14 - 18 Oct 2023 | Aqua Sun, Sinai, Egypt
Soul, a Silent Retreat Sinai, Egypt
Learn How to Liberate Yourself from your Conditioning and Traumas
by Diving into the Wisdom of Vipassana Meditation.
Have You Ever had the Calling from your Soul to Just Listen?
A Deep Call of Listening to your Heart?
Have you ever wanted to release this past trauma and conditioning or understand better why you react to life the way you do?
Have you ever wanted to dive deeper into your Meditation & Yoga practice, to enhance your self love, and connect to your breath and sensations?
If your Answers are Yes, You’re in the Right Space.
This is a special retreat, an opportunity to turn off the outside noise and dive into the inside voices, visions and sensations.
This retreat will be completely offline, and in silence, in order to shut off the outside and give you the space to listen.
You will learn how to meditate if you have never learnt it before, step by step. You will learn some pranayama and some soft asana practices you can take home with you.
There will be free time for extra practice and exploring the beautiful and magical 2km stretch of beach of Aqua Sun, swim, walk or sit and absorb the mystical energies of where the desert meets the Red Sea.
A 7 night journey in the spirit of Vipassana Meditation,
To turn off the outside noise and re-discover your true nature.
Connect to Mother Nature and listen to your inner soul’s voices,
On the New Moon Eclipse in Libra.
| Meditation, Soft Asana, Philosophy, Pranayama, Yin Yoga |
Enriched with Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Sound Massage.
How Soul, a Silent Retreat was Born
After a surf injury in 2014, I started experiencing PTSD panic attacks in the water, underwater (diving) and on the land on way to the surf. It took years of understanding what I am experiencing and why, and trying different methods to liberate myself from these symptoms. In retrospective, I could also see how I started feeling lost, and fear was taking over larger parts of my life.
On the first Vipassana course I ever took, my life changed upside down. Everything became crystal clear to me. I understood how my subconscious mind and body work, and what was happening to me when I was experiencing these panic attacks.
Moreover, the meditation work I did on this course along with an outstanding Cranio-Sacral session I received after the course from one of my teachers, freed me from the burden of PTSD and fear. I couldn’t believe it, but from that point on, I was not only able to live more freely, I was also not reacting to life the way I was before.
I no longer experience these panic attacks, the most healing place for me is to be in the water, and if I identify layers of these conditioning and trauma, I have the tools to flow with the situation with ease and take ownership of my life.
As this technique changed my life after practicing it thoroughly, I felt the call to pass it on to others. I curated carefully different modalities I practice and believe to be supportive for Vipassana Mediation, and decided to make it a small, intimate and very nurtured environment.
After the first retreat I hosted in 2022, I saw how powerful this combination is, and I had a deep understanding that this is my calling in this lifetime.
I had a deep knowing of the 3 places I wanted to host these retreats around the world, while creating a special connection with the retreat space owners, staff, culture and country.
I offer a feminine approach to the traditional teachings of the Buddha, combining with a hands on Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Sound Massage, learning to practice in stillness, movement, on a philosophical level but most importantly on an experiential level, in few of the most sacred and breathtaking places on earth.
Your Host & Teacher::
Amber Houbara,
Nice to Meet you
Amber has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2011 and started teaching in 2016. She started hosting Soul, a Silent Retreat in 2022.
She is hosting retreats, workshops, events, classes and private sessions around the world and have supported hundreds of people in her offerings.
Amber participated in a number of Vipassana courses and serving, Teacher trainings/ courses/ workshops of asana /pranayama /philosophy with great teachers such as; Maty Ezraty, Matthew Sweeney, AG & Indra Mohan, Mark Robberds as well as a deep practice with many great teachers from Israel such as Shirley Caspi, Sharon Kanor, Nancy Gardush, Galia Kornfeld, Eden Gershon, and a Yin Yoga TT with Noga Weiss.
