Retreat
Yoga & Somatic Movement holiday in Turkey
A real treat for your body, mind and soul! Join us for our Yoga and Somatic Movement holiday on the stunning Turkish Riviera.
A chance to escape day-to-day life, press the pause button and reconnect with your sense of well-being. At the same time, explore the rich culture inherited from the Persian, Greek and Roman times and enjoy the Turkish hospitality.
- 31st May - 7th June 2025
- With Fairlie Gibson & Katrin Heuser
- 10x 2h Yoga, movement & meditation classes
- En-suite accommodation in boutique, rustic rooms
- Healthy vegetarian breakfast and dinner every day
- Cultural immersion
MOVING WITH EASE
A SOMATIC APPROACH TO MINDFUL MOVEMENT
We both take a somatic approach to our mindful movement lessons, believing that less is more. When you do less it’s easier to sense and feel, to discover what unhelpful patterns of movement you have fallen into, and subsequently to find more resources to explore alternative ways of moving.
Daily Practices
We will have two 2h-practices every day. Our lessons involve slow, gentle explorations, guiding you to discover the optimal, most efficient and most pleasurable ways of moving for you. The results can sometimes seem magical, especially when they relieve long-held aches and pains. From this practice you might increase body awareness, move more fluidly, learn to distribute your weight and effort more efficiently, enhance vitality, strengthen bones, move without injuring yourself and involve your whole body in your movements.
The practices take inspiration from Scaravelli inspired Yoga, Qi Gong, Feldenkrais, Somatics, and Polyvagal Theory. We include a look at Breathing as well and how that affects movement and wellbeing, and also include Mindfulness Meditation. All ingredients for a more relaxed, balanced and meaningful life.
Safe Space
We aim to provide a safe, nurturing, fun environment for the lessons that anyone can join in. And hopefully there will be plenty of take-aways from every lesson that you will be able to apply in everyday life when you return home. All you need is your curiosity and the ability to come to your mat.
Our intention is to create a deeply restful experience filled with beautiful practices as well as lots of free time for that holiday feeling. Go back home feeling refreshed and more yourself again.
The Huzur Vadisi Lagoon Retreat is the perfect setting. The utter peace and privacy of the venue, immersed in nature, creates a wonderful atmosphere conducive to your practice. Forest bathe, inhale the vital prana, tune into birdsong and the hum of cicadas. We do our practice in a beautiful shala surrounded by forest and the mountains.
Dates and prices
- 31st May - 7th June 2025
EARLY BIRD
- £915 - place in shared twin, double or spacious 3-bed room
- £1,055 - place in single
- £1,130 - single occupancy of large sea-view suite (£980 if shared, suitable for couples only)
- £935 - single place in small room with tiny bathroom (£795 if shared, suitable for couples only)
Normal Price
- £1015 - place in shared twin, double or spacious 3-bed room
- £1,155 - place in single
- £1,230 - single occupancy of large sea-view suite (£1080 if shared, suitable for couples only)
- £1035 - single place in small room with tiny bathroom (£895 if shared, suitable for couples only)
Prices Includes
- Seven nights en-suite accommodation in boutique, rustic rooms. Each room is a little different with their own special features (some have a balcony or little terrace, some have a small kitchenette).
- Delicious and healthy vegetarian breakfast and dinner every day, plus light DIY lunches provided in the guest kitchen
- Tea/coffee/fruit/biscuits all day
- 10x 2h Yoga, movement & meditation classes
Prices don’t include flights, insurance, massages, airport transfers, drinks from the bar, other trips and activities.
Relax and explore
Free time
- Treat yourself and book a session with the resident massage therapist
- Spend the day on the beach (very easy bus ride away)
- Various sightseeing trips are available
- Get scrubbed and pampered in a traditional Turkish Bath
EXPLORE THE DALYAN DELTA
A spectacular day trip
- By boat we will go along Dalyan river past the famous Calian rock tombs (4th century BC), probably one of the top 10 most stunning views on earth.
