Yoga Holiday in Turkiye with Julie
at Hotel Arp, Dalyan, Turkiye
Situated about 30km from Dalaman Airport, on the beautiful Turquoise Coast in South West Turkey.
Dates for 2024 are currently on hold - I will be updating as soon as I have confirmed dates
Following a very enjoyable and exciting yoga holiday in june 2023,
I have decided to revisit for the second time my dear friends at the Arp Hotel in Dalyan, my favourite town
on this beautiful South West Coast of Turkey.
At the moment we do not have confirmed dates, but please do read through the details below and once dates are agreed I will be sending those dates out to any interested students.
We will have 'exclusive' hire of the whole of this lovely, small family run riverside hotel for our holiday.
After feedback from the participants last year and thinking about how we could improve the whole experience,
Berk (the owner) and I have made a few little 'tweaks' for our 2024 adventure.
Please be aware this location/venue is not a 'retreat' environment and we will be very much a part of
small tourist town life and as such will have 'distractions'.
This will be a joyful but restful yoga 'holiday' with like minded people and friends,
in one of my favourite places, but not a 'retreat'
Where will I be staying?
The Arp Hotel is a small 'Pension' just on the outskirts and within 5 minutes walk of Dalyan, right on the riverside with views looking over to the 'King Tombs', and close to Lake Köyceğiz, a large fresh water lake from which the Dalyan river flows before winding its way to the sea.
The Arp is run by the wonderful Berk and his wife. There are hot water showers, flushing loos and comfy beds. There is a beautiful private swimming pool with loungers and sun umbrellas.
You’ll also love the shaded yoga space we will be creating with its gorgeous river views.
This will be the twelf time I have taken a group to this area of Turkiye, and the second time I will be hosting a yoga holiday at this venue.
Food:
Traditonal Turkish breakfast will be provided each morning around 10.00am after our morning yoga practice. It will be vegetarian, and will include fresh fruit juice, teas and coffees.
Specialist diets can be catered for but you will need to let me know beforehand so that any issues can be resolved before arrival.
Lunches and dinners are not included in the cost as we expect most will be wanting to be out and about during the day and wanting to enjoy eating at some of the very beautiful and varied local restaurants.
However, our hosts will be offering evening meals at the hotel for those who would prefer to stay in. These will be fresh, traditional and home prepared meals, with vegetarian options, and we will be able to arrange for these to be prepared for us in the morning at breakfast time. These meals willl be added to each of our 'extras' bill at the end of the week
Substantial main meals in town are in the region of £15 to £20 excluding drinks; lighter meals can be found for less depending on the choice of restaurant/cafe.
Bring along some snacks if you think you might need them although there is a small local supermarket just 2 minutes walk away, and a larger one selling fresh fruit about 5 minutes walk.
Drinks:
Bottled mineral water is provided daily in the rooms as are tea and coffee facilities.
Water, tea, herbal tea and instant coffee are provided at no additional cost and will be available at the bar throughout the day/evening. Turkish coffee/specialist coffee is made to order and is charged extra.
Wine, beer, other alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and soft drinks can also be purchased from the bar during the day/evening.
Wi-Fi and mobile phones:
The venue has a free Wi-Fi connection and mobile phones usually work well.
Julie's Tip:
Breakfasts are plentiful - if you are on a budget you could store any 'extras' in your room fridge for lunchtime nibbles.
Note this is a 9 night yoga holiday :
I decided to extend our time by 2 days/nights so that we can fully immerse ourselves in the experience of yoga/relaxation and fun. With a long journey to get to Turkiye I feel we will benefit from the extra adjustment time.
Rooms:
All rooms are 'en-suite' with shower, WC and washbasin. Hairdriers / fridges / TV / clothes hanging space / airconditioning are all provided.
There is daily housekeeping.
The accommodation is made up of:
4 Small Double Rooms on ground level with personal outside seating - single occupancy.
6 Standard Double Rooms on 1st Floor with small private balcony - single occupancy.
2 Big Double Rooms on ground level. Double Bed or Twin - single occupancy or shared. (+ a Sofa Bed for a 3rd person if requested)
2 Big Double Rooms on first floor. Double Bed or Twin - single occupancy or shared. (+ a Sofa Bed for a 3rd person if requested)
1 Family Room on ground level. 2 Double Beds and seating area - shared occupancy is suggested
How much is it?
