BEYOND SWIPES
Conscious Speed Dating
The art of connection
23 - 24 March 2024
LOCATION: Swami Yoga Retreat
Kenthurst, NSW 2156
DATE: 2 DAYS
23 - 24 March 2024
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INVESTMENT:
from $399
conscious speed dating retreat
Step into a realm of meaningful connections with this transformative 'conscious/authentic relating' retreat. Whether you're seeking love or meaningful friendships, this event is for you. Loneliness has become an epidemic in this modern-day living, and hiding behind our phones has become the norm.
This space encourages you to put the phone away, venture into the Australian bush, and connect with nature, yourself, and real people. Bid farewell to the monotonous swiping and shallow small talk, and immerse yourself in an engaging, in-person journey where connections are forged through playful and creative exercises.
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Our approach has found success at diverse events, from Boom Festival and Australian conscious festivals alike, forging connections, and fostering new friendships. Seize the chance to break free from traditional dating constraints and embark on a journey of self-discovery and profound connection. Join us as we celebrate the most important event of living—connection.
40 spots available for our transformative March 23-24th conscious speed dating
Secure your place now!
Swipes Less: Short on small talk, big on meaningful connections. Try conscious dating
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Overview8/05 - Arrival and settle into your hotel in Labuan Bajo (Theory of freediving) 9/05 - Early start for a full-day exploration of Cunca waterfall, mirror cave house & Ranko Caves. Back to hotel dinner and early night sleep 10/05 - Transfer to boat Labouan to Sebayur Besar 11/05 - Sebayur besar - Gili Lawa Darat 12/05 - Gili Lawa Darat - Makassar Reef - Pink beach - komodo village 13/05 - Komodo Island - Long Beach - Padar Island 14/05 - Padar - Rinca island - Kalong Rinca 15/05 - Kalong rinca - Manjerite - Kelor Island - Labuan Bajo 16/05 - Breakfast and checkout ( airport transfer)
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DAY 1Arrival & Introduction to Freediving Location: Settle in at the Hotel room, Labuan Bajo after your airport transfer. Activity: Engage in a thorough freediving theory session. Dining: Enjoy a communal dinner and gear up for the following day's exploration. Upon landing at Labuan Bajo Airport, a transfer will escort you to the Hotel. Use this day to unwind. At 3 pm, we'll convene ( WhatsApp group will highlight the meetup point) for an introductory free diving theory lesson. This is followed by a group dinner out in the town and an early bedtime in preparation for tomorrow’s escapades.
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DAY 2Immersing in Nature's Beauty & Captivating Sunsets Morning: Delve into the pristine waters of Cunca Wulang Waterfall after a scenic trek. Mid-Day: Admire the radiant interplay of light at the Mirror Cave House and relish a meal at a local restaurant. Afternoon: Experience the serene Rangko Cave with its enchanting natural pool. Evening: End the day at Sylvia Hill, capturing the mesmerizing golden sunset. We leave the hotel at 8:30 am for Cunca Wulang Waterfall, a picturesque 45-minute trek from Wersawe village. The vivid blue waters set amidst majestic rocks are a sight to behold. Dive in, or even jump! Next, we head to Mirror Cave House, where sunlight bounces around like a dream. Lunch is at a local eatery. Rangko Cave, accessed via a 1-hour drive and a boat ride, boasts a serene natural cave pool. Lastly, Sylvia Hill promises a breathtaking sunset - a perfect finale.
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DAY 3Beginning the Sebayur Besar Adventure Onboard Experience: Make the traditional Phinisi boat, Natural 001, your home for the coming days. Sebayur Besar: Dive into its calming waters and, later, witness a panoramic sunset after a short trek. Relaxation: Wind down with a rejuvenating Yin yoga class beneath the vast expanse of the starry sky. Our new abode awaits! Named Natural 001, this traditional Phinisi boat will be our home for six days. Our journey starts with Sebayur Besar, showcasing Komodo's pristine waters. Its shallow reefs and gentle currents offer a soothing introduction. A hike reveals Sebayur Besar’s unmatched sunset panoramas. After descending, relax with Yin yoga on the boat, and savor the view.
