Small in size but mighty in authenticity, the lodge was also placed 3rd out of 25 finalists in the BEST AUSTRALIAN SPA category.

Founders and Owners of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Terry and Cathy Maloney said of the award: “It is a privilege to be awarded BEST LUXURY ECO TOURISM in the world category by the discerning travellers and followers of Luxury Travel Magazine. This prestigious award recognises the efforts over the past 15 years of developing a truly authentic and experiential travel destination in Australia. To be selected by the consumers from such an outstanding collection is most humbling”.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is nestled in the world’s oldest rainforest. Authenticity of the Yalanji Rainforest Aboriginal culture and the experience of peaceful tranquillity set the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa apart from any other resort. It is renowned for the nurturing ability to help guests find peace of mind, body and spirit with pure, raw ingredients from the surrounding rainforest.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa has appointed The Unique Tourism Collection to represent the property in Australia. The Unique Tourism Collection is a Sydney-based company which represents prestigious tourism clients from around the world.

Terry Maloney said of the appointment: “We are thrilled to be represented by Unique Tourism Collection (UTC). We see UTC as an ideal company to represent Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa as they have the ability and reputation that will help us in communicating our unique selling points to guests who seek a safe and tranquil haven from this busy world”.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is offering tropical rainforest greetings with the celebration package for only AUD$1596, available until 31st May, 2010.

Includes (for 2 people):
• 3 nights in a rainforest spa villa 
• Daily a-la-carte breakfast
• 1 hour massage each for 2 people
• And a free bottle of sparkling on arrival

For reservations info@daintree-ecolodge.com.au or call Toll Free: 1800 808 010 (within Australia) and quote “celebration package”.

At Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, you can finally get away from it all.

Once here, most guests  don’t only choose to turn off their Blackberry; they feel compelled, for this sparkling private island in the northern Caribbean deserves full attention – the mile-long beach, the private villas opening on to the powdery sand, the healthful cuisine, the diving, Yoga and the award-winning spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay. That’s why, for 2010, Parrot Cay has launched two new couple-friendly packages to make it a year worth remembering. The ‘Babymoon’ package is designed for expecting parents to have their ‘honeymoon’ before the new arrival. It is a three-night hit of instant relaxation, and includes an indulgent 75-minute Pre-Natal massage as well as an hour-long private Yoga session and COMO Shambhala Massage. Prices start at $3,070 per couple, based on two sharing.

Parrot Cay’s ‘Romantic Runaway’ offer is for those who may be free of the kids for a long weekend, or for those who just want to steal some meaningful downtime in an entirely private corner of the northern Caribbean. The appeal of this perfect three-night  break lies in Parrot Cay’s ability to deliver a maximum experience in a short amount of time – and at a competitive price, with rates starting at $2,864 for two people, all meals included. With a couple’s massage also featured, as well as a Champagne breakfast, it’s ideal for couples seeking some good value respite under a warm Turks and Caicos sun.

Both packages include accommodation for three nights in a Garden View Room (other accommodation types are available, at an extra cost), breakfast, lunch  and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights only, a fruit bowl replenished daily, and complimentary group Yoga and Pilates classes and non-motorised watersports.

Once here, resort staff can organise numerous other excursions for couples, including some for those who like to get out and about. They include snorkelling expeditions to outlying islets, kayaking trips, diving, fishing expeditions and castaway picnics on deserted spits of sand. At Parrot Cay, guests can even dine in a private tiki hut on the beach – all available on request.