- We stop at Kaunus, one of Turkey’s main ancient cities and visit the old amphitheatre, chapel, market place and harbour.
- Then we make our way through the protected river delta’s reeds to anchor just behind the tip of Iztuzu beach, also known as ‘turtle beach’. Here we will take a little break to have grilled fish and a large vegetarian mezze of Turkish specialities and maybe have a little swim.
- From here we make our way to the other side of Dalyan to cross the stunning Köyceğiz Lake, which is surrounded by nature reserves.
- On the shore across the lake, we visit a traditional mud bath and hot springs.
- To end our fun day out, we return to Dalyan and have dinner in one of the river front restaurants. (There will also be a little time to potter around town and do a little shopping…)
Testimonials
Location
About the Lagoon Retreat
The Lagoon Retreat is located in an elevated position in a forested conservation area overlooking the Sülüngür Lagoon with spectacular views across the beautiful Dalyan delta and Istuzu beach.
Ian is your host and has been one of the founding partners of Huzur Vadisi for over thirty years. He has a fantastic fund of local knowledge, which combined with his long experience of creating and hosting yoga venues will guarantee your retreat runs smoothly and enjoyably. He is supported by Arslan, who discovered this extraordinary location twenty-five years ago developing the property in harmony with its spectacular natural setting.
A short bus ride from the village will bring you to the charming riverside town of Dalyan with its shops and restaurants. A 5-minute bus or taxi ride in the opposite direction will take you to Istuzu, a long, sandy beach in the conservation area where Loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs.
This is a unique location – with its combination of complete seclusion (you feel as if you are on the edge of the known world) and yet accessible, situated on the edge of a traditional rural village with bus connections for getting out and about if you wish. It has unbeatable views, comfortable well-appointed accommodation, a pool and a fully equipped yoga shala. Not to mention the delicious meals for which Turkey, and Huzur Vadisi in particular, are renowned.
NOURISHMENT
Accomodation & Food
Simple, rustic but comfortable and well appointed accommodation.
There are eleven air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms suitable for single, double or twin accommodation, some with balconies and lovely forest views. One sea view room is available at a supplement.
Enjoy fresh vegetables and fruit during all our truly delicious meals. It is the food as much as the location, as well as the hospitality, that make this the perfect place to relax and find some peace. We will be served opulent breakfast and dinner, and a light DIY lunch every day.
Step 1: Register
Step 2: Pay the deposit
Booking terms
In order to guarantee your place, a deposit of £200 is payable upon booking. The remainder of the fee is due by the 1st May 2025 or immediately if you book after that date. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Travel info
It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance.
Flights
There are several companies flying to Dalaman, or you can get an easy connection via Istanbul. Prices vary according to time of booking or season. It is advisable to book early to get the best prices.
Transfers
The Lagoon Retreat is 25 minutes from Dalaman airport and we will arrange transfers, for which the costs will be added to your bill (for any extras) at the end, so you don’t need any Turkish Lira on arrival.
About us
Katrin Heuser
I’m Katrin Heuser, a bodyworker, facilitator and mentor.
My work is centred on helping people listen to their bodies and reconnect with their natural rhythm and vitality. Your body is constantly communicating with you through sensations, movement, and emotions. Yet, in the busyness of life, we often overlook or misunderstand these messages. By learning to recognise and interpret your body’s signals, you can begin to meet its needs, release tension, and restore a sense of balance and ease.
You can read more about me HERE.
About us
Fairlie
Questions people often ask
Common Questions Answered
We understand that you might have some concerns before booking this retreat. Here are answers to the most common questions I get asked. If you have other doubts, please use the contact form to get in touch.
Yes. As soon as you have registered to join us, we recommend you look for flights. Our experience is that the more in advance you book your flights, the better the prices. From a number of European airports you can get a direct flight to Dalaman, as it’s a popular holiday destination. But otherwise, book a flight to Istanbul, from where you can get a connecting flight to Dalaman. There are several internal flights available throughout the day.
