SOMA III

Yoga Retreat

Welcome to Soma, a serene escape nestled in the hinterland of Byron Bay. If you’ve stopped by maybe you’re at a crossroads in your life or looking for an inspirational time away. Or, maybe you’re a seasoned yogi looking to deepen your knowledge and advance your skillset. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the answers you seek at our yoga retreat. This retreat offers an immersive and transformative experience like no other.

WHY YOGA?

Yoga is an incredibly powerful tool. This timeless ancient practice that extends beyond the wonderful physical postures, it's most known for, and is perhaps better described as a holistic science that intertwines the of mind, body and spirit. Practised correctly, yoga can lead to remarkable transformations in mental clarity and physical resilience. Whether seeking solace from daily stressors or wanting to unlock higher consciousness, our masterfully structured program will serve to facilitate your journey to a more balanced and enriched lifestyle.

In this four-day, three-night retreat, you'll engage with meticulously designed process that blends a host of ancient and modern practices taught by highly sought-after coaches. These teachers bring with them years of experience and remarkable knowledge they will share with you over the course of the retreat.

In this four-day, three-night retreat, you'll connect with the breadth and depth of yoga, learning not only how to perform this incredible practice but also how to use it to balance your mind, body and spirit.

The Soma yoga retreat is meticulously designed to offer a comprehensive and transformative experience that blends a host of ancient and modern practices. Enveloped in an aura of nature, the Soma sanctuary is the ideal place to dive deep into Vedic philosophy and self-discovery and is the key to unlocking the secrets of inner peace.

When you come and stay with us, you'll receive exclusive exposure to numerous mindfulness practices taught by highly sought-after teachers. These teachers don't just practice yoga; they embody it, bringing with them years of experience and remarkable knowledge you're unlikely to find anywhere else.

Here is what you will learn at the Soma yoga retreat:

Yoga

Kriya Yoga

Kriya yoga is a practice aimed at accelerating spiritual growth. It combines breathwork, mantra, and divine hand movements to allow practitioners to reach and maintain higher consciousness. Powerful and transformative, Kriya yoga focuses on the breath to create synergy between the mind, body, and spirit.

Breathwork

The mind and the breath go hand in hand. Where the breath is out of order, so too is the mind and vice-versa. During this yoga retreat, you’ll learn how to deliberately and effectively alter the depth, pace, and rhythm of your breath to enhance relaxation and release emotional blocks.

Bhakti Yoga

The divine is all around us, but unfortunately, many fail to recognise it, inadvertently ignoring the signs and missing the blessings placed right in front of us. Bhakti yoga allows you to develop a deeper connection with the universe, surrendering control to the divine to set you on the path of the heart.

Hatha Yoga

Nurture your body and open your mind with Hatha yoga. Designed to create balance, strength, and flexibility, Hatha opens up several channels of your body to allow energy to flow more freely. You’ll learn a series of postures (asanas) and how to focus on the breath to balance and surrender to each pose.

Vinyasa Yoga

Sometimes referred to as flow yoga, Vinyasa yoga strings postures together to create smooth, dance-like sequences that help balance your body and make it more mobile.

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga encourages a sense of release and letting go. It is passive and slow-paced and encourages you to settle into poses for extended periods of time. Yin yoga really gives you an opportunity to find stillness and calm, alleviating stress and enriching the body, mind, and soul.

Kundalini Yoga

Awaken your Kundalini Shakti, a cosmic power coiled at the base of your spine. Also known as your serpent power, Kundalini pierces through your chakras and other energy centres before reaching your crown chakra for spiritual enlightenment. At Soma, our coaches will walk you through Kundalini yoga, activating your serpent power and taking you on a profound journey of transformation and higher consciousness.

Transformational Breathwork

Learn intricate breathing techniques to tap into your inner psyche. These techniques are incredibly powerful and can be used to unlock stagnant energy and release suppressed emotions. It helps to enhance mental clarity and promotes a greater sense of overall well-being.

Vedic Philosophy

Learn the secrets of the universe and have your questions answered with powerful Vedic philosophy teachings. Receive guidance from the knowledge of the four Vedas — Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda — and experience a life-changing metamorphosis that opens you up to a world of possibilities.

Intro to Vedic Meditation

Effortless and transformational, Vedic meditation nurtures you into a deep state of relaxation and consciousness. Adopting Vedic wisdom, Vedic meditation involves the silent repetition of mantras to promote inner peace and clarity of mind, ultimately leading to a life of greater well-being, fulfilment and balanced energy.

