The YOGA WEEKEND RETREAT is from Friday 11 until Sunday 13 September 2026,

at the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge.

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Namaste; Welcome and Thank You for your interest to immerse yourself in a Weekend of Yoga, Meditation & more. An opportunity to re-connect with your inner Self.

The topic of the Retreat is based on these basic points of Yoga:

1. Exercise (Asana): Our physical body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not provide natural motion of muscles and joints, then disease and discomfort might ensue with time. Proper exercise is meant to be pleasant to the practitioner while beneficial to the body, mind and spirit.

• Breathing (Pranayama): Yoga teaches us how to use the lungs to their maximum capacity and how to control the breath. Proper breathing is deep, slow and rhythmical. This increases vitality, calmness of the mind and mental clarity. Overall, it helps to stimulate the nervous system.

• Relaxation (Savasana): Long before the invention of cars, planes, telephones, computers, social media, freeways and other modern triggers of stress, the Rishis (sages or seers) and Yogis practised very powerful techniques of deep relaxation. As a matter of fact, many modern stress-management and relaxation methods borrow heavily from this tradition. By relaxing deeply all the muscles the Yogi can thoroughly rejuvenate his/her nervous system and attain a deep sense of inner peace & general well-being.

• Diet (Vegetarian): Besides being responsible for building our physical body, the foods we eat profoundly affect our mind. For maximum body-mind efficiency and complete spiritual awareness, Yoga advocates a lacto-vegetarian diet. This is an integral part of the Yogic lifestyle. Supported and following the guidelines of Ayurveda (the science of life). Over this weekend our vegetarian meals are lovingly prepared and served by Danielle Gonsal from Abundant Health Ayurveda. She will most likely offer us a talk / workshop as well, on the benefits of Ayurveda.

• Positive Thinking and Meditation (Dhyana): This is one the most important point, we become what we think. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta; which is the ancient Yoga wisdom. Supporting inner reflection. The mind can be brought under control by regular practice of meditation.

• Chakra system & our Aura:  When we feel in perfect balance physically & mentally by the above-described practices, that are all part of Yoga, the energy field around us is in balance as well. This helps us to feel confident, strong, radiant, happy & healthy in any part of our lives.

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I teach the Yoga & Meditation classes.

The vegetarian meals are lovingly prepared and served by experienced vegetarian Chef Danielle, bringing her knowledge of Ayurveda onto the plates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063508035515

Plus this year, Danielle Gonsal is most likely offering us a workshop / talk about the benefits of Ayurveda, and how nutrition can help to balance our hormons, and improve general well being.

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We are surrounded by beautiful nature, the venue offers many nice corners to sit & be by yourself, or socialising, even short walks on the grounds.  We do have enough time besides the Yoga program for walks, naps, chats, reading a book, to be & reflect.

   release, relax, recharge and reset

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Accommodation, Cost and Booking

The cost for the weekend is $760.00 per person, it includes the Yoga program, accommodation & the meals. You are basically covered for the whole weekend.

All rooms are single rooms with double beds, unless you would like to share with a friend or family member. A few rooms have a second bed, or separate/second bedroom.

A non-refundable deposit of $260.00 is required to reserve your space.

The balance of $500 can be paid in instalments at your convenience. The final payment is due by end of August 2026.

Payment is cash, direct bank deposit or PayID. Please contact me if you need account details.

To book your space or any questions regarding the Yoga Weekend Retreat, please email me at hathayogaipswich@gmail.com , send me a text or phone 0423 477 725 or let me know in class.

I have put togther a colourful 7 page pdf brochure, with all the details, information and more photos. Please let me know, and I’ll email it to you.

I look forward to an inspiring and uplifting weekend of yoga and meditation, being close to nature helping us to be ready for the Spring, the new season, the new beginning.

OM OM OM

                          Maria Prema

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© Photography Maria Steiner and Ian Grasmeder, photos taken on previous retreats and private holidays 2009 – 2024.

Feedback from previous Retreats

From Kirsten: I had a beautiful weekend at the yoga retreat at Coolum. The meditation with the harmonium was truly magical. The food was perfect. Will definitely be attending next year. Thank you Maria and Kamala xoxo

From Vicki: Thank you Maria for a wonderful experience. Kamala, thank you for the beautiful music and songs. 🧘‍♀️

From Rosemary: Thank you Maria for a great retreat with good company in a beautiful location. Many wonderful memories.

From Leticia: Thank you Maria for a brilliantly organised retreat in a superb location. Plenty of fond memories and new ideas for me to bring home to incorporate into my own yoga practise.

Retreat Review by Thana:

I have never been to a yoga retreat and I was quite sceptical initially. A friend told me about it and I thought I will give it a go. It was a great decision! The teacher Maria Prema was great  – skilled and personable; I felt really comfortable with her.  The view was breath-taking and the food was delicious. Meeting like-minded people and doing yoga for the 3 days was wonderful. To do Surya Namaskar while watching the sun rise over the ocean was quite an amazing experience. On the whole, it was soul-enriching  and the retreat was a real treat for me!

Yoga & Meditation Weekend Retreat, September 2018 at Luther Heights Youth Camp in Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD.

Thank you Maria. Great memories of our Yoga Retreat. Thank you for all the effort you put in.

Carmel x

Dear Maria

Hi Maria

This is Penelope …

Firstly, Thank you for an Absolutely  Lovely retreat and for attracting an amazing authentic bunch of people to your Yoga Practice.. It was so nice to be pushed gently out of my comfort zone of yoga I have fallen into and reacquaint with some old stretches and poses and look at a couple of new ones as well. You have motivated me to start the day again with my Salute to the Sun Routine.

Hi Maria

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend! I came away from this weekend with so much.. Even a new inspired menu for my daughter and I 😃

Mel X

Dear Maria, 

After such an invigorating weekend of yoga, meditation and friendship, I feel I must write and thank you. I feel so blessed to know you and to be able to share in your wealth of knowledge about the philosophy of yoga, meditation, chanting and your life experiences which you passed on to us at Gunnebah Retreat. It has been a very uplifting experience for me.

Thank you also for your talent in singing and playing the harmonium for us and teaching us how to chant.  I found the pranayama exercises so beneficial. My nasal passages have never felt so unobstructed.

The facilities, the food, and the company of so many interesting people who are from all walks of life and who all share our common interest in yoga were part of the enriching experience for me. I especially appreciate your understanding of people and how you are able to motivate and inspire us all no matter our personal circumstances.

With thanks Maria,

Carmel

“Dear Maria,  Thank you so much for organising the Gunnebah Retreat. I found the few days away with like minded people to be a chance to energise, relax & reaffirm life goals that needed a bit of adjusting. We all get busy looking after the needs of others & we sometimes forget to look after ourselves. Your generosity in sharing your recipes & lovely cooking is appreciated. I am very much looking forward to the next retreat!”  X Leigh

“Hi Maria,  Thanks for an absolutely wonderful weekend.  As soon as I got home, I found the yoga book and started going through it and planning things I can do, starting tomorrow 🙂 ”  Janine et Matt

“Good morning Maria,  Thank you for a wonderful weekend, I really appreciate it along with you driving me there and back. Have a lovely week.”

 Kate

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