To lean in with Love is to open to the parts of us that may be holding us back, so that we can unravel patterns of protection and rest into a renewed feeling of inner strength and wholeness.
In this three-day retreat with Chris and Melissa, you’ll learn to transform physical and emotional holding patterns, soothe the nervous system, nourish the body and open to a deeper quality of ease and wellbeing.
Our Venue - SANGSURYA
Sangsurya is a spiritual and life education retreat centre located in the peaceful hinterland of Byron Bay. A social enterprise built on the foundation of love, pure intention and service to humanity. It has been a place of refuge and healing to thousands of students and practitioners for over 30 years. This authentic retreat venue provides a natural, environmentally-friendly sanctuary for self-reflection, meditation and personal development.
Sangsurya is a place for experiencing relaxation, contemplation, rejuvenation and resilience. Come and be immersed in our peaceful forest sanctuary overlooking the ocean, where native species flourish and bird song breaks the morning silence, and there is space to just be.
Beautiful mosaic tiles and pathways meander through the lush gardens and natural rock steps. As evening settles, path lights softly glow, creating a magical pathway for guests to move to and from their rooms. The forest on the Eastern face of the property receives the morning sun and attracts early risers for meditation and yoga practices. You’ll experience fresh sea air and views through the forest to Tallows beach. The Western slope features sub-tropical rainforest with walking trails to a lily pond in the valley. You’ll be immersed in the beauty of native flora and fauna. This abundantly reforested land gives one a sense of being in a national park.
Accomodation:
Accommodation at Sangsurya Retreat Centre is in Thai style hand-built timber-floored houses and cabins. There are 18 bedrooms uniquely positioned amidst sub-tropical gardens and give a lovely sense of privacy and tranquillity. Each room has been individually designed and furnished to have its own charming ambience. All are heated, air-conditioned and have ceiling fans.
TWIN SHARE ROOM + ENSUITE $1200 AUD per person
KING BEDROOM + ENSUITE $1650 AUD
DELUXE KING ROOM + ENSUITE $2200 AUD
There All rooms have air conditioning, heating + pedestal fans.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• 3 x Nights Accomodation at SANGSURYA RETREAT CENTRE.
• Daily ‘Farm to Table’ vegetarian meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & dessert every day).
• Gentle self enquiry practices to meet areas of mental and emotional discomfort.
• Daily Meditation.
• Daily Asana (yoga posture/movement) + Breath Practise.
• Yoga Nidra + Yin Yoga.
• Use of the beautiful pH balanced saltwater swimming pool.
• Yoga Mats and all props provided.
• Access to on site nature grounds & walking trails.
Meet Chris Wilson.
Chris sees the practice of yoga and meditation as a means to help us live more skilfully and recognise our inherent wholeness. He came across the practice in 2003, having quite a turbulent mind at the time, the teachings quickly became a place of refuge. In 2007 he moved to Canada and began the first of many teacher trainings, he returned to Australia shortly after to begin teaching.
Over the past 20 years Chris hasn’t stopped learning and evolving his understanding. Among the many teachers he has studied with, Chris has been primarily inspired by Erich Schiffman, Richard Miller and Rupert Spira.
Chris has lead over 20 200-Hour teacher trainings, advanced trainings in Pranayama and meditation, along with many immersive retreats. His passion is to simplify the practice, to help make the deeper teachings more accessible and to help each of us develop our own unique relationship with the life’s truths.
Chris was previously co-owner of Power Living Melbourne and is the founder of Yoke Yoga.
Meet Melissa Mai.
Melissa Mai is a Yoga & Embodiment Teacher. She has been teaching yoga for 12 years since her return from India in 2013. It was here she completed her Yoga Teacher Training with Swami Govindananda. Practising a full spectrum yoga practise in the ashram, offered Melissa a connection to her innate essence - the part of her (and us all) that is unchanging, and inherently whole. This experience was profound for Melissa. At the time she was struggling with a binge eating disorder, and in the ashram she begun immersing in a Yogic way of living (Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriya, Chanting & Self Study). By the time she left the ashram, this cycle of compulsion, shame and disconnect around her eating and body was no longer present in her life. This is when Melissa begun sharing the gift of yoga.
The enquiry of, “Who/what am I beyond this body and mind?”, eventually led her back to “How do I live in full embrace, honour and ally-ship with my humanness? With my body, mind & emotions?”. This is where the path of somatic exploration & embodiment begun. Embodiment practice was a powerful way to re-establish trust and safety within the body, enabling her to reconnect with the bodies wisdom. Then hold, listen to, dance with, and heal the ‘stories’ the body held.
Melissa allows her style of teaching to evolve and reflect her natural evolution as a human/woman. You can always expect her classes to be slow, steady, and heart felt - “I don’t care about how you look; all I care about is how you feel”.
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven’t done much Yoga at all, will this be suitable?
Yes, we ensure to meet every participant at their level. We are welcoming, inclusive and have 15+ years experience in accomodating our students unique needs.
What is the minimum age to participate?
We suggest 16 years old as a minimum age to attend, if participating alongside a parent/guardian.
What if I have an injury?
Almost all injuries can be accommodated and supported. Yoga is an inclusive practice and there will always be some way to move your body that will be of benefit to you. We’re here to help you find a way to modify and create a practice that supports you.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can view the Payment + Cancellation Policy here.
What time does the retreat start and finish?
Check in is 2:00pm on Saturday 9th August 2025.
Check out is 10:30am on Tuesday 12th August 2025.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Yes! Our chef can accomodate for Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and any other allergies or intolerances. You’ll have an opportunity to complete an Enrolment form closer to our program requesting your dietary requirements.
Do I need to bring my Yoga mat and props?
No - all mats, blocks & bolsters are provided so you can pack light! If you would like to bring your own yoga mat, you are more than welcome to.
How do I get there?
The closest airport to Sangsurya is Ballina Airport (30 min drive), however it is also an option to fly into Gold Coast Airport which is 55 min drive to the retreat venue. You will find there are more flight options into Gold Coast than Ballina. You can then arrange a taxi or Uber driver to pick you up and bring you to the retreat venue.