About the Teacher

Gary Gorrow

With over 17 years of mindfulness experience, Gary works with people from all over the globe and from all walks of life. He has a passion for empowering others, using ancient consciousness-based and guided meditation practices to help his students reach genuine enlightenment. Gary is a Vedic Meditation Practitioner (Master Teacher), qualified Ayurvedic Health Coach, Mindfulness Expert, High-Performance Coach, and a Motivational Speaker, making him one of the industry’s most sought-after transcendental teachers.

THIS RETREAT IS IDEAL FOR:

Thoughtfully curated by our mindfulness experts, the retreat’s primary goal is to assist with the development of higher consciousness, reshape your approach to life and living, help you discover newfound vibrancy and unlock a renewed direction and purpose

Yoga Enthusiasts:
Individuals passionate about deepening their yoga practice and exploring advanced techniques in a focused and immersive setting.
Serenity-Seekers:
Those looking to escape the pressures of daily life and who are seeking effective stress management techniques in a spectacular environment.
Curious First-Timers:
The Soma Yoga retreat caters to individuals at all skill levels, ensuring you feel supported during every step of your journey.
Mindfulness Explorers:
Those interested in cultivating mindfulness and exploring meditation practices in a dedicated and guided manner.
Health and Wellness Seekers:
Individuals on a journey toward holistic well-being as we address the spectrum of elements that comprise true health and happiness: mental, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and lifestyle.
People in Transition:
Those undergoing life changes, seeking a space for reflection, rejuvenation, and exploration of personal growth.
Professionals:
Individuals experiencing burnout or seeking a mindful break from hectic work schedules. Those seeking respite and rejuvenation in a well-rounded experience that extends beyond yoga practice.

A BYRON YOGA RETREAT THAT TRANSFORMS

At Soma, you’ll do more than simply practise yoga in the serenity of Byron Bay. Our yoga retreat is an immersive experience where you’ll engross yourself entirely in mindfulness practices and teachings to reach higher consciousness and elevated well-being. While Soma offers a tranquil escape, rest and relaxation are an added benefit. The real marvel lies in your newfound knowledge and spiritual awakening, transforming your mind, body, and spirit to guide you on a revolutionary path to enlightenment. Here’s how Soma equips you with tools you can use for a lifetime.

Vedic Wisdom:
Gaining insights into the science of Being and the Art of Living provides a new perspective on the nature of reality, self-realisation and the path of dharma.
Neurological Advancement:
Mindful yoga practices leverage neuroplasticity (reformation and reorganisation of synaptic connections), fostering positive changes in brain structure and function.
Stress Modulation:
The diverse range of practices you’ll learn helps to regulate the nervous system, dissolve accumulated stress, and promote resilience and a higher state of consciousness.
Physical Rejuvenation:
Performing daily yoga and associated practices enhances overall flexibility, strength, and balance. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to continue practising at home.
Mindfulness Mastery:
Learn the art of cultivating heightened awareness, mindful engagement, and fostering mental clarity and emotional buoyancy.
Holistic Wellness Education:
Learning and understanding how to incorporate the six essential elements into your daily life allows you to optimise health and well-being moving forward.
Balanced Energy:
Integrating Himalayan breathwork, Neuro-dynamic breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and various yoga styles into your lifestyle harmonises energy flow and promotes a balanced and revitalised state of being.

A BYRON YOGA RETREAT THAT TRANSFORMS

Vedic Wisdom:
Gaining insights into the science of Being and the Art of Living provides a new perspective on the nature of reality, self-realisation and the path of dharma.
Neurological Advancement:
Mindful yoga practices leverage neuroplasticity (reformation and reorganisation of synaptic connections), fostering positive changes in brain structure and function.
Stress Modulation:
The diverse range of practices you’ll learn helps to regulate the nervous system, dissolve accumulated stress, and promote resilience and a higher state of consciousness.
Physical Rejuvenation:
Performing daily yoga and associated practices enhances overall flexibility, strength, and balance. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to continue practising at home.
Mindfulness Mastery:
Learn the art of cultivating heightened awareness, mindful engagement, and fostering mental clarity and emotional buoyancy.
Holistic Wellness Education:
Learning and understanding how to incorporate the six essential elements into your daily life allows you to optimise health and well-being moving forward.
Balanced Energy:
Integrating Himalayan breathwork, Neuro-dynamic breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and various yoga styles into your lifestyle harmonises energy flow and promotes a balanced and revitalised state of being.

Duration

Thur 2pm - Sun 10am

Dates

February 13-16, 2025

April 24-27, 2025

Prices

Individual $3,600

Couples $5,600

Twin Share Main House
$2,900 p/person

Forest Abode Triple Share
$2,700 p/person

Forest Abode Couple $4,800 total

*NON-RESIDENTIAL OPTION AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOGA RETREATS.

