ASHTANGA RETREAT IN TURKEY 2025
Ashtanga Retreat in Turkey with Adam Keen
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6 TO 13TH, 2024
Ashtanga Yoga is an inside job
There is an inner method behind the shapes - beyond the stretching. This is generally not mentioned and teaching Ashtanga generally means sharing the sequences and 'giving' or permitting postures. We will focus in this week on a practical understanding of the yoga behind the yoga - which is what also links yoga on the mat to the higher aspirations of yoga as a so-called spiritual practice.
Everyone with an interest in Ashtanga yoga is welcome and included here. We follow the series' as taught in Mysore, but Adam will help with adaptations where required, it will not be dogmatic. There will be time to ask questions and discuss together, and everyone should leave feeling reinspired for their own Ashtanga self-practice.
What you can expect:
- A friendly and inclusive group with a range of ages and abilities.
- A week of focus on your yoga practice and technical tuition on asana
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- To make new friends and engage with a support group.
- Time off to explore the area and to relax
- To return with renewed enthusiasm and energy for your practice.
This retreat is for you if:
- You have a sincere desire to learn more about Ashtanga yoga as taught over the years in Mysore
- You already know or are willing to memorise at least the Ashtanga practice of sun salutations through to most of the standing postures
- You are willing to partake in workshops that are a mix of talks and exercises
- You are not looking for strong adjustments in your asana practice. Adam gives physical assistance and guidance but not ‘adjustments’
Adam is non-dogmatic and won’t hold you back unnecessarily. For your benefit and for that of the group we do ask that you memorise the sequence and generally try to stick to it (modifications are, of course, totally acceptable).
All physical levels and ages are welcome on this retreat, and we are known for being a friendly group without cliques, hierarchy or favourites.
Expand below to see the weekly schedule and content
Alaçati
Alaçati is unique town with a trendy vibe located on the Çeşme Peninsula to the west of Izmir. What was once one of the most traditional towns in Turkey with narrow cobbled streets and colourful houses has been transformed into the place to be with boutiques, antique shops, and cafes with tables on the streets.
It’s an ideal setting in which to relax, and people watch during your time away from the mat.
Things to do
- It is just a short drive or cycle ride, or if you are up for it a pleasant 45-minute walk/hike to some good beaches.
- There are a variety of beach clubs and nearby spa hotels with paid for access to very comfortable settings with food and drinks.
- Once a week Recep organises a boat trip out to some islands with stops for swimming and photos, the cost is approximately €30 but will vary.
- The nearby village of Çeşme has more options for shopping and cafes.
- The nearby ruins of Ephesus, once the capital of Asia Minor and the second most important city of the Roman Empire. Its populace was largely educated and wealthy, while its buildings were richly decorated. The city came to prominence under the ancient Greeks, who built the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Venue & Accommodation
The retreat will be held in the D’Core Alaçati boutique hotel, the family hotel of our host, friend and fellow Ashtanga student Recep. It is a comfortable and charming hotel on the outskirts of the main Alaçati action, but still within walking distance.
Meals
Turkish cuisine is incredibly fresh and varied and Recep makes sure it will support your yoga practice. Meals will be served buffet style and will be vegetarian taking advantage of the area's abundant produce and delicacies.
Cost
Single Room: €1,300
- Deposit: €500 (approx. £415) non-refundable deposit will secure your space.
- Payment 2: €150 (approx. £150) due on June 25th, 2025.
- Balance: €650 payable directly to the hotel on arrival in cash Euros or GBP/USD equivalent (not Turkish Lire)
Shared room: €1,000
- Deposit: €500 (approx. £415) non-refundable deposit will secure your space.
- Balance: €500 payable directly to the hotel on arrival in cash Euros or GBP/USD equivalent (not Turkish Lire)
Couples both doing yoga choose 2 shared rooms and let us know by email.
We use xe.com to find the latest currency conversions
Getting There & Transfers
The closest airport to Alacati is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Taxi: Pick up outside the airport taxis take approximately 45 to 1 hour and cost around €50-€60 on the meter or we have a driver you can contact by WhatsApp.
Flybuses: from the airport to Alaçatı Terminali station cost €7. The hotel is 800m or a ten-minute walk from there.
What's Included:
- 6 nights stay
- 6 Ashtanga self-practice classes, 4workshops
- 6 brunch
- 5 dinners (midweek dinner night out, not included)
- Mid-week room cleaning
- Laundry services available (not included in price)
Below are the Terms & Conditions for in-person retreats & workshops organised by Keen on Yoga. Where an event is hosted by another centre it will be subject to the centre’s terms and conditions.
Payments
Full payment must be made before the workshop begins to attend.
Where applicable, can reserve your place by making a deposit payment of the amount stated on the event page. All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The balance payment is due no later than 8 weeks before the first day of the yoga event you’ve reserved. We will not send a reminder email. If we do not receive your balance payment, your place may be given to another student.
Payments are made through our secure website with a credit card. If you are unable to make your payment this way, send us an email so we can provide our bank transfer details.
Cancellation Policy
Below is the amount of refund we can offer if you need to cancel your booking. Where there is a refund offered there will be a 10% admin fee deducted which includes our loss due to the card transaction processing fee. All cancellations must be made in writing by emailing info@keenonyoga.com. The date that we receive your email will be the date that we calculate your refund.
Deposit Payments: All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Full Payments: If you have paid in full and must cancel, the following applies:
- More than 8 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: 100% refund less deposit.
- 4 to 8 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: 50% refund less the deposit.
- Up to 4 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: No refund will be given.
Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for refunding any other costs incurred, i.e. your travel, we recommended that you have travel insurance to cover any loss or injury, including repatriation if necessary.
We reserve the right to make any changes to our programme. If we offer a discount to some students or last-minute discount prices, this does not affect the status of any students who have previously paid full price, and no discount will then become due to them.
Students who have paid for a single room do not qualify for a discount in the case that another student happens to be alone in a “shared” room.
If you are on medication, are currently under therapy and/or counselling, or have any known mental or emotional condition(s) that would in any way hinder your participation in a yoga course, please let us know before registering. We do not provide any specialists at our retreats who would be able to help, should the need arise. If your behaviour causes disruption for other participants and the teachers, you will be asked to stop participating in the course and to seek appropriate help. In such a situation, we do not offer refunds but can provide documents for insurance claims.
Single Room
- Limited number of single rooms available and they do go early
Shared Room
- Share with a friend or we can pair you up with someone of the same gender, or couples
- Check-in Wed 6th, 14.00
- Group meeting at 6.30 pm,
- First practice Thursday morning
- Last practice Tuesday morning,
- Check out Wednesday 13th by 11.00 am.
ADAM KEEN
Adam has been a yoga practitioner since 1999 and has taught Ashtanga yoga internationally for over twenty years. His style is open, non-dogmatic and eclectic while remaining rooted in an appreciation of the benefits of the method of ashtanga as he learnt it in Mysore, India.
In 2012 he completed the Advanced A sequence with Sharath and was authorized to teach. Adam meets all students where they are, hopefully, with humour, kindness and inspiration, holding a safe and supportive space for personal inquiry. He is also the co-founder of Keen on Yoga and the Keen on Yoga podcast with his wife Theresa.
Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga
