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Tag Archives: Travel

I found yoga heaven in the Spanish countryside

20 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by Yoga Panther in Lifestyle, Travel, Wellbeing, Yoga

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

camping, casa de carrasco, holiday, namaste, Reus, solo travel, spain, Travel, Yoga, yoga retreat, zen

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, SpainI woke up in a panic. Have I missed yoga? Why am I in a tent? Man, I feel rough.

Oh that’s right, I drunk about two bottles of wine last night. I’m camping at a yoga retreat. And if I get up now I can make it to class at 8am.

After an hour and a half on the yoga deck surrounded by beautiful mountains, and a delicious breakfast buffet, my hangover was cured. This pretty much set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Let me clear one thing up. When I say yoga retreat, what I really mean is yoga holiday. You don’t have to become a tee-total vegan while you’re here. You can do what you like, eat what you like and drink what (and as much as) you like. When in Spain!

A yogi’s paradise

What better place to unwind than Casa de Carrasco, a yoga retreat – and olive farm – set deep in the Serra de Cardo national park. Pure zen.

Bumpy, meandering tracks lead you into this secluded yoga haven. Seriously, I still haven’t managed to pin point it on Google Maps! All I know is it’s a 45-minute drive from Reus airport.

It’s so remote they even have to get water brought in by lorry as there aren’t any pipes nearby. Nor are there any electric lines, so they generate all their energy by solar power. And you can forget wifi or phone signal!

But who needs that when you’ve got this view:

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, SpainAnd this hammock:

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

And Ruby the dog:

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

There are also 2 other dogs and 3 cats, and they often join you for yoga.

#YogaEveryDamnDay

All this is the brainchild of Sarah Good, who’s been running the retreat with her partner, Martin, for the past 6 years.

An experienced Sivananda yoga teacher, she leads the classes each morning, which are an energising mix of sun salutations and flowing asanas. All levels are welcome as she offers easier alternatives for beginners and more challenging options for yoga pros.

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Sarah demonstrating headstand

As well as being a yoga goddess, Sarah also gives fantastic massages using a blend of essential oils and organic olive oil from the grove. I had the detoxifying one and I practically floated for the rest of the day.

She is a true inspiration. Not only has she created this gem of a place, but she puts so much effort into the finer details. And makes it seem effortless.

The lone traveller

Just to give you some back story – when I found out I had a week’s break before I started my new job, I thought I’d jet off for some sunshine and chill time. Because it was so last minute, I decided to travel solo. I’d never been anywhere by myself…

I’d actually been to the retreat before with someone else, and found that a few people came on their own. So I knew it would be the perfect place to experience solo travelling.

And it was.

The place can accommodate up to 16 guests and it’s very much a community vibe. You cook together. Eat together. Do activities together. It’s so easy to chat to people.

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Love Shack L-L-Love Shack

And then if you want some alone time, you can simply choose a hammock to relax in or watch a film in the Love Shack (best to go in the evening though as it becomes a sauna during the day).

Back to nature

If you like your mod cons, this probably isn’t the place for you. Straighteners and hairdryers are banned! But once you realise how beautiful this place is, all the things you used to be preoccupied with just melt away.

There are 4 safari tents to choose from – all very spacious and sleep up to 3 people. To save money, you can bring your own tent or stay in one of the pop-up tents. Or, if camping really isn’t your bag, you can stay in one of 2 lovely ensuite rooms adjacent to the house.

I went for a safari tent and it suited me just fine. If I could go back though I’d tell myself not to be alarmed if I hear a wild boar squealing and snuffling around my tent in the middle of the night. They’re just looking for fallen olives and almonds. Obv.

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

My tent

For those in tents, there’s a little shower block with 2 toilets, 2 showers and 2 sinks. As mentioned, there’s a limited amount of water, so they ask you to be sparing with it. A sign reads: “In this land of sun and fun, we rarely flush for number one!” You get used to it.

Breakfast is provided, but for everything else, there’s a little shop that Sarah stocks up with veg, salad, cheese, rice, pasta and even their own olive oil. There’s also stuff like suncream and toothpaste if you run out or forget.

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, SpainYou can either cook at Stella’s bar overlooking the pool, or in ‘The Casita’, where everyone eats breakfast. I preferred to cook at the bar. When else do you get to cook outside, surrounded by mountains?

