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Activating the Gateway on 11-11-11
A Transformational Yoga Retreat in Magical Moorea
November 4 - 12, 2011
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Tour Leader: Michele Labelle is a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, researcher and facilitator. Among the classes, workshops and retreats she offers, she has also released a meditation CD, entitled the “Breath of Life”, which leads people to a place of inner calmness and healing with a focus on the breath through a peaceful and rejuvenating visualization. Read more about Michele Labelle on our About Your Tour Leader Page.
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About Les Tipaniers
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Set amidst tropical gardens of coconut palms and fragrant flowers, Les Tipaniers will be our home away from home during out retreat. This small boutique hotel is located on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific and the closest to Tahiti. Resting on a glimmering stretch of white sand beach and overlooking tiny “motu” islands, the hotel offers a quiet refuge in paradise with lush gardens, a glorious beachfront, shallow sandy lagoon, and crystal waters.
This charming little resort is built lagoon-side by Hauru’s point and rests on one of the most beautiful beaches of Moorea. The hotel is made up of 22 Polynesian-styled farés (bungalows), each with its own terrace, and offers many amenities including 2 restaurants, the Beach Restaurant & Bar which offers French and Italian specialties, and the Garden Restaurant, which is open for dinner each evening. The hotel is also close to the “Little Tourist Village” with its boutiques and shops, market, and restaurants. Three romantic motus are located just offshore next to the protected coral reef and can easily be reached by individual outrigger canoe or by swimming, providing a perfect opportunity for picnics on a deserted island, snorkelling, sunbathing or fishing. http://www.lestipaniers.com
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Retreat Itinerary
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Most days will commence with morning yoga and meditation designed to bring presence, peace and flexibility to the mind, body, and spirit, followed by a delicious healthy breakfast. Strengthened and nourished by our morning practice and meal, the remainder of our days will be filled with group excursions and independent leisure activities. During our stay we will also participate in sacred ceremonies, meditations, and visualizations to support our work in preparing us for 2012.
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Day 1 - Fri, Nov 4: Arrive in Tahiti, Transfer to Moorea
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 Arrive in Tahiti and then board a ferry for a short cruise over to the beautiful island of Moorea. Moorea, meaning “yellow lizard” in Tahitian, is described as the most beautiful place on Earth. The island, a windward island part of a larger archipelago of islands known as the Society Islands, is a tropical Eden with multi-hued lagoons, jagged mountain peaks, towering volcanic spires, lush valleys, azure skies, and a sublimely warm climate. Welcome to paradise!
Upon arrival, we transfer to Les Tipaniers, our home for the remainder of our retreat. Unpack and unwind in your beach or garden bungalow, slip into something comfortable, and check out the beautiful beach first hand. You may want to grab a bite to eat before we begin with casual introductions under a starry South Pacific sky.
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Day 2 - Sat, Nov 5 (B, D)
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 We begin the day with our first yoga and meditation practice on the beach, followed by a sumptuous breakfast at your leisure. Today will be a relaxing day for you to become better acquainted with this beautiful location. Take an outrigger canoe to explore the crystal waters, lounge on the beach to soak in the glorious sunshine, join in on a fun game of beach volleyball, or take a stroll into the village to check out the shops. This is your time to just be! Later in the afternoon we gather for our first session to ground into the energy of Moorea, connect for this inner voyage of 11-11-11, and co-create our intentions for our retreat.This evening we will revel in a Tahitian Tiki Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant for an entertaining Polynesian Dance Extravaganza! Experience an evening of traditional dance, music, and movement to awaken your spirit, and feast on a magnificent dinner of fresh and local fish, fruit, and more in true Tahitian tradition.
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Day 3 - Sun, Nov 6 (B, D)
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 This morning we participate in our yoga and meditation practice on the beach, with time for a quick swim, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we enjoy an exciting Circle Island Tour of Moorea to see the highlights of the island while enjoying the tropical flora along this scenic drive. We visit a pineapple plantation to learn more about this luscious fruit and the harvesting process, as well as the massive ancient Polynesian “marae”, an open-air stone temple in the Opunohu Valley. We then take a short hike in the surrounding area to discover the spectacular flora and fauna.
Later, we return to the resort to relish more time for absolute leisure bliss. Dive into the crystal waters for some snorkeling just off the beach, book a spa treatment at a nearby spa, or simply relax and unwind. In the evening, we gather for a sharing circle followed by a sumptuous dinner. We end our evening with a relaxing meditation and then drift of to sublime sleep.
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Day 4 - Mon, Nov 7 (B, D)
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 This morning we enjoy our daily yoga and meditation practice on the beach, followed by breakfast. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, so take full advantage of a little "me time". The resort offers many optional tours and activities that can be booked on site. Take a tour of the island, experience an unforgettable dolphin adventure, play golf at a nearby course, shop in the village, or simply relax in the gardens or on the beach and finally delve into that novel you’ve been meaning to read. The day is yours to do as little or as much as you like. In the evening, we gather as a group once more for dinner.
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Day 5 - Tue, Nov 8 (B, D)
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 Today we enjoy an early morning breakfast and prepare for a full day out on the water to explore the magical sea life. We begin with an exciting lagoon cruise gliding through the tranquil turquoise waters of the north shore to explore this aquatic paradise and then dive in to swim with stingrays and small sharks, an incredible and unique underwater adventure. Moorea’s unique position offers a wonderful opportunity to see numerous species of sharks including black and white tip as well as grey and lemon sharks, and has become world famous for its interactive shark and sting ray feeding sessions. Other exotic sea creatures to be discovered include sea turtles, moray eels, dolphins, and an array of fish including barracuda, jackfish, snapper, grouper, tuna, triggerfish and more. After this most exhilarating excursion, we return to our resort for a little R & R. In the evening we will enjoy a gentle Yin Yoga practice and a meditation under the stars.