Ideally, your arrival time in Dalaman is during the day/before 10pm, to make the organisation of the transfers a little easier. But if you arrive later, no problem. We will still collect you from the airport.
Absolutely! That area of Turkey is simply stunning. We are happy to give you a few recommendations of places to visit. And of course, you might also like to stay a couple of extra days in Istanbul.
Anyone with an EU or UK passport does not need an e-visa.
Anyone else, please check this website, and make sure you request the e-visa in advance of your travel - https://www.evisa.gov.tr (it's easily done online).
Of course, we can’t guarantee good weather, but at the beginning of June it is usually not too hot in that part of Turkey. Usually you get beautiful, warm, sunny days.
You really don't need very much. It is useful to bring:
- Torch - you should bring a torch for paths at night
- Some long trousers and a warm layer for the evenings or maybe the early morning Yoga (not always needed)
- It can be nice to note down some reflections or to journal during a retreat. So you might want to bring a notebook and pen
- Beach Towel - towels for showers are provided, but please bring your own beach towel for use at the pool and going to the beach
- Walking shoes - if you want to take advantage of any mountain walks
- Sturdy sandals might be handy, as the Lagoon Retreat is built around a hillside, with some steps, so flipflops might not give you enough support. Also, there is a steep-ish 15-minute walk down to a small private beach, for which proper sandals or shoes will be better. It's also pebbly down there, so if you have shoes you can use in the water, that might also come in handy.
- A good book maybe
- Mosquito repellant, and maybe also a large sarong to cover yourself in relaxation in the later practice session.
- Sun lotion
- Turkey has 2-pin plugs, so you will need to bring an adaptor if you are coming from the UK or outside Europe.
Hairdryers are provided in every room.
No need to bring a yoga mat - mats, belts, blocks and bolsters are all provided!
And don't forget your swimming costume…
Yes! There is a very long, sandy beach nearby, which is perfect for swimming. If you get lucky, you might even see some turtles.
Generally you will get a better rate of exchange in Turkey. This can be done with cash almost everywhere, or withdrawn from ATM cash machines. There is an ATM at the foot of the ramp as you come out of the airport.
However, you may prefer to already have some Turkish Lira with you on arrival. But don't worry, you don't need any money to pay for the transfer on arrival.
There are a few things to do locally, for which you will need Lira though, like catching the bus or a taxi to the beach, or having a snack in the village, or maybe a little shopping in Dalyan (although in Dalyan you are likely able to pay by card in most places).
Extras at the Lagoon Retreat include bar bills, excursions, massages and airport transfers. These are all paid for at the end of your stay. There is a self-service honesty book system at the bar (note, there is always free tea, coffee and water throughout the day). Your bill can be paid in sterling, US dollars, lira or euros (or a combination) but cash only please. They don’t have credit card or cheque facilities.
The transfers (return) usually come in at €50 per person, the day trip (optional) is approx. €90, a massage is approx. €75 for an hour, plus some money for drinks.
There is good mobile phone connection at the Lagoon Retreat. Wifi is also available. It's not stable enough for streaming or downloading content, so if you want to watch a movie on your device for example, please make sure you download that before you travel.
We will be served the most delicious fresh vegetarian food. If you notify us in advance, a vegan, gluten free or dairy free diet can be catered for.
For lunch, some food will be laid out in the kitchen for us to help ourselves if we want. This means, you can have lunch at whatever time suits you. If for example you go to the beach, you might not want to rush back for lunch, but grab something at the beach cafe.
Yes, this part of Turkey is very safe. Turkish hospitality is exceptional. Traveling by bus, car, taxi etc is very easy. And along the coast, everyone speaks English.
When arriving for the retreat, and during our week together, we will be taking complete care of you, from picking you up from the airport, to showing you around, and making sure you catch your flight on departure.
Do you have any questions?