For more information email res@parrotcay.como.bz or visit the resort’s new website at www.parrotcay.como.bz

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat

PO BOX 164 Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

British West Indies

Tel +1 649 946 7788

Fax +1 649 946 7789

Email parrotcay@comoshambhala.bz

Website parrotcay.como.bz

FOR ANY PRESS AND MEDIA QUERY:

Crystal Seah, Director Marketing Communications

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +65 6304 1488

Email crystal.seah@como.bz

Chris Orlikowski, Marketing Executive

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +44 (0)20 7447 1049

Email chris.orlikowski@como.bz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Understanding COMO Hotels and Resorts: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property opened in 1991 – the Halkin in London’s Belgravia. The winning combination of smooth and accurate service, healthy Michelin-starred food and contemporary, understated style has since led to the creation of further properties, each different from the other while respecting COMO’s core commitments – to indulge every guest’s sense of respite, be it on a private island or a city hotel in the world’s most dynamic capitals. Currently the COMO portfolio consists of two properties in London: the Halkin an Metropolitan, London. The resort product launched in 1998 with Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. In 2002, Cocoa Island in the Maldives was born, followed in 2003 by the Metropolitan, Bangkok. In early 2004, COMO Hotels and Resorts assumed management of Begawan Giri Estate in Bali. That same year saw the opening of Uma Paro, Bhutan, and Uma Ubud, Bali. In 2005, Begawan Giri was relaunched with substantial new facilities as a top-end residential wellness retreat called COMO Shambhala Estate.

Understanding COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala is a health concept that has been developed in line with Shambhala’s meaning (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) manifested as centres of wellbeing at all COMO Hotels and Resorts. These include COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes, as well as COMO Shambhala Retreats at the company’s private islands and Uma resorts. It is a consultative rather than prescriptive approach which allows consultants to respond to guests on a one-by-one, day-by-day basis. Treatments range from Yoga to shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programmes. They distil the best of ancient Asian traditions and, where appropriate, older techniques are combined with Western advances. Bodywork is also an essential element of the COMO Shambhala experience. At all properties, Yoga facilities are available. Guests can partake in week-long programs led by the world’s best teachers. In addition, COMO Shambhala maintains on-going relationships with key health professionals, and in 2006, created a Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company’s evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Rodney Yee and Donna Karan. COMO Shambhala cuisine, available at select properties, focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. An emphasis on raw ingredients is combined with pan-Asian influences, with menus overseen by the company’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale. COMO Shambhala also produces a range of skin and bodycare products, COMO Shambhala At Home, made from all-natural ingredients. COMO Shambhala Active Living is the company’s resort and activewear line, launched in 2007.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 9th to 15th January 2010 Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang with lunch at Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and a picnic at Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s majestic government and monastic centre.

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $3,227, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 9th and 14th January 2010, accommodation, return airport transfers, three cultural excursions, daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included) as well as government tax, visa fees and 10% service charge.

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

From 8th to 14th November 2009, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay will be hosting a five-day, six-night restorative Pilates Retreat. This will be led by Parrot Cay’s popular and highly experienced resident Pilates specialist, Lynda Lippin, with the Retreat open to all, including beginners.

The Retreat’s theme will be ‘Strength Without Struggle.’ It has been planned in response to a growing demand from guests who have had the opportunity to work with Lynda over the past year and a half. Lynda, who is widely respected for her nurturing style, has been practicing and teaching Pilates for over 20 years. She owned and operated awardwinning Pilates studios in the US and trains Pilates teachers for the Pilates PhysicalMind Institute®. She is also an accomplished fitness trainer, certified by the American Council of Exercise®.

Lynda will individually assess each participant in the first days of the Retreat in order to understand specific areas of pain, tension, weakness, or disease in the body. Daily group sessions will be a blend of lecture, discussion and Pilates exercise focused on the major issues within the group. Subjects will include Pilates history, basic structural anatomy, common injuries and tension patterns, posture, and exercise lessons.

Throughout the Retreat Week Lynda will also recommend specific COMO Shambhala treatments that will benefit each guest, whether it is a calming COMO Shambhala Massage or Reiki session.  Guests can dine from a choice of Parrot Cay’s menus, including the healthy and delicious COMO Shambhala Cuisine—all designed to complement the rounded physical, mental and spiritual experience.

