Phases of the Moon Retreat with Rachel Hunter and Renee Stewart

The Phases of the Moon Retreat is a yoga and meditation retreat at Mana Retreat Centre in Coromandel, New Zealand, led by Rachel Hunter and Renee Stewart. It suits anyone who wants a few days of movement, stillness and connection in a supportive group, with teachings drawn from the Moon's cycles, Vedic Astrology and the Nitya Devīs.

Rachel and Renee have taught two earlier retreats at Mana and return to the same setting for this one. Over four days they offer fresh practices and teachings, with the aim of helping participants awaken the body, quiet the mind and open the heart.

What to Expect

The retreat runs from a Thursday afternoon to a Sunday morning, with a daily rhythm that stays simple and unhurried. A typical day includes:

- Morning meditation and yoga: grounding practices to align body and mind at the start of the day.
- Daily teachings: explorations of the Moon's phases, Vedic Astrology and the wisdom of the Nitya Devīs.
- Free movement: embodied classes with Renee, designed to encourage flow and creativity.
- Shared meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner eaten together in community.
- Nature immersion: unstructured time to wander the grounds.

Rachel also teaches a Moving with the Moon Phases workshop, and her approach to the lunar cycle shapes the theme of the retreat. The mix of seated practice, guided teaching, free-form movement and quiet time outdoors gives the days a balanced pace.

About Rachel Hunter and Renee Stewart

Rachel Hunter leads the teachings on the Moon's phases, Vedic Astrology and the Nitya Devīs, and is known for her Moving with the Moon Phases workshop. She has taught at Mana twice before.

Renee Stewart leads the free movement classes, offering embodied practice that invites flow and creativity. She has also taught previous retreats at Mana alongside Rachel, and the two return together for this one.

The Setting

Mana Retreat Centre sits on Manaia Road off State Highway 25, near Coromandel in the Waikato region. The grounds cover 350 acres of native bush, with a sanctuary and a labyrinth, so there is plenty of space for walking and quiet reflection between sessions. Mana provides accommodation and meals, and the retreat begins at 4:00 pm on the first day and finishes at 11:30 am on the last.

Before You Go

Food at Mana is lacto-ovo vegetarian, which means no fish or chicken. The centre can cater for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets. It is an alcohol and drug free environment.

Mana acts as agent for independent teachers: Rachel and Renee supply the teaching, while Mana provides accommodation and meals. Payment is required in full at the time of booking. The retreat needs a minimum number of participants to go ahead, and if that number is not reached it may be cancelled. Cancellation fees apply, and they are higher within 72 hours of the start, so it is worth reading the full policy before you register.