Feedback from Students:

"I've always wanted to visit the Gambia and when I heard about Deepa's retreat, I did not hesitate in booking my place.
The Gambia was everything I imagined it would be and more. From lush tropical beaches, friendly locals, always smiling and inquisitive, and the food - the local dishes were just too delicious.
The yoga, well imagine the setting, quiet beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Our mats were positioned to face the ocean with the breeze gently soothing our bodies and preparing our mind. It was idyllic. More than paradise. Deepa had also organised other sessions in similarly exotic locations, such as yoga platforms overlooking tropical surroundings by the beach. Every location helped make my Gambian experience extra special.
And to think things couldn't get any better. One night we camped under the stars on a deserted beach. There was about 5 miles of unspoilt beaches fringed by thousands of palm trees. This beach was part of the eco village development, Geri and Maurice's (Safari Garden's
owners) vision of community based tourism. It was a truly memorable trip and such experiences will stay with me for many years to come.
So after a week of daily yoga sessions I felt thoroughly energised and refreshed. A combination of much needed sunshine, gorgeous surroundings and daily workout made it the perfect retreat. Thanks again Deepa!" - Anglea (London)

"To be honest I was concerned about the whole yoga thing... I hadn't exercised (or even stretched) for some time and considered myself to have a natural leaning towards being physically rigid more than flexible.

My fears were that I would:
a) embarrass myself
b) hurt myself,
c) both.

Deepa guided us through stretches, postures and movements with the grace of a swan in flight. She encouraged us go at our own pace, listening to our bodies and our breath as we worked and modeled this by paying her own gentle attention to our various aches and tight spots. Deepa was always present but never dominating and I found each of her interventions measured and helpful.
It is clear that Deepa loves and believes in yoga and is committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with others. I was surprised by what I, a complete beginner, managed to learn in just a few days and absolutely delighted by the experience of feeling my body loosen up so quickly. Best of all though, has to be realising, after the retreat, when I no longer had the company of a teacher or other students, that I had absorbed enough technical information to equip me to practice alone and more than enough of a feeling of peace and well-being to make me actually do that." - Falouke (Gambia)

"I must admit that I was quite worried about joining a group of people I didn't know in a place I'd never been before. I had all the usual anxieties about whether I'd fit in and get on with everyone. But I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised! Immediately feeling comfortable with Deepa and the rest of the group, I was so relieved by the marked lack of pretensions and the casual, friendly atmosphere! I easily took to Deepa's style of teaching and gentle but challenging approach to yoga, and found her amazingly aware and attentive to each individual in the class.
The slow and relaxed pace of The Gambia fit seamlessly with the gradual unwinding process of yoga practice. It's a place with which you can't fail to fall in love. I came back to rainy England to so many comments about how well I look etc, and feeling like my body and soul were restored." - Sam (Brighton)

I knew that a yoga retreat on the West Coast of Africa was going to be special but nothing prepared me for the amazing trip that Deepa had in store. The yoga space at the hotel was ideally suited for stretching, meditation and personal reflection providing me with the peace and tranquility to let go of the fears and tension I thought I'd left behind.
Working with my body and breath on a daily basis I was amazed at how much pent up emotion I was able to release in such a short space of time. Our daily routine, practicing in the morning and early evening, meant there was plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Gambian landscape. Taking trips out as a group and exploring on my own I was able to visit markets, camp under the stars, visit an ancient forest and of course bask in the warm African sun. At the end of each day we ate together at the hotel or one of the local restaurants. The food was wonderful and healthy, I'd specifically recommend 'Bennachin' (local Gambian dish) eaten from a shared bowl Gambian style. Thank you Deepa and the Dec 06 crew for a great holiday - Natalie (London)

Gambia was a great setting because it's so easy to relax in a warm climate and people in general are very friendly there - it was great being able to walk around at night without any problems. I'm very glad we stayed at the Safari Garden Hotel and not at one of the other touristy places. The rooms were lovely and it's especially the ambience and the hospitality of hotel owners that make this place what it is.
For me it was great to have the yoga classes in the morning and in the later afternoon with free time in between and I really enjoyed the trips out to Makasutu and Kartong. I realised later that this way, even before I started traveling on my own, I already got to see some really nice places in the country (beautiful beaches, camping and real Gambian meal, yoga out in the open...) and got to know some Gambian people. So, for me this was the perfect holiday, I'm very happy to have found your website! - Laurie (Switzerland)