Wellness news: The Ralston Method takes yoga - and you - to the Tropics

“Sometimes you need to get away from it all to connect back with who you really are…”

Yoga teacher Nikki Ralston (above) and her self-developed Ralston Method have been described as “true life changers”, and now the health and wellbeing powerhouse is applying her talents to a tropical yoga retreat in Rarotonga this June.

Happening from June 21-28, it will involve daily morning and sunset yoga sessions, massage and bodywork, along with “delicious smoothies, swimming, activities like fishing and paddle boarding, yummy food, giggles and sleep.”

I for one am a huge fan of both Nikki – who I can honestly say is the ultimate petite dynamo – and The Ralston Method, which was born from observing clients over the years and “identifying gaps in the cohesiveness of their self care,” Nikki told me. “I saw a need for a unified approach to wellness - it’s yoga and it’s massage and it’s skincare. It’s about making yourself a priority and having the tools to be able to do that.”

The retreat is a direct reflection of the need for some quality “time out”, and something Nikki has wanting to do for the last 5 years. “I know as a busy working mum how much I crave a getaway just for myself, to not only chill out but also come back refreshed, focussed and having learnt a whole lot too.”

All levels of experience are welcome at the retreat, with Nikki explaining that it would be a “great place to establish a grounded practise, up your focus or come as an experienced yogi and deepen your practise with optional advanced asana workshops”.

The cost for attending the retreat is $3345, which includes return economy airfares with Air New Zealand, transfers, seven nights’ accommodation (twin share) at Crown Beach Resort, meals, twice daily yoga, massage and activities. For a little extra you can get a single room (I’m saving up as I type!) and you need to book as soon as you can to reserve your space with a $100 deposit, then the next payment of $1500 is due 1st May and a final payment of $1745 on 31st May.

“My aim is to have my guests return home feeling their best selves,” Nikki tells me, “and take away tools and knowledge on how to maintain unified wellness at home.”

Namaste to that!

** Nikki also recently opened her Urban Ashram at 2/49 Brown Street, Ponsonby, where she takes two group classes a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings and sees private clients. For more details visit www.theralstonmethod.com **