Invigorating Yoga Practice
Open to all levels.

SUMMER / FALL 2010


Enjoy relaxing sun-drenched days, star-covered nights and the tranquil crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea along Croatia's extraordinary coastline on the beautiful Island of Mali Lošinj.

This exquisite retreat experience offers a peaceful environment for guests, whether traveling on their own or with a friend, to rejuvenate from the inside out and re-establish balance while escaping the stress and demands of a hectic lifestyle…

Yoga Classes
Each morning will begin with an optional meditation session because, remember you're here to relax and if you'd rather sleep in then, go for it! Meditation will be followed by an invigorating Power Yoga practice (a dynamic style which incorporates elements of Astanga, Iyengar and Vinyasa), open to all levels, consisting of asanas which deeply cleanse and revitalize the body specifically stimulating organs responsible for organic detoxification including the liver, intestine and kidneys. In these fun-filled, energizing classes we will explore everything from the bandhas to arm balances while cultivating the fundamentals of maintaining natural alignment within practice. These classes will be held indoors.

Photo: Thomas Barwick

Photo: Matthew Wakem

In the evening, class will be outdoors as we salute the Adriatic Sunset while surrounded by a sky filled with radiant hues of gold, purple and pink.


Menu
Our vegan/vegetarian menu consists of fresh and lovingly prepared cuisine from locally grown organic fruits and vegetables. This delicious menu is designed to offer the body all the adequate nutrients necessary to fully nourish while supporting gentle organic cleansing and detoxification.

In your free time… spend afternoons exploring the many walking paths of Lošinj and enjoy the natural scents of lavender, sage and rosemary that fill the air, nap on warm sunny secluded beaches, swim in refreshing waters, snorkel amongst fascinating sea life, indulge in a therapeutic massage, take moonlit walks through groves of olive, fig and pomegranate trees, visit quaint museums and galleries. Or take a short bus/bike ride away to nearby Mali Lošinj. If you enjoy sports, Lošinj offers diving, surfing and sailing lessons along with tennis, miniature golf and wind surfing. Boats, bikes and motorcycles/scooters are also available for rent.




Veli Lošinj
The island of Lošinj (pronounced lo'sheen) is just a part of the Cres - Lošinj archipelago which includes surrounding smaller islands. The archipelago encompasses an area of 513 square kilometers with a coastal length that stretches 501 kilometers. It's composed of 36 islands, islets and reefs. A phenomenon of the archipelago is the island of Susak - a limestone reef covered with fine sand. Sailing around Lošinj is an amazing experience, for guests have the chance to see a species of dolphin unique to its aquatory. The town of Veli Lošinj is situated in a small bay on the southeast side of the island of Lošinj, at the foot of St. Ivan's Hill. With a population of nearly 1,000, it is the third largest town on the Cres - Lošinj archipelago. It features tall houses, numerous luxurious villas and a tower in the center of the town.The tower is the motif of the Veli Lošinj coat of arms. It was built in the 16th century to defend the harbor from invasions by sea. Walking through the alleys of Veli Lošinj, you will find luxurious villas of former captains and noblemen. In the heart of the town, there is a beautiful baroque church with a high bell-tower, The Church of St. Anthony the Great.



It is an interesting fact that Veli Lošinj was once larger than the neighboring town of Mali Lošinj, which then outgrew it in size because of the geographic position and development of navigation and seamanship. The names of these two towns today do not reflect their true size. Due to its favorable climatic conditions and location in a hilly and luxuriant landscape (old high stone houses and gardens with rare plant species) and mild climate, Veli Lošinj has long been a well known health resort. In 1892, a castle built by Archduke Carl Stephen approximately 30 years before was transformed into a healing facility. The castle owner had over 200 imported botanical species planted in the castle park. This example was followed by numerous sea captains and others, which has contributed to the magnificence of the Island. Today, the castle houses a sanatorium for the treatment of respiratory diseases. An abundance of wild herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage inhabit the walking paths of Veli Lošinj. The Island also is host to fresh fruit markets, fine restaurants and quaint cafés. It is famous for its picturesque ambience of a well-preserved Mediterranean small town, luxuriant vegetation, transparent crystal clear seawater and beautiful beaches providing ideal conditions for a rest of the body and mind.

