Announcing Yoga Warrior's next Dolphin and Yoga Retreat to gorgeous Ponta Mamoli in Southern Mozambique . Read on to find out what a fabulous escape this is reconnecting you with nature and renewing spaciousness in your mind and body, stifled by urban living. Combining a once in a lifetime opportunity: the magic of swimming with dolphins and the beauty of yoga in front of the Indian Ocean.
"WOW what an unforgettable experience!
Not only was I blessed to be in one of the most unspoilt places I have seen in a long time, but I got to share its natural beauty with great friends, a pod or two of inquisitive dolphins and a group of majestic humpback whales.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience , from sleeping with the roar of the ocean just meters away, the delicious meals laid on by the wonderful people at Ponta Mamoli, the cocktails on the beach, the invigorating yoga classes on the deck and the surreal interaction between human and dolphin.
We set out early in the mornings in search of dolphins, not always with great success, but we always saw something. Paul almost fell out the boat on the first day - sitting staring at the horizon at sunrise, the stillness was broken by his shrieks of delight. A full grown humpback whale had just breeched, right in his view. We all missed it - so with great anticipation we watched for the next move. Then as if performing for us, a huge whale pushed her entire body out of the water. She was close enough for us to be able to see the barnacles on her nose.
The next morning the dolphins appeared, like magic, darting around the boat as if they were welcoming us to their home. We slipped in as quietly as we could and headed off in their general direction. Suddenly a dolphin came swimming straight towards me. It stopped, gave me the once over and with one flick of its tail moved on and did exactly the same thing to Paul. One of the things that really struck me was that even after they had moved off we could still hear their voices carrying through the water. It was an experience I will never forget.
I can't tell you how long I have been trying to get Paul to come to yoga with me. It took a journey to such a special place for him and two of my friends to open their minds and their bodies to the beauty of yoga. Thank you Clara for everything that you put into it.
My weekend at Ponta Mamoli truly made me feel alive again."
Karen Ter Morshuizen,
( L U N A R Yoga Warrior Dolphin Retreat Attendee 2006
Only 25km from Kosi Bay border, Ponta Mamoli is the most luxurious escape in Southern Mozambique. Nestled in the most beautiful undeveloped bay along a pristine coastline, judged to be one of the finest in Southern Africa by Getaway Magazine.
Ponta Mamoli merges grand old refurbished Portuguese architecture with tasteful modern timber structures all linked by a myriad of walkways. The snorkelling and diving is fantastic, as the reefs have never been subject to dive pressure so prevalent elsewhere. There's wide empty beaches where your footprints will be the only path on the sand. Horse riding is also on offer. At any time you can sleep under the beach umbrellas, next to the crystal clear swimming pool.
Each morning we will launch soon after sunrise to look for the wild dolphins that are resident in Southern Mozambique. The early morning is the best time to catch the dolphins playing in the surf. Andrew Woodburn, an award winning underwater photographer and ocean authority, will guide these dolphin encounters. Hopefully if the dolphins are responsive, we will be able to slip into the water and swim with them. This will be a magical experience watching these beautiful creatures dance and twinkle around us. This encounter is a non-intimidating way to introduce non-divers and water fearful adults and children to the amazing planet under the water.
After we return from the dolphin launch, the day is your own. You can scuba-dive, swim, saunter, read or chill and do nothing. Before sunset each day on the pool terrace, Clara Woodburn will lead the willing in a yoga flow that will rejuvenate and replenish your being.
All meals are served in the dining area, which boasts magical views over the large swimming pool and bay. Adjacent to the dining area is a bar, peering out over the inland grasslands for sunset cocktails. Vegetarians are catered for, but due to the remoteness of the resort, other catering requests might not be available.
Accommodation is provided in 15 private beachfront log-cabin style chalets, all with bathrooms en-suite. Carefully positioned on the primary dune – so close to the sea you will be lulled to sleep with the soothing sound of breaking waves. Three of the chalets are larger in size than the others, and can accommodate up to 4 guests, with 2 normal sized beds and a double bunk (these are ideal for families). All chalets have ceiling fans, mosquito nets, a small safe, a basic clothes cupboard and a sea-facing veranda. The chalets are serviced daily, and full linen is provided. Double bed linen is available on request. All chalets are linked to the central dining area by raised wooden boardwalks.
The price for this 3 night escape to swim with dolphins and take yoga, breathing in the Indian Ocean from November 1st - 4th is R3995 per person. This will include:
For children under 11 the package is R1695. The dolphin swims are highly recommended and included, and as Clara is a Radiant Child Yoga Programme Teacher, Yoga Child will be available as well.
Infants are free.
This price does not include:
Beverages and lunches (though these will be available)
Diving
Horseriding
Border Transfers R200 per person return (If you have a 4 x 4 you can self-drive)
Transportation from Johannesburg
Visas (only necessary for non-South Africans)
I recommend breaking the 600km journey from Joburg and staying in Pongola, which is 1 1/2hrs from the border. I can recommend bed and breakfast accommodation for the night of October 31st and/or 4th.
This trip is already in demand so please do not hesitate to book early if you know you are keen. The deposit is R1500 and payable immediately to secure your spot. The balance is payble by October 9th
See you on the beach!
