Mystical India Retreat

YOGA + MEDITATION + CULTURE

October 9th – 22nd, 2019

Pricing

Early Bird Price by March 1st:
Double Occupancy: $3895 | Regular Price: $4195
Single Occupancy: $4370 | Regular Price: $4570
$1000 deposit to hold a spot, due upon registration
Flights within India – additional cost TBD

Included

  • 14 days 13 nights in India
  • All lodging including hotel taxes
  • Roundtrip airport transfers to all hotels
  • 2 classes a day – meditation/& yoga (Hatha & restorative classes daily)
  • All transportation
  • Daily breakfast, lunches, dinner at hotels or in town (all meals included)
  • Professionally guided tours of historical sites and temples
  • All entrance fees paid
  • One Ayurveda combo treatment at Veda 5 or equivalent to price
  • Special evening at the Samode Palace
  • Sunset boat ride in Vrindavan & sunrise boat ride in Varanasi
  • Taxes & tips for all drivers, guides, hotel staff
  • Farewell dinner

Highlights From Our Morocco Retreat

“Rebecca and Carolyn curated an international excursion that is the perfect balance of rest, adventure and yoga practice. From well appointed hotels to exciting restaurants and guided tours through the Souk, we returned rested and awe struck by the beauty and people of Morocco.”

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Inter-flights (Rishikesh, Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi)
  • Extra spa treatments
  • Visas
  • Alcohol
  • Mini bar in room
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry

Things to Bring

Yoga Clothing   •   Yoga Mat   •   Shawl   •   Scarf   •   Layers/Light Jacket (for cooler mornings & evenings)   •   Comfortable Walking Shoes   •   Sneakers   •    Swimsuit   •   Sunglasses • Sunscreen   •   Journal   •   Adapters/Converters (220v)   •   Snacks   •   Medicines   •   Insect Repellant   •   Hand Sanitizer   •   Camera/iPhone

The Practice

All classes are all-levels, and no prior experience is needed. Whether a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there will be a common ground to practice together. Each class will be planned for the participants attending the retreat and instructor Rebecca will be able to provide modifications when needed.

Meditation

Early morning practice includes; breathwork, subtle body practices and guided meditations. Participants are instructed on ancient techniques used to promote concentration and allow for a deeper experience. Part of this practice includes chanting mantras, learning hand mudras, and kriyas which all help to calm the mind and prepare you for meditation. Participants are guided through a variety of meditations and given quiet space to apply what is learned. This is appropriate for all levels from brand-new beginners to the seasoned meditator.

Yoga

The morning sessions are inspired by Hatha, Forrest, and Ashtanga yoga. Each practice is thoughtfully sequenced and tailored to each participant. The class can be athletic at times, to help build internal heat which is incredibly detoxifying. Each practice includes core strengthening exercises. These help with strength, flexibility, and better posture.

Overall, the practice increases energy levels and awareness. Targeted breathwork focuses on proper alignment and hands-on adjustments help support the participant. Poses are often held longer, and some parts of the class will be a slower flow-style. Leave feeling rejuvenated, energized, balanced and ready to take on the day’s adventures.

The evening sessions consists of a short meditation and a restorative yoga class. These practices are filled with lovely heart openers, backbends, spine twists and hip openers to replenish the mind, body and spirit.

If you have your own yoga mat, we encourage you to bring it. We plan to bring yoga mats and straps.

The alchemy of daily breathwork, meditation, yoga, ceremony, and healthy meals combined with spectacular views and serene grounds will support and nourish the soul, far beyond the two weeks of this journey. Come home forever changed with a glow in your heart, unforgettable memories and a special bond with your fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is our destination airport?

Book your destination to arrive at the Indira Gandhi International in  Delhi International Airport on October 9th, 2019. We recommend you book your flight time to arrive by 6 a.m. local time so you can make an early morning connecting flight with the group. If you come in the night before on the 8th, we will help you arrange a hotel close to the airport. Allow for possible travel delays, so do not cut your travel time too closely.

What is weather like in October?

Temperatures are very warm in October and cooler in the early morning and evening time. The day time averages around 90F. Nights will be warm but pleasant. You still want to bring additional layers to keep you warm just in case. (light jacket, light sweater) A shawl is good to pack and is nice to have on hand for the evening and early morning practice. A scarf is nice for the daytime.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend it.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need a visa for India. India now offers E-Visa online which makes it much easier process. We recommend CIBT visas. Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ for more information.

Do I have to share a room?

This a small group of only 16 participants. We will do our best to pair you up with someone. If you are traveling with someone, please let us know so we can pair you both together in the same room.

What if I want a single room?

There will be a few rooms available for those who prefer single accommodation. However, there is an increase in price for single occupancy.

What if my partner/friend doesn’t do yoga or meditation?

All are welcome. If your partner does not want to participate, there are plenty of other activities or time to relax on the grounds during the classes.  Who knows, they may change their mind later and participate!

