Retreat Hiring Information

Govinda Valley Retreat Centre is located within the pristine Otford valley, one hour south of Sydney, nestled between mountains, boarded by a beautiful creek and national parks. Our retreat space is built amongst 20 acres of gently rolling hills, gardens and bushland and home to many kinds of wildlife such as parrots, kookaburras, kangaroos and deer. There are peaceful nature walks nearby and we are just minutes drive from the stunning lookout and popular beach destination of Stanwell Park. The relaxed and nurturing energy of the Otford Valley is the perfect place to unwind, heal and learn. We look forward to hosting you and helping you to manifest your dream retreat.

Retreat Packages

Govinda Valley Retreat Centre provides all-inclusive retreat packages. We take care of all the details necessary to support your retreat and create a beautiful space for your guests to enjoy. This will allow you and your whole group to just relax and absorb yourself in the experience of your own unique retreat.

Our retreat packages includes:

- use of large hall - three delicious buffet meals per day - all day complimentary tea and fresh fruit - accommodation (choice of five levels to suit varying budgets) - use of Govinda Valley facilities and grounds [email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Facilities

SMALL YOGA/ CONFERENCE HALL (only with exclusive use)

- beautiful bright and airy 65 m2 space

- floor to ceiling windows/ sliding doors in the north and east, opening onto the balcony and looking out over the natural surrounds.

- polished hardwood floors Small Upstairs Hall

- up to 60 seated guests

- up to 20 yoga mats

LARGE YOGA /CONFERENCE HALL

- large beautiful bright and airy 135 m2 space

- floor to ceiling windows/ sliding doors in the

north and east, opening up to the gardens

and looking out over the natural surrounds.

- ground floor location

- polished hardwood floors

- up to 250 seated guests Large Downstairs Hall

- up to 75 yoga mats

- generous stage area

- PA system

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

DINING HALL

The retreat dining hall seats 72 people (this can also be extended for larger groups) and provides an enlivening meal-time environment. In addition, up to 30 people can use the balcony which provides wonderful views over the national park.

Dining Hall

GROUNDS

Located on the property is a tranquil terrace garden and orchard over looking the Otford Valley, an organic vegetable garden, volley ball court, half basket ball court, two bonfire areas and lovely spacious grounds boarded by flowing creak.

Terrace Garden

HEALING ROOMS

Our Healing Centre, located at the very heart of our retreat space, is open 7 days per week. The lovely wellness crew, a team of experienced professionals, will look after you and tailor your treatment to your needs.

Healing room

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Accommodation

Govinda Valley can provide in-house accommodation for up to 52 guests and camping facility for additional guests. All rooms include bedding, pillows, heaters, fans and towels.

There are five levels of accommodation:

1. Ensuite - Twin Share

There are 2 twin share ensuite rooms, each with two single beds, linen, duvets, towels, bedside tables, lamps, writing desk, closet space and ensuite bathroom.

Total capacity: 4 people Ensuite Room – twin share

2. Ensuite – Queen + Single bed

There are 4 queen ensuite rooms. Each with Queen and single bed, linen, duvets, towels, bedside tables, lamps, writing desk, closet space and ensuite bathroom. Total capacity: 8 or 12 people

Ensuite Room – queen + single

3. Non-ensuite - Triple or Quad Share

There are 6 non-ensuite rooms. Each with three or four single beds, linen, duvets, bedside tables, lamps and external shared bathroom.

Total capacity: 28 people Non-ensuite Room

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

4. Non-ensuite – Queen + Single bed

There are 6 non-ensuite rooms with Queen bed. Each with queen and single beds, linen, duvets, bedside tables, lamps and external shared bathroom.

Total capacity: 12 or 18 people

5. Camping

There is plenty of space on the beautiful ground for camping and guests are welcome to choose their own camping site. Campers are asked to bring their own tents, bedding and towels. Campers have use of the shared bathrooms.

