Yoga among the vines

Finding zen under soaring gum trees.

With everything topsy turvy this year, the need to carve out space and time has never been more pressing. For some working from home has become the new normal. Others have lost social connection, employment and direction. Many of us started working from home and took on the job of home schooling. Now there’s an ulcer waiting to happen.

Stress levels have been high and the need to get away never more difficult to achieve. International and state border closures mean we need to look in our own backyard for what we may previously have sought overseas or interstate. So where to go for that much needed dose of healthy food, fresh air and mindful exercise?

ahhhh, hello yoga RETREAT

When I heard Bondi yogi Evangeline Yeun was running a weekend yoga retreat in the Hunter Valley, I said yes without a moment’s hesitation. I was introduced to this pocket rocket during lockdown when I’d tune in to Evangeline’s twice weekly yoga classes online. It kept me sane during those crazy lockdown days and I loved her relaxed, fun style. Evangeline’s love of yoga started with Bikram when she was living in San Francisco. Since then she’s added other styles and now teaches vinyasa, yin, prenatal, aerial yoga and barre attack. “I love teaching and sharing this passion with others. I strive to remain calm, present and aware at all times and live yoga off the mat. I encourage students to relax, have fun and to be themselves,” she says. Yes, she practices what she preaches.

A lovely spot to relax with a book in our room.

WhERE IS THE RETREAT HELD?

The weekend retreat was held at the boutique Nu Leaf Retreat at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, NSW. This luxury property and spa overlook a Shiraz vineyard with a yoga room/gym, outdoor deck for alfresco classes, indoor heated mineral pool, jet spa, steam room, gym and outdoor pool with sundeck. Nu Leaf is set in leafy grounds a short distance to wineries and is ideal for large gatherings of friends, families and retreats. You can even walk to Piggs Peak Winery and a tasting is included in Evangeline’s retreat. I share a king size room, one of 10 guest rooms, with my 12-year-old (*yes, I brought a child to a yoga retreat but at Nu Leaf kids can be easily accommodated). The air-conditioned room is spacious and includes an ensuite with bath and outdoor patio overlooking the vines. There’s also a communal lounge with TV/DVD’s and a log fire.

*I wouldn’t necessarily recommend bringing kids on a yoga retreat - especially if they’re young and you’re desperately craving some me time. If they’re older, like Ella, they can entertain themselves in Nu Retreat’s pool and dip in and out of yoga or hand stand classes.

WHO does this RETREAT suit?

We’re a bunch of women - some come as a group of friends, others travel solo and there are also two sisters - aged from 12 (Ella) through to 70. Everyone is at a different stage with their yoga from being totally newbies to experienced yogis. While this particular retreat was attended by all women, other retreats Evangeline has run included men. Many attending said they wanted to delve more into yoga, others to kick start their practice after lockdown or illness; others simply wanted to feel healthier. The atmosphere is supportive, welcoming and there’s no judgement.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation (twin share with ensuite or single room with ensuite), all yoga classes (four in total - vinyasa and yin and meditation), nourishing, wholesome and healthy meals (vegan and gluten free available) by Zehavit Dahan-Alkobi (aka Zee), chef, yoga teacher and founder of The Holistic Local. Zee’s food is a highlight and each meal is beautifully presented and delicious. I loved is how Zee described the preparation of each dish and the ingredients she’s used - making it sound super easy. Each dish was artfully prepared with love and passion. There were many surprises included an incredible chocolate mousse made with avocado and a nourishing pea and mint soup which is a cinch to make. There’s also a cooking class run by Zee, welcome drink, handstand workshop (if you take a peek at Evangeline’s Instagram page she’s mostly pictured upside down 😂), wine tasting and use of Nu Leaf’s facilities.

If you want more pampering there’s an onsite spa which offers massages, facials and other treatments at an additional cost (must be pre-booked). Oh and we all received generous goodie bags including Everything Skin Oil by the Ethical Beauty Expert, Bondi Scum algae scrub, Bondi Wash mist spray and body wash and gorgeous tassel necklaces.

and the verdict

While you can’t undo a year-load of Covid-19 stress in one weekend, the retreat is fun, informative, with great facilities, terrific wholesome food (thanks Zee) and loads of laughs. And the yoga was brilliant. I’d book again in a heartbeat. The only downside is it felt incredibly short with perhaps a tad too much on the schedule. Having said that, you can pick and choose what you want to do and if you’re up for it, you’ll feel like you’ve achieved a lot in a short time. Make sure you leave yourself time to enjoy Nu Leaf’s two pools and the wonderful steam room. I suggest arriving early Friday (you can’t check in until 3pm), going for lunch somewhere in the Hunter (Brokenwood is fantastic) before checking in. Time a spa treatment if possible or wine tasting after the 10am checkout on the Sunday to extend the weekend just that little longer. You won’t regret it.

wish you were here?

From $895 per person twin share with ensuite or $1095 single room (queen bed) with ensuite. Evangeline’s next Hunter Valley yoga retreat at Nu Leaf will be held March 12-14, 2021. She is also running a Yass Valley yoga retreat May 7-9, 2020. Book here or email evangelineyeun@gmail.com or see nuleafretreat.com.au

*Our yoga retreat was hosted by Visit NSW. Check out options for other health retreats and day spas in NSW here.