A yoga retreat on the turquoise coast, Turkey

About Huzur Vadisi

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 owls 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 your yoga practice. It is an oasis of peace and nature, and yet only a fifteen-minute drive from the sea and the small, chic yachting resort of Gocek.

Staying at Huzur Vadisi is very much like being a house-guest with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The stunning unspoiled location, welcoming experienced staff and legendary food creates an experience which makes you want to return again and again.

Retreat programme

Each day will begin with a morning yoga class in the spacious and fully equipped yoga shala, set amidst the olive trees and vines. The class will include asana, meditation and pranayama. Gently opening the body and attuning the mind to the breath, the class will slowly move and build into a flowing and dynamic sequence, always incorporating the cultivation of awareness, physical alignment and breath. The classes will be suitable for all levels and yoga experience.

There will be time set aside in the day to explore and take in the stunning beauty of the surroundings. The group will meet again in the late afternoon for a second yoga session which will be more gentle and restorative. Classes will begin on the morning of Tuesday 29 August and there will be one yoga-free day during the week.

Sleeping in a comfortable spacious nomadic yurt, from which you can roll back the roof to view the night stars, practising 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.

Things to do

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, only a 15 minute taxi ride away, 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. There are several nice beaches within a fifteen-minute taxi ride from Huzur Vadisi. For serious beach lovers there are two long beautiful sandy beaches (both in protected nature preserves) within an hours drive.

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. A delicious lunch is cooked on board.

Fethiye is about 40 minutes away and is the nearest large town. Set on a beautiful bay, it features shops, bazaars, seafront cafes, Turkish baths and the ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos. Another favourite is a visit to the Turkish Baths in Gocek. There's also an excellent massage therapist at Huzur Vadisi.

Enjoying the beauty of the region doesn't require an elaborate excursion. You can leave the property on foot and walk unhindered in any direction through the pine forests. Trails provide spectacular views of the coast and islands and of the mountain ranges stretching inland to the north.

Accommodation

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, set within olive and fig groves, are spacious and comfortable with triple, 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. One yurt has an en-suite bathroom.