December Relax & Wellness Weekend with the Mana Team

The December Relax & Wellness Weekend is a two-night wellness retreat at Mana Retreat Centre in Coromandel, Waikato, New Zealand. It is made for people who want an affordable break from the pace of life: a quiet weekend of rest, gentle movement and meditation, led by the Mana team, including centre manager Amrit Saraswati and meditation and Qi Gong teacher Hedwig Bakker.

What to Expect

The weekend begins on a Friday-evening-style arrival at 4:00 pm and finishes at 2:00 pm on the final day, leaving two nights at the centre. The daily schedule is optional, so you can join the classes that appeal and keep the rest of your time open.

Offered classes are beginners Qi Gong, meditation and yoga, all pitched at people new to these practices. Between sessions there is plenty of unstructured time to read, walk in nature, use the sauna, soak in a bush bath or book a massage. The atmosphere is described by past guests as non-judgmental, quiet and contemplative, a place where you feel looked after and supported.

Your Teachers

Amrit Saraswati is a 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 at retreat centres around New Zealand. She teaches with compassion, authenticity and humility, and her calm, concise guidance leaves room for each person to have their own experience.

Hedwig Bakker grew up in the Netherlands, trained as a physical education teacher and worked as an outdoor instructor for 15 years before leaving in 2000. After travelling, she 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 State Highway 25 at Manaia Road, near Coromandel. Guests often describe the drive in as the moment the hustle and bustle fall away, with the surrounding land enclosing the centre in quiet. Two nights of accommodation are included, along with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Meals are wholesome lacto-ovo vegetarian cooking, which means no fish or chicken. The kitchen also caters for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets.

Before You Go

No previous experience is needed, as the Qi Gong, meditation and yoga classes are for beginners. Included in the weekend are accommodation, all meals and the classes. Massage is an additional charge, must be booked in advance, and the schedule may change.

Mana is an alcohol and drug free environment. Payment is taken in full at registration. The retreat needs a minimum number of participants to go ahead, and the centre may cancel if that number is not reached. Cancellation fees apply if you withdraw, with a higher administrative fee within 72 hours of the start. Mana acts as agent for the independent teachers, who supply the teaching while the centre provides accommodation and meals.