We will look at lifestyle, diet, exercise and what it means to have all elements symbiotically in balance. We will explore plant based seasonal, wholesome, healthy vegan cooking, principles of Integrative Nutrition, and clean eating so that all participants obtain the skills and knowledge they need to implement these at home. The presentations will be done by specialized doctors in Integrative & Functional Medicine. We’ll start each day with sunrise yoga session, breakfast & seminars that will guide you on how to form good habits and create a healthy balanced lifestyle for yourself and your family. Please note during this retreat we will serve a specialised gut healing menu with organic slow cooked meats, all local produce. Options for vegans and vegetarians available.
Yoga Workshops
2 x daily yoga classes ( Morning: Vinyasa / Hatha, Evening: Yin/ Restorative/Nidra)
3x 2hr presentations by Dr. Elena Toma & Dr. Ana Maria Stoica on the principles of Integrative Nutrition
30 min Private Medical Consultation with Dr Elena Toma
cold pressed juices & smoothies, filtered water & organic detoxifying teas
5 nights boutique accommodation
Specialised gut healing menu serving organic slow cooked meats, all local produce. Options for vegans and vegetarians will be possible.
hiking & forest walks
creative arts & crafts
unlimited hot tub and sauna (infrared + traditional)
Integrative Medicine & Nutrition support from Medical Doctors.
Optional Spa Massage Therapy
Optional: Group excursion to BRAN CASTLE & BEAR SANCTUARY ( Entrance fee and transport cost about €15 EACH)
FREE PICK UP FROM BRASOV (3PM FROM TRAIN STATION AND 3:30 FROM THE CITY CENTER) AND DROP OFF ON THE LAST DAY AT 12PM
Location 'Transylvania'
Our location is rural & remote on purpose, at 1000m altitude in a sleepy village in the heartland of Transylvania. There is virtually nothing around us apart from nature, forests, mountains & village life. Find us 2.5hrs from Bucharest Airport, 45min from Brasov and 15min from Dracula’s Castle.
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Our secluded retreat venue is the quiet refuge for complete body & mind renewal. With beautiful gathering spaces, lovely lodging, and plenty of fresh air and space, guests quickly appreciate the healing power and wonder of their time here.
On our retreat we aim to provide you with the seed of yoga, which is not just the physical practice but also the yogic lifestyle philosophy, breathing techniques & meditation as an integrative practice. And whilst this just a seed carefully planted in your heart over your time spent here, we hope it can only grow and blossom to bare the fruits of mindfulness, health and peace in your daily life. If by day 6 of your stay you leave with only a couple of these elements embedded in your being without even noticing, we’ve achieved our purpose.
Here’s a typical week on a Yoga Retreat
Our yoga retreats are designed with balance in mind so you have plenty of time for your yoga practice, spa treatments, massages, walks in nature, workshops & much needed rest.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL DAY
Hello new friends! We’re glad you found your way to Transylvania.
3pm Free pick up shuttle from Brasov to Akasha.
4pm Arrival & Registration, Retreat Tour & Snacks on arrival.
6pm 1st Yoga Practice at Akasha - 90 min evening Yoga and Meditation practice to ease you in retreat mode, release traveling aches and soothe the mind.
7.30pm Delicious Vegan Dinner
8.30pm - Opening Circle & Retreat Introduction
Sun Salutations on a Yoga Retreat at Akasha Wellness Retreat in Transylvania
DAY 2, 3, 4, 5 - FULL RETREAT DAYS
Settle in, Relax & Enjoy the views!
7.30am - 90 min Morning Yoga Practice
A dynamic flow to energise & awaken, working through the whole body and finishing with a relaxing savasana or guided meditation.
9am Yummy Vegan Breakfast
10.00am Free Time for relaxing, walks in nature, reading & Spa Therapies or Scheduled Workshops as per retreat programme.
2pm Main meal of the day, Lunch
3pm Free Time for relaxing, walks in nature, reading & Spa Therapies or Scheduled Workshops as per retreat programme.
6pm Evening Yoga Practice
An evening slow flow based on Yin/Restorative styles, moving slowly through asanas to enhance and build on the work done in the yoga morning practice.
7.30pm Delicious Vegan Dinner
8.30pm - Evening Group Activities - Varied every night from Hot Tub Night, Movie Night, Live Music Night or Hang Out Time.
DAY 6 - DEPARTURE DAY
The journey continues with the Akasha Tribe community.
