, Yoga International and other magazines.
Important Information for Local and International Travellers:
Please review your airline tickets for correct arrival times in New Zealand and at the Nelson Airport. For those traveling from overseas, please check for your visa and entry requirements here.
Please ensure that you purchase the necessary travel insurance for both your domestic and international flights to cover flight cancellations and delays.
Transfer service from Nelson Airport to the Retreat: Thursday, February 29, ETD from the Nelson airport at 11am. Jennifer Sloots of Trips and Transfers is your local travel guide and will meet you in front of Sublime Coffee with a sign that says Maruia River Retreat Guests. We will be provide you with her contact information so any delays will be managed.
Expect a 2-hour scenic guided tour with a stop at Maruia Falls and arrive for a late lunch at 130pm at Maruia River Retreat. We will then settle you in your villa and the welcome ceremony will start at 330pm.
Return transfers are set for 11am including a packed lunch visit to Lake Rotoiti before arriving at the Nelson Airport at 2pm. It is recommended that your departure flights are from 4pm onwards.
The Retreat is 100% vegetarian and includes dairy and egg. Any food or medical allergies will be accommodated and these need to be advised upon reservation.
Below is a recommended packing list and indication of weather during the summer month of February.
Yoga clothes - the yoga chalet has a heatpump and airconditioner so we can manage the temperature as well as open the windows.
Swimsuits
Cotton t-shirts
Jumpers/Sweaters
Light rain jacket
Rubber slippers
Runners/walkers - nice but willing to get mud and dirt
Nice dinner clothes and more formal yoga attire for closing ceremony
Day clothes for an optional day trip out - shorts and casual wear will do
Cosmetics - deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, small mouthwash (less than 100ml). Shampoo, body wash and conditioner, lotions and bug sprays and hair dryers are provided in the villas.
There will be a schedule for the common area for the laundry/dryer use during the retreat week.
Yoga props: we provide Manduka yoga mats, 2 sets of blocks, 1 bolster, 3 blankets and 1 strap per student - you can bring your own if you wish.