Alternatively, you can choose your own accommodation and still join us and the group for the full Soma experience (all meals included, full access to the freshwater infinity pool, Soma grounds, and infrared sauna).

Price: $2,400

BENEFITS

When you attend our luxury yoga meditation retreat in Byron Bay, you’ll have access to:

4 days/3 nights premium accommodation in an expansive bedroom with a king-sized bed and private ensuite
Gift on arrival
Daily yoga sessions that include:
Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Kundalini and other specialised practices. Sessions accommodate varying levels of ability and are tailored to your individual goals.
Transformational breathwork sessions
Guided Meditation practices
Knowledge sessions: Our world-class teachers will deliver timeless knowledge on the specific aspects of yoga Vedanta philosophy, providing a deeper understanding of its broader implications for life and living.
Nature and relaxation: The retreat is filled with wonderful biodiversity, and participants are encouraged to enjoy the natural world, whether it be forest bathing, self-guided walks, outdoor meditation, or lying in the hammock under a 250-year-old tree. The Soma sanctuary is the ideal space of tranquillity and reconnection.
Daily access to infrared sauna and ice bath
Digital detox
Full access to a freshwater infinity pool and the Soma grounds
4-day cleanse-based menu prepared with locally sourced, organic meals prepared by Soma’s Ayurvedic chefs. Chat with us about your dietary requirements
Evening gatherings

*Bodywork treatment upon request. Charges apply.

About the teacher

Gary Gorrow

Gary Gorrow has over 17 years of mindfulness practice experience. During this time, he has had the pleasure of working with thousands of people from all over the globe and from all walks of life, empowering and guiding them through ancient consciousness-based teachings. More than your average yogi, Gary is a Vedic Meditation Practitioner (Master Teacher), Qualified Ayurvedic Health Coach, Mindfulness Expert, a High Performance Coach, and Motivational Speaker.

About the teacher

Bess Prescott

Bess has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years and co-owns Creature Yoga in Byron Bay. She takes a scholarly approach to the practice, based on original texts, and completed first year Sanskrit Studies at ANU in 2021. She teaches yoga āsana as well as lecturing yoga history and philosophy for teacher trainings around the world. She has been teaching yoga since 2011 and is Yoga Alliance ERYT500 certified.

About the Teacher

Lance Shuler

Lance Schuler, owner and director of Integrated South Pacific Yoga Academy (INSPYA), is a highly respected figure in the global yoga community. He brings with him 40 years of teaching experience. Lance was raised on a farm in New Zealand, which gave him the freedom to explore martial arts, where he performed Judo at an elite level. It was during this period that Lance discovered yoga, an art he would come to study and teach for several years before founding INSPYA — a modern system that integrates scientific advances with traditional techniques. His teaching areas include Course Direction, Principal Teaching, Asana, Pranayama and Meditation, Workplace Training and Assessment, Teaching Methodology, Ethical Guidelines, and Adjustment Skills.

About the Teacher

Ritika

Ritika is a trained Vedic astrologer and has studied under her teacher, Anand Mehrotra, for over 15 years. Ritika follows a spiritual discipline, practising yoga, kriya, meditation, mantra and rituals daily, and leads a life of honesty and integrity. She is driven by a genuine desire to be of service to her clients.

A holistic teacher can function as a “life-counsellor”, able to address all domains of life, including, health, psychology, career, relationship, and spiritual blocks. Through Kriya yoga, Ritika guides clients toward the full unfoldment of their soul, pointing out the scope of their life’s potential and equipping them with practical tools for developing their energies properly. The ultimate goal of a true yogi is to be able to master their energy and direct it towards evolution.

About the Teacher

Sara Searle

Sara is a seasoned yoga practitioner with over a decade of experience, embodying the principles of discipline, comfort and mindfulness. As a certified yoga teacher and breath facilitator, she has honed her skills through extensive study with renowned instructors worldwide. In her dual career as a psychologist, Sara seamlessly integrates her expertise into her yoga classes, fostering a supportive yet challenging environment that promotes growth and healing through movement.

Her dynamic and playful teaching style encourages a flow state where breath and movement harmonise, reflecting and enhancing each other. Sara’s global studies and insatiable curiosity have enriched her practice with diverse insights, which she integrates inclusively and with a steadfast commitment to mental health.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the evening gathering?

The evening gathering is a group session that gives you the opportunity to ask questions relevant to your journey. In a somewhat spontaneous flow of wisdom, you’ll engage in discussion with our facilitators, who will share specific discourses and knowledge to further elevate your awakening.

A digital detox. Does that mean no technology?