7.30am - 90 min Morning Yoga Practice
9am Yummy Vegan Breakfast
10am Closing Circle Group Photo
11am Departure & Free shuttle back to Brasov.
On occasion we publish retreats for 4 or 7 Days that follow the same program as above with the only difference being the length of full retreat days.
Yoga Retreat Essentials
We provide all Yoga Mats & Props but if you prefer to bring your own that’s fine too.
Yoga classes, workshops, early meditations & few sore muscles are to be expected.
Morning Practice consists of 90 minutes of yoga asana & pranayama. Morning practice is followed by a daily chakra balancing juice & breakfast.
Evening Practice consists of 60 minutes of yoga and pranayama and 30 minutes sitting meditation.
As a guest you’ll have unlimited access to swedish & infra red sauna + outdoor jacuzzi hot tub, both with views of our mountains.
On arrival you can also book on demand body therapies, energy healing and massages.
A full body oil massage with gentle touch that will nourish your skin at all levels.
Treats many medical conditions and improves mental and physical health.
Since November 2016, we've hosted over 100 yoga retreats with over 30 facilitators. More than 1500 guests have experienced the Akasha Experience from over 49 countries and counting... We didn’t even know this many people knew Transylvania is an actual, real place.
We don’t like to boast, luckily we have out tribe who does this already.
“It’s been almost 1 month since I’ve left Bucharest and surrendered myself to what seems to be the most challenging experience of my life (so far) - the Yoga Teacher Training @ Akasha. I could spend days talking about the learning process, the extreme feelings, the nature, the benefits of a vegan diet, yoga & everything that comes with it. But I feel like I need more time to let everything settl...”
Read More“I went on a month long YTT and I literally loved everything! I'm not vegan, but the food was so delicious, it got me excited with every meal. They overdelivered on everything. We had snacks all the time, they gave out feedback forms and implemented all the preferences right away. The sauna and hot tub under the starry night was something I never even dreamt of having on my training. The rooms w...”
Read More“I was amazed with Akasha, a place that is hidden in the depth of Transylvania and has so much to offer on regards to physical and emotional healing. Thank you Akasha that you exist in this world and continue on amazing work that you are doing!”
Read More“I was at the akasha retreat for a couple of days and it was just perfect. Great atmosphere, awesome food, a lot of space to relax and let go of daily life stress and really really nice hosts. I didn't expect it to be so awesome. The rooms are lovely and clean. I feltabsolutely relaxed after these day. Small groups with lovely people. What can I say. I really high recommend you to go there! I wi...”
Read MoreParticipants must be min age of 18 unless previously agreed.
Accommodation is in individual bedrooms on a single or double occupancy ( friends or a couple sharing a large queen bed) or twins sharing with other guests on retreat.
We provide all Yoga Mats & Props just bring an open mind.
Health or Travel Insurance is the responsibility of the guest.
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable if you plan to go walking in nature please bring warm clothing & waterproof shoes.
Morning Practice consists of 90 minutes of yoga asana & pranayama and 30 minutes sitting meditation or chanting.
Evening Practice consists of 60 minutes of yoga and pranayama and 30 minutes sitting meditation.
During Free Time & Spa Therapies you are free to spend your time as you want to, Massage Therapies and Salt Baths are booked & paid for separately please see our Spa Menu.
We practice a Digital Detox Retreat, this is to allow your mind to disconnect from the overload of digital communications and listen more deeply to life, connect with others on the retreat and live in the present moment. We provide a Guest access computer for use during the retreat. On Departure Day we will gladly provide Wifi access to get in touch with your friends & family or to share your photos on social media.
Optional Activities whilst on retreat are:
Horse Riding with local trained horses from €25/hr
Hiking in the mountains and local valleys with a local guide, price on request
Nutrition & Lifestyle Medical Screening with the Resident Medical Advisor
We accept payments in € EUR and Romanian (RON) by VISA or Mastercard or cash. Be sure to take out cash before coming to the retreat as there are no cash facilities here in the village. To book we require a deposit mentioned on the program page and the remaining at the centre when you arrive. We accept payment on our website via all major credit/debit cards & Paypal.
The nearest airports are Sibiu or Bucharest International (most frequent flights). Low cost flights are available from most European destinations to Bucharest, check WizzAir, BlueAir, and Rynair for frequent flights from the UK. We also recommend to check Skyscanner for flights to Bucharest.
Here is some helpful information about how to reach Akasha.
We offer a free transport on Day 1 of arrival at 3PM from Brasov train station and on the day of departure at 11AM from Akasha to Brasov.