Excursions and activities

When you’ve had enough of chilling by the pool, there’s plenty of other stuff to do. You can sign up for wine tasting, paella making and Ayurveda workshops at the retreat itself. I tried all 3 last time and they were such fun – especially the wine tasting. More like wine glugging.

For the more adventurous, there are a few different hiking trails. I tried one with a couple from the retreat. Now I’m not a hiker, so it was pretty hard to keep up with them, but it was an amazing feeling when I made it to the top of the mountain.

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

View of the retreat, from halfway up a mountain

A day trip to L’ampolla beach is a must. I went with a volunteer who was working at the retreat for a few weeks. We chatted, drank sangria, ate tapas, went paddleboarding, explored, found a bull fight (and snuck into the VIP area), ate churros and watched fireworks. And I thought I’d come to relax…

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Another must-do is the kayak trip down the River Ebro. It was so good the first time, I had to go again. Just look at Miravet Castle…

Yoga retreat, Casa de Carrasco, Spain

Casa de Carrasco certainly did the trick. I came away feeling refreshed, revived and relaxed, despite all the exertion and lashings of vino.

It also made me appreciate a slower, more mindful way of life, which I’ve been trying to channel now I’m back in crazy ol’ London.

Namaste!

Yoga Panther x

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MoneySupermarket Deals: 7 night holiday to Rhodes in a 5* sea view suite with breakfast, wine and return flights from £399pp

09 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by Yoga Panther in 'MoneySupermarket.com' copywriting

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Tags

holiday, miramare park, rhodes, Travel

Bask in Grecian sunshine with a sensational seven night holiday to Rhodes. Live in five star luxury whilst overlooking the Aegean Sea at the 5* Miramare Park Suites & Villas from just £399. This week’s glorious getaway includes return flights, late check-out and an upgrade to a stunning sea view suite.

Set amongst extensive lush green gardens, Miramare Park Suites & Villas enjoys a prime seafront location in the popular Ixia resort. Upon arrival at this idyllic destination, you’ll be greeted with a bottle of wine and a basket of fresh fruits before settling into your luxurious en-suite sea view room. Your spacious suite will be equipped with all amenities including a TV, telephone and air conditioning. You’ll also have your own private terrace, where staff will happily serve you a romantic meal for an indulgent evening in.

When you’re ready to explore, a replica 19th century train is on hand to take you on a tour of the grounds. The hotel boasts a spectacular seafront swimming pool, an enchanting lagoon and tennis courts. The resort has its own private beach on its doorstep too – the perfect spot to catch some rays or to try out some of the awesome water sports on offer. Fitness fans can work out in the on-site gym, while children can enjoy a kids’ club so you can get some well-deserved rest.

Wake up to an inclusive breakfast every morning, then for lunch and dinner you’ll find a number of fantastic bars and restaurants located within the grounds. Venture out into nearby Ixia for a spot of shopping and late nights out, while the vibrant Rhodes city is just 4km away. Here you’ll find superb restaurants and historic sites, including the Temple of Apollo and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

Soak up Greece’s rich history on a trip to the ancient city of Ialyssos, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. Discover the remains of the temple of Athena Polias, as well as the remnants of the Byzantine fortifications, the 14th century church of the Knights and the road to Golgothas.

Ideal for a family break in the sun or a romantic getaway, take a well-earned trip to one of the most beautiful Greek Islands. You won’t need to pray to the sun gods on this holiday, and with a colossal discount of 71% there’s no time to lose.

– Published at moneysupermarket.com

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Holidaying With Your Parents – A Free Ride Or Total Nightmare?

09 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by Yoga Panther in 'KettleMag' articles, Travel

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Tags

disney holidays, dolphin encounters, holiday, parents, Travel, vacation, washington dc usa

13/02/12 article for KettleMag: http://www.kettlemag.com/article/holidaying-your-parents-free-ride-or-total-nightmare

White House, Washington DC - USA tour 2007

Being an only child, I have been quite lucky in terms of holidays over the years. From paragliding in Dubai to dolphin encounters in The Bahamas, not to mention countless Disney holidays and road trips in America, it’s fair to say my parents have spoilt me rotten when it comes to a short break.