The Pilates Method helps to improve muscle control, endurance and correct posture while enhancing positive body awareness and body confidence. The technique, which improves and changes the body’s alignment habits, has a flexibility that works for practitioners of all standards. Pilates is now growing in popularity with men as well as women.  Physiotherapists are also now recommending Pilates, if it is correctly taught, as one of the safest forms of exercise available.  Pilates can assist the super-fit, help people suffering from pain, restricted joint mobility or even people who are post surgery. It is also ideal for women seeking to get their bodies back after childbirth.

COMO Shambhala believes Pilates should be taught in a way that fully understands each guest’s particular needs. Combined with our holistic approach to eating, exercising and treatments, the client can then experience the alleviation of both physical and emotional stress – a synergistic approach to heal and balance. The relaxing environment of Parrot Cay – a peaceful, private island – ensures this focus is maintained.

Prices for ‘Strength Without Struggle’ start at $6,026 per person (single occupancy) and $9,014 (double occupancy) including tax and service charge for six nights accommodation in a Garden Room, full American breakfast daily, lunch and dinner, round-trip airport transfers, 16 hours of group Pilates and one private evaluation session.

For further information, or to make bookings, please email susan.allison@parrotcay.como.bz.

COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud, Bali, continues to attract leading international names in the Yoga world, the Estate’s awardwinning reputation based not only the calibre of facilities but also the specialists who recognise in this jungle location a unique opportunity to find peace and wellness.

From 10th to 16th December 2009, the Estate will be welcoming Sarah Powers, a premier, California-based teacher known for her ‘Insight Yoga’ approach. This will be the first time she has worked with COMO Shambhala.

Sarah, who has taught Yoga since 1987, interweaves the insights and practices of Yoga and Buddhism, her style blending both a Yin sequence of long held poses to enhance the meridian and organ systems, combined with a flow or Yang practice, influenced by Viniyoga, Ashtanga, and Iyengar teachings.

Sarah also focuses on preparing the mind for effective meditation. By taking time away from our busy schedules to commit our attention to our inner development, she believes all of us have the capacity to refresh the way we live our lives. She draws from her studies in Transpersonal Psychology, as well as her training in the Vipassana, Tantric and Dzogchen practices of Buddhism.

This December Retreat will begin with silent sitting practice each morning and two Yoga sessions per day. The Yin style encourages suppleness in the body’s core while invigorating chi (prana) to flow throughout the joints, balancing the organ and meridian systems. A Yang (flow-style) asana practice follows, geared toward strengthening the core while creating ease and grace in movement.

Sarah will also be engaging with students over healthful meals, which are designed to complement the Yoga practice. She has much to share, for Sarah is co-founder of Metta Journeys, a service oriented organisations that offers Yoga retreats internationally to help women and children in developing countries.  She is also author of the upcoming book Insight Yoga: Integrating Yin/Yang Yoga and Buddhist Meditation.

Other benefits of being a guest at COMO Shambhala Estate include the unique opportunity to explore a wide range of complementary treatments, from massage to Ayurveda, in a quiet and peaceful riverside location. Guests can choose from different types of accommodation including villas with pools and those with private treatment rooms.  Throughout, the emphasis is on privacy, peace, nutritious cuisine and meaningful results with a personal assistant assigned to each guest to help maximise the wellness opportunities.

Prices start at $3,515, which includes five days of Yoga instruction, accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfast and brunch and two dinners.

Guests staying outside of the Estate may wish to consider booking their accommodation at COMO’s sister property on Bali, known as Uma Ubud, which is located a 10-minute drive from The Estate.  Prices for a six-night stay including all transfers, breakfast and lunch daily and two dinners costs $3135 per person (single occupancy).  For other non-residents, the classes cost from $1210 (daily Yoga classes only) or $1452 (daily Yoga classes and brunch) per person.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.

In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $4,092, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

The Metropolitan Bangkok, the hip hotel which is part of COMO Hotels and Resorts, provides three nights of accommodation for the first part of the tour, and a perfect base from which to explore the market, shop and hit the best bars and foodie haunts of the city, not to mention its own outstanding restaurants, Glo and Cy’an. 

