JULY 14 - 20, 2025
BRAHMINY KITE VILLA, BUKIT BENDERA, KOTA KINABALU
Immerse yourself in the heart of Borneo's natural beauty during this 7-day yoga retreat, where we honor and incorporate the rich tapestry of traditional Bornean practices. Explore the profound effects of sound healing to harmonize your body's energies, engage in revitalizing movement classes to reestablish connection with your physical self, and unveil the intricate bond between humanity and the natural world.
This unique experience goes beyond the mat by embracing the indigenous traditions of beadwork, music, and tribal heritage. By paying homage to the native communities that safeguard nature with a deeper connection, we recognize that respecting mother nature involves acknowledging and celebrating the wisdom of the land's guardians.
In addition to the transformative yoga sessions, participants can delve into workshops on permaculture, indulge in cooking classes to nourish both body and mind, and embark on a meaningful journey to Sepanggar island for active participation in coral restoration efforts. This retreat is crafted with a variety of enriching activities, all tailored to deepen your connection with nature and honor the cultural heritage that plays a vital role in preserving the natural wonders of Borneo.
EARLY BIRD PRICE ENDING MARCH 14th 2025!
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EARLY BIRD PRICE ENDING MARCH 14th 2025! 〰️
36% discount code available for Southeast Asian locals. Email us before booking with a photo of your passport.
Asana Yoga Practice
Hatha yoga is a foundational and traditional style that emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) to promote overall well-being. It involves a balanced and gentle approach, focusing on holding poses to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Hatha yoga is often seen as a fundamental practice suitable for all levels, providing a solid foundation for other yoga styles.
Journal Paper Making
Channel your energy, inner-child and creative intentions into every page in this workshops to create your own unique retreat journal that will be used throughout your time with us.
Permaculture Cooking Class
Experience a farm-to-table experience as you cook with organic veggies harvested during a permaculture tour that opens up our cooking class. The freshly picked produce will be used to prepare traditional dishes to enrich your culinary vocabulary!
Meditation
Silent walking meditation typically involves walking at a slower pace than usual, paying close attention to each step and the sensations associated with movement. The focus is on cultivating awareness of the present moment and developing a sense of mindfulness in motion.
Nature’s Health is Ours
Discover the direct connection between our well-being and Mother Nature's health as we explore how a thriving environment enhances our vitality and prosperity.
Beads Workshop
Learn the art of Borneo costume heritage through traditional beads and contemporary designs. Embrace art therapy as you create your beads with assorted materials varying in color, type, shape & size!
Smoke Cleanse
Elevate our spiritual journey with the enchanting essence of our thoughtfully crafted ritual smoke, designed to purify, uplift, and align our inner world with our outer world. In this way we embrace the sacred art of cleansing our spaces as well as our individual energy so we can move with ease towards renewal and connection.
Coral Restoration Workshop
Engage in hands-on ocean conservation at GaiaOne’s own coral nursery in Sepanggar Island. During this workshop, you'll plant corals, help remove ocean trash and gain insights into the crucial role of protecting our marine ecosystems.
Sound Healing
Experience the transformative power of sound, connecting the health of our inner selves with the healing energies of the world around us.
Dopamine Sounds
Auditory stimuli that trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward in the brain. These sounds may enhance motivation, focus, and positive emotions, helping us go deeper into our practices by increasing sensations of connection with ourselves and each other.
Turali Traditional Music
Experience the harmonious blend of traditional bamboo instruments during our yoga practices. Turali, a gifted nose flute, and the soulful sompoton mouth organ will serenade you with their enchanting melodies. Immerse yourself in a transformative yoga session guided by the soothing sounds of these instruments, crafted from the heart of nature.
Deep Yin Release
Yin yoga is a slow-paced and meditative style of yoga that involves holding passive poses for an extended period to target the connective tissues, such as ligaments and fascia. The practice emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness, fostering a deep stretch for flexibility and joint mobility, and a sense of inner stillness.
Freediving Introduction
Dive into the wonder of the ocean on this journey beneath the waves to learn the art of breath-holding and the secrets of the deep. Connect with nature, enhance your underwater skills, and discover the beauty that lies below the surface. With each dip, you’ll find peace, thrill, and a sprinkle of marine magic.
Shared accommodations in Brahminy Kite Villa - A vintage villa preserving family-style Malaysian decorations with 5 rooms, 1 indoor living room, 1 open air living room and dining room, 1 large kitchen, 1 large indoor dining space, 5 bathrooms, and 1 jacuzzi. This villa is surrounded by gardens, a water fountain, fruit trees, edible plants, and more!
Wifi everywhere in the villa
All activities included in the agenda
Vegan and vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Snacks, water, coffee and tea
Land and water transportation for planned activities during the retreat (airport pick-up/drop-off not included)
GaiaOne Coral Restoration T-shirt
10mL essential oil self-made aroma blend
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE
Arrival Directions
Nature’s Embrace will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia starting on Wednesday, 9 July through Tuesday, 15 July. Please arrive on 9 July between 9am and 12pm. At around 12:30pm, the agenda will begin with lunch.
If you do not live at driving distance, please fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Upon arrival, you can use the Grab car ride application to come straight to Brahminy Kite Villa. The price should be around RM10-20 and should take between 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. You will be picked up at pillar 5 on the arrival floor.
If you are driving, enter Brahminy Kite Villa in your navigation system. You will be able to park your car onsite in front of the villa. In case we run out of parking space in front of the villa, we will instruct you to park at a nearby location only 3 minutes away by foot.
Packing List
Thank you for joining us on this cleansing and grounding journey as we mindfully invest in our body and spirit. To help you pack, we have put together the following optional tips for tropical Malaysia:
Light fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Yoga-friendly outfits that allow full range of motion
Mosquito-repellent
Refillable water bottle
Small face towel
Water shoes/sandals for our island excursion
Bathing suit
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Yoga mat (we will also have a mat for you)
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
SJENADE
As a dedicated yoga teacher with a passion for nurturing mind, body, and spirit, Sjenade brings a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern practices. Her journey has led her to delve into the realms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shakta Tantra, and the exploration of Goddess Archetypes. Additionally, her expertise extends to the sacred art of Sekhmet Egyptian Reiki, further enhancing the healing potential of her offerings. Join her on a journey of self-discovery, balance, and empowerment as we embrace the profound connections between movement, energy, and ancient wisdom.
Gaia One
Gaia One is a social enterprise focused on making sustainable living accessible through eco-tourism, restoration projects, and eco-conscious culinary experiences.
@gaiaone.life dream@gaiaone.org
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