ABOUT THE VILLA

Time out is an indulgence. We will escape to a luxurious, beachfront accommodation at beautiful Trinity Beach, just 15 minutes north of Cairns, Australia.

This villa is a remarkable executive beachfront property, catering to the tastes of a discerning few. It features a captivating view overlooking the palm fringed beach out to the Coral Sea. Those who appreciate beauty, privacy from crowded hotels, and five star quality accommodations will relish this kingly abode.

On entering the villa, your attention immediately focuses on the full length windows with postcard water views. Spacious, well proportioned and infused with light, the villa features an eclectic mix of modern contemporary style furnishings with accents of imported Asian antiques and Persian floor coverings. Wood cabinetry adds a dimension of warmth to the environment. Bedrooms are decorated in an understated style of luxury that restores, revives and relaxes, featuring private travertine bathrooms and spa baths with exquisite fittings.

You will feel utterly at home, yet lifted by a carefree, holiday mood during your entire stay at this exquisite villa home.

ABOUT THE CLASSES

Yang-Style Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) – This is the style of Tai Chi Chuan that is referred to as ‘Meditation in Motion’ because of the slow execution of the movements. Since Tai Chi is a weight-bearing exercise, it develops strength and focus in a very short period of time. Continual practice of Tai Chi develops physical stability and grace, mental focus and awareness, and an overall healthy outlook on life. At the end of the retreat, you should be able to practice a Tai Chi form completely by yourself!

Chi Kung (Qigong) Meditation – Mediation is an ancient practice used by many cultures to quiet the mind and body. Chi Kung meditations add to this quiescent state one or more of the following: gentle movements, internal visualizations, and/or breathing exercises. Chi Kung is highly acclaimed for its rapid results in reducing stress, anxiety and depression… even more than Tai Chi! You will learn several different Chi Kung practices.

Taoist Philosophy – Taoist philosophy is set forth in the Tao Te Ching, an ancient document of verses which translated means “The Way of Virtue” or “The Virtuous Way”. This document is considered a handbook for would-be benevolent leaders. Lectures and discussion about Taoist philosophy will be interspersed throughout the coursework to help you better understand the principles that underlie Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice. Classes will be held outside whenever possible, in a shaded comfortable area.
 

ABOUT THE MEALS

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served in the comfort of our dining room at the villa. We will take an hour and a half (9:00 - 10:30) between classes to eat, relax, or take a walk. The menu will include fresh fruit salad, dried fruits, croissants & pastries, toasts, jams, yogurt, cereal, ham, cheeses, boiled eggs, juice, coffee, and tea.

Dinner

Sitting on the verandah overlooking the palm-framed Cora Sea is the fantastic venue for our evening meals at the noted Italian Seafood restaurant, L'Unico. Beautiful high ceilings with foldout doors all around create a truly tropical atmosphere. In an elegant style we will be served superb breads like bruschetta with tomato and basil, garlic bread, or Panini. Appetizers will consist of a variety of vegetables, sauces, and cheeses. Main courses will offer a variety of pastas, including vegetarian dishes such as their famous Eggplant Parmesan… layered with mozzarella in a rich tomato sauce. The excellent seafood menu boasts of tender scallops, prawns, mussels, and calamari. Other interesting choices include smoked salmon, lamb, and Venere pizza with finely shaved ham, pepperoni, chunky mushrooms, real olives! and mozzarella. And the desserts continue the high standards of excellence… like white chocolate cheese cake, lime meringue pie, and sticky date pudding (their version of tiramisu`).
 

ABOUT THE EXCURSIONS

TJAPUKAI BY NIGHT - Tjapukai Dance Theatre

Australian Aborigines date back over 50,000 years. They survived harsh desert conditions and have detailed knowledge of plants, animals and water sources available in the country. To keep their folklore alive, they re-tell their stories in songs, fables, dances, and cave paintings.
Aboriginal legends, songs, and dances speak of powerful spirits that created the land and people during Dreamtime. Although there is no written Aboriginal language and most of the 600 tribes spoke different dialects or languages, the tradition of the Dreamtime is consistent with all the tribes… a unifying force in the rock paintings across the county which depict this “time of creation.”

Tjapukai by Night is a powerful and personal aboriginal experience performed by the Tjapuki Dance Theatre. The spirits Gadja and Quinkan introduce Dreamtime and then bring the audience into the activities to become an interactive part of an ancient corroboree ceremony which culminates with fire-making, corroboree dances, and Dreamtime legends.  Then corroboree dancers guide the audience along a flame lit pathway to the marvelous Boomerang Restaurant, overlooking the Caravonica Lakes. Here guests dine at a beautifully presented buffet featuring the best of the region’s foods and wines. A few specialties on the buffet include curried-coconut soup, fresh Miso, chickpea salad, orange-scented couscous, roasted parsnip salad, bush chutney, grilled reef fish, kangaroo chipolatas, jasmine rice, mud cake, wattle seed brule, and mango-banana cheesecake.
After our dinner has settled, the Tjapukai dancers claim the stage to present their production of indigenous culture with an inimitable blend of theatre and black humor set to the haunting tones of the didgeridoo. What a delightful way to endear ourselves to the ancient energies of the region!

CHAMPAGNE BALLOON TOUR

Our balloon will be inflated as the sun's first rays lighten the sky. Lift off will be gentle. The views and scenery below will be spectacular so DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! We’ll drift above the tropical tablelands where the rainforest meets the Australian outback. Kangaroos and wildlife are sighted daily. After the flight, you will receive a commemorative flight certificate to preserve the memory of this breath-taking event. (An experienced crew will follow the balloon and take us to breakfast. This company has over twenty years experience and touts safety as their number one priority.)
A hot & cold buffet breakfast will be served on the verandah at Mareeba Heritage Museum and will feature marinated chicken, homemade quiche, seasonal fruits, cheese, savory platters, Danish, freshly baked Vienna loaves, tea, coffee, juice, and of course chilled champagne. Admission to the museum is included and you may tour during our time at breakfast.

Then, we’re off to GREEN ISLAND on a fast catamaran, just 45 minutes from Cairns, where we’ll spend the rest of the day. We’ll arrive on the island just in time for a fabulous buffet lunch.

  GREEN ISLAND

Green Island is a small coral cay situated on Australia's beautiful Great Barrier Reef, 27 kilometers northeast of Cairns. This little treasure is one of Australia's premier heritage sites and home to 126 native plant species and exquisite colorful birdlife. Although the island is small enough to stroll around its natural environment will consume you with solitude. From wandering the enchanting walkways to hand-feeding the fish, you will be hypnotized by the sheer tranquil beauty of this precious sanctuary.

While on the island, you may take a guided tour through the lush cool rain forest, laze on white coral sands, relax at the world class visitor’s resort, be mesmerized by the turquoise waters teeming with fish and marine life, visit the marine gardens, or go snorkeling. Then, after a long luxurious and adventurous day we’ll return to our villa for a short nap and dinner… and a very restful, dreamy sleep.

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