We practice Jaya Aum Yoga, which is distinct from regular hatha yoga in that , besides being a series of postures, it is a yogic lifestyle practice. Our comprehensive and variety packed retreats will endeavor to provide you with the many different aspects of health enhancement from the yogic tradition including: hatha yoga postures (asanas), ayurveda(health system from India), diet, massage, meditation:( Japa yoga, kirtan and breath work), aromatherapy and other natural therapies. We encourage you to choose elements of the practice you are most attracted to and add to it, bit by bit, to your daily life. Jaya Aum Yoga is a powerful and effective practice designed to keep your body and mind stress-free, minimizing illnesses and disease so you can be healthy and full of vitality to make the most of this life. As such Jaya Aum Yoga is the perfect path to lasting health, happiness and well-being and is guaranteed to have something of value for everybody.

What is a typical Day like?

• 6:30am – 7:00am rise and take a shower
• 7:00am– 7:30am morning meditation
• 7:30am – 8:30am Hatha Yoga Class (all ages and levels combined)
• 8:30am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am- 11:30am Group Activity (Eg: Massage class; Ayurveda; Aromatherapy; Healthy Cooking class)
• 11:30am – 12:00 noon lunch
• 12:00 noon – 1:30pm Group Activity ( as above)
• 1:30pm – 5:00pm Outdoor Adventure ( Beach; hiking; hot-springs or Hilo site seeing)
• 5:15pm-5:45pm – Dinner/shower
• 6:00pm – late – Optional Night activity/Free time

What level of yoga experience is expected?

Any level of yoga experience from absolute beginner to advanced practitioner is welcomed and can be catered for at Jaya Aum Yoga During a yoga workshop, we will provide modification to all positions so you have the option for a gentler or a more strenuous exercise. We understand that you know your body best, and will never encourage anyone to continue into a position if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort. Jaya Yoga asanas are not set routine. We offer yoga workshops that are guaranteed to be enjoyable yet challenging without being unsafe. You are guaranteed to leave us feeling peaceful and rejuvenated, whatever your level of experience.

What is the price of a Jaya Aum Retreat and what is included?

The price for a four day Jaya Yoga Retreat including four nights accommodation, three meals a day and all activities and classes is only $895 per person. (***special offer for a limited time only: bring along a friend for free!!***)

What kind of food do you serve? Can you accommodate special diets?

A delicious and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner is served as part of your all-inclusive package at Jaya Aum retreats. All meals are whole food vegetarian international cuisine prepared with love. If you have any allergies or special dietary requirements, please let us know before the start of your retreat so that we can prepare to accommodate your needs.

What should I bring to a Jaya Aum health retreat?

The atmosphere at Jaya Aum is casual and fun, so bring along light and comfortable clothes which are easy to move around in. Swimsuits, sandals and a hat are bare essentials on Hawaii's Big Island. We also highly recommend walking shoes for our hike. Yoga mats, blocks and belts are all provided by us, but you are most welcome to bring your own for hygiene if you prefer. In the Puna region of Hawaii the temperature seldom drops below the 60s F and usually averages in the perfect high 70s F. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and bug repellent for your own comfort.

Is there anything I should not bring?

Jaya Aum Health retreats are strictly alcohol, tobacco and drug free. Since we provide all meals and snacks, it is recommended that you leave any caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks at home. Finally, in order to preserve the tranquil environment, we prefer that our guests do not bring or use electronic devices such as laptops, radios or mobile phones during our program, but we do have an area with high speed access if needed, that you can make use of in the free time upon the evenings.

How do I prepare for my stay? (you might want to add more to this answer?)

First, try to minimize the amount of caffeine, alcohol or nicotine that you consume for the week before your retreat so that you can participate mindfully in all of our activities and workshops. When you pack, remember that comfort is most important, and that your valuables will likely be unnecessary are best left at home. We also require that all of our guests bring adequate insurance with them to Hawaii.

How many people are in a program?

We prefer to keep the groups small to medium size, so numbers will vary from 4 to 20 depending on the retreat. We bring in more teachers to assist with larger groups, so everyone is has the utmost opportunity for instruction, advice and help when needed.

Do I have to be a vegetarian to join a Jaya Aum retreat?

For reasons of health, spirituality and ethics, we will not serve animal products at any Jaya Aum Health retreats. We do serve dairy products, but are able to accommodate vegan diets as well. What you eat outside of the retreat is entirely up to you, though we recommend that you do not dine outside of the retreat so that you can enjoy the maximum benefit of this holistic health experience.

How often do you run retreats?

We currently offer a 4-day retreat once every six weeks for the 2010 year.

Are children allowed at Jaya Aum retreats?

The minimum age for a guest at one of our retreats is 16.

Can I bring my pets?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any pets at our retreats. If you require a service animal, please let us know so that we can determine how to accommodate you and if this is possible or not.

Will I feel comfortable coming alone?

Absolutely. We purposefully keep our retreat sizes small to medium so that a true family like community atmosphere can be fostered among the retreat participants. If you have an open mind and positive attitude, you are guaranteed not only to be comfortable, but to meet new people who could remain lifelong friends.

What happens after the program has ended?

During your stay with us, we offer constant educational opportunities regarding yoga, massage, new meditation techniques, vegetarian cooking, and general healthy lifestyle choices. We hope that our enthusiasm for holistic health will be contagious and encourage you to continue to practice the skills you gain at your Jaya Aum health retreat when you return home.

Do I have to participate in all activities and workshops?

No. While we encourage you to join us in every workshop, sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone, in order to maximize the benefit of your stay, it is entirely your choice which activities you participate in.

What type of people go to Jaya Aum health retreats?

People of all ages, fitness levels and walks of life have joined us on our retreats. Some are trying to manage their weight, improve their diet, stop smoking, or simply take a break from their hectic lives.