VENTURE TO NOVA SCOTIA | MID SUMMER ESCAPE

JULY 19th-21st 2019

Take a road trip east this summer!! Everybody needs a little time away. Escape daily routines and other demands and encounter the joys of yoga, outdoor fitness and the beautiful surroundings of Windhorse Farms, located in Nova Scotia’s beautiful south shore. Join Andrea Robertson, founder of Body and Balance for her annual Mid Summer Escape July 19th-21st 2019 for the perfect combination of relaxation, restoring and energizing weekend.
LOCATION: WINDHORSE FARM
Windhorse is a magical natural landscape and vibrant community located on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore; it comprises sustainably managed woodlands, a wood products business, organic permaculture gardens, a conference centre with state of the art facilities, off-the-grid cabins, and unlimited opportunities for visitors to engage with nature.

In all its activities, Windhorse is about experiencing the depth of the human experience, and the essence of genuineness, as reflected in natural systems.

Juniper Lodge:

The primary facility for yoga group retreats is Juniper Lodge on a hill overlooking the farm; it is a kind of gateway to the forest. Since its completion in 2007, it has been the centre for hosting many group retreats: health and wellness, personal development, leadership training, family gatherings and celebratory events.

​As an overnight accommodation it can sleep between 19 to 23 people in its apartment quadrants and loft spaces that radiate out from the central “great room” and kachelofen, which provides heat for the building in cooler months. Heat is also provided from the floor, which gets hot water from 12 large thermal solar panels to the west of the Lodge. Not surprisingly, the building was built with wood from the surrounding forest and the interiors were crafted in the Windhorse wood shop. The large bright room off the Great Room is used for meetings, meditation, yoga and dancing. There are ample “break-out” spaces to accommodate almost any meeting design.

Retreat Includes:

  • 3 Days, 2 nights at Windhorse Farms with private, shared (3-4 people) semi-private rooms(2 people)
  • Morning and Evening Yoga Classes: Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin/Yang, Restorative and Meditation
  • Morning Outdoor Movement Classes~suitable for all levels!
  • Use of Yoga Space, common areas and amenities: canoe, kayaks, swimming dock, wifi, meditation garden, wood burning sauna. Free time to read, walk, swim and recharge.
  • 5 Organic Vegetarian Meals(2 dinners, 2 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 Brunch), morning coffee, all day tea bar.
*Your body and soul will be nourished with delicious and nutritious meals by Chef Amy Longard. With the utmost love and respect for animals and the earth, vegetarian meals are served. We strive to use locally grown organic produce and our own garden produce, as much as possible. Journey into the world of vegetarian food with culinary delights that will leave you totally satisfied. All meals, prepared and served with mindfulness, are a feast for the eyes and a delight to your taste buds.
amy-andrea
Amy is a registered holistic nutritionist (R.H.N.) and plant-based chef based in Ottawa, Canada. As a nutritional consultant and health coach, She is passionate about helping people overcome health challenges and reaching their goals. Whether it’s weight loss, improved digestion, or simply adapting better eating habits, I aim to support my clients as they work towards healthier, more balanced lives.

The Forest:

This 200-acre place in the “acadian forest”, more respectfully called Forest Wapane’kati, opens one to natural beauty and tranquility seldom experienced anywhere. Let the sounds and silence of nature sink into your bones as you wander on and off the 22 kilometres of forest trails.

Less that 1% of the original, primeval forest of  Nova Scotia remains; Windhorse is one of those remaining places. In fact, it is the longest-standing example of sustainable forestry in Canada, now protected and stewarded by ten “Forest Families” and the Windhorse Foundation.

To lie down in the soft moss is to relax into vivid wakefulness. To feel the gentle rain or warm sun on your skin is to open your senses to the celebration of being human. To merely breathe in this forest is to heal whatever ailments might appear.The forest welcomes you!

