Cape Hatteras, North Carolina - On the weekend of April 19th and 20th, Spa Koru Yoga hosted an amazing yoga retreat. The event, R3 (Restore - Refine - Renew), was comprised of three separate workshops and gatherings presented by Spa Koru Yoga and Outer Banks Yoga. Skilled yoga instructors guided participants through restorative and vinyasa yoga practices intended to restore your peace of mind, refine your personal practice, and renew your body. Events were hosted at Spa Koru’s Yoga Studio, and lodging was provided at the “Love Boat” - an amazing, waterfront, 7 bedroom event home in picturesque Sunset Village on Hatteras Island.

Retreat Instructors Joanne Throne, Michelle Smith, and Tami Thompson on one of Five Main decks of the Love Boat

Friday night began the retreat with a Candlelight Restorative Yoga class accompanied with massage at the Love Boat. The Great Room provided a spacious venue with amazing views of sunset over the Pamlico Sound. A gourmet sample of hors d’oeuvres finished the evening with participants enjoying new friendships in the relaxing environment.

Chef Tracey Morris cooking up a storm

On Saturday morning, guests staying at the Love Boat joined the local yoga students at Spa Koru’s studio for a Refine Vinyasa workshop. A brunch followed the yoga session in the Tiki lounge adjacent to the studio. Diane Malaspina from Yoga Tribe and Culture offered a trunk show displaying the latest yoga clothing of the season. The remainder of the day was free time with many participants choosing to enjoy spa treatments while others chose to visit the beach, or returned to the Love Boat for a nap in the hammocks, or explored the shoreline by kayak.

Joanne Throne of SKY, Diane Malaspina of Yoga Tribe and Culture, Donna Wynn and Amy Culicerto both of Virginia enjoying the amazing views of the Pamlico Sound over a glass of wine.

Saturday evening, the group assembled for a Refine Sun Salutations class on the front deck of the Love Boat. Participants remarked that the setting was one of the most stunning they had experienced. The sun was brilliant, the sky was Carolina blue, and the water shimmered as birds flew by on the warm breeze. The evening was just starting with an organic Happy Hour, followed with lively conversation. Smiles were abundant in the large great room and gourmet kitchen. Private Chef, Tracey Morris, served up a world class vegetarian meal that boasted fare ranging from encrusted mushrooms to a veggie pasta dish that had everyone going back for seconds. As the tables were cleared, the full moon rose in the night sky. The evening continued with a bonfire on the private beach of the Love Boat, and everyone enjoyed a celebration complete with drumming and hooping.

Jazira sporting Yoga Tribe and Culture and Elijah wearing Spa Koru gear…the next generation of yogi’s

Finally, the weekend was complete with a Renew You Salutation Sunday morning class at Spa Koru’s studio. Just 48 hours later, the participants were packing up and heading home with a sense of renewal and with a collection of new friendships. Look for more SKY retreats coming soon! Visit www.spakoru.com for more information on Yoga Retreats on the Outer Banks.

Joshua Christ lead massage therapist at Spa Koru and Chloe Sapecki also of Spa Koru assisted and enjoyed the R3 retreat

Tami Thompson of SKY, Elijah and Ellisa Thompson assisting their mother with the retreat, Randy Conner youngest sister of Tami and Tami’s other half the owner of Spa Koru Joe Thompson enjoy the evening on the top deck of the Love Boat