REJUVENATE AT A GIRLFRIEND'S YOGA RETREAT AT SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Eastern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA (3/2010) − Shamwari Game Reserve is offering a three day yoga package for women who need to unwind, relax and simply get away from it all. It’s the ultimate in girlfriend getaways − an opportunity for women to truly rejuvenate while staying at The Sarili Lodge in the most luxurious game reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Guests are escorted on their journey to contentment by Harry Petrie, a professional yoga instructor and clinical massage therapist practicing in Port Elizabeth. Petrie has created a program of traditional yoga according to the ancient Rishikesh culture, which utilizes a variety of techniques to trigger specific neuromuscular relaxation responses.

Each morning begins with an intense session of breathing, postures and relaxation. Guests start with an advanced breathing technique called Pranayama, during which they are taught correct breathing sequences to develop full capacity use of the lungs. This is followed by Asanas, a series of postures that are held for a length of time in an effort to restore well-being and increase flexibility. The morning session ends with an assortment of relaxation techniques, including the use of specific hand positions called Mudras to stimulate different parts of the body. All exercises are taught according to each individual’s ability level.

After the morning session a nourishing breakfast is provided to guests, followed by a walking safari or game drive. Guests have the opportunity to see South Africa’s big five while under the guidance of Shamwari’s own specially trained game rangers. After a walk, or ride, on the wild side, guests are treated to lunch followed by an afternoon of meditation and shiatsu treatments. These sessions are also led by Petrie, trained at the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research in Pondicherry, India, who specializes in clinical deep tissue and shiatsu massage.

Each day concludes with a dinner served in the guests’ private lodge. Perfect for an intimate gathering of close friends, The Sarili Lodge provides an ideal combination of a colonial and bush experience. Located in the southern region of the Reserve with expansive views of the plains, Sarili is an environmentally-friendly, private African villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River. The décor emulates a traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment. The lodge consists of five suites and boasts a swimming pool, dining and lounge areas and a courtyard barbeque area.

Situated in a verdant bush along the Bushmans River, Shamwari is the ultimate luxury game reserve with a special focus on responsible tourism. The Reserve, comprised of 52,000 acres, is in a malaria-free zone.

The package is $1,415 per person and does not include accommodations, meals or beverages. For further information on the Shamwari Game Reserve, please visit the website at www.shamwari.com or call 877-354-2213.