Costs are based primarily on single occupancy and depend on the size of the room.
Costs are not confirmed but are based on those of 2023.
Small Double - £930 (single)
Standard Double - £995 (single)
Big Double ground floor - £1115 (single) £735 each if shared (team up or I can allocate a room mate)
Big Double first floor - £1115 (single) £735 each if shared (team up or I can allocate a room mate)
Large Family Room - Due to the size and cost this room is best shared - £780 each with 2 sharing
(team up or I can allocate a room mate)
Rooms are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Included in the price are: Two yoga classes each day (apart from the excursion day)
One/two late evening relaxations if requested.
Breakfast each morning / afternoon tea and cake / all day tea/coffee
There is water, herbal tea/tea/coffee facilities provided in each room together with towels and some basic toiletries.
Not included: Flights to and from Dalaman airport / Transfers to and from Dalaman airport / Meals additional to breakfast / Turkish coffee, wine, alcoholic bererages, fruit juices and other soft drinks / Additional excursions and trips Travel insurance / Tips
I suggest you allow £300 – £500 for transfers and other local costs, more if you like shopping!
The Yoga
The yoga will take place in the area that is usually utilised for dining. We will be rearranging and adapting the space, and we will be able to look out over the river and hear the sounds of nature as we practice. It is an open space but with a full roof, and can be closed up on chillier mornings.
The intention for the week at The Arp, is for students to have the opportunity and the time to look at aspects of their practice in depth and to develop an approach of self-enquiry and self knowledge. The classes are adaptable and encompass students of all levels of experience and ability. Whilst looking at traditional Hatha Yoga postures and pranayamas, we will be encouraging fun and freedom within the traditional structure. The holiday is open to beginners as well as experienced practitioners, but I do suggest that you have worked with me to some extent prior to the holiday.
Two yoga classes will be offered each day. 8am to 9.30am before breakfast and early evening 5.00/5.30pm to 6.30/7pm (except on the full excursion day), all of which are optional and are designed around the requests and abilities of those taking part.
I hope to include one late evening relaxation class.during the week..
Yoga mats will be provided, but I suggest you bring your own light wieght travel mat to place of top. I am planning a practice that can be adapted to not require the use of equipment, however, bring your own blocks and belts if you feel you will need them, as this is not a fully equipped studio space.
What else is there to do??
We are situated in a fairly busy town, with all the usual and expected 'holiday activities
Plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants
Public boat trips to all sorts of attractions, and we will organise a group full day boat trip to the caves on one of the days
Visiting the historic ancient ruins of Kaunos
Relaxing in traditional 'Hamams' and a Spa.
Take the public boat or the local bus to the Turtle Beach and the Turtle Hospital
Take the public boat to the Mud Baths of Koycegiz
Take the public boat to Koycegiz Market (Mondays)
Dalyan Sunset to Moonlight Boat Trip
Bicycle Hire
and much more......
Boat Trip to the Mud Baths
Take a public boat from town to
Lake Koycegiz Mud Baths
Warm springs bubble around and under Lake Koycegiz, making mud baths a signature of the waterfront town of Dalyan. Minerals give the mud a sulphur smell, but can, locals say, work miracles on aging skin. Lounge in the shallow mud pool whilst coating yourself in mud, dry in the sun, and then rinse off in the showers, take a dip in the lake, and then relax in the sulphur pool.
Approx Cost: Boat £5 plus an entry fee of less
than a pound
Take the row boat service to 'the other side' and visit the ancient ruins of Kaunos
These ruins still have the remains of a theatre, basilica, agora and temple to explore amongst other parts. Not as well-preserved as some others in Turkey but wll worth a visit
The walk from the river boat stop to the ruins is about
1km. It can be hot as there is very little shade.
Approx Cost: £3 return by boat plus entry fee of less than a pound
Boat Trip to the Beach
The public boat can be taken from town or it will come to the Hotel and take you to Iztuzu (Turtle Beach).
There is about a mile of beach to walk along. Each end has cafes and sun loungers, but the centre is virtually empty and you can be alone if you wish.
The furthest end is very pretty and there is also the Kaptan June Sea Turtle Hospital originally set up by June Haimoff, and the home for injured or poorly
sea turtles.
You can also get the local bus to and from this end of the beach.
