Who doesn’t want to escape to an island for a few days to get away from it all, soak up some sun, sip fruity drinks, and have a few adventures? Better yet, how cool would it be to attend a yoga retreat while visiting such an island?

If you live in northeast Ohio, you don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to find this simple pleasure; you can hop on a ferry boat in Sandusky and be on idyllic Kelleys Island in less than 20 minutes. So pack your bags, leave your cares and car behind, and hop on the ferry for the Kelleys Island Yoga and Wellness Retreat this coming September 11–14, 2014.

It may only be 22 miles from the mainland, but once you step foot on the island, surrounded by the beautiful blue water of Lake Erie, you will feel like you are on a faraway vacation.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday with a 2-day reflexology workshop led by Amanda Conn, and then on Friday the beach yoga and meditation classes begin. You can come up just for the day for some yoga and island adventure or come for the whole weekend. Here are just a few great reasons why you should consider trying the island life!

Ferry rideHop on the ferry and enjoy the blueasana on the way over to Kelleys Island

Daytripper. You don’t have to come for the whole weekend. If you like you can head over for just the day or a few of the classes or activities. There is an early-bird discount if you purchase the package of all the yoga and meditation classes before August 15, but each yoga class and the other activities can be purchased separately.

 

Goddess Tracy Rhinehart. I’m thrilled that yogini goddess Tracy Rhinehart is going to be joining me again this summer. Tracy will be offering Thai Massage and Body Wisdom consultations on Friday and Saturday. Tracy was completely booked on last year’s retreat! So contact her soon to set up your appointment at 216-551-0707, or email trhinehart108 at gmail.com.  Tracy is also going to co-teach one of the Saturday beach yoga classes with me!

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Community. I got so busy last year after the retreat that I never got a chance to write about how much fun we had and the amazing group of goddesses who joined together for the weekend. There were lots of giggles around the campfire, more midnight giggles in the camping tents, gourmet fire-grilled sandwiches and banana boats, trips to the local wineries, shared breakfasts, and new friendships forged. Best of all there was plenty of time to just relax, enjoy the beach, unwind, and feed the soul.

KI Venture Resort

Looking for a place to stay on the island? The Kelleys Island Venture Resort

is right next door to where the yoga retreat classes will be held.

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This is the view from the beach deck in front of the Kelleys Island Venture Resort.

Yoga With a View! Last year Mother Nature provided brilliant variety as we practiced yoga and meditated as the sun rose and set, while it rained, and while the waves were crashing up on the beach making us feel like we were on the shores of the ocean rather than Lake Erie. This year on Kelleys Island, the yoga classes will also be held rain or shine. When the sun is shining we will practice on the lawn across the street from the Kelleys Island Brew Pub with an outstanding view overlooking Lake Erie. In case of rain, the yoga sessions will be held in the historic Town Hall on Kelleys Island.

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This lovely angel overlooks the area where the yoga classes will be held!

Food! The Kelleys Island Brew Pub will have food and drink specials all weekend for the yogis who attend and are also hosting a special brunch on Sunday to benefit the Humane Society. kelleys island brewery logo

Explore! When you are not on your yoga mat or dancing up a storm,there is so much to do on the island. You can take a bike ride around the island with gorgeous views of the lakes, explore the glacier grooves that were formed about 18,000 years ago, visit and try out the wines at the Kelleys Island Wine Company, shop for souvenirs, and sip the island’s signature drink, the Brandy Alexander.

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Don’t delay – get your reservations made at one of the many fine bed and breakfasts, hotels, or the state campground. Remember to book ahead if you want a session with Tracy. And then kick back and get ready for Kelleys Islandasana!


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Hope to see you on Kelleys Island this September – and maybe next year on another island a little farther away in Santorini, Greece!

Daily Downward Dog Yoga Retreats

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