Inspire and Nurture Your Mind, Body and Soul with Leela Travel World-Class Yoga Retreats

San Francisco, CA, September 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- With nearly 25 million Americans practicing yoga today, it’s no wonder there are studios and classes popping up all over the place. But if you’re interested in expanding your practice on and off the mat why not transform your week’s vacation into a wellness adventure dedicated to personal rejuvenation. Leela Travel, a boutique group tour operator, introduces ecologically responsible custom yoga retreats designed for students of all levels.

“People today want more out of their vacations, they want to experience authentic cultures, unspoiled natural environments, and healthy activities in off-the-beaten track destinations,” says Whitney Littlewood, founder and president of Leela Travel. “By launching Leela Travel, we’re hoping to provide a yoga vacation that will send our guests home relaxed, renewed and inspired.”

Leela Travel’s catalog of locations includes Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Belize with its premiere voyage taking place in India. For each excursion, Leela Travel collaborates with internationally recognized teachers, ecologically sustainable resorts and local volunteer programs to ensure a mutually enriching experience for teachers, travelers and the communities they visit. Leela Travel’s premiere retreat, “Awakening Inner Vision” provides guests with a week of rejuvenation and revelation on the breathtaking shores of Kovalam, India. Travelers will absorb Ayurvedic and Tantric philosophies while immersing their body in the purifying system of Ashtanga yoga. Traditional spa treatments, gourmet vegetarian food, daily yoga asana classes, and access to southern India’s beautiful beaches make up this all inclusive tour package.

Additionally, Leela Travel is dedicated to encouraging the evolution of Green Yoga by seeking out remote and ecologically sustainable resort partners that use local and natural building materials, manage wastewater, produce organic foods onsite, and have clean power sources such as solar, wind and hydro.

“As responsible yogis we must realize that the health of our bodies, minds and emotions depends on the health of our planet,” continues Littlewood. “Not only are we conscious about our footprint, we also work with local volunteer programs and present a financial donation for each trip to support the communities that we visit.”

“Awakening Inner Vision: Ayurveda, Ashtanga & Yoga Nidra” takes place November 28, 2009 through December 5, 2009 and is reserving spots now. The retreat includes:

7 Nights Accommodation in traditional Kerala cottage
Daily Sunrise Mysore Asana with authorized Ashtanga teacher Magnolia Zuniga
Daily Evening Lecture, Meditation & Yoga Nidra
Personal Consultation with Ayurvedic Doctor
3 Customized Vegetarian Ayurvedic Meals a Day
Transport to/from Trivandrum International Airport
Daily traditional music and art performances
Ayurvedic cooking demonstration, lecture class and herbal garden tour
½ Day Houseboat Cruise of Kerala Backwaters
Daily 1.5 hour rejuvenation massage
Karma Yoga opportunities with local community organization
All applicable taxes

Additional upcoming trips include Khao Lak, Thailand (March 2010), Costa Rica (February 2010), Tulum, Mexico (May 2010), San Ignacio, Belize (October 2010), Lao Liang, Thailand (November 2010) and Kovalam, India (Novemer/December 2010).

To celebrate the launch of the company, Leela Travel is hosting a kick off party on Wednesday, September 23 at Morac Restaurant and Lounge (3122 16th Street in San Francisco) from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Guests will enjoy food, music and an inspirational slideshow as they mingle with Leela Travel’s official yoga teachers and learn more about any of the retreats. Yoga instructors interested in becoming involved with Leela Travel are encouraged to come by. To RSVP, please visit the Leela Travel blog at www.LeelaTravel.com/blog.

For more information on Leela Travel or to register for an upcoming retreat, visit www.LeelaTravel.com.

About Leela Travel
Leela Travel is a boutique group tour operator that specializes in ecologically responsible yoga retreats. Leela Travel encourages yogis of all levels to join them on a spiritual adventure and bask in nature’s diversity while exploring themselves and their world.

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