What if I am a beginner or haven’t done yoga or meditation?

Each class is customized for the participants at the retreat. Classes are all-level, and the instructor is very qualified in guiding students from first-timers to the most advanced. If you haven’t tried any of the systems, the instructor will guide you along the way and encourage you and offer plenty of modifications to fit specific needs.

Do I have to attend all the classes?

No, all classes are on a volunteer basis. If you feel like sleeping in, reading by the pool, or just taking some alone time, we encourage you to go at your own pace.

Do I need immunizations?

Always check for the latest updates on CDC recommendations. The website address is www.cdc.gov.

Is there anything special I need to bring?

It’s good to bring warm layers to adjust for the fall weather in the early morning and evening time.  It will warm in the day time. If you prefer to bring your own yoga mat or props, we encourage you to do so. Bring your own medicine.

What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Please e-mail rebecca@urban-balance.com any food allergy or dietary restrictions and we will work with the retreat center to make any changes.

What kind of food will I be having?

Most of our meals will be vegetarian. Non-veg and alcohol are not allowed in Rishikesh, Vrindavan.  The place we are staying in Varanasi only serves vegetarian food.  However, in Jaipur and Delhi, there will be a few options to eat non-veg or have some alcohol if you’d like.

May I spread my payments out for the trip?

Yes, we will need a $1000 deposit at time of sign up to hold your spot. After that you may divide the remaining balance into two or three payments. The entire balance must be paid in full 90 days prior to the retreat, by July 9th, 2019.

How do I sign up?

  1. Click the “registration form” button below and download the PDF to your computer.
  2. Read and complete the electronic PDF and required signatures.
  3. Save the filled-out PDF forms to desktop.
  4. Email your completed registration forms to rebecca@urban-balance.com
  5. Call or email us to make payment arrangements.

A deposit of $1000 is required at time of sign up to hold your reservation.  You may pay the retreat in full or in 2-3 payments as described above.  Pay by either credit card through the Urban Balance website or by personal check, which is our preference. You will receive an official confirmation, welcome email with a terms and conditions sheet, liability waiver and emergency contact form to fill out, sign, and return.

About Urban Balance

Rebecca Perry Schefstrom

Rebecca is a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor, and an experienced meditation leader. She has a natural ability to empower, motivate and guide her students to help support their wellness and spiritual goals. Rebecca embraces a practical and playful approach to her teaching. Her professional and confident manner, ensures that students feel at ease. She loves working with all ages, from beginners to the most advanced students.

In 2014, Rebecca founded Urban Balance, a corporate wellness company that brings yoga, Pilates, meditation, massage and nutrition to the workplace. The wellness programs that are offered on-site help companies achieve their business goals. They help busy professionals increase health, happiness, and a healthy balance between work and wellness. Urban balance offers local retreats and a yearly international retreat.

Rebecca is certified by Stott Pilates on all apparatuses and all-levels. She has a a 200-hour Ashtanga Yoga Certification from the Mount Madonna Center in Watson, CA. Rebecca has completed a 200-hour Forrest Yoga teacher training program in Santa Monica, CA with Ana Forrest, as well as a one-year mentorship program in 2012.

She is continuously evolving her own personal yoga and Pilates practice, creating the space within to nourish her dedication to the world as a teacher. Rebecca strives to embody one of her favorite teacher’s quotes: “Teach to learn”, while learning from her students and her own practice. She has traveled to many places around the world and has been to India more than a dozen times. It has been a dream for many years to combine her love of teaching and traveling. Rebecca is excited to have the chance to bring a yoga group to India.

Carolyn Perry

Carolyn Perry

Carolyn’s enthusiasm for travel and learning about ancient cultures was cultivated in her young adult life. Reading National Geographic magazine and seeing tribal people on the cover, she found it hard to believe tribes existed in modern times. She knew one day that she would travel to these remote places and document everyday life through her photography. Carolyn’s love of travel led her to photograph tribal clans in Papua New Guinea and join expeditions to Trobriand Islands and Sepik River. Fulfilling her dream of documenting life in these villages. Carolyn has received recognition for her photography of Papua New Guinea from a National Geographic contest.

Carolyn graduated from the prestigious International Tour Management Institute in San Francisco. For fifteen years, she led many tours to Asia, India, Europe, & the Greek Islands. She retired in the late 90’ s from tour directing and continues to travel extensively for her own pleasure photographing the world through her own lens.

Carolyn looks forward to working with Urban Balance in planning itineraries and logistics of retreats. Onsite, her goal is to ensure each client’s experience is everything they’ve dreamed it would be. When Carolyn is not traveling, or leading a group, she is working as a RN in a Portland, OR hospital. She has lectured to various groups covering all aspects of international travel planning, medical advice and travel photography. She resides in Portland, Oregon.