8 Days Ayurveda Rejuvenation and Yoga Retreat in Czech Republic

Facilities

Slow down, put down your notebook, turn off the mobile phone. Leave your car keys, deep in the bottom of your bag. Stop. You are at the St. Kateřina, in the countryside, where harmony found its name.

No cars, peace and quiet, just the murmur of trees, undulating in the wind. Forget everyday worries, relax! Healthy food, clean air, and a lot of movement will help you to lose weight, increase energy, and add joy to life.

The St. Kateřina Resort has 79 double bed rooms in three buildings: the St. Kateřina Hotel, the Garnison Hotel, and the Gymnasium Hotel. Rooms of category standard (Shiraz and Shiraz Superior) are in the Gymnasium Hotel. Here you will also find the dietary laboratory with Inbody 720 equipment, a cardio fitness center, indoor cycling hall, four gyms, beauty salon, manicure and pedicure, and solar meadow RA. Rooms of category standard (Chardonnay) are located in the Garnison Hotel, where you will also find the SportRepublic shop with sportswear, golf equipment, hygienic goods, and cosmetics.

Rooms of category superior (Cabernet, Merlot), category deluxe (Sauvignon, Pinot), and deluxe junior suite (Carmenere) are located in the St. Kateřina Hotel, where you will also find the restaurant Voda (Water), Café Orangerie, the wellness center and spa, and four hydro massage bath tubs Jacuzzi under the sky. All rooms are very comfortable and are furnished with tasteful and stylish furniture.

For your peace and relaxation, children younger than eight years old are welcomed in special terms settled in advance only. In special occasions, such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, and holidays, stays for parents with children are prepared. Children up to three years are free to stay without additional crib or bed. Children crib is available at 250 CZK per night in rooms in Hotel Garnison and Gymnasion, 270 CZK per night in rooms in Main Hotel Svatá Kateřina.

Children aged three to eight with extra bed in room with two adult persons will be charged 390 CZK per night in rooms in Hotel Garnison and Gymnasion, 490 CZK per night in rooms in Main Hotel Svatá Kateřina.

Staying with a pet is possible until the size of a Golden Retriever, in rooms of hotel Gymnasion and Garnison only. The fee for the first dog is 250 CZK per night and for another dog is 370 CZK per night.

Standard room (Shiraz)

Shiraz is a double bedroom on the first floor of the Gymnasion hotel 150 meters away from the St. Kateřina Hotel. It is furnished with modern, tasteful furniture and large, comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC is equipped with washbasin, shower, and hairdryer. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities.

Standard room (Chardonnay)

This is a very large double bedroom with bathroom and dressing room. You will find it in Garnison hotel 70 meters away from the St. Kateřina Hotel. It is furnished with modern, tasteful furniture and large, comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC has its own window and is equipped with washbasin, shower, and hairdryer. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room has a beautiful view of the little St. Kateřina church and the forest.

Superior room (Cabernet)

Cabernet is the double bedroom in the attic of the St. Kateřina Hotel is located on the third floor. It is furnished with modern, tasteful furniture and large, comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with toilet has its own window and is equipped with washbasin, shower, and hairdryer. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room has a beautiful view of the neighboring forest, or on the lakes and St. Kateřina spring.

Superior room (Merlot)

A spacious double bedroom furnished with modern, tasteful furniture and large, comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC has its own window and is equipped with bath, shower, ladder radiators, and hairdryer. Heating is located in the floor. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room has a beautiful view of the neighboring forest, or the lakes and the St. Kateřina spring and the forest.

Deluxe room (Sauvignon)

A spacious double bedroom with large terrace. It is located on the first floor of the St. Kateřina Hotel. It is furnished with modern, tasteful furniture and large, comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC has its own window and it is equipped with bath, shower, ladder radiators, and a hairdryer. Heating is located in the floor. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room and especially the terrace, have a beautiful view of the upper and lower lake, the little church, the St. Kateřina spring, and the forest.

Deluxe room (Pinot)

A spacious room located in the St. Kateřina Hotel. It is furnished with stylish oriental furniture, large and comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC has its own window and is equipped with bath, shower, bidet, ladder radiators, and a hairdryer. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room has a beautiful view of the little church, the St. Kateřina spring, the upper lake, and forest.

Deluxe Junior Suite (Carmenere)

A two-bedroom suite located in the St. Kateřina Hotel. It is furnished with stylish oriental furniture, large and comfortable beds which can be ordered either as a queen-sized bed for couples or separate beds. The bathroom with WC has its own window and is equipped with bath, shower, bidet, ladder radiators, and a hairdryer. Bathrobes and terry cloth slippers are standard amenities. The room has a beautiful view of the little church and the St. Kateřina spring.

