Yoga Beginners Retreat:
'Cultivate Your Home Practice'
Are you new to yoga? Then this is the perfect starting point!
Would you like to create a consistent yoga practice? Unsure of how to adapt the poses to suit your body type, health conditions and level of flexibility? And would you like to spend quality time will a group of fellow new yogis in the most beautiful farm setting to live and breathe yoga for a few days?
Gain the confidence and understanding you need to practice safely on your own
During your stay, you will be taken by the hand by some of Australia’s best yoga teachers. They will introduce you to some of the finer details around the yoga poses and breathing techniques that there's usually no time for in regular yoga classes.
Your host and guide, Krishna Village head teacher Lila Kirtana, has personally trained hundreds of yoga teachers. She has been teaching yoga since 2005, and facilitating teacher trainings since 2007. With qualifications in Anatomy and Physiology, Pre/Postnatal Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Therapy and Yoga for Mental Health and Wellness, Lila has a fantastic wealth of knowledge that she is excited to share in this intimate setting.
Time for personal attention and individual adjustments
Over the course of the week, you will workshop the details of two set sequences: a morning Vinyasa practice, and an afternoon Restorative Yin practice. Our focus will be on anatomy, safety, specific alignment for your body, and the benefits of each pose. You will receive personal attention and hands-on assists to learn how to practice the poses correctly, and will receive a DVD of the two sequences as taught by Lila to continue to safely practice at home.
In addition, you will spend a beautiful week in the paradise of the Northern Rivers with 3 vegan/vegetarian meals and access to two yoga classes each day, a broad range of classes covering topics such as Ayurveda, Meditation and Philosophy, a chance to cuddle our friendly cows and calves, and plenty of time for relaxation, a massage or a trip to massage rocks, our local swimming spot.
Time to nurture yourself:
Daily yoga - Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Restorative & Yoga Nidra
Traditional Styles of Meditation, Pranayama & Kirtan
Workshops on Ayurveda, Nutrition, Stress Management, Anatomy, etc.
Vegetarian & vegan meals, based on holistic & Ayurvedic principles
Plenty of free time to relax, enjoy a treatment, go for a hike, swim in the river, and do the things you love
Optional Massage or Reiki Treatments (additional cost - please book through reception)
Meet your teacher
Lila Kirtana was first attracted to the yogic lifestyle in 2005. During the 3 years she spent deeply immersed in studies as a Vedic nun in an ashram, Lila completed her 500hr yoga teacher training and has been teaching yoga ever since. From 2008 onwards Lila has worked full time as a yoga teacher trainer and retreat manager in Byron Bay [Certificate IV in Yoga Teaching, RYT-500, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, YACEP]. She completed Pre/Postnatal Yoga training with Bliss Baby Yoga in 2012 and began to teach regularly on their courses until 2016, and after becoming a mother, Lila completed a Children's Yoga teacher training with Zenergy Yoga in 2014 and has run several terms of children's yoga classes in Preschool, Primary school and High school. In 2017 she completed a 50 hour Yin Yoga certification, and a Yoga for Mental Health qualification in 2019 and 2020.
Lila has been the course creator and head yoga teacher trainer at the Krishna Village Eco Yoga centre since 2016, and has since accredited hundreds of yoga teachers. She is a passionate advocate for women's health and the environment.
Lila also is a mother to two gorgeous children, holds a Diploma of Remedial Massage, plays various musical instruments and is the lead singer of the enCHANTed kirtan band which holds regular kirtan evenings and performs at various Yoga Festivals, and has a deep knowledge and understanding of Ayurveda through years of study and regular trips to India. Lila is a passionate Bhakti yogini, inspired to share the things she loves through her yoga classes and her joy of chanting.
Accommodation options
Krishna Village is located on a beautiful organic farm in the scenic foothills of Mt. Warning, half way between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. The closest town is Murwillumbah, and the nearest airport Coolangatta (the Gold Coast airport).
Our Retreat Center is spread out across a beautiful natural farm setting, which means that some of our facilities and accommodation require a bit of walking. We offer a range of accommodation options from camping spots to creatively renovated container rooms, private pine cabins set in the hills overlooking the valley and more.
Make your booking
Early Bird Discount: Save $100 if you book 4+ weeks prior to course start
The rates below include: tuition, 3 meals/day and the accommodation of your choice for 4 nights.
You are welcome to add further nights during the booking process, and include the weekend before and/or after the course.
Commuter: AU $890 (meals included, but no room)
Camping (tent): AU $1014 OR AU $972 each (2 people sharing)
Camping (van): AU $1030 OR AU $980 each (2 people sharing)
Budget Room: AU $1150 OR AU $1060 each (2 people sharing)
Bunkies: AU $1290
Lotus Pod Room: AU $1290 OR AU $1110 each (2 people sharing)
Bhakti Guesthouse Rooms (With Ensuite): AU $1430 per person OR AU $1180 each (2 people sharing)
Cabin (self-contained): AU $1430 OR AU $1180 each (2 people sharing)
Payments - We require a $600 deposit to hold your spot in the course. The full payment is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of your course.
Before booking, please have a look at our Code of Conduct and our Terms and Conditions. If you are dealing with any physical or mental health issues, please also check our 'Are you ready' page.
Choose your date below to make your booking
Please note: On Monday, we offer a Welcome Tour for all new guests at 11am. The course itself begins after lunch, at 1:30pm. For an extra relaxed experience, you have the option to add a night, so you can arrive early, and start the experience with morning yoga, delicious breakfast and a wander around on the farm. On Friday, we conclude at 12:30pm. You are welcome to have lunch with us before heading off.
Delicious vegetarian food
At Krishna Village, we offer 3x delicious vegetarian meals per day. From vegan kitchari, porridge, and fresh fruits for breakfast, to vegetable curry with rice or flatbreads, and heartier dishes for lunch & dinner... If you're looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, you'll be sure to enjoy our meals.
If you have any specific dietary needs, you are welcome to use the Krishna Village kitchen to prepare your meals.
The Krishna Farm
The Krishna Farm "New Govardhana" serves as an ashram to a community of yogis who aspire to live according to their deepest vows and commitments on their path of service, spiritual contentment and happiness (Bhakti Yoga). Their service and dedication make this location a beautiful place of growth, healing and spiritual awakening. The temple is the beating heart of the community at New Govardhana and we encourage all who visit the property to come along and experience the lifestyle and philosophy reflected by the practice of Krishna consciousness.