Total bed capacity: 52 or 62 (if 3 ppl in Queen/Single rooms) Max dining hall capacity: 72

Check In and Check Out Times

For residential retreats, check in time is after lunch, between 2pm - 4pm on the day of arrival and check out time is 10am – 11am (bedrooms), and between 2pm - 4pm (facilities) on the day of departure. If alternative timings are required, this may be possible but will be dependent on the GV booking schedule. Please discuss this with our bookings manager.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Meals

Included in the package price are three delicious vegan buffet meals per day. Our meals are tasty and healthful and we can accommodate dietary preferences such as gluten free. For guests on a more limited diet, we provide steamed vegetables with quinoa. A complimentary tea station and fresh fruit is available for morning and afternoon tea. Additional meals or catered morning/afternoon teas can be arranged and are charged per head.

Meal times are strictly: Retreat Catering Breakfast 8:00am Lunch 1:00pm Dinner 6:00pm

Single Day Retreats Package

Govinda Valley Retreat Centre can be available for single day retreats. These retreats are usually restricted to off peak seasons only.

The single day retreat package includes:

- use of the small or large hall - delicious buffet lunch - all day complimentary tea and fresh fruit - use of Govinda Valley facilities and grounds (excluding bedrooms).

Single day retreat packages are charged at a flat rate per head. Additional meals or morning/afternoon teas can be provided at an additional cost, calculated per head.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Retreat Spaces

Govinda Valley is hosting one group and Heart & Soul Retreats simultaneously. This means that depending from group number some spaces are required to share, like dining hall, shared bathrooms or grounds. As practically all retreat groups and individual guests visiting Govinda Valley have a similar concern for health, healing and growth, we find that our guests are generally compatible and naturally considerate of each other.

Additional Services

HEART & SOUL HEALING CENTRE

We can provide therapies for your guests with our excellent massage/healing therapists. Bookings can be made any time in reception hours (9am – 4pm) and are dependent on our therapists’ availability.

Services we offer are: • Deep tissue & Relaxation massage • Energy healing • Sound healing • Ayurvedic consultation • Astrology reading

BONFIRE

Upon request, a beautiful evening bonfire under the starts can be arranged for your guests. This service is subject to weather conditions and fire restrictions.

WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES

If you would like some special additions to your retreat, we can arrange for any of the following activities to be included, dependent on availability at the time of your retreat.

Workshops/activities we offer are: • Yoga Class (group/individual) • Kirtan Session • Meditation Class • Vedic Astrology Workshop • Ayurvedic Talk • Cooking Class/Demonstrations

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

What to see and do around Govinda Valley

HINDU TEMPLE - HELENSBURGH

A beautiful hour’s walk or a quick two-minute drive from Govinda Valley is the famous Sri Venkateswara Hindu temple. The temple is built on the top of a hilly area, 400 feet above sea level with amazing natural beauty. Legend says, Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi stay here and bestow their blessings upon visitors.

GLOW WORM TUNNEL

The Metropolitan Tunnel (Glow Worm tunnel) is a 624m

single track tunnel, a short 9 minutes’ drive from Govinda

Valley. Opened in 1888 and closed permanently in 1915, the tunnel is now home to one of the largest colonies of glow-worms in . Don’t forget to bring a torch and some waterproof shoes! You can find the tunnel at 2 Vera Street, Helensburgh.

WATTAMOLLA PICNIC AREA

Wattamolla has everything you desire from a relaxing experience in the Royal National Park. The area includes a natural lagoon, waterfalls, rock pools, the sea and plenty of beach space for you to unwind on! Cloud or shine, this is the perfect place to visit in your spare time. Many visitors jump off the waterfall into the lagoon (we do not advise this). Keep an eye out however for leaping tourists, kangaroos and dolphins!

KELLY FALLS PICNIC AREA

Kellys Falls picnic area is a network of walking trails,

cascading waterfalls and scenic lookouts within

Garawarra State Conservation Area. With four stunning

lookout points, this area offers views of waterfalls and the

rainforest. Just two minutes further on from the Hindu

temple, Kellys Falls is an ideal bushwalk and picnic area.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

SEA CLIFF

10 minutes’ drive from Govinda Valley is the stunning

Sea Cliff Bridge. The 665-metre long bridge has a great viewing platform for migrating whales heading north/south during the migrating season and offers spectacular views of nature. The Sea Cliff Bridge is accessible via Coalcliff station, a 15 minutes’ walk from the station to the bridge.

