spring thaw yoga retreat

Hey there folks! I've got a surprise weekend post for ya this week. Yesterday I was chatting with yoga teacher Cat Edward after her Yogaroma class (love, love, love), and we got to talking about an upcoming getaway she's planned with another local teacher. It sounds like an amazing time so I thought I'd share it here on the blog in case it tickles your fancy!

Cat (of Unroll the Mat) is lovely soul and I adore her clear and practical teaching style, her hands-on adjustments, and her sense of humour (every Saturday is Caturday). She almost always brings essential oils to class and I really enjoy the added aromatherapy element of the practice. I've been under the weather all weekend but was lucky enough to get to two of Cat's aromatherapy yoga classes with spearmint and peppermint oil. It was positively dreamy for my plugged up airways! Cat rocking boat pose during warmer times:

This winter's been a funny one, eh? Most of us would agree it wasn't a tough one by Ottawa standards, but April has been unseasonably cold and many of us are fed up with the incessant coughs and sniffles going around. We're dreaming of warmer days, sunshine, summer clothes, the warm breeze on our faces.

If you're craving time outdoors without freezing your tuchas, shed those extra layers and experience spring with Cat and fellow certified yoga teacher Meghan Trevorrow. From April 28 - May 1, 2016 they're hosting a Spring Thaw Yoga Retreat in the fresh Laurentian air. The retreat will be held at the Kio-o Retreat Centre, located on a quiet, private lake where you can take in the beautiful sunrise over the mountains.

I asked Cat to tell me a bit more about the thinking behind this little yoga trip, and here's what she had to say:

"This 3-night retreat will help you plant seeds to nourish you throughout the year. Practicing yoga and meditation away from your usual routine and environment will inspire you to clear out the old and welcome in the new." It sounds like spring cleaning for the mind and body, which I love. A new season is the perfect time to knock out the cobwebs and start afresh, right?

The weekend package includes 3 nights' accommodation at Kio-o, delicious vegetarian cuisine, daily meditation and yoga classes, aromatherapy with essential oils, and daily activities. Individual rates start at $525 per person depending on the type of room you choose, and shared accomodations and carpooling can be arranged as needed.

THE KEY DEETS

What: Spring Thaw Yoga Retreat

When: Thursday April 28 - Sunday May 1, 2016

Where: Kio-o Retreat Centre, Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Québec

Includes: accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, daily yoga, meditation, aromatherapy

Cost: starts at $525 per person (depending on room choice) Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit by April 24, 2016! To book and for any questions, please give the ladies a shout at catandmeghan@gmail.com.