Deep Dive Somatics
Retreat
2nd -12th October
Finca Argayall
La Gomera - Canary Islands
About
Discover an ocean paradise on this unique eco retreat on the Island of La Gomera in the Canaries with Somatic movement expert Darren Gibbs, Freediving Instructor Tom Luddington and marine biologist and photographer Dr Lou Luddington.Based at the stunning Finca Argayall estate, you will enjoy incredible home made vegetarian food, great company and a life-changing week of guided workshops and activities.You will learn how to truly relax muscles & eliminate tension patterns that are the root cause of everyday pain and limiting beliefs, and reconnect with the ocean.
The itinerary includes movement workshops (somatics), pool relaxation sessions (apnea), and ocean immersion (a guided intro to snorkelling / freediving with the marine life of the Canaries).You will leave more supple, nourished and deeply reconnected to body, mind and ocean - and with a clear vision on how to create your very best future.
Your Hosts
Darren Gibbs (CCSE) is the founder of Active Somatics and is the creator of the Active Somatics Method® (ASM).Darren has over 20 years experience teaching yoga and movement for wellbeing, and has qualified in a wide range of both Eastern and Western health education disciplines. Darren trained with somatic pioneers and meditation masters including Sonia Moriceau, and was one of the first people in the UK to train and qualify under Martha Peterson of Essential Somatics.Darren went on to pioneer the Active Somatics Method ® (ASM®), a step by step process which teaches the skills needed to cultivate a more supple, easeful, authentic and connected life which he has used to help thousands of people at workshops, events and online. Read more here
Tom Luddington is an AIDA Freediving instructor, and has spent his life teaching many different adventure activities, and inspiring people to live out their dreams of more active and adventurous living.To experience life to the full.In the past Tom has coached advanced surfing, sea cliff rock climbing and as a 5* sea kayak guide has organised kayak expeditions to remote places around the world.Recently Tom - leading by example - has embarked on the biggest adventure of his life - casting off the bow lines and living full time on his 35ft sailing boat with his wife of 19 years Lou. In this past year they have sailed from Wales - France - Spain - Portugal and on to the Canary Islands.Tom is also first aid qualified and fully insured with DAN (Diver Alert Network) and is a leader that knows how to encourage people to reach their true potential whilst staying safe during adventures. Read more here
Dr Lou Luddington has a PhD in Marine Biology and is at heart an ocean conservationist. Lou is currently focussed on using nature photography and writing to inspire people to be more connected with our natural environment and wildlife and make the changes necessary to protect species and habitats.Lou has written a celebrated book 'Wonderous British Marine Life' and won awards for her nature photography. Lou currently writes articles in various publications including Oceanographic Magazine.Sailing full time around the world together with husband Tom , Lou is dedicating her life to shine a light on the marine species that are under threat, and using powerful images and writing to show the raw beauty of our marine world and campaigning for stronger protection for our oceans.Lou is a master of helping people to interpret and re-connect with life in our oceans and going snorkelling with Lou should be on everyones bucket list. See Lou's work here
Cost
Cost for attendance is £950Use the contact form below to request to book your place.Accomodation is paid separately and ranges from shared rooms (with one other) and a shared bathroom, to private rooms with ensuite & a sea view... (roughly between €650 and €1200 per person, depending on your choice). This price includes all food (and the food is vegetarian and incredible) for the duration of your stay.NB Accomodation is paid for in cash, in full at the beginning of your stay. Let us know what you would prefer and we will allocate you your room.
Travel Details
Firstly know that if you have to cancel due to Covid, you will receive a full refund no questions asked.Travel to the venue is a little adventure in itself as La Gomera (especially Finca Argayall) is off the normal tourist trail, and due to a rockfall blocking a road, the last 10 minutes to get here involves a boat trip.Which is part of the Magic of this place and why we chose it.But it is actually very straightforward to get here.And if you are reading this far you know it will be worth it.Currently the Canary Islands are open (amber list) subject to you providing either a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel, or proof of full vaccination.For the safety of participants and staff at Finca Argayall accomodation, a negative rapid covid test is required by them (no less than 72 hours old) as recommended by the Spanish tourist board.The simplest plan is to fly to Tenerife South Airport on Thursday 1st or Friday 2nd October. From there, (as flight times will differ), you can arrange for this company to collect you from the airport, and deliver you to the 1hr ferry trip over to La Gomera - then transport you again another hour or so to the small harbour in Valle Gran Rey where you can stay at a Pension (bnb) for your first night. You will then take a final 10 minute (free) boat ride during daylight hours to the Finca Argayall to arrive on either Sat 2nd or Sunday 3rd October.If you are budget conscious you can also take public buses and book your own ferry. Or if you like it to be easy and exclusive, the taxis are not too expensive either...
We have allowed some time to arrive and settle in on 2nd and 3rd of October. We need a calm sea state for the final boat trip so have allowed for any delays. So the workshops and sessions will begin on Monday 4th October and finish on 10th October allowing you a few days 'holiday time' either side.We recommend strongly that you plan extra time to see La Gomera and make it a 2 week trip. But we will leave that to you to decide...You can sail here too of course. We can help you make that happen if you have a sailboat capable of the trip.On returning to your home country you will need to follow Covid guidelines. These keep changing - for the UK you can read current guidelines here