The Art of Balance

a 3-day Iyengar Yoga Retreat

July 24th - 27th, 2023

Looking for a magical 3 days of Iyengar Yoga surrounded by dark green forest canopies, bright and vibrant gardens, and secluded waterfront views?

Join us July 24th - 27th to experience nourishing rest and a meaningful reboot. It’s a yoga retreat you don’t want to miss!

Retreat Theme

The concept of balance in Iyengar Yoga goes well beyond physical shapes.

Drawing upon Ayurvedic principles, Yoga Asana, and Pranayama, we plan to navigate the nuanced connections between mind and body and unpack the delicate ART OF BALANCE.

Whether exploring the intricate relationship of mobility and stability, challenging the body and mind with aspects of strength and endurance, or cultivating a deeper connection to inner stillness, our ultimate aim will always be to support and empower you to connect with your unique needs.

Balance is personal. And so is Iyengar Yoga.

We look forward to sharing space with you for this meaningful exploration.

~ Stephanie & Lori

A group of people participate in a yoga class inside a spacious room with large windows, wooden beams, and a stone fireplace. They are lying on yoga mats using blankets and blocks, while an instructor leads the session. Snow-covered trees are visible outside.

Retreat Schedule

  • 4:00 PM Opening Circle with light refreshments

    5:00 PM Unpacking the ‘Art of Balance’

    6:00 PM Dinner

    7:30 PM Restorative Yoga

  • 7AM Coffee/ tea/ fruit

    7:30 AM Mobilizing Practice: Asana + Pranayama (2 hours)

    9:30 AM Breakfast

    10:30 AM Free Time

    12:00 PM Stabilizing Practice: Asana (1.5 hours)

    1:30 PM Lunch

    2:30 PM Free Time

    4:00 PM Consolidating Practice: Asana (1.5 hours)

    6:30 PM Dinner

    8:00 PM Balancing Lunar Cycles: Tarot Card Reading with NIcole Bishop of 313 Spirit Shoppe

  • 7AM Coffee/ tea/ fruit

    7:30 AM Mobilizing Practice: Asana + Pranayama (2 hours)

    9:30 AM Breakfast

    10:30 AM Free Time

    12:00 PM Stabilizing Practice: Asana (1.5 hours)

    1:30 PM Lunch

    2:30 PM Free Time

    4:00 PM Consolidating Practice: Asana (1.5 hours)

    6:30 PM Dinner

    8:00 PM Balancing the Senses: Didgeridoo-Sitar Sound Bath & Cacao Ceremony with Jay & Justine from Lotus Sound

  • 7AM Coffee/ tea/ fruit

    7:30 AM Led Practice + Pranayama (2 hours)

    9:30 AM Breakfast

    10:30 AM Enjoy on-site amenities until 1 pm

Please note: schedule is subject to change.

Meet your Teachers

Smiling woman in a green shirt holding a mug indoors with a plant in the background.
Smiling person with short blonde hair and hoop earrings wearing a white shirt.

Stephanie Tencer, Studio Po

Stephanie is the owner, director, and senior teacher at Toronto’s Studio Po, She is deeply moved by the playfulness and self-discovery inherent to Iyengar Yoga and loves weaving these themes into her classes.

Lori Berenz, Yoga Journey

Lori is the senior teacher and director of Yoga Journey in Collingwood, She is grateful for the gift of yoga and passionate about sharing it with others. Drawing on her personal experiences with yoga, Lori connects to her students on a physical and emotional level

>> EARLY BIRD PRICE: $569 +HST <<

After May 15th, The Art of Balance registration increases to $619 +HST

Outdoor fire pit area with red Adirondack chairs surrounded by rocks and trees
Outdoor swimming pool with patio chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn.

The investment

  • Rates are listed in CDN funds. HST will be added to all retreat rates.

  • Early bird rate: $569 +HST.

  • After May 15th, registration rate increases to: $619 +HST.

  • Payment plans are available upon request.

  • Retreat payments are 100% non refundable.

What’s included

  • An intentionally curated schedule of Iyengar Yoga, Pranayama, Discussion Time, and Evening Programs.

  • Ample free time to enjoy the nature trails, swimming pool, and other on-site amenities,

  • All meals beginning with dinner on July 24th and concluding with breakfast on July 27th.

