Tarifa Spain

Tarifa is a very special and dynamic place. This is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and Europe meets Africa. Tarifa is well known as a Mecca for sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are Tarifa's most popular activities, but rock climbing, horseriding, mountain biking, scuba diving and surfing are also popular options.
Tarifa also offers whale and dolphin excursions, bird watching, and a Moorish castle, and 15km away in Bolonia are some extremely well preserved Roman ruins.

If this is not enough, a 35-minute jet ferry ride brings you to the port of Tangier in Morocco. Enjoy the old architecture or sit in one of Tangier's fantastic coffee shops and soak it all up. From the port, a two-hour taxi tour (Kings Palace, Cape Spartan, Hercules' Cave) will set you back about 40 euros, but always haggle if only for the fun!

Tarifa has its own microclimate. This means that it's nearly always hot and sunny in September.

The first weekend in September is a fixed date on Tarifa's calendar for the annual Feria (fair). This event represents the most important period of the cultural calendar in Tarifa.

Feria officially begins when hundreds of horsemen escort the patron saint of Tarifa (the virgin of light) from a nearby shrine into the center of Tarifa.

Locals set up pavilions at the fair yard and invite you to eat, drink, and dance with them all night long. The streets are filled with people crying out loud: "Viva la virgin de la Luz!" (Long live the virgin of light!). If you have the opportunity, stay in Tarifa for an extra day or two so that you can enjoy this event!

August 31- September 6: Tarifa, Spain

Accommodation: Casa Luna Situated in the heart of Tarifa's old town - newly renovated - full kitchen - beautifully light and airy courtyard - large roof terraces - BBQ.

Activities: optional activities include salsa, bachata, and tango classes, a flamenco show, kitesurfing, long walks on the beach, great shopping and fabulous tapas

Thai Yoga Massage Course: Our 30-hour Thai Yoga Massage course will be held daily on the rooftop at Casa Luna. We will start each morning with a gentle yoga practice layered with specific themes and postures that will be integrated into that day's Thai Yoga Massage lesson. By the end of the week, students will be able to safely and confidently perform a fluid and dynamic 60-minute Thai Yoga Massage sequence that draws heavily on sen, side-lying and sitting techniques. (30 NCBTMB Continuing Education Credits available)

This retreat will be facilitated by internationally recognized Thai Yoga Massage instructor Sunny Klaber. Sunny's contagious passions for yoga, dance, Buddhist philosophy and massage strongly influence her unique approach to practicing and teaching this ancient healing art. Her extensive knowledge of, and respect for, these disciplines creates an environment which honors the sacred roots of Thai Yoga Massage, while gracefully infusing it with fresh applications and innovations.

This retreat is limited to eight (8) participants, so sign up early to avoid disappointment!

Sunny Klaber, BS, MS, CMT

In 2001, I graduated from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and embarked on a career in compassionate touch. In addition to completing over 1000 hours of coursework for my massage certification, I went on to receive special training in Pregnancy Massage. I also traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand several times to study Thai-Yoga Massage with three different masters and completed the requirements established by the Institute for Thai Massage to become a teacher of the Nuad Bo-Rarn style. During my most recent trip to Thailand I focused on learning a unique form of Chinese abdominal massage called Chi Nei Tsang.

Before I developed my passion for massage, I earned a BS from Duke University and an MS in Geology and Environmental Policy from the University of Colorado. During this time, I spent several years teaching science at field schools in California, Colorado, Alaska and Switzerland, as well as instructing backpacking/ climbing courses for Outward Bound in Montana and “Dragons” in North India.

What began as an interest in earth systems and a desire to create and maintain a healthy, balanced environment, was slowly transformed,(due to heavy backpacks, stiff boots and a fortuitous meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama) into a deep curiosity and respect for the human body, its relationship to the mind and soul, and its ability to create and maintain health and balance. My unique combination of educational opportunities, physically challenging adventures and spiritually awakening encounters has strongly influenced my therapeutic approach.