FROM BUCHAREST OTOPENI AIRPORT - AKASHA
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER - We can organise Private taxi transport from the airport to Akasha. The cost is €120 for a small car ( up to 3 people ) or €200 for a large car ( up to 8 people) one way. The journey takes about 2.5hrs and you can pay when you arrive at Akasha. If you would like a Private transport please let us know: your flight number, origin of flight, time of landing. The driver will wait for you at arrivals with your name on the board.
In some cases we are able to couple arrivals together so you can share the same car with other participants on the same retreat, this is a case by case only as long as arrivals are all within a short time frame of each other. If this is the case we will let you know once we have everyone's arrival details.
BY BUS - Direct Aeroport has a regular shuttle service from the airport to Brasov ( Aro Palace station) - https://www.direct-aeroport.ro/en/program-curse.html the cost is 80RON ( approx. €17.50) one way. The service leaves every hour as per below
Departs Otopeni Arrives Brasov (Aro Palace)
02:00 05:00
04:00 07:00
07:30 10:30
10:30 13:30
12:30 15:30 ( free transport to Akasha Day 1)
14:00 17:00
15:00 18:00
16:00 19:00
18:00 21:00
19:30 22:30
22:00 01:00
23:30 02:30
From Aro Palace Brasov there is a transport included on Day 1 of arrival at 15.30PM to Akasha. At all other times the transfer from Brasov to Akasha is €25 one way.
BY TRAIN - Bucharest Airport doesn't have a train station. From the airport you will need to get a short taxi to Bucuresti Nord station and from there a train to Brasov. Trains run every hour from Bucharest to Brasov, the journey is approx. 2hrs 45 min. The train that leaves Bucharest at 12:15PM arrives in Brasov at 14.57PM is a fast train that will drop you off in time for the transport at 3PM.
On departure the train leaves Brasov at 13.30 and arrives in Bucharest at 16.00PM.
Check train times here: http://www.mersultrenurilorcfr.ro/imtif/rute.aspx?lng=en
BY CAR - The full address is: 87 Strada Principala, Sat Pestera, Comuna Moieciu, Brasov 507136, Romania. We are on Google maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/iHMCnD43VSp . Drive towards Bran, pass the castle ( Bran Castle) and continue driving north towards Moieciu de Jos for another 15 min you will see a signpost towards Pestera on the right. Continue driving up the hill until you reach the village, pass Casa Tabacaru on the right and continue another 200m we are on the left and the car park is on the right. Recommended car rental is Avis - https://www.avis.com/en/locations/ro/bucharest/otp
If you are already in Bucharest before the start of the retreat please note our drivers can only pick up from the airport in Bucharest and not the city centre. If you wish to be added to a transport that leaves Bucharest Airport towards Akasha you will need to make your own way to the Airport - Arrivals.
We recommend UBER app for transport within Bucharest.
If you're planning on being in Brasov before the start date of the retreat please note there is a group transport from Brasov to Akasha included in the retreat rate which is at 3PM on Day 1 of the retreat from Brasov Train station. You will need to make your own way there.
FROM SIBIU AIRPORT - AKASHA
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER - We can organise Private taxi transport from the airport to Akasha. The cost is €85 for a small car ( up to 3 people ) or €120 for a large car ( up to 8 people) one way. The journey takes about 2.5hrs and you can pay when you arrive at Akasha. If you would like a Private transport please let us know: your flight number, origin of flight, time of landing. The driver will wait for you at arrivals with your name on the board.
BY TRAIN - Sibiu Airport doesn't have a train station. From the airport you will need to get a short taxi to Sibiu train station and from there a train to Brasov. Trains from Sibiu are not as regular as from Bucharest. Below are the fast train times ( approx 3 hrs) from Sibiu:
Departs Sibiu Arrives Brasov
10.32 13.16
15.13 18.18
On departure the train leaves Brasov at 13.00 and arrives in Sibiu at 15.55PM.
Check train times here: http://www.mersultrenurilorcfr.ro/imtif/rute.aspx?lng=en
BY BUS - There is a regular service from Sibiu to Brasov for more details please see here: http://www.autogari.ro/Transport/Sibiu-Brasov/
BY CAR - The full address is: 87 Strada Principala, Sat Pestera, Comuna Moieciu, Brasov 507136, Romania. We are on Google maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/iHMCnD43VSp . Drive towards Brasov and then towards Bran, from there, pass the castle ( Bran Castle) and continue driving north towards Moieciu de Jos for another 15 min you will see a signpost towards Pestera on the right. Continue driving up the hill until you reach the village, pass Casa Tabacaru on the right and continue another 200m we are on the left and the car park is on the right. Recommended car rental is Avis - https://www.avis.com/en/locations/ro/bucharest/otp
If you need anything else to help you plan your journey please let us know.
