March Relax and Wellness with The Mana Team

March Relax and Wellness with The Mana Team is a wellness retreat weekend at Mana Retreat Centre in Coromandel, Waikato, New Zealand. It is a gentle, affordable way to step out of a busy life, with beginners Qi Gong, meditation and yoga offered alongside plenty of unstructured time. It suits anyone who wants rest more than a program, including people new to these practices. The weekend is led by Amrit Saraswati, the Centre Manager, and Hedwig Bakker.

What to Expect

The weekend runs from a Friday late afternoon start to an early Sunday afternoon finish, with two nights on site. The idea is recreation that supports wellbeing: an optional daily schedule shaped around relaxation, so you can join the classes or let the days stay quiet.

Classes are introductory. You can expect beginners Qi Gong, meditation and yoga, taught in a calm, unhurried way. Between sessions there is time to read, walk in nature, use the sauna, soak in a bush bath or book a massage. Massage appointments cost extra, need to be booked in advance, and the schedule may change.

Past guests describe a quiet, non-judgmental, contemplative sanctuary where the staff are warm and welcoming, and where you feel looked after, well fed and supported.

About Amrit Saraswati

Amrit is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and meditation. She completed her first yoga teacher training in 2012 and has spent the last 15 years learning, deepening and sharing traditional yoga practices in retreat centres around New Zealand. She teaches with compassion, authenticity and humility, and her calm, concise style lets people go deep within and have their own experience.

About Hedwig Bakker

Hedwig grew up in the Netherlands, trained as a physical education teacher and worked as an outdoor instructor for 15 years before leaving in 2000. She travelled, then lived in India and Nepal for nine years, taking part in Buddhist teachings and retreats and several charity projects. She has practised meditation for over two decades and has led meditation classes, courses and retreats since 2004. She is also a certified Holden Qi Gong teacher. Her approach is joyful, gentle and practical, with lightness and humour, and her classes suit people from all walks of life.

The Setting

Mana Retreat Centre sits on Manaia Road, State Highway 25, outside Coromandel township. Guests often say that driving in feels like leaving the hustle behind and being enveloped by the earth. The price includes two nights of accommodation and three meals a day of wholesome vegetarian food. Mana serves lacto-ovo vegetarian meals only, so no fish or chicken, and it can cater for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets.

Before You Go

No experience is needed, as the Qi Gong, meditation and yoga classes are pitched at beginners. The centre is an alcohol and drug free environment. Mana acts as agent for the independent teachers: the teachers supply the teaching, and Mana provides accommodation and meals.

Payment is due in full at the time of booking. The retreat needs a minimum number of participants to go ahead, and the centre may cancel if that number is not reached. Cancellations carry an administrative fee, which is higher within 72 hours of the event, and a tuition cancellation fee may apply in certain circumstances.