Sandele is set in a secluded location, on a palm-fringed expanse of unspoilt, white sandy beach in Southern Gambia, the Sandele Bay Eco-Retreat is the inspiration of Geri and Maurice and offers beautifully designed accommodation in relaxed and tranquil surroundings. With breath-taking views of the beach, the ocean and palm covered margins. Superb, locally sourced wholesome meals served in idyllic surroundings.
Sherina is a gentle, inspiring teacher, with the right mix of fun and serious asana work; with two sessions of yoga each day, tailored to the needs and the requirements of all students including breathing and meditation techniques, it is possible to significantly improve your own practice, and continue to explore all areas of yoga. Relaxation to the sound of the breeze in the palm trees has to be experienced to be believed. Sandele is such a special place. The opportunity to visit the Kartong village school was brilliant. (And lovely to see Sherina in another teaching environment with children). A trip to the Riverside and an impromptu ‘jam’ session with local musicians was another highlight of the retreat.
A wonderful experience, thank you Sherina, Geri and Maurice.
The lovely cast of ‘Happy Ever After’! After a bit of plot brain-storming, I wrote the script and left most of the music to the students to write/compose. It was a promenade play and we took it to 5 venues across Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire and Colchester. The response was rather overwhelming!
Sherina is one of those rare teachers who teaches truly from the heart. Her style is unique, in that she maintains a solid structure to classes, whilst always being available to adapt to individual needs. I felt both supported, and free to explore with her.
It is Sherina who makes her classes special. Her genuine warmth of spirit and desire to support her pupils to progress is evident. It is this environment of openness and love which she creates that allowed us to truly journey during the retreat.The morning yoga sessions on the rooftop, were a perfect way to start the day, and awaken the spirit. Long walks along the huge stretches of open sand, a wonderfully freeing way to spend the afternoons. And the food was always wholesome and delicious. I found the whole environment of the retreat to be extremely nourishing, and felt a deep sense of freedom and renewal there.
Sandele has such a nurturing atmosphere. I have never been more relaxed in my life!!! Both as a result of the physical environment but also the genuine warmth and easiness of the other guests and staff. Geri and Maurice have created a beautiful, special, and rare place. It is a place that has been built with great intent and love, and this positive intent is genuinely felt in its atmosphere.
I achieved great stillness and repose at Sandele. And most importantly I felt at home.Africa is a place where people go to reconnect with life. This is what attracted me to the Gambia. It is the music, and the dancing, and the firey warmth of the people that infused me with great passion and joy. I made friends there who I will never forget, and I experienced a feeling of being truly ‘alive’ that will stay with me forever.
GAMBIA RETREAT
Treat yourself to an inspiring and creative week in The Gambia this April!
APRIL 13th- 20th 2012
We will be staying at Sandele eco-lodge which is right on the coast. During the mornings and late afternoons you will have the opportunity to open up the body and mind with a two hour session of blissful Yoga, and the rest of the day can be spent exploring, or surrendering to Gambian time and meandering along the long stretch of unspoilt, secluded beach… or chilling in the hammocks.
The Yoga will be led by Sherina and Geri in the ‘Akhanda’ style. Akhanda is Sanskrit for ‘Indivisible’ so, along with a myriad of asanas- from the challenging to the deeply relaxing, we’ll play with meditation, chanting, and a touch of philosophy. Sherina and Geri are sensitive to the group requirements and so will adapt the sessions accordingly. They are experienced at teaching all levels, so those new to Yoga are very welcome. There’s no such a thing as a complete beginner- if you’ve taken a deep breath then you’ve experienced Yoga! Some yoga sessions will be on the beach, as the sun is setting…to the rhythm of the African drum…
There will be the option of a day trip to Makasutu – a stunning Nature reserve. This is a great place to learn more about the local animals and culture. You can also take part in a ‘culture exchange’ in the village of Kartong (next to Sandele). We will show the children some western craft ideas, as well as some yoga poses to play with. In return, they will show us/teach us some traditional dance moves and demonstrate some of their creative skills such as Batik or wood-carving. As The Dalai Lama once said “Through compassion you find that all human beings are just like you”
The evenings can be spent star-gazing, and relaxing into great conversations over a delicious supper. Geri has lived in Gambia for over 15 years so she has some amazing stories to share!
The rooms are spacious, and full of character, with a huge amount of attention to detail regarding being gentle to the earth and supportive of the community. With the sea so close, you are likely to be lulled into a deep restorative sleep by the sound of the waves…
Please take a look at www.sandele.com for more details, and some irresistible images.
The investment for this week will be £450 for a shared room, or £575 for a room all to yourself. The cost includes all the Yoga, a Thai Foot Massage, accommodation and a hearty breakfast. Other meals are served at Sandele’s relaxed restaurant and are very reasonable.
For flights please take a look at http://www.skyscanner.net/
The best deals at the moment are with Monarch and are around £280 return. Transfers from the airport will be arranged for you.
If you want to ask any questions, or are ready to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Sherina on 07966 617 192, or sherinastewart@live.co.uk.
link: www.yogapages.co.uk
Sherina’s teaching method is perfect: measured; considered; interesting and fun! I learnt more in a week than a year of practicing. The eco-resort Sandele is a dream, stunning staff, unrivaled service, amazing settings and a heartfelt ethos. In one week, not only did I improve my yoga, I also met lovely new friends and learnt so much about myself. I literally cannot wait to go back!
Undertaking the Easter 2011 yoga retreat led by Sherina was an exceptionally special experience. Set against the backdrop of the sounds and sights of Gambia, each class was different to the last. One day the emphasis would be on gentle movement and restorative relaxation, while the next we’d be improvising our own African tribal dances alongside a local drummer on the beach. Meditation, chanting, massage and exercise combined to form a varied course of classes, with each one being rejuvenating and calming in equal measure. Despite the group being formed by complete strangers, a genuine bond formed between the participants during the course of the week, and this was cemented still further during the morning book reading sessions in which spiritual wisdom was shared openly between believers and sceptics alike. Sherina herself is eminently creative and amusing, her touch is reassuring and her singing voice and obvious background in drama adds an extra uniqueness to any practice she leads.
The beautiful Aminata- one of the staff at Sandele.
Straight from a foot massage to having a little read in a hammock…it’s a tough life.
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