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Day 6 - Wed, Nov 9 (B, L, D)
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 Enjoy a morning yoga and meditation practice on the beach, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare you for another exciting day. We then set off on another fun-filled water adventure, taking a lagoon cruise into Cook’s and Opunohu Bays to the smaller motu islets surrounding Moorea. While aboard, our Captain will provide us with fascinating details about the island’s legends, geography, and the exotic flora and fauna. We then stop at one of the coral islets that dot the barrier reef to enjoy a few hours of leisure time. Donning our snorkeling gear, we jump into the warm crystal waters of the South Pacific for one of the most amazing snorkeling experiences. Wonder at the vibrant display of exotic sea life and discover the magical coral gardens. Encounter an array of colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises, and even humpback whales. We may also get a chance to  feed the stingrays.
Having worked up an appetite, we enjoy a delicious a Tahitian-style luncheon buffet picnic featuring grilled fish and chicken, salads, and fresh cut fruit, accompanied by refreshing beverages. We will also learn how to prepare the famous Tahitian poission cru, marinated in a mix of lime and coconut milk and enjoy a display of the island’s traditional method of coconut husking.
Later in the afternoon, after settling back in at the resort, we gather for a group circle to explore and deepen our connection to the chakras. Together we will work on clearing our energy and preparing for our special day on the sacred mountain on November 11 th with a special meditation, which will help activate our chakras and allow us to connect to the essence and elements of Moorea.
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Day 7 - Thu, Nov 10 (B, D)
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 Today you can sleep in or arise early for your own individual yoga and meditation practice, then spend the day with independent pursuits. Moorea offers many wonderful ways to enjoy the island and all its beauty. Book a trip to the dolphin centre or “lagoonarium”, take a scuba diving excursion (if PADI certified), enjoy a thrilling off-road ATV jungle adventure, indulge in some pampering at a nearby spa, visit a neighbouring beach, or simply lounge around the resort. This day should be spent helping you to release any negative energy and to build up your positive energy in preparation for tomorrow, so take part in any type of activity which will help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and restored.
This evening, we gather once again for dinner followed by an informative talk led by an elder of the community. We will learn about Tahitian traditions and folklores through stories, tales and animated discussion. To further prepare us for the next day, we will participate in an evening yin yoga and meditation practice along with a special ceremony which will allow us to release the old and open ourselves to allow the fulfillment of our most sacred dreams and wishes.
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Day 8 - Fri, Nov 11 (B, D)
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 11-11-11 Today is a powerful day to activate and manifest our dreams. After a nourishing breakfast we drive to the renowned Belvedere Lookout, which offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Mount Rotui and Opunohu and Cook's Bays. This is a remarkable spot to take a breath and awe at the impressive and majestic beauty of the island. We then begin an invigorating 45 minute hike, climbing the sacred mountain and exploring the area for an amazing multi-sensory  experience. Inhale the succulent scents and fragrant aromas of the lush, tropical vegetation that envelop you and admire the stunning views. After our hike, we continue our immersion in the natural wonders of Moorea with a visit to Afareaitu and the enchanting Atira’a Waterfall. Here, we will join together for a special meditation to connect with the Masters and activate the gateway to 2012. After a little snack and a rest, will hike for a few more hours into the enchanted forest for a unique yoga and meditation experience.
After a sensational day of magic and wonder, we return to our resort for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our new connections to this fascinating island, followed by a sharing circle to recount our most cherished memories of our time here in magical Moorea. This will be our opportunity to express our gratitude and give thanks to the island, its people, and our new friends for sharing their energy with us.
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Day 9 - Sat, Nov 12 (B)
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Today we enjoy one last morning yoga and meditation practice, followed by breakfast. We then have some time for last minute shopping, packing and a little more lounging on the beach before we bid our adieus to Moorea and our new friends. We then transfer to the ferry dock to board our ferry to Tahiti and then continue on with your return flight home.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
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Retreat Inclusions
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Retreat Includes:
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8 nights shared accommodation in Bungalows at Les Tipaniers Hotel
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Continental Breakfast Daily, 1 Lunch, and 7 Dinners
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Return Ferry from Tahiti to Moorea
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Transportation for all excursions included in the itinerary
Added Features:
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Travel with Yoga Teacher, Michele Labelle
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Daily Yoga and Meditation Practice
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Sharing Circles
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Sacred Ceremonies
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Special Tahitian Tiki Welcome Dinner with Traditional Polynesian Show
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Circle Island Tour
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Hiking Trips
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Lagoon Cruise to Swim with Sharks and Stingrays
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Lagoon Cruise to Motu Islets with Snorkelling and Tahitian Picnic Lunch
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Special 11-11-11 Meditation at Atira’a Waterfall and Yoga in the Enchanted Forest
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Optional Excursions and Spa Treatments
Retreat Does Not Include:
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Airfare to Tahiti
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote)
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Meals and drinks not specified
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Cost to obtain valid passport
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Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary.
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| Price Per Person (Land Only) |
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USD $2599.00
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Photos Courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme
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© 2003 - 2011 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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