Our experience Queen of Retreats editor Caroline Sylger Jones writes ‘I first tried Sara Campbell’s Kundalini yoga classes at The Alchemy Centre in London when she was running guest workshops there. I was six months pregnant at the time, so couldn’t fully engage with brain or body, but I loved her simple, clear teaching and dynamic style. Kundalini is an extremely effective practice (The King loved it when he tried it at Kamalaya). Following an interview I did with her for The National in the UAE, I’ve got to know her well, and adore her free spirited approach to living. She runs private coaching workshops for free divers, and has a brilliant reputation. I have my PADI and have dived with a tank in some hot, beautiful places, but as I can’t stop thinking about the possibility of my own death every time I am underwater it’s not something I’d want to do… but you might. As for Dahab, I did my first yoga holiday there – it’s a relaxed, friendly beachside town with little shops & restaurants that’s very near the solitude of the glorious Sinai desert.’
Sara Campbell & a friend on Dahab beach
More on the yoga: If you’re planning to be on holiday in Dahab anyway, Sara runs Kundalini yoga & meditation classes at the Coral Coast Hotel every Thursday at 7pm and every Sunday at 10am (they cost EGP 100 per session, which is about £10). Sara also runs bespoke yoga retreats for everyone, of all levels, on request. These can be tailored to your needs and goals, and can be just you, or you and a group of your friends. They could include yoga, meditation and pranayama, yogic philosophy, personal journeying and coaching, day and overnight trips into the glorious Sinai desert, and a boat safari for snorkelling and/or freediving.
The relaxed main bedroom at Sara Campbell’s self-catering villa
More on the accommodation: You can stay at a hotel which she’ll help you choose – usually Le Meridien for luxury, or the Coral Coast for a good, mid-range beach-front option. But our choice would probably be to stay in the self-catering villa attached to Sara’s home. It’s fully equipped for cooking and has a large fridge freezer, drinking water cooler and a juice blender. There are two double bedrooms with arabic-style domed ceilings, one with a four-poster bed and ensuite bathroom. You’ll also have access to a private shaded garden-cum-outside living room and a roof terrace – yum!
© Queen of Retreats
I did a workshop with Sara and Mahan Rishi, in Dahab in January 2009 at the Coral Coast, which was an absolutely wonderful and inspiring experience. I also attended one of her Alchemy workshops in London, where my lungs learned to breath again. An amazing feeling. Highly recommended.