In Sanskrit, yoga means "unification". Thus, it will unify your body, mind, and spirit. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty and precision of the asana yoga movement. Learn to breathe properly and try to look into the secrets of yoga. You will also practice pranayama whose focus is on consciousness and free breathing (prana = breath, cosmic energy, ajami = monitor, regulate). Pranayama has positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

The physical effects of pranayamas include:

• Maintain and improve physical health
• Blood purification
• Increase of oxygen intake
• Strengthen the lungs and heart
• Normalization of blood pressure
• Harmonizing and stabilizing the nervous system
• Supporting the healing processes and medical therapies
• Increasing resistance to diseases

The psychological effects of pranayamas include:

• Stress elimination, anxiety, depression
• Calming the thoughts and emotions
• Internal balance
• Dissolution of energy blocks

The spiritual effects include:

• Meditation deepening
• Awakening and cleansing of chakras (energy centers)
• Consciousness expansion

This retreat takes place in Resort Svatá Kateřina, Počátky, Czech Republic.

Nearby places

• Prague, 130 kilometers

Ayurvedic full board is included in your retreat package. You will enjoy seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinner.

During your stay at the Katerina Resort, you can enjoy the facilities they offer such as saunas, steam rooms, whirlpool, relaxation rooms, and fitness center. Training sessions and other fun activities are available at extra cost.

Balance and strength exercises

• Perfect belly: a combination of aerobic and strengthening activities focused on the strengthening the problematic parts of the abdomen and back
• Perfect hips: a combination of aerobic and strengthening activities focused on the strengthening the problematic parts of the thighs, hips, and buttocks
• Perfect body: combination of aerobic and strengthening activities focused on the strengthening the problematic parts of the body
• Fitball: strength and balance training using a large ball. This exercise includes rehabilitative elements, improves the flexibility of the spine, and shapes and strengthens your entire body
• BOSU mix: a dynamic activity combining the aerobic exercises influencing the cardiovascular system while strengthening the entire body. The BOSU Balance is used in conjunction with this exercise. This type is suitable for intermediate level

Cardio activities

• Power shape: aerobic fitness activity, where you will change stations of aerobic activity (running and cycling) with strengthen stations focusing on whole body
• Boot camp: aerobic fitness activity of higher intensity, where you will change aerobic activities (running and skipping rope) with strengthening exercises
• Fit kick box: intensive aerobic training focused on technique of kicking and blowing
• Tae Bo: modern type of aerobic exercise that combines the elements of karate, Taekwondo, and box
• Rope skipping: it is an activity ranked in high impact exercises, a movement with higher load on joint system as well as the cardiovascular system
• Indoor cycling: aerobic training in higher intensity, taking place on stationary bikes
• Circle training: aerobic fitness training, where you will regularly change aerobic and strengthen intervals
• BOSU cardio: dynamic aerobic activity focused on improving your physical condition and strengthens of the whole body
• Nordic walking: outdoor aerobic activity, a fitness walking where you will use special sticks which are similar to the sticks using in cross-country skiing
• Running: training which has a positive influence on your cardiovascular system
• Cross-country skiing: training which has positive influence on your cardiovascular system and helps to reduce your weight
• Walking with snowshoes: funny sport activity in the nature, regardless of the weather
• Skating and ice hockey: use the opportunity to skate on upper and lower lake
• Bicycling: discover the beauty of the nature, visit cultural and natural places of interest

Dance activities

Dance sessions are fun sports activities which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and the development of physical activity skills. Some lessons include strength equipment. Dancing helps to improve your fitness, weight loss, and shapes and strengthens the muscles throughout the body. Dancing is fun and helps you feel great.

• Cardio dance: combination of Latin-American and oriental dances, flamenco, street dance, and tango
• Dance aerobic: aerobic lesson with dance steps, strengthening cardiovascular system
• Salsa: Latin-American dance, a mixture of Cuban dance forms such as son, danzón, guarija, mambo, cha-cha, together with the Columbian cumbia and Puerto Rico bomb
• Belly dance: oriental dance with its origin in the Middle East
• Zumba: combination of Latin-American music and Latin-American dances to strengthen especially cardiovascular system

Dog sled

A unique opportunity is available at the St. Kateřina Resort for you to experience a dog sledge riding. For some it is romantic. For others, it is an adrenaline rush. But for everyone it is an incredible experience of the pleasant moments spent with dogs in the countryside. Experience the adventure and feel the charm of the surrounding countryside from a dog drawn sledge or cart, or try what it is like to guide your own sledge!

