TEACHING TEAM
JONAS WESTRING is the founder of Shantaya Yoga & Bodywork School, Certified Anusara®Yoga Instructor, Physiotherapist, E-RYT 500, and specialized in Therapeutic Bodywork. Jonas began his yoga journey in 1981 on a retreat at the Scandinavian Yoga School and hasn’t stopped since. With an extensive background in traditions from both East and West, combined with a lifelong personal inquiry and quest for the unknown, Jonas joyfully transmits the essence of yoga with insight, clarity, and joy. Residing in Chiang Mai during the winter months, he continually shares his passion with a full international teaching schedule.
www.shantaya.org
EMIL WENDEL, born Swiss, has been living in Asia since the mid-seventies, studying Indian thought under Pandit Saraswati Prasad Ghimire, as well as Chinese classical philosophy in Taiwan. His long years of residency in Nepal and India have brought about a passion for yoga, in particular the aspects of breath and meditation techniques in both the Buddhist and yogic traditions. Emil’s courses offer a glimpse into the treasures of philosophy, and their application in daily life as yoga practice and ritual. He is traveling frequently, instructing in numerous teacher training programs, and leading workshops and intensive retreats all over the world.
www.beyond-the-asana.com
GEOFFREY GORDON has been practicing yoga, meditation and kirtan for over thirty-five years. He studied tabla with Ustad Allarakha, Zakir Hussain and North Indian Classical music with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Geoffrey became a true pioneer in both the kirtan and world music community working closely both live and on recordings with Ram Dass, Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, and Bhagavan Das since the 1970s. He also worked as a professional musician on Broadway, on film soundtracks and popular recordings. His vast contribution to world music is documented on over 80 published albums, and in numerous dance and theater productions.
www.geoffreygordon.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
KAOMAILANNA RESORT rests on 20 acres of natural land that hold 18 former tobacco curing barns, converted into 36 guest rooms with colonial style antique furniture. From the outside you see old red-brick walls, unchanged throughout the past 50 years. Step inside and you have entered a new world - two storey guestrooms decorated in Thai contemporary style. Other buildings includes our wonderful open air yoga space, conference rooms, restaurant, a spacious swimming pool and Spa.
www.kaomailanna.com
FOOD
Morning tea, a sumptous brunch, snacks, and dinner will be served daily. All food served at the retreat is purely vegetarian - without garlic, onions, and fish sauce. If you have any other specific dietary needs or food allergies we will try to accommodate those.
Plenty of fresh delicious Thai coconuts will be available for purchase.
TRANSPORTATION
At Chiang Mai airport you have a choice of two types of taxis. The prepaid (recommended since they know the way to the resort) is 470 THB. There are also metered taxis that should cost simllarly. From Chiang Mai city to Kaomailanna a taxi should cost 400-500 THB.
WHAT TO BRING
You need to bring your own yoga mat - we provide sitting cushions, blankets, belts and blocks.
Also recommended is a shawl for meditation, a bathing suit for the fabulous pool, and a water bottle for refilling with drinking water.
CLIMATE
Thailand is always warm, regardless of time of year. The nights will be slightly cooler in November-February but days will be warm (around 30+ C).
INTERNET
Internet access (and WiFi for laptops) is available at the resort for 200 THB/week