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DAY 4Encounters with Turtles & Breathtaking Landscapes Siaba Besar: Engage with the resident green turtles in the waters of the "Turtle City." Evening Trek: Head to Gili Lawa Darat and immerse yourself in the bay's panoramic vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes. ​ Kickstart the day with yoga and breakfast. We then sail to Siaba Besar, also known as "Turtle City", home to many green turtles. The crystalline waters are perfect for honing our freediving techniques. By afternoon, we're anchored at Gili Lawa Darat, near Komodo Island, with a trek that promises magnificent bay views. ​
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DAY 5Manta Rays, Unique Beaches & Local Culture Taka Makasar Reef: Dive and possibly swim alongside the graceful manta rays. Pink Beach: Relax on the world-renowned Pink Beach of Komodo Island, known for its unique hue. Komodo Village Visit: Immerse yourself in local culture, home to both fishermen and the iconic Komodo dragons. We set course for Makassar Reef, famous as Manta Point. The sands of Gili Makasar beckon before we venture to Komodo Island's unique Pink Beach. We anchor for the night at Komodo Village, a mix of local life and dragon lore.
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DAY 6Exploring the Legendary Komodo & Mesmerizing Landscapes Komodo Island: Kick start your day with a morning yoga session, followed by an encounter with the legendary Komodo dragons. A team of rangers will ensure your safety. Long Beach: Bask in the sun on a pristine white sandy beach. Padar Island: Often referred to as the 'Jurassic Park', this island is a visual treat. Don't miss the trek that offers a panoramic view of one of the most breathtaking landscapes. After yoga and breakfast, we meet the fabled Komodo dragons. The day continues at Long Beach’s untouched sands. Later, Padar Island awaits, evoking visions of Jurassic Park. A trek here unveils a surreal panorama. Sunset, dinner, and rest cap off the day.
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DAY 7Wildlife Adventures & Sunset Delights Morning Yoga: Start with a refreshing yoga session and a hearty breakfast. Rinca Island: A short boat ride will take you to the ranger station on Rinca, followed by a trek to witness more of the famed Komodo dragons. Kalong: Named after the Indonesian word for 'bat', experience the magic as thousands of flying foxes take to the sky at dusk. Following our yoga routine and breakfast, we set sail for Rinca, home to more Komodo dragons. A ranger-led trek offers three duration options. Later, we cruise to Kalong, hoping to catch the spectacle of flying foxes emerging at dusk.
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DAY 8Final Freediving & Farewell to Natural 001 Morning Routine: Engage in your daily yoga session and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Manjerite: Dive into crystal-clear waters, marveling at the vibrant coral reefs. Kelor Island: Your last freediving destination and viewpoint trek. Labuan Bajo: Bid farewell to the Natural 001 and transfer back to Kalton Hotel for one last evening of shared memories. The day begins with yoga and breakfast. At Majerite, immerse in the last of our freediving experiences amidst vibrant corals. We then proceed to Kelor Island for diving and a scenic hike. As evening falls, we bid farewell to Natural 001 and return to our Hotel.
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DAY 9Day 09 - Labuan Bajo (Breakfast) Congratulations! You are now a certified freediver. This moring, we will have our last yoga class together followed by breakfast. Hotel checkout & airport transfer are provided. Our journey concludes here - Safe travels! ​
Itinerary
Trip Highlights:
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two days and one nights' accommodation
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two days of workshops
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Wholesome and delicious vegetarian daily meals
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Opportunities to explore the surrounding bushland
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Daily yoga, breathwork, and meditation sessions with a certified instructor
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Take advantage of spa, gym and sauna to relax and unwind.
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Accommodation
Cute and comfortable, twin share rooms and glamping tents. set in the tranquil Aussie bush.
Prices and dates
March 2024
2 day art of authentic relating
$399
Early-bird: SAVE $50
use code:"findinglove
in checkout before 30th February
Information
Includes:
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All meals while you are on retreat
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One nights accomodation twin share
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2 days of authentic relating and art of connection workshops
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Daily breath work, yoga, meditation and mindfulness
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Excludes:
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Transport to swami yoga retreat center
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Massage at swami yoga retreat center
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About this retreat: AUTHENTIC RELATING/ COONCSIOUS SPEED DATING/PARTNER YOGA/DANCE
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PARTNER YOGA: awakening connection
This workshop is a modern and playful version of traditional yoga. We will take you into a journey made of unspoken words, gentle touch and a foundation of trust . The aim is to connect with others through the physical body and the breath. Prepared for sessions filled with eye gazing and synchronised and circular breathing. Explore your boundaries, connect with strangers, stretch your body and relax your mind with a refreshing and entertaining twist!