Our retreats are run as 6 Day/ 5 Nights Residential Courses. Please take a look at our daily schedule for more details. We understand that you may need to arrive a few hours late on the first day because of travel arrangements, or to leave early on the last morning or previous evening. We recommend planning to arrive in Brasov at least one day prior to the retreat in order to be well rested for the first day of the retreat. We can help with transportation & accommodation if needed.
Yes, a minimum of 3 nights, look for our Flexible Date option. Our packages are designed to promote a full mind & body immersion and we don't believe a shorter period achieves the same results. If you do need to leave earlier, we understand and we can help you with your onward travel however we can't offer a discount or a different rate than the retreat package for shorter stays. On occasion we may publish shorter retreats. Please check the retreat dates & schedule.
Here is a typical 5 night retreat schedule:
16.00PM – 18.00PM Arrival & Registration
18.00PM – 19.30PM Evening Yoga & Meditation Practice
19.30PM – 20.30PM Dinner
21.00PM – Optional Group Activity*
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7.00AM – Wake Up
7.30AM – 9.00AM Morning Yoga Practice 90 min
9.00AM – 10.00AM Breakfast
10.00AM – 12.00PM Free Time & Spa Therapies*
12.00PM – 14.00PM Workshops/presentations as per retreat
14.00PM – 15.00PM Lunch
15.00PM – 18.00PM Free Time & Spa Therapies*
18.00PM – 19.30PM Evening Yoga & Meditation Practice
19.30PM – 20.30PM Dinner
21.00PM – Optional Group Activity*
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7.00AM – Wake Up
7.30AM – 9.00AM Morning Yoga Practice 90 min
9.00AM – 10.00AM Breakfast
10.00AM – 11.00AM Closing Circle & Departure
Our deposits are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend a retreat, then you can use your deposit towards another retreat valid for up to 6 months. Please inform us that you will not be attending the retreat in advance. You will be charged the full amount for your retreat, even if you do not stay for the full course.
We are at over 1000m altitude above sea level, it can get quite cold here at night time. If you are planning to explore the local countryside and nature which we highly recommend then it is advisable to bring waterproof shoes & warm clothing. In the summer it is very warm and sunny, recommended to bring sunscreen.
Our delicious meals are vegan and vegetarian options. Upon booking your retreat you will be asked of your diet preferences and we can cater for special diets such as lacto or gluten intolerant. All meals are at set times in the dining area and are shared between all guests & teachers. The menu consists of a combination of Romanian vegan dishes and western. A typical breakfast and lunch is buffet style consisting of organic produce such as porridge, chia seed smoothie bowl, fruits, brown rice, Quinoa, Sweet potato, salads & homemade gluten free seed bread and many more mouthwatering dishes made by our chef.
Well, our pride & joy of the retreat & forever zen are our 3 dogs Toni, Luna & Bursuc. They certainly add spice to our lives here. They're always happy to guide you on walks in the forest and further afield! Make sure you take some treats though. And a new addition is a baby kitten called Beasly who makes us laugh every day, we couldn't imagine live without them all. Don't worry they all have their homes so it shouldn't affect those with pet allergies. And just for the record, they adopted us not the other way around.
Congratulations! We're so happy to have you! Welcome to our little universe. A retreat is very different to any other holiday you may have had. The main difference being that you would be healthier, happier and a lot more full of energy coming from a retreat than coming from holiday. A few things to note are that there is a daily schedule of activities for the whole group such as yoga & meditation practice, group activities & meals & you also have free time for relaxing, reading or jumping in the jacuzzi. All meals at set times and this is the best time to get to know other group members better & make friends! Ultimately the retreat is about how to form healthier habits and give your mind & body space and chance to practice intensive yoga & meditation. Something that many of us don't have back home space, time & knowledge of how to. We promise you won't want to leave.
Every day is different here, one day you may see horses, another cows, another sheep, plenty of chickens, a few pigs, maybe some donkeys. This is a farming village and the locals look after the animals quite well, it's how they live & survive for generations in quite difficult terrain far from city life. One thing is for certain there is no shortage of wildlife and not too far from us there are bears, foxes & wild boars. We've yet to see them in our garden, that would really go down well on Instagram.
