Join me for a week of embracing balance at Quinta Mimosa in Algarve, Portugal.  Immerse yourself in the dance of complementary opposites - the fluidity and dynamism of yang yoga and the soft yielding side of yin yoga.  Through knowing them comes greater inner balance.  Located 10 minutes from the medieval town of Loule and Argarve's spectacular beaches, Quinta Mimosa is a ten acre estate of charming Portuguese farmhouses with 3 swimming pools surrounded by almond and orange trees.  Add to that yoga, delicious food and good company - it's the perfect place to relax, explore and rejuvenate.
 
Wake up to an energizing Yang Yoga practice inspired by Hatha Yoga and Daoist martial arts.  The powerful stance work strengthens the legs, core, and bones.  The dynamic coordination of spiraling, circular and linear movements of the lower and upper body serves to remove energetic obstructions and free the circulation of the life force throughout the body.  Simultaneously graceful and strong, grounding and uplifting, and fun and challenging, this practice will open your mind to a completely different way of practicing Vinyasa Yoga.  
 
After the morning practice, wander down to the orange groves before we meet for a hearty vegetarian brunch.  During the free time in the afternoon, swim in one of the 3 pools, receive a massage, head off to the sea or bike to nearby villages (participants arrange taxi share or bike rental).  Regroup for dinner at Quinta Mimosa, followed by a blissful Yin and Restorative practice to ease you into restful sleep.    

Within easy reach are historic towns and villages, pristine beaches, spectacular sea caves, horseback riding, sailing, and walking.  For those who seek the surf, the famous Atlantic west coast is only 50 minutes away with some of the best surfing beaches in Europe.  And in the other direction, Spain is only an hour away.

A tentative itinerary, subject to change, is as follows:

Saturday:
4:00 pm:                Arrival at Quinta Mimosa
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm:        Welcome Dinner
7:45 pm - 9:15 pm:        Opening Session

Sunday – Friday (except Wednesday):
9:30 am - 11:45pm:    Yin Yang Practice
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm:    Brunch
1:15 pm - 5:15 pm:        Free Time
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm:        Yin & Restorative Practice
7:15 pm - 8:15 pm:        3 Course Vegetarian Dinner

Wednesday:
Free day for excursions.  Excursions are not included in the price of the retreat.  Brunch and dinner are not served at Quinta Mimosa on this day so that you may have ample time for your excursion as well as the opportunity to explore many restaurants in town or on the beach.  No yoga on Wednesday.

Saturday:
9:00 am:                Departure


Accommodation
The accommodation at Quinta Mimosa is arranged in a 3 converted Portuguese farmhouses:  Solandra, Mimosa, and Japonica.  In each house, there are 3 double rooms with shower or bath and a shared lounge, fully equipped kitchen, terrace and barbeque area.  Double rooms can be shared between two participants or as a single occupancy (limited availability at supplemental charge).  There is also a dormitory room accommodating up to 4 people in a mezzanine gallery above the yoga studio.   Also on the grounds are 3 swimming pools.


Travel Information
You can get to Quinta Mimosa by flying to Faro Airport, which is 20 minutes taxi/car ride to Quinta Mimosa.  Taxi transfers from Faro Airport to Quinta Mimosa cost approximately 25 to 30 euros each way.  Quinta Mimosa is only 2 hours train from Lisbon or bus from Seville, Spain.  Car service can be arranged in advance or once you arrive and bicycles can be rented to ride into town.


Weather
Algarve enjoys a fantastic Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it a popular holiday destination.  The Algarve has the warmest average temperatures of anywhere in mainland Portugal, and is one of Europe’s sunniest places with over 3000 sunshine hours per year.  Late May temperatures average in the mid-70’s.


Activities and Excursions
Plenty of time is scheduled between morning and evening practices for excursions, quiet time, massage or sunbathing.  Within easy reach are historic towns and villages, pristine beaches, spectacular sea caves, horseback riding, sailing, and walking.  For those who seek the surf, the famous Atlantic west coast is only 50 minutes away with some of the best surfing beaches in Europe.  And in the other direction, Spain is only an hour away.


Pricing
$950 for dormitory (quad) by February 28, 2013.  $1,050 thereafter.
$1,099 for double occupancy by February 28, 2013.  $1,199 thereafter.
$400 supplement for singles.
$300 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration.  Balance due by April 15.

Pricing includes accommodation for 7 nights and 2 yoga classes, brunch and dinner daily except Wednesday which will be a free day for excursions.  Pricing does not include airfares, land transfers, travel insurance, wine, excursions, bike rental, taxi share, extra activities such as massage, horseback riding, surfing, restaurant dining on Wednesday.

•    Please email me at Danielle.lee.mf@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
•    Go to www.quintamimosaalgarve.com for more information on the retreat center