PAST EVENTS 2013
2013
Update: We had a wonderful time at this retreat! Please take a look at the photos of the retreat here
Clarify Your Intentions 2013
A Yoga Retreat with Bo and Shirley Srey In Undiscovered Cambodia
31st January to 4th February 2013
Come join us as we create space to inhale and pause before we exhale the rest of the year 2013. During our time together at the highly acclaimed Vine Retreat organic farm and eco-friendly guesthouse, nestled in the foothills of Phnom Voar (Vine Mountain) and 15 km from the sea, we dive into the creative space of dynamic stillness to clarify our Beings to be more open to our hearts’ deeper intentions.
Between sunrise and sunset meditations and asana practices, in a setting with few unwanted distractions, your time is your own to cultivate, explore or simply refine the deeper longings of the heart. Meditations, talks and practice themes, revolve around this central intention.
When we cultivate our intentions with space and clarity, from an authentic place, we increase the potency to manifest them in our lives.
Retreat Highlights
- It’s the cool season!
- Thursday evening welcome practice and meditation
- Daily sunrise and sunset meditations, cultivating your creative center
- Two daily 90-minute fluid alignment asana sessions (Anusara and Iyengar based) with intention cultivating theme
- Day trip to Koh Thonsáy (Rabbit Island) with yoga and meditation on the beach
- Half-day guided hike up Phnom Voar with exquisite sunset meditation and a beautiful overlook of Kep Bay
- Daily meals included, featuring some home grown organic produce and local seafood
- Saltwater swimming pool
- Optional excursions and activities: Kep city, reservoirs and caves, Kampot, Bokor Mountain, Kampot pepper plantation, massages, cycling in the countryside, walks around The Vine
Price:
USD530 (before 20 December 2012)
USD580 (from 21 December 2012)
Includes yoga sessions, 4 nights’ accommodation in a shared room, meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches, 4 pre-breakfast refreshments, 4 breakfasts), fees for guided hike, and boat fares to Koh Thonsáy
Need to know: (updated 8th January)
- Airfare is not included. Please fly in to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Good airfares via Tiger Airways, Air Asia or Jetstar Asia. Please check if you need a visa
- Airport transfers are kept separate to lower costs. PNH to The Vine is approximately 3.5 hours: Taxi USD45 one-way (up to 3 persons); 12-seater van USD85 one-way (Shirley will coordinate)
- Those flying in to PNH from Singapore: To share airport transfers, book flights on Tiger Air (It’s on sale!), 31st January TR 2816 and 4th February TR 2817
- Pick up from Phnom Penh city centre can be arranged and transfers to The Vine take approximately same time and cost
- Due to the outing to Koh Thonsáy, Sunday’s lunch and dinner at the Vine will not be included
- Option to have lacto-ovo vegetarian, vegan, or veggie and seafood meals
- Please bring your own yoga mat and any props you may need
- 2 way transport to Kep/Rabbit Island pier will be added on to the total cost later. Please add USD10. Total is USD540/590 respectively
- Payment by telegraphic transfer, please add USD45
- Payment by Singapore inter-bank transfers, please add USD5. Amount to be converted by bank exchange rate 1USD=1.2309SGD
- Please bring enough cash in USD for extra purchases/meals. The Vine now accepts VISA credit cards with a 2.5% surcharge and cash in USD. Nearest ATM is 35km away
Space is limited. Email shirley@spandananda.com with any questions.
About The Vine Retreat:
“The Vine Retreat is an ecologically conscientious guesthouse and organic farm nestled at the foot of a small range of jungle entrenched mountains called Phnom Voar. The Vine Retreat lies in the midst of some of the most beautiful landscape that Cambodia has to offer.” – The Vine Retreat
http://www.facebook.com/thevineretreat
Location and Setting
The Vine Retreat is located in the rural village of Chamcar Bei in Kep province, Cambodia. In contrast to the dramatic dense jungle and steep inclines of Phnom Voar to the north, the southern vista presents a panoramic sprawling scene out over idyllic rural countryside and the surrounding Kampot pepper and tropical fruit plantations.