Amber is trained in Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Peter Hess Sound Massage, and therefore you will experience some of this therapy throughout the retreat.
What are the Benefits of joining Soul, a Silent Retreat
Learn the Buddha’s powerful techniques, to liberate from patterns of behaviour, conditioning and traumas.
Learn how to calm the mind, observe the reality as it, by learning meditation step by step.
Detox from screens and outside noises, and re-discover your true nature so you can listen to your inner soul’s voices, and connect to mother nature on a deeper level.
Come back and listen to your heart and feel more Self love, worthiness, kindness and compassion. and how to share love kindness and compassion to all living beings.
Understand the law of nature : impermanence.
And how to surrender to change.
Learn how to release your suffering by being resilient to craving and aversions.
Deepen your yoga practice, Learn what exactly is Yoga, and the relation of Asana (poses) to Meditation.
Experience a New Moon Eclipse Ceremony including; a philosophy talk about Astrology, the translation of it to Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed by Yin Yoga Cranio-Sacral Therapy, sound massage and a transformative guided imagery.
Receive Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Sound Massage every evening during Yin Yoga.
Learn tools to utilise in different scenarios in your daily life.
Feel elevated few inches above the ground, liberated, transformed, rested, nurtured, seen and held.
Receive a special surprise retreat kit
Who is this Retreat for?
If you are looking for a transformational experience.
If you are willing to get out of your comfort zone.
If you want to let go of old conditioning, traumas and outdated self beliefs which are holding you back.
If you always wanted to learn Vipassana but wanted a safe intimate and feminine space, where you are being seen held and nurtured before, throughout and after.
If you want to liberate yourself from fear and take ownership of your life.
If you always wanted to learn how to meditate.
If you always wanted to deepen your yoga practice.
Who is this Retreat NOT for?
If you are not willing to get out of your comfort zone
If you are not willing to work diligently in order to let go off your old conditionings and traumas
If you are a person that always complains and never do anything about it.
If you don’t want to connect with your own body mind and soul on a deep level.
If you enjoy living in ignorance.
Location :: Aqua Sun Sinai, Egypt
Surrounded by the peace and serenity of the desert, facing the Red Sea and home to stunning coral reefs.
Aqua Sun is ringed by the dramatic red mountains, recalling the magnificent glories of ancient time.
Aqua Sun resort offers 2Km of private sandy beach where you can relax and unwind.
Aqua Sun's accommodation follow traditional Egyptian style.
Private Room with Ensuit Bathroom
35-40 meters from the sea.
A great view overlooking the sea and large balcony.
The rooms combines a quiet décor with a traditional Egyptian style.
All rooms are equipped with air condition and private bathrooms.
Private Hut on the Waterfront
Traditional Sinai huts with a unique touch.
there is nothing like Falling asleep to the sound of the sea.
Balcony is just on the seafront.
Suiting the desert hit but also prepared for the cold windy days.
Equipped with fan and bed sheets. Shared bathrooms.
Accommodation
Food
Aqua Sun׳s menu represents typical Egyptian gastronomy, which is cooked and served with love.
Our chef create delicious and original meals each day using only fresh vegetables and products sourced locally.
Lunch and Dinner are served at our main open air restaurant or by the sea.
Outdoor bar offers a variety of Fresh juice, shakes and seasonal fruits. Local style coffee and tea.
*Aqua Sun provides a beautiful buffet with options for any dietary requirements, so know you will be looked after if you have any dietary requirement.
* Breakfast and Dinner are included in the price, any extra food/ beverages you would like to order as extra will be charged to your room. (you would be able to use a pen and paper to order extras if you’d like)
In Shala - The Yoga Shala
In-Shala studio was born out of a desire to offer and provide the perfect environment for a retreat.
The enchanting building that characterises the local style of Sinai has windows that turn in all directions and reveal a magnificent view of the sea and the mountains.
A classic Yoga and Meditation practice studio (100 sq meters), equipped with wall stand for ropes and various yoga accessories such as blocks, pillows, bolsters, and blankets.