Teacher Biography
Nikki Colon gained her certification as a Vinyasa yoga teacher at OM Yoga Center, NYC under the guidance of Cyndi Lee. There she was also trained in the practice of Shambhala meditation & pranayama (breathing technique). Along with Nikki's training in the Vinyasa style, she has also cultivated a deep understanding of Jivamukti, Forrest, Anusara & Bikram yoga having studied under world-renowned teachers such as Dharma Mittra, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Ana Forrest, John Friend and Seane Corn. Nikki began her yogic journey behind the desk of many New York yoga studios working in exchange for yoga classes. An accomplished professional dancer, yoga practice offered Nikki a new way to experience movement, connection and balance while exploring detachment and mindfulness. Her experience includes teaching yoga and pranayama in a variety of settings from corporate classes to private sessions and at many New York yoga studios and fitness centers, as well as, the NYC Lower Eastside Service Center for people living with HIV/AIDS, The Hope and Faith Show, Parrot Cay Resort Spa in the Turks and Caicos Islands accommodating guests such as Sarah Ferguson The Duchess of York, Candace Wrigley, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
Teaching with the intention to reveal freedom, Nikki enthusiastically guides students on a path of opening to greater awareness, strengthening Presence and cultivating compassion for all Beings.

Photo: Silvio Ramic

Nikki is an also an activist for environmental issues, human/animal rights and spends much of her time traveling, enjoying nature and the company of animals. She has been featured in magazines such as Insider (Croatia 2008), Vita (Croatia 2007), Zagreb News (Croatia 2007) and Conde' Nast Traveler (USA 2006). Her certifications include OM Yoga Teacher Training, E-RYT 500, Thai Yoga Massage (Lotus Palm School), CPR.

Marlene Henny, Netherlands

Marlene Henny has been a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher since 2003. She currently teaches in Amsterdam, as well as, at Yoga Moves in Utrecht for 5 years now. In addition, she is part of the Teacher Training Program faculty at Yoga Moves. In her classes she combines her knowledge of Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga. She teaches with a clear eye on body alignment and gives precise guidance on how to work intelligently with yoga, but also incorporates the influence of her dance training where she lets students move the body through its entire range of motion on the wave of breath. Marlene currently lives in Amsterdam but spends her Winters teaching in Goa, India where she has organized a number of yoga retreats. In the past, Marlene performed and taught dance in several professional studios in the Netherlands and Israel. Marlene thoroughly enjoys teaching yoga, connecting to her students and helping them to find their body's grace, power and essence.

Skadi van Paasschen, Netherlands

Skadi teaches yoga and pilates full time in Amsterdam and Utrecht. For 12 years, she has been practicing posture and movement therapy and has worked many years in sports rehabilitation. After Skadi's first visit to a yoga class, she was greatly inspired and completed the Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training Program at Yoga Moves. She has continued to deepen her knowledge of yoga practice attending many workshops hosted by international teachers, as well as, traveling to India and studying there. In her classes, Skadi combines her knowledge of the body and therapy with yoga creating a unique and enjoyable approach to a lifelong practice.



Travel Info
If flying from outside of Croatia guests can either fly into the closest airport to Veli Losinj located in Krk/Rijeka or into the city of Zagreb which may be the easiest option. If arriving into Zagreb there will be a bus just outside the airport awaiting to take passengers from arriving flights to the main bus station or Autobusni Kolodvor which is the last stop. The cost is approximately 30kn about $6 US. Taxis are also available yet, the cost is considerably higher. In Croatia use of the kuna is still in effect, therefore, once you arrive go immediately to the exchange office located in the airport and change your money since from this point on only kunas will be accepted for purchases including bus tickets. Upon your arrival at the main bus station in Zagreb, go upstairs to the ticket counter and purchase a round trip ticket to Veli Losinj on the next bus departing. Make sure to ask for the express bus or your journey to the Island will be longer than necessary. Bus departure schedules can be viewed at: www.akz.hr
The Island of Veli Losinj is the last stop so you can sit back, relax, nap or just enjoy the scenery. The bus will make 2, 5-10 minute stops for bathroom/snack breaks. When the bus boards a ferry, get off the bus and enjoy your first glimpse of the Adriatic Sea - this is the final part of the journey. Once the bus leaves the ferry, you are just a short distance from the Island!
Upon arrival in Veli Lošinj, you will be pleasantly greeted and shown to your accommodation by one of our Island Liaisons who will be available 24 hours a day attending to your every need throughout your stay. Yoga classes begin Sunday morning.

Below are links to assist with travel arrangement. German Wings offers reasonable rates flying into Croatia from many major European cities, as well as, the UK. Also, check Swiss Air which offers very reasonable flights from the U.S.

Accomodation
To view accommodation visit www.mediteran-losinj.eu


What to Bring
Sunscreen/sunblock, Yoga Mat, Towel, Walking Shoes



Payment

Contact

Retreat Coordinator: +385 091 520 8403 or email info@divineyogaretreats.com 

Registration form

Send to info@divineyogaretreats.com
Payment details will follow receipt of reservation.

We reserve the right to cancel at any time.