Sample Day Schedule for Saturday:(full schedule will be sent one week prior to retreat):

  • 7:30 a.m 30 min Outdoor Fitness Class(optional)
  • 8 a.m Breakfast
  • 9:30 a.m Yoga
  • 11-12:30 a.m Downtime
  • 12:30 p.m Lunch
  • 1-5 p.m Downtime.  Napping, reading, canoeing, kayaking, massage, bike ride, hammock lounging, swimming, forest walk
  • 5 p.m Evening Yoga
  • 7 p.m Dinner
  • Sauna & pond swimming

Additional Fees:

  • Transportation to Windhorse Farms
Free time is an important part of any retreat. It is an opportunity for guests to not only simply be, but to enjoy nature and Windhorse Farms Amenities:
  • Swimming in Lake or Pond
  • Explore Forest (Forrest Bathing)
  • Enjoy Evening Wood Fire Burning Sauna then dip in Pond
  • Sit with your favourite book
  • Go for a paddle in a canoe or kayak
  • Practice meditation

ACCOMMODATIONS: JUNIPER LODGE

Juniper Lodge has 3 private apartments (Aspen, Yellow Birch, and Butternut) and gorgeous common spaces. It sleeps up to 23 people in 19 beds. Guests have access to over 20 km of trails in a magical old-growth Acadian forest, 4 acres of permaculture gardens, canoeing, sauna, and on-site hosts.

The Space

Juniper Lodge is the primary facility for groups at Windhorse Farm. It sits on a hill overlooking the farm, as a gateway to the forest. Since it’s completion in 2007, it has been the centre for hosting many group retreats, health, wellness and leadership programs, celebratory events and family gatherings. As an overnight accommodation it can sleep up to 23 people in 19 beds in its private apartment quadrants and loft spaces, which radiate out from the central living room and kachelofen that heats the building in cooler months alongside the in-floor radiant heating from solar power.

To the East of the common-area is a beautiful, bright gathering space with Windhorse Wood floors that can comfortably accommodate 30 people. It can be used for discussion, yoga, meditation, dancing and more. Adjacent to this space is a galley-style kitchen, appropriate for food preparation for large groups, and a small dining area that can accommodate about 15 people.

Juniper Lodge is fully furnished. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, utensils, kettles, coffee-makers. Linens and towels are provided.

This facility is on the grounds of Windhorse Farm, a sustainably managed 200-acre old-growth Acadian forest with 20 km of trails, a wood product business, and a 4-acre organic permaculture garden. There is a canoe, kayak, and bicycles (bring your own helmet) that guests are welcome to use, as well as a sauna.

Visit the Windhorse Farm website for more info on the location of this rental. http://www.windhorsehabitats.com/juniper-lodge.html

Located about 15 min from Bridgewater, 25 min from Lunenburg and 30 min from Mahone Bay, you can explore all the beautiful spots on the South Shore from here easily. We love visiting La Have (25 min) for the legendary bakery and Petite Riviere (20 min) for the local wines.

Your Investment: 

3 day/2 night option, arriving Friday July 19th after 2pmSunday July 21st after 12 p.m.

  • Semi-Private 2 persons accommodation * single beds in room in private apartment(shared bathroom)
  • $625/per person*taxes included  1 SPOT LEFT
  • 5 Shared Accommodations and shared bathrooms( the lofts-open concept single beds, ladder entrance to get to beds)
  • $499/per person*taxes included  1 SPOT LEFT

A $300 non refundable deposit secures your spot. Balance is due by June 15th 2019. Pay with Paypal using the link or send an email to Andrea for other arrangements. There will be no refunds for this retreat, however you may transfer your reservation to someone else.

RegisterNow

Register today – Start by completing our registration form:

  REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT METHODS:

1. Payment by check or money transfer  … Contact Andrea to make arrangements.
2. Payment by PayPal (additional fees apply*) …2.9%

  • Select the payment type: Full Payment or Deposit/Balance Owing
  • Select the Type of Room from the applicable drop box below
  • Click on the “Buy Now” button and follow the PayPal instructions

Nova Scotia Registration Form

    Full Name*

    Age*

    Address*

    City/Town*

    Postal Code/Zip*

    Telephone Number*

    Email*

    Room preferences:*
    (ie: Private Room with Ensuite Bathroom, Shared Room with Ensuite (couple sharing bed or 2 singles),

    Emergency Contact*

    Emergency Contact's Phone Number*

    How are you connected to your emergency contact?*
    (ie: partner, parent)

    Previous Yoga Experience*
    (ie: briefly describe your current practice frequency, years of practice)

    Please list any dietary restrictions*

    Please list any medications or conditions we should be aware of*

    What benefits are you expecting from your retreat experience?

    Any other comments or questions? We'd love to hear them!