VISITORS

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What visitors have said:

“I am going home totally refreshed and rejuvenated. It totally exceeded my expectations. Thank you for your wonderful generosity and hospitality!”

"I came to Gölköy and the course to find direction, relaxation and have the experience on my own but with others. This week has changed my life and I will continue to 'smile to my bowel' and pull up mula bandha, and will never forget the amazing people I shared this time with. I also know that laughter is the best medicine and 'core strength' keeps you from falling over! I have taken away so many positive things with me and will smile to all around me and inside me. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful haven, your time, endless patience and warm atmosphere. Love and hugs, Sharon McD."

“I’ve had a great time and feel I’ve advanced in my yoga practice. Thanks for making this possible and the generous hospitality.”


"I have been travelling around and time has slipped away but I always talk fondly of the fantastic time I had in Gölköy. Thank you for such a wonderful experience - I couldn't have asked for a better week. Everything was just perfect from the food, to the lessons, the people, the hotel, the energy and of course, Susan. I found her to be one of the most caring and engaging teachers I have ever had. Her lessons were challenging but not so much you couldn't keep and she focused on the individual. I had such a wonderful time that I do hope I can come back in the next few years and hopefully bring or encourage others to have a week with you both. In fact, it was so good and relaxing that as soon I got to Bodrum I had a little breakdown and felt completely overwhelmed! "Thank you again, thank you for setting up such a fantastic retreat that excites not only the body but all the senses. You have a beautiful home and I am grateful I was apart of it for a short time." Lydia C., Sardinia


"Whether you are a lapsed regular like me or more disciplined like others in our class Okido Yoga led by Michael Cullingworth for one week is an excellent way to boost one’s yoga practice, enjoy a stunning corner of Turkey, good food and company. His yoga terrace is a delight to behold, situated in an olive grove and shrouded by bougainvillea. It is a 20 minute walk from the main hotels of Gölköy where all the guests stay. This is all just 30 minutes by taxi from Bodrum airport. "Michael structures your week from Tuesday to Sunday with six days of well thought yoga practice to challenge and to give confidence. Each day you find yourself building on one more move and posture so that you are confident that you are moving on step by step. He allows plenty of time for practice and to give remedial help to those who need it. By way of example, on day four we strove hard in the sunlight to reach a back bend. By day five we were moving into inversions after reviewing back bends. At the end of each morning you feel stretched and with a sense of achievement. Each day starts with Michael giving a brief introduction to the philosophy of Okido yoga. The evening sessions are usually an hour long to balance out the morning‘s exercise and include breathing, meditation and restorative poses.

"The day is structured so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the dramatic views of the peninsula admiring mountain and sea from the beach and of course take a swim. "Michael and his partner Pervin organise a delicious vegetarian lunch for the class after the morning session (more on the food anon as it merits an entire book) and also a supper after the evening session.

"Did I say that the food is delicious? The cuisine chez Michael and Pervin is a joyous abundance of local produce including salads, leeks, aubergine, celeriac, plus plums, pears, peaches and the occasional home baked cake . The food on offer puts the good work of Mr Ottolenghi in the shade. This is all home cooked using local produce and of course all vegetarian. You will never want to eat M&S meal deal for two ever again.

"I would definitely rebook to come on this course again. It has given me confidence to restart yoga practice and has resolved some niggling back problems. At time of writing, I am physically and mentally refreshed and ready to tackle a long British winter." Sarah D., London

"I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the inimacy of the experience"

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"I wanted to let you know how much I really enjoyed my stay in Gölköy. I am so happy that I emailed you and booked this at the last moment. I was a bit apprehensive doing this and going on my own but I had such a wonderful time and know I made the right decision. Thanks so much for your hospitality, kindness and warm personality. Everything was just great! I hope to come back again at some stage and look forward to seeing you then. Very best wishes, Jill M."

“The course tutor was exceptional - found him very inspiring! The food was a real eye-opener! Not a sign of tofu, and delicious. I found the yoga setting a haven of peace and tranquility. So calming.”


“It has been a week that has surpassed my expectations. Pervin and her staff could not have done more to make this holiday special. The teacher was of a very high standard as well as the accommodation. New friends were made with a common bond. Highly recommended.”

"I found I was much more focused on my yoga in this quiet setting with no distractions. I enjoyed my time here very much and will recommed you very highly to friends." Elena G., New York.

"Yoga and teacher: brilliant. Food: out of this world. I feel so much more confident in my yoga and I am inspired to make yoga a bigger part of my life."

"Many, many thanks for a fantastic week of yoga. I didn't really know what to expect so I am delighted to be able to report that I loved every minute! The patient and good-humoured teaching was excellent and made the whole experience very enjoyable. And, of course, the fabulous food! Yum, yum."


“It was genuinely one of the best holidays and yoga experiences I have ever had. An amazing introduction to beautiful Turkey.”

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and intimacy of the experience. I’d definitely come again.”

"An outstanding week in all respects. Cannot believe how lucky I was to share the course with so many lovely people. Great company, hamam and boat trip - superb."

“Thank you for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It was a very special learning experience.”

“I feel so much more relaxed and at peace with the world. The holiday has been one of the best holidays I have ever had. I certainly hope to come back.”

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