But this all comes at a cost, and I’m not talking about money. Maybe not so much when I was younger but as I grew up I started to realise how lonely it was playing in the pool by myself pretending I was a mermaid. It’s okay when you’re seven-years-old and you can just run along to the kid’s club and make friends, but when I got to about 13, the idea of approaching other teenagers happily playing with their siblings was very unappealing indeed.

It was only last year that I realised just how sad it seemed. Whilst my housemates and I were on the topic of holidays, one asked me, ‘So were you just all by yourself on holidays with your parents?’ when I answered yes of course, another added, ‘My friend is an only child so I used go on holiday with his family to keep him company!’ I automatically felt a sense of grief that I never had this idea growing up.

Dubai 2004

Looking back this was such an ungrateful stance to take. My free ride with my parents has taken me across four continents, and they’ve been the best times I’ve spent with my family; in a five-star hotel with not a care in the world. I guess when I was younger I didn’t know any better, and now I’ve been exposed to others opinions on holidaying, it has made me feel like I’ve missed out in some way.

Now that I’m almost 21, I’ve been on a few summer breaks with my friends, and it’s difficult to say which I prefer. Of course, the company is better with friends. You can easily have a cheeky chat with the waiters, go out clubbing and mess around by the pool. This is exactly what happened when I went to Turkey last year with my friends. You just end up doing stuff you wouldn’t have thought of when you’re with your parents, like going on a party boat trip with a guy that looks like Captain Jack Sparrow!

Turkey 2011

However, with our small budgets we couldn’t afford the standard of accommodation I was used to. Our room had a double bed and a rock hard camp bed which we had to take turns to sleep on. Also, we had to pay extra for air conditioning or else it was hotter than outside. Not to mention the all-inclusive cuisine. Bit of a contrast to staying in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas!

This all comes down to the question of what’s more important, the luxury of the hotel, or the fun and the people involved. I once went on a school trip to Ardeche in France where we practically slept in a tent, but had the best time rock climbing, caving, and canoeing down the Ardeche River. One night we slept under the stars and were sniffed at by a wild boar, but it was still a good time.

It really can’t compare to some of the things my parents have allowed me to do though. I’ve been jet-skiing in Malta, gone up an ice field in Canada, strolled down the walk of fame in LA, not to mention cruised the Caribbean and Mediterranean in all singing all dancing cruise ships. I’ve seen the Colosseum and been to the famous Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai and even visited the White House.

Malta 2011

So what I am complaining about? Holidaying with my parents has definitely not been a ‘horrendous nightmare’ despite the lack of a sibling. I’ve been able to experience a multitude of cultures, whilst staying in flashy hotels, all for free! Now that I’ve outgrown family holidays I kind of miss the fact that money wasn’t an issue, but I’m enjoying holidays in the company of my same-aged chums and I’m looking forward to many more in the future!

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Interview with Matt Lacey: The Gap Yah sensation

04 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by Yoga Panther in 'The Badger' articles, Comedy, Interviews

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chunder, comedy sketch, Gap Yah, Gap Yah Plannah, lash, Matt Lacey, Orlando, Travel, vomcano, youtube

After the widespread success of the ‘Gap Yah’ videos, Orlando is back with his new book ‘The Gap Yah Plannah’. For those of you who are unawahh of the YouTube sensation that is ‘Gap Yah’ (viewed over 4 million times), the video portrays a student called Orlando (played by Matt Lacey) telling his friend Tarquin about his experiences during his gap year in Tanzanahh, Perahh and Burmahh, all of which result in him vomiting, or “chundering”, everywahh.

Its creator, Matt Lacey, describes the video as: “A satire on the great number of people who seem to be leaving these shores to vomit all over the developing world.” (The Guardian). Matt, 25, studied Modern History at Oxford (his thesis was based on an obscure Irish moustache law), but unsurprisingly was always drawn to the stage. After uni, he formed the comedy group ‘The Unexpected Items’ who wrote the material for the sketch…

Where did you get the idea for the comedy sketch?

I kind of created the character as a composite of people I met at uni really. It actually started off as a silly voice I was using to take the piss out of a friend of mine, and after a while I started adding to what I overheard and eventually it became a real character that I could perform on stage.

Where did Orlando come from?