Yep! It might sound scary at first. After all, we live with computers in our pockets. But at Soma, we encourage all guests to step away from their phones and other technology to give themselves a much-needed break. No technology means you can really be present in the moment and immerse yourself entirely in the experience. This intentional break allows you to foster deeper connections with yourself and others, reducing distractions and gifting you a more profound exploration of the retreat’s offerings.

Are places limited? How many spots are available per retreat?

Yes. This is an exclusive yoga retreat, and as such, we can only accommodate a maximum of 23 guests, so be sure to secure your place!

What does an average day at Soma look like?

A day at Soma typically involves a variety of activities tailored to the retreat. You can expect a blend of structured sessions such as workshops, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and group discussions. Additionally, you’ll have blocks of personal free time for you to relax or indulge in a massage if you wish.

Are we allowed to choose our rooms?

While we typically allocate rooms for participants, we’re more than happy to accommodate specific room requests whenever possible. So, if you have a particular preference or requirement, please email [email protected] and let us know — we’ll do our best to arrange it for you.

I’ve attended the yoga retreat before and absolutely loved it! Would you recommend this one for return guests, or should I try something different?

Many of our guests return to the same retreat, finding new depths of experience and growth each time. However, we highly recommend exploring our other offerings. For example, our Rounding retreat is the best option for people who have attended the Meditation retreat, as it offers an opportunity to delve deeper into advanced techniques of Vedic Meditation.

Additionally, we have other incredible offerings, such as the Visionary Masterclass and Immersion Retreat, both of which encourage personal growth and ascension. We encourage you to peruse our website and select the option that resonates with you most. Remember, every experience at Soma, even if it’s the same retreat, holds the potential for unique transformation and growth as it is influenced by your current journey and state of being.

Do I have to pay everything upfront, or do you accept a deposit?

Participants are required to pay in full; we do not accept deposits. However, we understand that some individuals may benefit from an instalment payment plan. If this sounds like you, please speak with us directly at [email protected], and we’ll work with you to try and find a solution.

Is the retreat fully refundable?

We strive to create an intimate community atmosphere during your stay and as a result, we can only accommodate a limited number of guests. It is the responsibility of the guest to read, understand and agree to our cancellation policy before booking with us.

Please note:

- All bookings incur a 50% booking deposit. This is included in the full price of the retreat booking. Cancelled bookings are non-refundable. However, if you request to cancel a booking more than 60 days BEFORE your arrival date, we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule at a later date.
- Additionally, payment is withheld for failure to arrive on the retreat stay date, arriving on a date other than your confirmed booking date, or early departure.

      
   Soma Byron Bay
   25 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Rosy Dean 
 07/04/2024
 
 
  My husband and I attended Soma for the learn to meditate retreat with Gary. Could not recommend Soma more! The accomodation and whole property are amazing. Samantha is such a lovely host and Alex’s food is out of this world. Such an incredible experience with Gary and can’t wait to go back!
  
 
       
   Sam Armstrong 
 20/03/2024
 
 
  The perfect destination to unwind and relax.  Highly recommend and Samantha was a great host.
  
 
       
   Lauren Grimes 
 20/03/2024
 
 
  What an amazing location and place. Incredibly serene and rejuvenating experience.
  
 
       
   Richard Francis 
 14/05/2023
 
 
  Absolute tranquil, stunning views all around, and amazing staff. Gary holds fantastic sessions. Samantha is amazing inside and out!
  
 
       
   Kyah Bell 
 20/02/2023
 
 
  Soma Byron is one of the most magical and special places I have encountered. From the beautiful grounds, to the exceptional staff (especially Samantha), my retreat left me nourished with incredible food and connection to self. Everyone to go to Soma once a year at least, I could not recommend it enough.
  
 
       
   Simone Doulaveras 
 11/12/2022
 
 
  Incredible! Soma is spectacular, I absolutely loved my experience, from the incredible (and satisfying) food to Garry's amazing meditation course. I am not a natural meditator and he was such a great teacher. I am now so inspired and motivated to make meditation a part of my life, thanks to this retreat. I can't wait to book my next stay, just wish there were more stars to rate with!!
  
 
       
   m healey 
 16/09/2022
 
 
  If you have the opportunity to go to beautiful Soma it is a wonderful retreat from day to day life but do make it more blissful with yoga with the gifted Kate Henry and a glorious pottery session with Blanche Alexander by the pool and fire pit.
  
 
       
   Michael Taylor 
 08/09/2022
 
 
  Beautiful building and surrounds. Epic sunset views. Lovely place to relax and unwind. I only wish they'd seen fit to equip the bathrooms with doors.
  
 
       
   Ganesa Stapleton 
 20/01/2022
 
 
  Very disappointing the retreat facilities were not working
  
 
  
  
 
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