June 21 – 28, 2023, with Monica Voss
I visited Turkiye (as Turkey is now called) in 1973 and felt so welcome, I stayed for 6 months. I have been back since, but not to the south-west, an area full of memories of authentic hospitality, curious open-hearted, generous people, delicious food and unspoilt forests and seashore. Join me on a sentimental return to a kind, ancient place.
The devastating earthquake in Turkiye has taken place far to the east, over 1000 kms from Dalyan. One way of lending support is by visiting the country and contributing to the stricken Turkish economy.
On our trip to Turkiye, we will be visiting the small town of Dalyan, a busy tourist destination for many years catering to international travellers, primarily those from the UK. Dalyan is situated on a river connecting a large lake to the Mediterranean Sea. Government-owned and private boats are available to take us on a variety of very enjoyable excursions, such as the carefully preserved Iztuzu beach, an important turtle sanctuary; Kaunos, a small Greek archeological site; thermal mud baths, swimming in the sea, and a weekly market.
The Arp Hotel, where we’ll stay and practise, is not luxury accommodation nor a yoga retreat centre. It’s a small, clean, modern, 15-room family-run hotel with air-conditioning offering breakfast, a pool and space for our twice daily sessions. Berk, his wife and small daughter are very much present and available to answer your questions and help sort out your needs. Mats may be provided, but best if you require specific equipment to please bring your own. The weather will be hot in June – be prepared with a hat, etc., although shopping is one of the main attractions in Dalyan and many hats may be acquired! While yoga is the anchor of our week, we’ll enjoy everything this lovely area of Turkiye has to offer: cycling and hiking are possibilities (the town and immediate surroundings are flat with mountains surrounding) as well as a bus excursion to the neighbouring towns of Gocek and Fethiye. As a group, we’ll take a full day excursion into the Mediterranean for swimming and lounging with lunch included.
Rooms at the Arp are small and work best for couples and single travellers. There is one larger ‘family’ room which comfortably accommodates two people who require more personal space. A generous vegetarian breakfast every day and one evening meal are included in your fees and we’ll walk into town for lunches and the remaining suppers. There’s a variety store right around the corner and a grocery store 10 minutes walk away. Turkish food is fresh, plentiful, delicious and easily vegetarian, but it may be difficult to be vegan and/or gluten-free. You may want to bring personal snacks to help yourself along, especially if you have a restricted diet.
The nearest international airport is Dalaman. From North America, fly to Madrid and on to Almeria, the closest international airport only half an hour away and served by Easyjet, Thomas Cook, Iberia and Ryanair, or travel Toronto-Almeria directly on Air Transat. Extend your stay in Istanbul, one of the world’s most fascinating cities, Izmir, Ephesus, Bergama or Bursa to the west and /or Konya and Cappadocia to the east. If you are interested in visiting Istanbul for a few days prior, June 15-20 approximately, please contact Monica directly, monica@estheryoga.com.
FACULTY
Monica Voss has been a student and teacher of yoga for 45 years. In addition to co-owning and teaching at Esther Myers Yoga Studio in Toronto, Canada, Monica conducts workshops, retreats and teacher training internationally.
REGISTRATION
Your payment is separated into two parts: yoga fees and accommodation/meal package. The fee for twice daily yoga instruction of $550CDN is made directly to Esther Myers Yoga Studio. EMYS accepts cash, e-transfers to info@estheryoga.com, cheques, debit, MasterCard, Visa and credit card payments through Paypal. For more information, please contact Monica Voss, monica@estheryoga.com.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Following registration with the Studio, contact Joseph Machado at Merit Travel (jmachado@merittravel.com, 416 345-9726 x5319, 111 Peter Street, Suite 201, Toronto, ON, M5V 2H1, TICO-registered #T781396) to pay for your assigned accommodation and meal package at the Arp Hotel. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
INCLUDED
7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 1 supper, travel agent’s fee and taxes
- Small single, $1250
- Medium single, $1350
- Large single (only 2 available), $1450 or shared $1000pp
- Suite with two bedrooms for 2 people (only 1 available), $1350pp
NOT INCLUDED
Flights, domestic transfers, meals other than those mentioned above, drinks, excursions, massage, Turkish visa (for Canadians), travel and medical insurance, laundry, tips.
Ground transportation to the Arp will be organized closer to the time.
***My good friend Julie Potter, owner of Yoga for Harmony in Windsor, UK, will be hosting a week at the Arp Hotel June 14-21, 2023. Here is an opportunity to spend two weeks at this beautiful spot, should you wish. Direct enquiries to www.yogaforharmony.co.uk/yoga-with-julie-in-turkey/
EMYS CANCELLATION POLICY
50% refund, fewer than 120 days but more than 30 days prior to the beginning of the retreat
No refund, 30 days prior to the beginning of the retreat
Cancellation policies for transportation, accommodation and meals are at the discretion of Merit Travel and the retreat centre. The Studio is not responsible for any refunds for transportation, accommodation or meals.
Trip cancellation and/or medical insurance are available from Merit Travel.