The character’s called Orlando, but the real Orlando was a friend of a friend I met at a party, and when he introduced himself, I couldn’t understand him with his lazy vowels. He was so posh I genuinely thought he was called Miranda.

What about that famous phrase?

Well I first overheard ‘I need to take a tactical chunder’, which means if you’re drinking too much and you need to lessen the load, you make yourself sick, which is quite a bizarre concept. But this one time I was in a queue for Zodiac on Cowley road in Oxford and there was this gaggle of teenagers and I just heard, ‘Oh em gee, Tarquin’s just vommed! Tarquin’s just chundered EVERYWHERE!’ as he was getting sick into someone’s front garden.

What did you study at Oxford?

Modern History. I did my thesis on a 14th century Irish law about moustaches.

Were you a lash hero at university?  

Was I ever? I don’t think they used that terminology then, but I liked to drink.

You must get recognised a lot since everyone our age has seen the videos.

The first time I got recognised was quite weird, it was at Elephant and Castle shopping centre in London, which is quite an unexpected place for that to happen, the guy just came up to me and said, ‘Saw you on the internet’ and walked off.  

As an English language student at Sussex I have to say you have the most inventive use of the language. How does it feel to have created and immortalised words such as ‘vomcano’ and ‘lashmina’ which are being used by students all over the country?

Yeah it’s nice to have added to the vernacular…Shakespeare made up words, why can’t I?! They seem to pop up in a lot of place, there was even an article in the telegraph the other day talking about the occupied people calling them ‘Lefties on their gap yah’!

What can we expect from your new book ‘The Gap Yah Plannah?’

Well, what can’t you expect?! I can’t think of anything. Hopefully you’ll find it funny, but it’s also quite varied, so it’s not all written from the point of view of Orlando. A lot of it is written in that Lonely Planet style. (Yeah check out this! Fuck off Lonely Planet you’re not my friend) It’s all illustrated by me as well…and it’s shiny.

I’ve read some excerpts of it and the way it’s written I can just imagine you saying it.

I did quite literally say it; when I was writing it I would read it back to myself in the voice just to make sure it all flowed.

Do you think anyone will be able to read it and find it funny, even if they’re not planning a gap yah?

Well no one can afford to go on a gap yah this year what with the student fee rise…but this is the next best thing! It’s cheaper than paying £25,000 or however much a gap year costs.

What do you think of Made in Chelsea?

I’ve watched it a few times, it’s a bizarre programme, I don’t really understand it if I’m honest. I don’t understand how they make it, as it’s kind of semi real, but not. They seem to be having a lovely time don’t they? But never go down to the river Thames if you’re partner asks you to, ‘cause you’re going to get dumped.

Have you actually been on a gap yah?

Yes I had to take a gap yah. Most of it I spent in Ireland working in a Chinese restaurant run by Romanians. That was life experience! But I also did a more cliché trip to Tanzania or ‘Tanzanaah’.

So you went to Oxford and you’ve been on a gap yah, aren’t you just a ‘rah’ in denial?

Am I a rah? I don’t know…I’m pretty middle class, I’ve never worn a pashmina! And I only bought that Jack Wills gilet for Orlando…but previous to that I would not be seen wearing Jack Wills.

What’s next for you?

Well I’m talking to people about possible vehicles with the character for TV, but I’m keen to do more live shows with my sketch group called ‘The unexpected items’, and we’re going to put some more of our sketches up on our youtube channel – one of them is actually a satire on Made in Chelsea. And of course promoting the book, I’m not quite as good as the meerkat yet!

Orlando’s Lexicon:

  • Gap Yah – When posh kids spend a year travelling the world using daddy’s credit card.
  • Tactical chunder – If you’re drinking too much and need to lessen the load, you literally make yourself sick.
  • Vomcano – When you chunder volcanic proportions.
  • Lash Hero – Someone who can consume copious amounts of alcohol and still maintain a high level of banter.
  • Lashmina – The metaphorical pashmina one wears when out on the lash.

The Gap Yah Plannah by Orlando is published by 4th Estate, find it at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Gap-Yah-Plannah-Orlando/dp/0007432062

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Sam Graham Yoga Teacher

I'm Sam Graham – a yoga teacher and content editor with a love of Japanese culture.

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