OTFORD LOOKOUT

A short 20 minutes’ walk from Govinda Valley you will find

Otford Lookout, the beautiful scenic lookout over

Wollongong coast and the Royal National Park. The

lookout is the starting point for many coastal walks, which

go all the way to Bundeena.

STANWELL PARK BEACH & VILLAGE

This pristine location is an ideal place to unwind. Surrounded by bushland, Stanwell Park is a little pocket of coast line that boasts one of the best surf spots in the area along with a patrolled swimming beach and lagoon framed by majestic rocky cliffs. There are large parks and grasslands suitable for picnics along with cute coffee shops and boutiques that come alive on the weekend. Stanwell Park is only 5 minutes’ drive from Govinda Valley.

BALD HILL LOOKOUT

The steep 32-minute walk up to the Bald Hill Lookout is a great workout for your legs - or you could always take the car! Bald Hill is one of the ’s most famous and popular lookouts. The views are not only amazing, the area is known internationally as a major hang gliding point. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that , an Australian pioneer of aviation, made a successful flight on November 12th, 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him is located at the peak of the hill near the car park.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Govinda Valley Map

How To Get Here

ADDRESS Lot 51 Lady Carrington Rd. Otford Valley NSW, .

BY CAR Govinda Valley is approximately 60min drive from Sydney CBD and 50min drive from Sydney airports.

BY TRAIN If you wish to catch the train from Sydney city or airport, the journey is easy and comfortable. The city to Otford train takes takes just over 1 hr and is a direct line. Airport to Otford train is also approximately 1 hr with one train change. For more information on train times please download the ‘TripView’ app or visit sydneytrains.info

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Terms and Conditions

Bookings and Payments

Securing dates for your retreat at Govinda Valley Retreat Centre requires a 25% of total. Deposit is required at the time of booking in order to secure your retreat dates. Deposits are non-refundable.

Full payment of event charges is required no less than 7 days prior to your retreat commencement date. Your deposit will be deducted from the final amount. In case of any consequent adjustment to the retreat details requiring an amendment of your invoice, this will be determined at the conclusion of the retreat, however it remains that initial invoice is due 7 days prior to arrival. Any late payments will incur a late fee of $75/per day.

Minimum Retreat Size

Large Hall - To book a retreat at Govinda Valley utilising the large hall, you are required to have a minimum number of 25 paying guests. Once this hall is booked a minimum rate of 25 guests per night will apply (based on shared room rate - minimum cost $3625/night).

Exclusive Use - To secure the exclusive use of Govinda Valley Retreat Centre, you are required to have a minimum number of 45 paying guests. Once the exclusive use of Govinda Valley Retreat Centre has been booked a minimum rate of 45 guests per night will apply (based on shared room rate - minimum cost $6525/night).

Insurance

It is a requirement of Govinda Valley that all retreat groups provide their own public liability insurance. We require a copy of this insurance to be emailed to us 14 days prior to the commencement of a retreat.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au

Cancellation & Re-Scheduling Policy

Should you choose to cancel your retreat entirely, the non-refundable deposit will be lost.

Should you choose to re-schedule your retreat, the non-refundable deposit may be transferred to the new retreat dates, provided: a) a minimum of three months notice of re-scheduling is received by Govinda Valley booking management b) the new retreat dates fall into an available time slot within a twelve-month period from the initial retreat dates c) that the retreat in question has not previously been re-scheduled

Should any of these criteria not be met, then the non-refundable deposit will be lost.

Guest Conduct

Govinda Valley is a retreat centre developed to facilitate and assist the health and healing of not only its guest, but also the community and environment.

As such, it is requested that all guests strictly adhere to the following standards of yoga practice: • no meat • fish or eggs • no smoking • no alcohol • no illegal drugs

Please make sure you remind your retreat participants of these conditions.

We thank you and are looking forward to welcoming you to Govinda Valley.

[email protected] www.govindavalley.com.au