Spring Awakening - Cape Men's Yoga Weekend Retreat 12 - 14 September 2014

It is that time of year again .... Cape Men's Yoga - the all male, all nude yoga and meditation community is gathering at our favourite retreat centre - Bodhi Khaya in the Cape Overberg region - just a few hours out of Cape Town.

12 - 14 September 2014

This is our sixth such retreat. There are usually about 20 guys on the retreat. The venue is beautiful. Accommodation is shared - mostly two single beds in cottages around the quad but there are also cottages for group bookings and the two dormitories which take 3 and 5 men respectively. 

Bodhi Khaya has been ranked as one of the world's top 'secret' retreat centres. It was founded by local Buddhists but has emphasised an ecumenical approach to spiritual development. They have always been welcoming of Cape Men's Yoga and we honour this welcoming. It is only the yoga that is practiced nude as the centre is not designed for naturalism in other regards. If the weather is warm, there is however a dam for swimming. 

The weekend starts on Friday afternoon with an opening yoga session at 5pm and an opening ceremony of cleansing and setting of intentions at 8pm, with the welcome dinner in between. There is a full day of practice on Saturday and half a day on Sunday, with the even ending after lunch on Sunday. 

The programme involves yoga instruction in different styles, typically hatha, vinyasa-flow, ashtanga, partner yoga, kundalini and yin yoga. There is usually some time for thai massage and instruction in meditation - walking and sitting meditations, including the large maze in the main garden. 

Bodhi Khaya borders Grootbos and is partly covered by an ancient milkwood forest, the most southerly indigenous forest on the African continent. The venue is extraordinary with fynbos in full bloom at this time of year. 

The retreat is not for beginner yogi. Though you are not obliged to partake in all the yoga classes, the weekend is fairly intense and you are expected to be reasonably fit and experienced in at least one style of yoga practice. 

We are a diverse group of men. People come from Christian, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, Spiritualist and atheist backgrounds. We work with spirituality, wellness of mind and body, in a respectful and open hearted manner. It is not an 'encounter' group but there is an emphasis on mutual respect, personal exploration and healing. There is no meat, alcohol, drugs or loud music during the retreat. It is a time of reflection, practice and awakening. 

You should have your own yoga mat and a sweat towel. Blocks, straps and meditation cushions or supports are all available. Weather is unpredictable at this time of year - so it can be anything from freezing to 25C. Check weather forecasts. 

The price is approximately R1500 per person sharing for the weekend, all inclusive. This does not include your transport. It is possible to share transport from Cape Town if you organise this with us in advance. Though the venue is large there is a limit to the number of people who can sleep comfortably. 

Our events are entirely non-profit. Your contribution covers your room, the venue rental, and meals. You also help subsidise the professional yoga instructor's costs at the venue. They provide the instruction for free to us. This is part of our building of a community of practice and the karmic contribution of generosity. If you wish to help subsidise someone who cannot afford the weekend, this is also welcome. 

Deposits need to be paid by 28 July 2014 to ensure you have a place. The accommodation is first come, first serve. Single accommodation requires that you book the whole room, which in practice means you pay for two beds for the room, but meals only for yourself. This is Bodhi Khaya's rule and not much we can do about that. The venue is comfortable and well-appointed.

For reservations or more information contact us on:

capemensyoga AT gmail DOT com