The tour moves to The Sarojin Thailand, recently voted Asia’s best boutique hotel at the World Travel Awards for the 3^rd consecutive year, where guests will learn to cook and experience firsthand the resort’s outstanding cuisine, guided by their team of over 40 chefs and friendly staff against a stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea and the five surrounding national parks.

Elephant trekking, cruising through the jungle by ‘pleat’ boat up the Takuapa River and sea kayaking through the caves of Phang Nha Bay will await those wanting to venture out when they’re not savouring superb food or relaxing at Pathways Spa.

The Sarojin/ Met Bangkok and Sailors Thai Culinary Experience is priced from $3332,and includes return economy airfares from Bangkok, three nights accommodation at the Metropolitan Bangkok, five nights accommodation and daily breakfast with sparkling wine at The Sarojin Thailand and many other inclusions which are listed in detail below.

For bookings call Julia Enders at Travelforce on 02 – 8235 5585 or email: Julia@travelforce.com.au   http://www.sarojin.com  http://www.como.bz

8  NIGHTS MET BANGKOK / THE SAROJIN AND SAILORS THAI CULINARY EXPERIENCE – 2008

The Sarojin/Met Bangkok and Sailors Thai Culinary Experience includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at the Metropolitan Bangkok
• return transfers to/from Bangkok Airport
• a visit to Bangkok’s thriving Or Tor Kor Market
• casual riverside seafood dinner by Chao Praya River
• return airfares from Bangkok to Phuket
• 5 nights luxurious accommodation at The Sarojin for 2 persons sharing
• daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for 2 persons
• 2-way airport transfer by private car to/ from Phuket Airport with refreshments and cold towels served for 2 persons.
• return transfers to all excursions on same said addendum
• pleat boat river safari followed by Thai lunch at the river bank. Takuapa river is situated in Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, the protection of this area is very important for conserving the natural water sources for the province. Takuapa River is one of the most important rivers in Phang Nga province. Explore this magnificent river and its beautiful mangrove forest waterways by “pleat boats”. The traditional “pleat” boats are especially designed to cruise shallow water areas and give a rare opportunity to enjoy a ‘close up’ of the spectacular scenery, fauna, flora and the local rural way of life within these waterways. Fully inclusive of safari style lunch, soft drinks and 1 bottle pb chenin blanc per person.
• cruising ,sea cave canoeing and Thai cooking class Phang Nga Bay and full day on board traditional Thai long tail boat cruise at leisure and enjoy sea cave canoe journeys in Phang Nga Bay,  beautifully located in Phang Nga Bay and 50 minutes by private car transfer from The Sarojin.  Phang Nga Bay is renowned for its many dramatic limestone islands.  These distinctive sheer rock formations jut vertically out of the emerald green water.  At lower tides, cave tunnels are exposed amongst these huge rocks, allowing entrance by sea canoes through these areas of untouched nature and into the hidden lagoons behind. Cruise further to the floating Muslim village for a Thai Muslim cooking class and lunch. This marine adventure is all inclusive of equipment, guides and fresh, cold towels.  Lunch at the floating village is fully inclusive of mineral water and soft drinks only. No alcohol is allowed to be consumed at the floating village. 
• seafood barbecue dining and cooking experience on The Sarojin beach, on the white sand shores of the beautiful Andaman Sea.
• Thai cooking class at the Edge Restaurant and farewell dinner

For bookings call Julia Enders at Travelforce on 02 – 8235 5585 or email: Julia@travelforce.com.au  / http://www.sarojin.com/

Entitled ‘On Top of the World’, the Retreat will focus on alignment to create an ease of movement that helps lengthen and strengthen the body, open up the mind and create a general sense of calm and wellbeing. Students of all levels are welcome to attend and encouraged to move beyond their perceived limitations.

