Invigorating Yoga Practice
Open to all levels.

June 28 - July 6, 2008


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 Veli 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. These classes will be focused on illuminating the chakras or energy centers as the movements of the body ride the waves of the breath. All the while, surrounded by a sky filled with radiant hues of gold, purple and pink from the setting Adriatic Sun.


Daily Menu
Our daily 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 shiatsu 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. Apparent in Nikki's enthusiastic approach to teaching, she has clearly dedicated her every breath to teaching with the intention to reveal freedom and deepen inner connection, guiding each student on a path toward opening to greater awareness, compassion and inner growth. Her philosophy is that by nurturing self-love we can diminish fear and more openly establish supportive communities free from violence, greed and delusion.

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.



Travel Info
I f traveling from the U.S., plan flying into the closest airport to Veli Losinj located in Krk/Rijeka . Once you arrive in Veli Lošinj, you will be pleasantly greeted and shown to your accommodation by our Island Liaison who will be available 24 hours a day attending to your every need throughout your stay. You will have plenty of time to rest and settle in before dining on our delightful Welcome Vegan/Vegetarian Feast! 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.

Accomodation
To view accommodation visit www.island-losinj.com


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


Massage Schedule
Massage appointments are available at 13:00h, 16:00h or 17:00h.
Please schedule day and time preference upon arrival with Island Liaison.



Payment