Years of observing and living in harmony with nature have taught me that our bodies function very similarly to, and in sync with, earth systems. The poetic interplay of water, earth, fire, metal and wood described in Traditional Chinese Medical Theory demonstrates that we can learn a great deal about the health of the microcosm by first coming to understand the macrocosm. I believe that by receiving bodywork, we, as individuals, feel more whole; and our awareness of our interconnectedness with all living creatures increases. As our perspective shifts, we can learn to make lifestyle choices that will bring ourselves and our environment back into balance.

Years of carrying heavy backpacks up and down steep mountains in thick, stiff, leather boots left me with intense sensation in my back, feet and knees and an even more intense interest in learning how to relieve it! The scientist in me craved the wisdom of anatomy and physiology books, while the mystic in me searched in deeper places for answers. After several years of exploration I have experienced a positive shift in my own health and have become convinced of the existence of a connection between mind, body, and spirit. While my practice reflects my strong foundation in the science of anatomy, physiology and nutrition; I believe that my intention to reduce suffering by helping my clients to open and integrate their bodies, hearts and minds is primarily responsible for the healing that occurs.

Over the past seven years I have enjoyed developing and teaching the Thai Yoga massage curriculum at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Cortiva Institute, and The Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville, NC. I am currently on the faculty at the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy and serve on the board of the Tibetan Village Project.

The First Step

This retreat will begin at 4:00 PM on August 31st at La Puerta de Jerez (the western entrance to the old city), and will end at 12:00 noon on September 6 th at Casa Luna.

Getting to and from Tarifa:

Plane:
 
Malaga (AGP) The International Airport in Malaga is located about two hours from Tarifa. From the Malaga airport, we suggest that you take the bus to Algeciras via Marbella. In Algeciras, you will need to change buses and take the bus to Tarifa. Buses run from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

Sevilla (SVQ) The Seville International Airport, is a little over two hours from Tarifa. Buses to Tarifa depart daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM from the El Prado de San Sebastian bus station.

Gibralter (GIB) The Gibraltar International Airport is located 45 km from Tarifa and has flights from the UK and Madrid.

Bus:

The bus stop in Tarifa is located in Batalla del Salado, about a 5 minute walk from the Puerta de Jerez (our meeting point).

For more information visit: http://www.andalucia.com/travel/bus/home.htm

Train: The closest train station to Tarifa is in Algeciras (20 km away). Trains arrive in Algeciras from Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, and Madrid.

For more information visit: http://www.renfe.es/

Packing List - Please pack as light as possible!

Packing List Please bring: yoga mat, meditation shawl, journal, pens, alarm clock, watch, comfortable clothing for yoga and Thai Yoga Massage, a warm layer for cool or windy nights and mornings, sun hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, sleepwear, sandals or flip-flops, walking shoes, dancing shoes, toiletries, medications, camera, an open mind, an open heart and a good sense of humor!

Internet connection: There are two Internet cafes located within two minutes of Casa Luna and many of the restaurants and cafes offer free WiFi.

Money: The exchange rate is approximately 1.35 US dollars per Euro. ATMs are conveniently located throughout Tarifa and tend to offer a very good exchange rate. PLEASE tell your bank and credit card companies the dates when you will be in Spain to avoid having your accounts frozen due to "unexpected activity".

Budget: This retreat includes six nights' accommodation, course fees and study guide, and breakfast. We suggest that you budget about 350 Euros to pay for lunch, dinner, and miscellaneous activities.

Passports: You must have a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure from Spain to enter the country. If you are an American citizen you will receive a visa on arrival good for 90 days.

If you are from another country please read about visa requirements and other important details at http://spain.visahq.com/.

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Investment: $985 (private queen) $785 (shared twin) $785 (shared queen)

Price includes: 6 nights' accommodation, tuition, study guide, and breakfasts.

Price does not include: lunch, dinner, optional activities, or transportation to/from Tarifa

Go for IT!

If you still have questions or would like to speak to us more about this journey, ask here.  If you would like to register, pay a trip deposit, and secure your place on this amazing journey, click here.  Registration is limited to 8 travelers.