Golf

Golf is a natural activity in beautifully constructed natural surroundings. Thus, the game of golf is introduced as an optimal counterweight to the current lifestyle. The sport stresses the entire musculoskeletal system equally. When done recreationally, it doesn’t require extreme stress and exertion. Therefore, it is possible to play golf at a decent level at any age. A great advantage of golf is that people can play with different performance at any sex and age.

At St. Kateřina, there is no golf course, but they have a beautiful training meadow. The driving range is exceptional that the golf enthusiast is, with few exceptions almost alone there. One can indulge in practicing golf strokes on the vast field lined with trees without being disturbed by the critical and doubtful glances of experienced golfers.

The driving Range at St. Kateřina is not only beautiful, but it is also the highest altitude training meadow in the Czech Republic. The training meadow lies at an altitude of 747 meters above sea level. Enjoy the game!

Games and sports

St. Kateřina Resort has the following sport fields:

• 1 multipurpose game field
• 3 clay tennis courts
• 3 tables for table tennis
• Badminton
• Dog sled
• Floor ball
• Football
• Frisbee
• Grass football ground, 40 x 70 meters
• Golf driving range
• Hockey
• Horses
• Petanque pitch
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Volleyball

Pilates

Pilates is an exercise system that was established by the well-known physiotherapist J. H. Pilates, a naturalized American of German origin. Pilates is currently very popular among celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith, and Uma Thurman. It has a slower character which involves and strengthens the body, improves flexibility, and improves body posture. Deep muscle tissue is engaged during the exercises of Pilates. It also helps with back ache.

Ayurveda is 5000 years old traditional Indian medicine which comprises unique systems of eating, exercises, herbal therapies, relaxation, meditation, cleaning of organism, aromatherapy and much more. Ayurveda was recognized by World Health Organization like effective medical system in 1982. It harmonizes body, spirit, and mind, and shelps to restore internal harmony and balance.

During the retreat, you will receive various Ayurveda treatments and therapies that include one session of Shiro Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage, two sessions of Ayurvedic massage Podikizhi, two sessions of Navara Kizhi (in summer) or Pizhichil (in winter) therapies, three sessions of Abhyanga Ayurvedic massages, three sessions of Pada Abhyanga therapies, and three sessions of Ayurvedic Shirodhara massages.

You will also have a 45-minute initial consultation with Ayurvedic physicians. There will be also an output in consultation.

• 1 Shiro Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage (55 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 2 hours of exercise classes (yoga , pranayama, or therapeutic classes of the day)
• 2 Navara Kizhi or Pizhichil therapy (55 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 2 Podikizhi Ayurvedic massage (55 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 3 Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage (55 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 3 Ayurvedic therapy lower limbs, Pada Abhyanga (25 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 3 Shirodhara Ayurvedic massage (55 minutes + 5 minutes)
• 7 nights accommodation
• Ayurvedic full board (7 dinners, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches)
• Final consultation with Ayurvedic doctor (30 minutes)
• Free access to fitness
• Free access to the wellness spa (sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and relaxation room)
• Initial consultation with Ayurvedic doctor (45 minutes)
• Lecture about trends in lifestyle
• Transfer from the beginnings (unattended fenced parking) to the resort and back
• Water program (Katherine spring cold or hot water through the day)

• Additional activities, services, or excursions
• Airfare
• Personal expenses

Driving directions from Brno

• Take the D1 motorway towards Praha, exit Jihlava / Pávov.
• Continue through Jihlava towards Pelhřimov about five kilometer after Jihlava turn left towards Telč, Kostelecké.
• After the village Kostelecké, behind the meat processing plant Kostelecké uzeniny a.s., turn right towards Horní Cerekev.
• At the entrance to the square in Horní Cerekev, take the first left turn to Počátky.

Driving directions from Prague

• Take the D1 motorway towards Brno, exit #90 to Humpolec / Pelhřimov.
• Continue through Pelhřimov along the main direction to Jindřichův Hradec.
• After the third traffic light by the petrol station Benzina, turn left in the direction of Tel at the end of the first village Rynárec (after Pelhřimov) turn right at the outset to Počátky.

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) or to Brno -Tuřany Airport (BRQ).

From Prague or Brno to Počátky, the journey by public transport takes about two to three hours and costs 200 to 300 CZK (8 to 12 EUR per person). Katerina Resort will gladly help you to find the best connection depending on landing time of your plane. Transfer from Počátky (fenced unattended parking) to the resort and back is included in your retreat package.

Arrival by taxi

The taxi costs approximately 100 EUR one way from the Prague Airport (PRG). The journey by car takes about two hours driving. Please note that the cost of transfer with taxi is not included in your package.