|
Hoho at HoHo
In September I was lucky enough to be a guest yoga teacher at Holistic Holidays, Lanzarote, (HoHo!). Having read various articles about Lynne and Stuart’s retreat, and looked longingly at the pool, villa, beaches etc on the website, I was looking forward to a really relaxing, healthy break.
Well. I have to say it came up to my expectations and more – I have only an embarrassment of superlatives to report. In this case, the anticipation of the whole holistic get-away was nothing like as good as the realisation of it.
The whole team at HoHo made me so welcome – I started to relax from the moment I was met at the airport. We arrived at Villa Isis to be greeted warmly and a table prepared by the best vegetarian cook in the world, offering the first of many divine meals.
The website (www.hoho.co.uk) really illustrates the beautiful surroundings far better than I can describe them, so I won’t try. Suffice to say that it all really is as wonderful as it looks. It was a real pleasure to watch the guests open up, relax, bond etc – the progress they all made, regardless of age (25-63), fitness or previous experience, moved me greatly. The enthusiasm and encouragement generated by practising together every morning were a real inspiration, both for me and for the group.
We’ve stayed in contact via e-mail and most of the group have signed up for yoga classes this autumn, in addition to regular practice at home – it seems that the holiday is a really good way to develop some lasting, positive lifestyle changes. In addition to yoga, the delicious food and expert nutritional advice available, plus all the therapies, swimming, walking, surfing – most of all my therapy was laughter (thanks everyone). We all laughed and laughed and it was great – such a joyful time – hence the double hoho.
Last but not least, Lanzarote is a fabulous island – I found, contrary to my ignorant assumption that it would be a grey, rocky, touristy place, that I loved it. The beaches and surf were superb, the volcano fascinating and quite beautiful and all of the work of César Manrique that I saw (and there’s lots to see – don’t miss his house) were brilliant. The restaurants are good, the service is excellent, the people polite and friendly and not once did anyone try to sell me anything.
So, congratulations to Lynne and Stuart, whose vision and hard work have created this haven in the sun (Lynne’s garden is a true haven), and thanks also to the staff for their warmth and smiles and dedication, and to Shiva (the dog) who is such a poser.
|
