Surrounded by the native bushland of the Blue Mountains National Park in picturesque Wentworth Falls, the Happy Buddha Retreat is a welcoming, peaceful space. Offering a facilitated retreat program, there is ample free time and all activities are optional – do as much or as little as you wish and create your own zen.
You may practice yoga daily or this may be your first experience – it won’t matter, this retreat offers something new for everyone, and will allow you to see yourself and each other in a different light. The only thing you need to bring with you is an open mind. Here’s what you can expect…
Yoga for all…
Retreat owner and yoga instructor, Athil Singh, believes yoga and meditation should be accessible to everyone. The retreat offers two levels of yoga – Dynamic Flow and Gentle Hatha – but you are welcome to attend both regardless of your ability and take each session at your own pace. Yoga takes place in a purpose-built studio made of natural wood materials with the sounds of the surrounding bushland creating a harmonious, serene space.
Complementing your yoga experience, a Meditation Workshop session teaches the techniques of reaching meaningful meditation. You can put this into practice at each of the evening yoga nidra meditation sessions which take place prior to lights out.
Circles of Strength…
Each retreat begins with an Opening Circle, inviting everyone to come together as equals and share what they’re hoping to achieve from the retreat. It serves as a continual reminder to you over the two days to return to this thought and give some focus to your time at the retreat.
Day two of the retreat brings you together in a Drumming Circle. What starts as a tentative exercise (the ‘am I doing it right’ mindset) becomes a free-flowing exercise in fun and letting go – ultimately there is no right or wrong way to hit the drum and make a sound. Just be part of the group or make your own beat!
Just as it began, the retreat ends with a Closing Circle. If you wish, you can your feelings and revelations from the past two days. An emotional process for some but very uplifting nevertheless – a beautiful way to complete your period of reflection.
Nourish…
Food at the retreat is 100 per cent vegetarian and freshly made, with vegan and other dietary variations wherever possible. South East Asian, Indian and Nepalese cuisines are combined with local organic produce and served in a friendly communal dining space.
There is a no alcohol policy. Whilst the retreat isn’t focused on cleansing, the no alcohol policy helps to achieve this, but it’s more about creating a level ground for everyone and a clear head!
The retreat endeavours to be as environmentally as possible with a dedicated recycling and waste system which all guests are encouraged to comply with.
The Details…
Happy Buddha Retreat is a approximately 90 minutes by car or 2 and a half hours by train from Sydney city. Wentworth Falls railway station and town centre is only a short 10-minute walk from the retreat.
There are two mid-week retreats from Monday-Wednesday and Wednesday to Friday; and a weekend retreat. Check-in on the first day is at 5pm and checkout is at 12pm on the last day.
The retreat is surrounded by a number of scenic hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. The Waterfall Walk is a particular favourite and provides a challenging uphill walk back to the retreat.
Accommodation is simple but comfortable in either share or private rooms, all looking out over the escarpment providing a breathtaking view of the Blue Mountains National Park.
A two-night mid-week retreat is priced at $349* per person, all inclusive and weeken retreats are $449* per person. Visit www.happybuddharetreats.com.au for further information.
*Based on twin share. Private room upgrade an additional $249. Triple share can be arranged on request. Subject to availability.
