Why Kyoto?
Mostly because, for almost two years, Vicky lived in Kyoto and speaks (almost) fluent Japanese. Partly because Sean has never been and really wants to go but was waiting to see it through the eyes of someone who lived there.
Retreats are often hosted in a country that has little (or no) relation to the teacher, staying in a hotel whose owner we don’t even know.
While there is nothing wrong with that, we want to do things differently.
We choose places and spaces that are significant to us. This way, we guarantee you an experience that you couldn’t otherwise have.
Kyoto is a city steeped in tradition, yet does not fear innovation. New and old co-exist. Modernity melds with antiquity. Paradoxes are welcomed, not avoided.
Since we apply the same values in our teaching, we felt it made the perfect setting for our second retreat together. We blend ancient breathing techniques with today’s cutting-edge science. We teach classical Yoga postures with a contemporary twist. This means that our students will build both flexibility and stability.
In short, we take our responsibility as teachers seriously, but we take ourselves lightly.
Best of both.
Sleeping
Located in the heart of Kyoto on the River Takase, you will find the Gate Hotel – your sanctuary within an already peaceful city.
Accommodation options are double or twin rooms for shared or single occupancy.
If you are looking to share a room but are travelling on your own, please let us know and we can connect you.
For an extra fee you can upgrade to the “classy” room, but honestly the “essential” rooms are beautiful.
Eating
We want you to get the best of both worlds – luxury and local, plus everything in between.
On the 8th floor of the hotel you will find Anchor, the hotel restaurant, which boasts panoramic views.
Breakfast is available between 6:30am and 10am at Anchor, where both Western and Japanese options as well as a salad bar are available.
In typical Japanese fashion, meticulous attention is paid to detail. There is raw Japanese honey, fermented butter from France, and a marmalade made from leftover orange peels.
Our first and last dinner together will be hosted at Anchor – which typically includes an amuse-bouche, appetiser, soup, pasta, fish dish, meat dish, dessert, small sweets, bread and, of course, coffee.
For the second and third dinner, we will eat at two of Vicky’s favourite spots in the city.
The lounge bar and patio on the 3rd floor of the hotel offers complimentary coffee, soft drinks and wine to all guests. Open between 2pm and 10pm.
All breakfasts and dinners, including the two evening meals in the city, are included in your package.
Daily practice and exploring
This is a retreat and the schedule reflects that.
We don’t want to force anyone to wake up at sunrise. This is, after all, your holiday.
But just in case you do fancy waking up early, Vicky has offered to take us to a different sunrise spot each morning. This is both optional and weather dependent.
We will have two Yoga sessions per day.
Your first class is not until 10am. Expect a more dynamic class (hatha, vinyasa, rocket style).
After class, you have a 60-minute break to spend as you wish. Kyoto is famous for its walkability – grab a coffee, go shopping, and experience the local street food.
Your second class will be at 1pm. Expect a more relaxing session (yin, Thai massage, breathing)
After class, you are free until dinner.
We will arrange cultural activities for two of the afternoons, such as a tea ceremony and a guided cultural walking tour (to be confirmed). These activities are optional and will be at an additional cost.
