David Swenson to Lead Ashtanga Yoga Retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri this May

From 23rd to 29th May, 2007, David Swenson, one of the world’s leading Ashtanga Yoga teachers, will host a residential retreat at the COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Bali, Indonesia.

David Swenson’s introduction to Ashtanga came in 1973 when he met David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, California. In 1977, Swenson met Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, making his first trip to Mysore in 1977 where he learned the full Ashtanga system.

Swenson is now recognised as one of the world’s foremost instructors. In the last five years, he has produced five videos and written the bestseller, Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual.

During this summer retreat, there will be two classes per day (divided into morning and evening sessions, amounting to five hours daily). It is open to practitioners of all levels, including beginners. More advanced students will find space to push themselves to new levels owing to the Estate’s uniquely nurturing attitude.

Swenson’s students will not only benefit from his teaching but will also be assisted by The Estate’s leading specialists in contemporary holistic health. Tailored hands-on healing ranges from massage to Ayurvedic and water-based therapies. In addition, students can pair their Yoga with healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine and nutritional juices to maximise the benefits of their stay.

Accommodation includes five Residences, which each have four to five suites and a large swimming pool. Each dominates its own peaceful enclave, drenched in sun and cooled by inland breezes. There are five one, two and three-bedroom standalone Villas with assorted living space and private pools, and three two-bedroom Garden Villas that feature living and dining areas as well as private pools. The two one-bedroom Retreat Villas both feature a private therapy room (for couples) and private pool.

Retreat prices start at US$2,680 for single occupancy or US$4,705 for double occupancy. Rates are inclusive of 11% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge. Prices include six nights accommodation, five days Yoga instruction, daily breakfast, brunch on Yoga days, a welcome and farewell dinner, a personal assistant service and airport transfers to and from Bali’s international airport (a one-hour drive).

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