Approx Boat Cost: £5 return
Full Day Group Boat Trip
We hope to organise a full day private group boat trip mid week, taking us out into the sea and having the chance to swim, snorkle and just enjoy the fabulous scenery and peacefulness of this wonderful country. Lunch included.
Approx Cost: £40/£60
Visit the Local Shops, Restaurants and Cafes
While away your time strolling around the lovely local shops only a 5 minute walk away.
Jewellery, Traditional Towels, Turkish Delight, Lamps, Leather Goods, Clothing and much more....
Iced coffees, Turkish coffees, Apple tea, Cocktails.......
Generally Relaxing and Enjoying the Views,
Good Times and Company
Plenty of time for relaxing, chatting, reading, taking advantage of the pool and sunloungers
What should I pack?
In addition to your usual hot climate clothing, footwear and equipment suitable for a Mediterranean holiday, you may also wish to take:
• Your travel yoga mat if preferred, although The Arp is providing mats for all participants
• Blocks and belt if you feel you might need them (the classes will not be planned to include these)
• Yoga clothing in natural fabrics
• Sweatshirt or wrap and a pair of socks in case of cool mornings and evenings
• Suitable clothes for day time exploring or poolside relaxing
• A couple of options for evening meals in town
• Swimming / beach towel
• A few spare hangers might be useful
• Snorkel and goggles
• Light walking shoes / sandals with good gripping soles
• Small medical kit and insect repellent
• Special Dietary Snacks
• Travel adaptor (2-pin European) / charging cables
• Water Bottle
• Ear Plugs (sometimes the local cockeral is vocal!)
• Driving Licence in case you might want to hire a car
N.B Hairdryers, shower gel, shampoo, and bathroom towels are provided in each room
Travel Arrangements
Flights:
The nearest airport is Dalaman. There are numerous options from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Luton.
As I write this there are particulary good options with EasyJet and/or Wizz Air Uk flying from Gatwick. I would suggest you book according to your convenience, but where possible I will suggest flights that others have already booked, once you have confirmed your interest.
I can email you a contact list (with each person's permission) of the other students attending the yoga week so that you can coordinate transport and share cars to the airports and transfers in Turkey where appropriate.
Please let me have the details of your flight once it is booked.
Arrival and transfers from Dalaman airport:
Our hosts can organise safe, reliable transfers from and to Dalaman Airport. The journey from Dalaman Airport to the The Arp Hotel takes about 30/40 minutes and costs in the region of £40 to £60 for the return journey if booked as a single passenger.
Once I have the flights of all participants confirmed, I will assess the feasibility of joint transfers, and arrange for you with the hotel, to help reduce costs.
In the event of flight delays you will need to contact myself or the hotel so that transfers can be adjusted.
Meet-up arrangements at Dalaman:
On exiting the airport through the glass doors, walk straight on down the ramp into the car/bus park. You will see a cafe on your left; straight ahead is a large circular area with the big tour company booths and transfer drivers at the edge of the circle.
Your driver will have a sign with “The Arp” or your name and it is possible that he may be waiting towards the back of the circle.
The meeting area can be busy, so if you do not see your driver immediately please spend at least ten minutes in this area. If you do not find your driver after this time please whatsapp me on 07828 132 091
Anything else I need to know?
Travel insurance: With the current world instabilities please make sure you take out full travel insurance to cover as many uncertainties as possible, such as Government advice not to travel.
It should provide full cover in case of illness or accident, emergency medical and
travel expenses in Turkey and repatriation.
All students must have their own travel insurance and bring a copy
of their insurance certificate with them.
Passports must be valid at least for 6 months from the date you enter Turkey.
Turkish visas are not required for UK citizens - other nationalities please check.
The local currency is the Turkish Lira. It is advisable to take some cash in Turkish Lira and some in Sterling which can be exchanged locally. Debit / Credit / Cash Less cards are also accepted.
There are exchange offices and ATMs at Dalaman airport, and in Dalyan, although there can be transaction fees charged.
Sign me up!
Please contact me if you are interested in joining the group.
Booking and Cancellation Policy:-
To confirm your booking you will need to send me a non-refundable deposit of £150 by bank transfer.
Payments payable to: Lloyds Bank /Mrs J Potter / 30-99-72 / 23526260
Cancellations by the participant may be eligible for a 50% refund
Please make sure you have travel insurance to cover flight changes, world insecurities, Covid etc