Krupp has over 20 years experience as a teacher with high-profile devotees from New York to Singapore. She is currently based at The Yoga Room, North Shore, Sydney.  What makes Krupp unique is her relaxed style and likeable humour.  Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help habit-prone bodies increase strength and flexibility. Her multi-faceted approach blends her passion for the art of asana practice with the science of the mechanics of movement.

25 hours of Yoga practice will be complimented by COMO Shambhala’s substantial facilities in other areas of holistic wellness. Treatments, such as massage or Ayurvedic therapies can be enjoyed, as well as the traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. The Retreat programme includes exploration of the local scenery and surrounding valleys with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide as well as a meditation session at the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Uma Paro stands at 2,300 metres on a 38-acre hilltop. Awe-inspiring views of the Paro Valley and blue-pine forest can be enjoyed from the hotel. For Yoga practitioners, the altitude is beneficial, lowering blood pressure and pulse rates, which helps clients to sleep more soundly. Cuisine is healthful, focusing on organic foodstuffs sourced from Bhutan’s plentiful, all natural larder. Accommodation is indulgent, peaceful and totally private, allowing each client to connect once again with a more relaxed way of living.

Retreat guests can come alone, share a room with a friend, or opt for a villa with private massage treatment rooms. The entire experience is designed to support guests in their quest to get the most out of the Yoga retreat, which usually evinces a strong sense of camaraderie within the group.

Prices start at US $3,968 for single occupancy in a Superior Room (Forest views), or US $3,116 per person for double occupancy (all rates are inclusive of 10% government tax and 10% service charge, government charges and visa fees). Prices include six nights accommodation, 25 hours Yoga instruction, breakfast and lunch daily plus welcome and farewell dinner (not beverages) and airport transfers, four cultural excursions (including Tiger’s Nest monastery) and a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath and Massage (90 minutes).

COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala advocates proactive responsibility for individual holistic wellness. This entails balancing healthy eating with pleasurable gastronomy, self-directed exercise with expert instruction, massage with greater mental repose, and thought with action. COMO Shambhala embraces all modalities of wellbeing, from yoga’s ancient system of self-development to other proven methods such as Ayurveda, aromatherapy, Pilates, Tai’Chi, and Qigong. Consultants take a consultative rather than prescriptive approach, working with guests on a one-by-one basis to define and achieve their goals. COMO Shambhala cuisine offers enzyme-rich, healthy and delicious cuisine. COMO Shambhala at Home, a lifestyle brand, creates skin and bodycare products developed to complement the environments and services available.

Property Portfolio: COMO Shambhala owns, designs and/or manages nine centres of wellbeing at properties worldwide. Each location is chosen because it possesses a sense of peace in its own right, whether this is a hillside in Bhutan or riverbank in Bali. COMO Shambhala’s portfolio includes COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes (in Singapore, at the Metropolitan London and Metropolitan Bangkok), COMO Shambhala Retreats (at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island in the Maldives, Uma Ubud in Bali and Uma Paro in Bhutan), the COMO Shambhala Spa at Kandooma in the Maldives and its flagship destination, COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri. In addition, COMO Shambhala owns and operates Glow, three restaurants in Singapore, Bangkok and Bali that focus on COMO Shambhala-inspired healthful cuisine. 

COMO Group: COMO Shambhala is part of the COMO Group, which represents Christina Ong’s unique vision of contemporary living. The COMO Group encompasses Club 21, the international luxury fashion retailer, COMO Hotels and Resorts, which is the hospitality collection with properties in London, the Caribbean, Bhutan, Bali, Thailand and the Maldive Islands, and the COMO Foundation representing the Group’s philanthropic interests throughout the developing world. The Group is headquartered in Singapore.