Full moon Party
Indulge in the perfect Saturday night finale with the magical touch of music – a remedy for both our souls and hips./some medicine for our soul And hips.
Let s unleash our inner party animal and get wild with our new friends./ revel in the wild energy with newfound friends.
AS a YAMA tradition , on our retreat dress-up party with groovy music is an absolute must!
Our incredibly talented DJ is set to craft a musical journey, weaving different rhythms that will engage with various dimensions of your mind and body.
Through the art of ecstatic and contact dance, trust our guidance to lead you on the ultimate non-verbal journey, fostering connections with both yourself and those dancing around you.
Come and join us. Be playful! Be your true self ! Liberate yourself!
FREE TIME:
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Discover our idyllic retreat center, a mere hour's drive from Sydney, nestled within 60 acres of serene bushland. Here, the beauty of nature invites you to explore with solo bushwalks or connect with fellow participants on those excursions.
Enhance your retreat experience by immersing yourself in the diverse facilities. Between actvities, unwind in the pool, spa, or sauna, finding rejuvenation in every moment. The fully-equipped gym and private small practice space provide avenues for both physical activity and personal reflection.
For moments of quiet introspection, the reading room, complete with a fireplace, beckons. Alternatively, bask in the warmth of the sun on the outdoor hammocks and chairs.And why not elevate your retreat with a touch of indulgence? Choose to book a massage treatment, allowing yourself the luxury of complete relaxation.
Conscious speed dating workshop
Conscious Speed Dating: is is “conscious/authentic relating”workshop.
You are not just going on a date, but you will have the opportunity to try out exercises that explore how to be more present and engaged with others. However, we will emphasise on interacting through playful and creative means.
This workshop is not all super serious exercises or only about deep resonance. We have found over the years that relating playfully is the easiest way for most people to relax into an engagement with someone they don’know.
This workshop is for you if you are tired to swipe left or right, you don’;t like small talking, you arw looking for likeminded people and the idea of traditional dating freaks you out.
The workshop is structured in 3 parts:
- The space will be open with a collective multi sensorial meditation to drop in and allow yourself to connect respectfully and authentically. This meditation will set the tone of the practice and will allow the participants to feel safe and grounded.
- Throughout the second segment we will learn how to connect with a group of strangers without using worlds ( non-verbal communication). Exercises as contact dance, eye gazing, traditional Tantric  partner breath techniques and heart centred communication exercises.
- The last part will involve one to one conversation as in a traditional speed dating , but non-conventional questions. The participants will have about 3 minutes to share and eventually move on to the next person. Be aware the content of the questions has deep resonance in people s life and may help the participant to bring  to surface traumas and perhaps find opportunity for healing. Some of questions may have sexual reference and may be bold. We invite our participants to keep an open mind and heart. With this workshop, we promote Community. Bodily processes have been intimately linked to social-cognitive and affective functions, such as compassion and empathy. Tools as meditation, eye gazing, mindful touch will encompass the wholeness and the idea we are just one entity ( oneness). Like food and water, touch and intimacy are basic human needs.
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Getting There:​ Self drive Located in North West Sydney one hour from Sydney city
Swami's Yoga Retreat
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183-185 Pitt Town Road
Kenthurst, NSW 2156
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Healthy Meals
We prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and a key part of that is our nutritious, homemade vegan and vegetarian meals, complemented by herbal teas. These meals are designed to energize and sustain you throughout the day. We accommodate dietary preferences and food allergies, ensuring every guest is taken care of.
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Facilities
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Pool for relaxation and rejuvenation
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Spa to unwind and de-stress
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Sauna for a soothing experience
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Fully-equipped gym
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Private practice space for focused activities
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Reading room with a cozy fireplace for tranquility
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Tennis court
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Numerous hammocks and chairs scattered throughout the property, perfect for soaking up the sunshine and relaxing
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Optional add on
For an added touch of luxury, consider booking a massage treatment with a skilled therapists, ensuring complete relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay.
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More Info: still have questions? No worries! Please feel free to contact us.
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Facilitators
Luisa Brunetti
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Elissa Chrisson
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