Bhutan's Uma Paro Offers Yoga Retreat

With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and fresh air, to lead what is likely be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney's North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.

In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan's oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan's highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro's menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro's holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros' extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at US$4,092++, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).

Please note that Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.