From 16th to 22nd November 2008 renowned American Yoga teachers Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman will host a residential Yoga Retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, Bali.
Rodney Yee, who sits on the Board of Advisors for COMO Shambala, is a long-term friend of the company. He has hosted many sought-after Yoga Retreats at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos as well as retreats in Bali. He is the co-founder of the Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, California, and author of Yoga: The Poetry of the Body and Moving Towards Balance.
Colleen Saidman was originally certified in the 800 hour-plus Jivamukti Teacher Training Programme. She and her business partner, Jessica Bellofatto, own the hip Yoga Shanti studio in Sag Harbour, New York.
Colleen has also been a long-term friend of COMO Shambhala and shares the company’s strong holistic vision.
Rodney and Colleen are the perfect partnership to lead this retreat. They have been practising together for more than five years. However, this is the first time they will be leading a joint Yoga week at COMO Shambhala Estate.

During five days of practise, Rodney and Colleen will help students move from Vinyasa to integrated alignment, from chanting to silence and from pranayama to pratyahara, creating a profound experience of movement from the gross/masculine energy to the subtle/feminine. Under Rodney and Colleen’s expert guidance, participants will be able to refine their attention and dissolve the boundaries between male and female, between us and the world.

Guests will also be able to benefit from the Estate’s healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine and substantial wellness facilities. A team of highly skilled consultants and therapists offer a wide variety of treatments, including Ayurveda, nutritional consultations and Pilates.

A 25m lap pool as well as a sauna, steam rooms and hydrotherapy pool are available to guests, and there is a daily schedule of complimentary activities such as walking, martial arts and biking.

The Estate is nestled in the Balinese jungle near Ubud, the island’s cultural hub. Accommodation is private and spacious, located in one of five unique Residences or various individual villas. Retreat guests also all have the use of a personal assistant, creating an environment in which to relax and clear the mind. Retreat rates start from $3,650 (single occupancy) or $5,640 (double occupancy) in a Garden Room, inclusive of government tax and service charge.

All rates include six nights accommodation, five days Yoga tuition, daily breakfast/brunch, welcome and farewell dinners and return airport transfers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod,
Payangan, Gianyar
Bali 80571, Indonesia
Tel +62 361 978 888
Fax +62 361 978 889
Email res@cse.comoshambhala.bz
Website cse.comoshambhala.bz

The Company: COMO Shambhala is the COMO Group’s healthy living concept that spans environments, services and products, offering a full range of experiences that challenge and inspire us to greater wellbeing.

The COMO Shambhala Offer: COMO Shambhala advocates proactive responsibility for individual holistic wellness. This entails balancing healthy eating with pleasurable gastronomy, self-directed exercise with expert instruction, massage with greater mental repose, and thought with action. COMO Shambhala embraces all modalities of wellbeing, from yoga’s ancient system of self-development to other proven methods such as Ayurveda, aromatherapy, Pilates, Tai’Chi, and Qigong. Consultants take a consultative rather than prescriptive approach, working with guests on a one-by-one basis to define and achieve their goals. COMO Shambhala cuisine offers enzyme-rich, healthy and delicious cuisine.

COMO Shambhala at Home, a lifestyle brands, creates skin and bodycare products developed to complement the environments and services available.

Property Portfolio: COMO Shambhala owns, designs and manages seven centres of wellbeing at properties worldwide. Each location is chosen because it possesses a sense of peace in its own right, whether this is a hillside in Bhutan or riverbank in Bali. COMO Shambhala’s portfolio includes COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes (in Singapore, at the Metropolitan London and Metropolitan Bangkok), COMO Shambhala Retreats (at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island in the Maldives, Uma Ubud in Bali and Uma Paro in Bhutan), and its flagship destination, COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri. In addition, COMO Shambhala owns and operates Glow, three restaurants in Singapore, Bangkok and Bali that focus on COMO Shambhalainspired healthful cuisine.

The COMO Group: COMO Shambhala is part of the COMO Group, which represents Christina Ong’s unique vision of contemporary living. The COMO Group encompasses Club 21, the international luxury fashion retailer, COMO Hotels and Resorts, which is the hospitality collection with properties in London, the Caribbean, Bhutan, Bali, Thailand and the Maldive Islands, and the COMO Foundation representing the Group’s philanthropic interests throughout the developing world. The Group is headquartered in Singapore.