The Gulf of Thailand is visible in the distance, dotted with steep sided islands. The Vine’s location is truly spectacular and quite remote. Our guesthouse provides the perfect atmosphere for visitors to relax and forget about the rest of the world, whilst offering easy access to all of Kep and Kampot’s attractions.
FAQ
Do I need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia?
These countries have visa exemption: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. If you need a visa, you may apply for an e-visa here -- http://mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival.
How can I make my way to The Vine?
You could share a 12-seater van at USD85 per trip from the airport or Phnom Penh city centre. Private transfers by taxi (comfortable for 3 people) can be arranged at USD45 per trip.
How much is a taxi trip from Phnom Penh International Airport to a hotel in Phnom Penh city?
It costs approximately USD9 and it takes approximately 30 minutes.
I will be coming from a hotel in Phnom Penh city. How can I get to The Vine?
Some of us will be arriving in Phnom Penh International Airport between 8am-9.30am on the 31st January. We can arrange for a pick from your hotel at the city centre before making our way to The Vine.
How long will it take for me to reach The Vine from Phnom Penh International Airport?
The journey will take approximately 3.5 hours from Phnom Penh International Airport.
How about the journey from Phnom Penh city centre to The Vine?
It will be approximately 3 hours from the city centre.
Where is the Vine Retreat?
The Vine Retreat, Chamcar Bei Village (Phnom Voar), Pongteuk Commune, Damnak Chang Eur District, Kep Province. Contact number +855 11 706 231
Where can I read more about the Vine Retreat?
http://www.thevineretreat.com/
http://www.facebook.com/thevineretreat
What kind of currency will I need to bring?
The official currency is Riel, however, USD is widely acceptable. Bring ample supply of different denominations of USD if you can. The nearest ATM is in Kampot, about 35km away from the Vine.
How much do I need to set aside for airport departure tax when I leave Phnom Penh?
Please set aside USD 25 in cash for International departure tax.
What will I need for the yoga practice?
Bring along your yoga mat and any props that you may need. It will be good to bring along a blanket/towel, or a small cushion (if you need one) for sitting in meditation. You may also use a block to sit in meditation.
Where can I go for a swim?
There is a salt water pool at The Vine. On Sunday, we will also be making a trip out to Koh Thonsáy (Rabbit Island) where we will be able to hang out at the beach.
Can I go cycling?
There are bicycles for rent at USD 4 at the Vine.
Are there places to hike around The Vine?
On Saturday, we will go on a guided 4.5 hour hike on Phnom Voar (Vine Mountain) and we will meditate at sunset over Kep Bay. A portion of the money on each hike goes for the development of trekking trails, forest patrols and reforestation activities. In addition, you can most definitely hike and explore the area around the Vine in your free time.
Can I make a short trip to Kep city in my free time?
A Tuk Tuk ride can accommodate 4 people. It is a 30-minute ride from The Vine and it costs USD 7 each way.
Will I be able to order additional food and drinks at The Vine?
Yes, there is a recommended restaurant at The Vine. Please note that The Vine now accepts VISA credit cards with a 2.5% surcharge and cash in USD.
Where can I get a massage at The Vine?
The Vine will be able to arrange for a French masseuse to come in and it costs USD15 per hour. An American masseuse offers deep tissue massage at USD35 per hour. Add in transport costs of USD30 if there are less than 3 scheduled appointments at each time. Please arrange for an appointment in advance.
What else do I need to pack with me?
Aside from your personal belongings, please bring along a flashlight, good trekking shoes, a hat for hiking, mosquito repellent/patches, Mopiko or Tiger Balm if you're prone to being bitten by mosquitoes, swimwear, goggles, sunblock, and anything else you may need for a day out at Rabbit Island.