This extremely spacious, airy and light space has ceiling fans and AC that allow practice throughout the year.
We find the combination of nature and the tranquility of the place for workshops are exceptional from anywhere else.
Schedule
Friday, 29 April - Sinai
Arrival
14.00-16.30
Aqua Sun
Once you arrive you will have time to enjoy and explore the resort.
Welcome Talk and Meditation
17.00-18.30
The Shala
Dinner
19.00
What is Included
7 Nights Accommodation (to choose from)
Full Board Vegetarian/ Vegan Food (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, chai, treats + all day coffee & tea)
All Yoga and Meditation (Roughly 50 Hours)
6 Yin sessions include Cranio-Sacral & Sound Massage which is given to all practitioners
1 Astrology and TCM evening ceremony, to celebrate the new moon in…
A welcome circle with the village women who will teach you how to make Balinese offerings followed by a blessing with the local Manku (which is the local priest) in our family temple.
A two-hour trek through the surrounding villages, abundant food forests and rice paddies.
A Very Special Surprise Retreat Kit
...and more surprises
What is not Included
Flight Tickets
Travel insurance
Transport to and from the resort (however the resort can arrange transportation for you with extra cost)
Any extra tretements
Lunch/ extra food and drinks
Investment
Early Birds
Private Room - AUD $1020
Private Hut - AUD $665
Full Price
Private Room - AUD $1140
Private Hut - AUD $797
An investment to liberate yourself from patterns of behaviour, conditioning and traumas, by learning the Buddha’s powerful techniques, in the sacred and magical Red Sea Desert.
On the New Moon Eclipse in Libra.
Payment Plans Available
Cancellation Policy
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Any cancellations before 18th of July will be refunded in full
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Any cancellations from 18th of July - 18th of August will be charged 15%
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Any cancellations from the 18th of August will be charged 50%
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Any cancellations from the 15th of September will be charged 100%
Gallery:: Aqua Sun, Sinai Egypt
Testimonials
"I attended my first silent retreat with Amber after attending many silent retreats, mostly Vipassana retreats. My experience with Amber was one that was deeply nurturing and restorative.
I became aware that what Amber offers, in her retreats is the magical feminine essence that creates a safe and sacred place to go deep into the depths of your subconscious Saṅkhāras, while allowing for other ways to move energy, emotions and behaviours with beautiful Hatha style yoga, qi gong and restorative yoga featuring her divine sound healing and intuitive Craniosacral therapy.
One of my favourite parts of Soul - a silent retreat are Amber’s philosophy talks - her insights, her ability to breakdown the Vipassana meditation technique in a way that is through her depth of experience and faith, her passion for exploring the astrological forecast at the time of your retreat is just something very special.
Amber’s wisdom, integrity and ability to hold space is palpable. Her retreats are carefully curated in special places of nature and attending will be one of the most spiritually significant landmarks for your journey inwards, in a way that will feel safe, held and like, OMG can’t wait to attend my next one.
Thank you Amber, you are truly gifted at what you share into the universe and beyond <3"
Katie Green
"Phone detox; delicious healthy food; rising with the sun, to the deep reverberating sound of a gong; meditation classes; yoga classes incorporating sound and cranial sacral therapies; nature immersion; philosophy talks amongst boulders and tall trees; more meditation and yoga and then getting substantial sleep. Days of this, until one morning it just feels natural and nurturing to wake with the sun, to the call of the gong, to sit together,in quiet meditation and comfort.
Silence in a group is uncomfortable....at first
An hour of meditation is uncomfortable....at first
Thankyou Amber for the opportunity to truly realise how much my distractions rob me of seeing my life through quiet, unaffected, childlike clarity. I have found the time again to enjoy what I actually want to be doing and to draw myself to presence. It is a constant work but I have remembered that I can do it and you have offered me the skills to reset.
Thankyou for holding that space for us all."
