Sacred Earth Retreat

The Sacred Earth Retreat is a four-day mantra and meditation retreat at Mana Retreat Centre in Coromandel, Waikato, New Zealand. It is led by Penny and Jethro Williams of Sacred Earth, the Australian mantra duo, and it suits anyone who wants to step away from daily distraction and spend a few days in chanting, movement and quiet, among others doing the same.

The retreat is called the Into Your Heart Retreat. Its focus is the life and practices that have inspired the music of Sacred Earth, and the invitation is to dive deeply into yourself with their support.

What to Expect

The days combine daily meditation, mantra singing and energising movement sessions, with dance, a fire ceremony and intention setting. Daily practices give the days a shape, and there is plenty of free time between sessions. Many people use it to receive bodywork, walk, or use the sauna.

Penny and Jethro have guided thousands of people into states of inner peace through meditation, mantra and conscious movement. They also share grounded, honest reflections from their own lives exploring the inner realm. The retreat begins in the late afternoon on the first day and finishes at 2:00 pm on the last, so it spans four days.

Because the group travels and sings together, the retreat also offers a sense of community with other like-minded people.

About Penny and Jethro Williams

Sacred Earth is the duo of Penny and Jethro Williams, described as Australia's internationally acclaimed mantra artists. Penny sings with soaring vocals and plays ethereal keyboard melodies. Jethro adds vocal harmonies and instrumental melodies on the shakuhachi (Japanese flute), Indian bansuri, Irish tin and low whistles, and acoustic guitar.

For over two decades they have been refining their own contemporary expression of the ancient practice of chanting mantra and sharing songs of the heart. Their music weaves ancient mantras with flutes and soothing harmonies, and invites listeners to reconnect with their core purpose. People who have attended a Sacred Earth live performance describe an experience that goes beyond an ordinary concert, with moments of tears, smiles and a deep sense of tranquility. Their concerts regularly sell out.

The Setting

Mana Retreat Centre sits on State Highway 25 near Coromandel, on the Coromandel Peninsula in Waikato. The retreat is held in its spectacular surroundings, which is part of the point: time outdoors and time with yourself are built into the schedule. Mana provides accommodation and meals, and acts as agent for the independent teachers who lead retreats there.

Food is lacto-ovo vegetarian, so there is no fish or chicken. Mana also caters for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets.

Before You Go

Mana is an alcohol and drug free environment, which is worth knowing before you register. Payment is taken in full at registration. The retreat needs a minimum number of participants to go ahead, and if that number is not reached it may be cancelled. Cancellations carry an administrative fee, which is higher within 72 hours of the start, and a tuition cancellation fee may apply in some circumstances.