26 September - 3 October 2011 Teacher: Deepa Moodgal

Cost: from £575

Huzur Vadisi, which translates as peaceful valley is set in the beautiful forested mountains inland from Turkey's 'turquoise' coast-line. No other people live in the valley, so the peace is profound. The only sounds you will hear are cicadas, the call of owl and the heavenly song of nightingales. At night the valley is dark, free of light pollution, revealing all the beauty of the night sky. At full moon it is truly magical to see the forest and valley bathed in moonlight. Huzur Vadisi’s setting brings a deep connection with the natural world that immeasurably enhances the benefits of yoga practice.

Staying at Huzur Vadisi is very much like being a houseguest – it's a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, particularly welcoming for people holidaying on their own. There is also plenty of space to be by yourself and be quiet if you wish.

Deepa will be offering a week's evolutionary approach to Vinyasa flow yoga - incorporating movement meditations, mudra's (hand gestures), asana and pranayama in the beautiful, nurturing surroundings of Huzur Vadisi.

You will flow into a dynamic energising solar flow practice in the morning, with a more gentle restorative lunar practice in the late afternoons concentrating on the hips, lower spine, and pelvis and offering breathing techniques to support and ground the mind and body.

The week is an invitation for you to deepen your practise, clear your mind, and restore energy on every level.

Sleeping in a comfortable spacious nomadic yurt, from which you can roll back the roof to view the night stars, practicing yoga in a beautiful outdoor shala, swimming in a natural stone pool and eating truly delicious vegetarian food, you cannot leave here feeling anything but refreshed, rejuvenated and deeply relaxed.

This retreat week is open to all levels of practitioners.

Many people find that they do not want to go anywhere else once they have arrived at Huzur Vadisi - it is so restful! However, the local friendly village of Gocek is a lovely place to visit with a picturesque seafront and several small bars and restaurants.

For those who want to explore there are several local places of interest:

Dalyan is a small town on a reedy river estuary, about an hour from Huzur Vadisi. You can travel by river boat to visit Lycian rock tombs, the ancient ruins of Caunos, hot sulphur springs and mud baths.

Fethiye is an hour away and is the nearest large town set on a beautiful bay with shops, bazaars, seafront cafes, Turkish baths and the ancient ruins of Telmessos.

Boat trips are available - the all time favourite day out is to sail around the islands and bays of this stunning coastline on a traditional wooden boat. There is plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing, with space to stretch out, as well as a shady deck area. There are loos on board, and a cabin to change in. A delicious lunch is cooked on board.

Another popular outing is a trip to a village in the high altitude cherry growing region, where lunch is prepared and served by a local family in their tree top Kosk built over a mill stream. Walks in and around the village provide a real experience of genuine unspoiled village life.

The accommodation is something rather special. Huzur Vadisi's version of the nomadic yurt (which is the Turkish word for home) is a circular domed structure with a wooden trellis frame. An opening at the top, called the "Eye of Heaven," lets you gaze at the stars from your bed and allows cool ventilation in hot weather.

The yurts are spacious and comfortable, with twin or double beds, electricity, bedside lighting, wooden floors and bamboo storage shelves. Mosquito nets are provided, although rarely needed.

Bathroom facilities with ample hot showers, toilets and washbasins are conveniently placed around the site. There are no en-suite facilities.