NOTE: Accommodations are not included. Students need to arrange accommodations separately from their retreat registration. Please see below for more information.

Meals

Vegan meals, beginning with dinner on the first evening and including breakfast on our last day are included. We are partnering with local chefs to bring you nutritious food made with care – both for the planet and for you, and we look forward to gathering in community to enjoy these special meals.

If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know upon registration.

Accommodations

The Art of Balance retreat is being held at an enchanting facility called Highlands Estate. All retreat participants, whether staying on site or off, can enjoy access to the estate amenities, including the pool, sauna, hot tub, entertainment areas, trails, and outdoor lounge spaces.

The Highlands Estate offers a range of on-site, shared accommodations. If you’d prefer to stay off site, you are welcome to do so.

Whether on site or off, please note that participants are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Accommodation is not included in the price of the retreat.

On-site shared accommodations include:

THE HAUS: This 3,000 sq. ft newly renovated, three-level space features a spa with sauna, hot tub, private in-ground heated salt water pool, in-unit laundry, 2 indoor entertainment areas and a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen. There are 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and it can accommodate 12 people.

GLAMPING: This is an elevated camping experience with all the comforts of a hotel room, but in the fresh forest air. Each tent is equipped with a queen bed, fresh bed linens, a seating area, mood lighting, and an indoor fireplace. There’s also an outdoor kitchen, picnic area, wifi, electricity, eco toilets, outdoor showers and eco friendly soaps. There are 4 glampsites that range from Canvas Bell Tents, Safari Tents and RV hook-ups.

To book either of the above options, please contact the General Manager at the Highlands Estate, Flor Francolla Gama. You can reach her by clicking the purple button or by emailing: flor@highlandsestate.ca

Cozy bedroom with a floral-patterned bedspread, pillows, and a wooden tray with a mug. A picture of buffalo on the wall and a large window showing a snowy outdoor scene with trees.
Two women sitting in a glamping tent, with beds and a rug, drinking wine and talking. The tent has a canvas roof and white walls with wooden beams.

Off-site accommodations:

AirBNB: If you’d like to explore this option, we recommend that you search in one of the following neighbourhoods: Flesherton, Feversham, Eugenia, Markdale, Kimberly, Ravena, or Collingwood.

Collingwood is approximately a 25 minute drive away from Highlands Estate and has a variety of accommodation options. The other towns are closer but may offer fewer options.

>> EARLY BIRD PRICE: $569 +HST <<

After May 15th, The Art of Balance registration increases to $619 +HST

Questions?

  • Iyengar Yoga practitioners with a minimum of 6 months experience are invited to attend. During the asana sessions, accommodation can be made for physical limitations. It will however also be assumed that students have a general familiarity with typical Iyengar Yoga modifications.

  • Props will be used during the practices. We plan to inform all participants closer to the date which props will be necessary. There will be a limited amount of props available for borrow and if you are unable to bring your own, we’ll help you to coordinate that.

  • Staying on site is not essential. If you have other accommodations, you are welcome to stay there and then commute to the retreat centre for our daily activities.

  • Up until and including May 15th, the registration rate is CAD $569 +HST. After May 15th, registration goes up to CAD $619 +HST. Please note that accommodations are not included with the price of registration.

  • If you are coming from the Toronto area and wish to carpool (as a driver or a passenger), please email Stephanie and she’ll help coordinate.

  • Here is a suggested packing list:

    —> comfortable clothes for active yoga and restorative practice

    —> light sweater and long pants for cooler mornings/evenings

    ​—> comfortable everyday clothing & pj’s

    —> yoga mat and props (more detail will be sent closer to the retreat)

    —> water bottle (glass bottles/open vessels are not permitted around pool)

    —> walking shoes

    —> bathing suit/towel

    —> sunscreen, sunglasses and hat

    —> bug repellant

    —> personal toiletries

    —> journal and pen

    —> travel alarm clock

    —> small flashlight

    —> a book to read

  • Absolutely! All of the food will be vegan-friendly. If you have other allergies or food sensitivities, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can email either Lori or Stephanie.

  • We are currently exploring the possibility of accommodating some additional people. Once your name is on the waitlist, we will reach out to you by email to let you know the options.

  • Retreat payments are 100% non refundable. However, if we are able to fill your spot we will refund your payment, less an admin fee of $150.

  • No prob. Please feel free to reach out to either Lori or Stephanie.