Lisa Maier
"Amber, my beautiful friend & teacher,
Created the most soul filling, transformational experience for me and 12 other women and 1 man in the most delicious setting in Denmark.
She guided us through a 4 night silence retreat and I came out of it feeling anew. Her knowledge & wisdom is inspiring and learning from her over the past few years has been invaluable. I'm looking forward to participating in another one soon."
Grace Fleming
FAQ
What is Asana?
Asana is translated as a pose. which means - an Asana practice is a movement based practice. In this retreat we are focusing on meditation but a soft gentle movement will help to move the Qi (energy) in the body and also assists with long sits in meditation. Another reason for this movement practice is to learn how to observe sensations while in movement.
You will learn some movements you will be able to take home and practice on your own.
What is Pranayama?
Pranayama or Pranayam is breathing techniques which are ancient and profound, these will help to calm the mind and enrich the experience of meditation. Especially for busy minds. You will learn some techniques you will be able to take home and practice on your own.
Do I need any experience in yoga or meditation or the above?
No. You don’t need any experience with Asana / Meditation / Pranayama / Yin Yoga. You will be guided by Amber the whole time and if you struggle you can always approach Amber for support and help.
What is Nobel Silence?
Noble Silence is the fundamental permissions to dive in.
As sister Chân Diệu Nghiêm says in this beautiful article (highly recommended to read)- “Noble Silence does not mean that we are not allowed to talk. It means that we don’t have to talk, we have no obligation to talk during that period of the day or night.”
At the time of Noble Silence we keep our senses drawn inwards so we can focus on the inner world rather than on the outer world.
Noble Silence means no talking or non communication of any kind, it applies not only to speech but also to any signals, eye contact and written notes etc.
No internet or cellphones communications as well.
Of course you can talk and communicate with Amber, the teacher, for any question, queries and other emergencies.
Practising restraint (or inwards drawing) of the senses in this way provides an essential foundation for the powerful inner work which a meditation retreat facilitates.
How long are we staying in Nobel Silence through the retreat?
Noble silence will start on the first evening (so you can chat as much as you want from your arrival until 5pm) and finish on the last morning. On 7 night retreats we will break noble silence the night before.
Can I ask questions? What if I have a problem?
Yes you can! Amber will be there for you at all times to ask any questions (so you can talk to Amber). You will be able to approach Amber during break times, before or after a session.
Is Amber the only teacher?
Yes, I will teach all classes, and will be your host for any question, query or problem.
Can I drink coffee through the retreat?
Yes you can!
Do I need any of my own props? or a meditation cushion?
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For Sinai retreat there is NO NEED to bring your own props - But bring your own mat! Aqua Sun provides all props but no mats
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For Bali retreat there is NO NEED to bring your own props - Bali Eco Stay provides all props and mats, but if you want to bring yours you are more than welcome!
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For Denmark, WA retreat please read:
I can supply you props but they are limited to 10 sets of all props, so if you have your own props please bring them with you. If you have any extra props and you don’t mind, please bring them with you for others to borrow. Only if you were intending to buy yourself a bolster - I will make an order through a lady who is making them from 100% cotton in Fremantle (her bolster cost is $43 I don’t charge any fee for that). My friend’s brand Divine Goddess have some really nice props made from very good quality which I can recommend, they also sell meditation cushions.
To conclude- *You don’t have to purchase any props for this retreat. We will either have some to supply to you / people will bring extra.
If I booked a shared room can I still be on a waiting list for a private room?
Yes, You certainly can! Just add it to your booking form / send me an email.
What if I need a ride?
For Sinai and Bali retreat there are taxi services through the accomodation. For Denmark Western Australia retreat, in the form you will fill at the time of booking you can ask for a ride and we will do our best to find someone who is driving from the same place, but we can't guarantee.
Have a Question? Get in Touch
If you wish to know more or ask any question please contact - IamEndlessTrip@icloud.com