What does my stay include?
Your stay is all inclusive - yoga classes, workshops, events and meals. All accommodation options include our daily retreat schedule as follows:
6.30am - Yoga Class
8.00am - Breakfast
11.30am - Workshop (Changes daily)
1.00pm - Lunch
4.00pm - Yoga Class
6.00pm - Dinner
7.30pm - Evening Event (range of activities for example kirtan, yoga nidra and guided meditations)
What time is check in and check out?
Check in is after 2pm on the day of arrival with an introduction to our retreat centre at 3.30pm and a yoga class at 4.00pm. If you arrive before 2pm you are welcome to enjoy a cup of tea upstairs in the dining hall before visiting our reception desk to check in. If you will be arriving after 6pm please let our reception team know in advance, either in the notes section of your booking or by email at info@heartandsoulretreats.com.au or phone (02) 4294 1765.
Check out is 10am (of your room) however included on the day of departure is the morning workshop and lunch.
I have never done yoga before, can I still attend?
Yes, of course you can! All our yoga classes and workshops are tailored to all levels. The type of yoga taught depends on the teacher for the class - but generally morning classes are more energising and afternoon classes more restorative with the overall aim of our retreat to be a relaxing and restorative experience. If you have any injuries or health conditions that are relevant to your yoga practice we ask that you make this known to your teacher before each class. More information on class styles can be found at reception after check in.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment if this is your preference. However, we do have more than enough equipment available for you to use. There are plenty of yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets, pillows and towels available for you.
What do I need to pack?
We recommend you pack comfortable clothes appropriate for yoga classes and layers during the colder months - as we are in the national park it can get cold in the mornings and evenings. If you are interested in the local walking trails or hikes we recommend hiking shoes. There are also nearby beaches accessible via hiking, driving or catching the train. Please also pack your own toiletries and any other personal items you may need.
We provide yoga equipment and materials for all workshops (unless you prefer to bring your own), three meals a day and plenty of herbal teas and homemade chai in our dining hall.
Where is the retreat centre located and how do I get there?
Our retreat centre is located just an hour south of Sydney at the foothills of the Royal National Park and easily accessible via the M1. Heart & Soul Retreats is also conveniently located walking distance from the Otford train station. If you choose to catch the train our retreat centre is accessible via foot. For up to date train timetables please visit the transport NSW website.
Are there any noise restrictions on the property?
We aim for our retreat experience to be a place of deep healing and rest; therefore we kindly ask that you maintain silence on the property from 9pm onwards to allow others to rest. Occasionally you may hear trains passing through Otford train station. If you are highly sensitive to noise we do have earplugs available at reception.
Is smoking allowed on the property?
No intoxication (including drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or other addictive substances) are allowed on the property. We aim for a clean healthy lifestyle discouraging taking any substances that provoke more stress on our body. Although, if you have a deep need for this at this time of your life you can do so outside the grounds of the property. Please ensure proper disposal of cigarettes.
Is coffee served at the retreat?
We do not offer coffee or recommend that you drink caffeinated drinks as part of the retreat. We aim for a clean and healthy lifestyle discouraging taking any substances that provoke more stress on our body. You will always find warm chai, a selection of herbal teas and plant-based mylks available in our dining hall to make warm drinks.
Can I bring my kids?
Our retreat is not suitable for persons under the age of 16. Children 16 years and older are welcome to join our retreat if accompanied by an adult.
Room features: what to expect
All our rooms are modest but clean and tidy. All our rooms have fresh towels, linen, and extra blankets can be provided on request. Each room comes with a heater and is well insulated. There is no TV or hairdryer. We have free WIFI access across the property.
What is the minimum stay?
While we encourage guests to stay with us for a longer duration so that they can really unwind, relax, and get the most out of our daily program, we do not impose a minimum stay. Guests can simply come for one night if this is all the time they have available, or even purchase a day pass for $99 that includes our daily program. Find more information on day passes here.
Are the yoga classes suitable for those who are pregnant?
We encourage you to receive advice from your doctor prior to your stay with us. It is not recommended that pregnant women join the public classes, however we may be able to provide private yoga sessions for pregnant women (subject to availability).
What is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a form of call-and-response singing meditation, using mantra to achieve spiritual connection. Hosting Kirtan as part of our evening program, we typically sit in a circle and take turns to lead the mantra. It is important to remember that Kirtan is not a performance, rather an opportunity to come together and connect to the divine.
I have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, can you cater for these?
All of our meals are created using plant-based ingredients, and are free from dairy and animal-derived products. Meal items that are gluten free are marked on the menu (GF). We are able to cater for most dietary requirements with appropriate notice to our kitchen. Please give our reception team a call on (02) 4294 1765 or email us at info@heartandsoulretreats.com.au inform us of any dietary requirements.
Can I drop in for a meal or yoga class?
Our meals, workshops and yoga classes are for retreat guests only. If our accommodation is fully booked or you are unable to stay overnight you can purchase a day pass for $99. The day passes include our entire daily schedule from the 6.30am yoga class through until the 7.30pm evening event. Day passes also have the flexibility of arriving and departing at a time that suits you.
Do you hire out your retreat centre?
If you are interested in hiring out our retreat centre please send us an email at fom@heartandsoulretreats.com.au and we will be in contact with you directly.
Do you offer camping as an accommodation option?
Unfortunately we do not offer camping onsite. We have ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms and day passes available. For more information on our accommodation options click here.
Are the rooms shared or private?
All rooms are privately booked - you will not be sharing with anyone unless you make a booking for multiple people! However if you are staying in a non-ensuite room you will be sharing bathroom facilities with other guests.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately the property is not wheelchair accessible at the moment. The yoga rooms, dining hall and guest rooms are only accessible by stairs.
