SELF-EMPOWERMENT

CULTIVATING YOUR CREATIVITY

SAYQ - OMAN

9-12th January 2020

Every destination is curated to immerse you deeper into Country and Culture, allow you to experience and immerse through a unique lens and support in providing a powerful sensory space that supports in inspiring you during your journey of Self. Sahab Boutique hotel located on the Saiq Plateau of the Green Mountains of Oman. Built on the canyon edge of Al Hajar Mountain rage at 2000 mts. above the sea level, you will experience heightened pleasures in everything you do! 

Self-Empowerment is having that unshakeable belief in yourself and your power. Genuinely liking who you are, flaws and all. Being Self-Empowered means taking control of your own life and your own decisions. To be Self-Empowered means to have greatly explored the strengths and weaknesses within you and relishing in them. Becoming the source of support and inspiration for others rather than relying on them to affirm your capabilities. 

Self-Empowerment greatly affects many facets within your life, from the relationships you have to the way you conduct yourself whether at work or within your own personal projects. Repeatedly doubting your self-wroth can cause detrimental anxiety and an array of health problems. We can often be unaware of the link between Self-Empowerment and the shortcomings we experience within other areas of our lives. But they are greatly linked. 

This retreat of Self-Empowerment not only explores the root of why this is lacking within you, but supports you in cultivating effective practices and rituals that will positively impact your self-love and personal growth. Allowing you to stop doubting your greatness and have the strength, conviction and self-belief to venture into your true passion and purpose. 

Cultivating your Creativity, whether you view creativity simply as a pleasurable outlet for self expression or find that creativity plays a far greater role in you stepping into your own. We aim to assist you in exploring your creativity, personal, professional or otherwise. With a supportive sisterhood, you will be in a safe space to share your creativity, if you are budding fashion designer looking to launch your first collection, an aspiring photographer with a keen eye for the unconventional, an artist that tells a powerful story through your canvas or a creative visionary wanting to birth something into the world. 

This space is ideal in supporting you do that. Self-Doubt and uncertainty is a normal facet of creativity, conscious of how your work will be received, uncertain at the obstacles and the hurdles that you face or feeling overwhelmed and simply unsure as to how you will be received.  There is no better place to explore yourself than within our Self-Empowerment Retreat which focuses on Cultivating your Creativity. 

The hypnotic trance of the waves emerging from the subtle sound of water, the canyon flowing through the gorges and the breeze of pure air will bring you even closer to the nature. Allow yourself to enter the deep levels of relaxation as you meditate on the yoga ground at the edge of green mountains, also a site for infinite sunlight.

ANUM BASHIR

For the last few years (and even as a child), while I've been blessed with many peaks, I've also sadly come into close proximity a number of pits that have continued to consume me; from mental/ physical health issues to copying with the pressures of running your own start-up, and even trying to reconcile some childhood traumas that continue to haunt today like a shadow watching over me. I have often found myself angry at the world... perhaps its exhaustion, stress, anxiety and/ or depression that tends to kick-in quite rampantly whenever triggered. How often does this happen? All too often. It can be quite debilitating.

As an individual who is often plagued with self-doubt, I have finally found it extremely important to indulge in escape; the type that truly sets out to heal the mind, body and soul. This is why my eyes lit up at the idea of participating in CCT's retreat to Oman in 2020. Being ushered into your 30s can instigate a multitude of emotional response - from not being sure whether to embrace it, or resent it. I sometimes sit and ponder over how it felt like I was only 20 yesterday, and how I'm not quite where I thought I'd be at 32. But on the flip side, on a good day, I catch myself acknowledging how far I've come, and at times reconcile the cons in my life by realizing that I've actually accomplished so much in such a short span of time. If I had the opportunity to share with little Anum what my life today has amounted to, while there still would be wounds to lick and nurse, I think for the most part that forever dreaming young girl would be happy and excited for what's to come!

To me, indulging in Consciously Connected Travel means I can further facilitate my own healing. I am determined not only to better myself, but I'm keen to support anyone around me who needs restorative help too. There's so many ways in which we can give back, and I found that this initiative would be a great way to do so for other women with whom we share our community. I have only now, through therapy, become more cognizant of the fact that the energy we put out is precisely what we end up absorbing. Self doubt in oneself further manifests and culminates into doubting others, and I'm tired of doing that. Letting go is a key lesson I need to learn and embrace.

For me personally, it has become a matter of breaking certain cycles, and preventing the perpetuation of the type of negativity that I've often relished in. I now feel that I've finally embarked upon a more upbeat journey where I'm not only ready to let my guard down by exhibiting vulnerability, but also far more willing to employ others around me to aid with getting through and managing my own emotional baggage. In return, I too hope that I bear the necessary tools to do so for others. As a practitioner, I am keen to listen, learn, embrace, and nurture. I am determined to make a difference. I am powered by the ability to make people feel heard, understood and in turn smile.Let CCT and Oman facilitate healing, and joy. I can't wait!!!!

Having launched her career at the prestigious Qatar Museums for over five years, Anum’s fresh eye, voice, and energy haven't gone unnoticed by some of the industry’s most influential and respected juggernauts.

After graduating with an MA in Information/ Communication Design from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and going on to live in New York City for two years, Anum returned to Doha in 2011 - the small Middle Eastern city where she grew up; excited to bring back a taste of the fast-paced metropolis with her.

In 2014, she launched her platform, Desert Mannequin, and since then, has tirelessly worked to have it grow beyond a blog that simply chronicles personal style. As she gets older, the need to leave an intellectual impact grows everyday. Anum hopes to push the conversation forward by collaborating with some of her favourite people in the industry, whom she regards as amongst her close friends. In coming together, Anum believes she can play her part in facilitating and fostering a community of creatives that will propel the fashion industry in the Middle East forward. 

Going on to consult for, and promote emerging designers, as well as collaborate with global fashion houses and prestigious retailers, Anum’s ability to spot, edit, and curate fashion led to her position as “Guest Buyer & Fashion Director” for Per Lei Couture - a luxury boutique in Qatar. For three seasons she worked to bring a new and refreshing mix of designers to the Qatari market, and its trend-seeking women. Emerging international labels such as Natasha Zinko, Tome, Ellery, Mark Cross, M2Malletier, Malone Souliers, Rosetta Getty, Isa Arfen and Monica Sordo, to name a few are now available to the regional consumer thanks to Anum’s vision.

Now as Co-Creative Director of Tbilisi based brand N-DUO, Anum has partnered with Founder Natuka Karkashadze to take the promising brand forward with its eclectic, fun and whimsical aesthetic that they hope will be loved globally. 

As of 2018, Desert Mannequin has also launched the first influencer founded/ hosted podcast in the region, entitled DM FM. Through it, Anum is setting out to spearhead conversations pertaining, but not limited to fashion, beauty, relationships, mental/physical health, as well as social/cultural climates not only here at home, but abroad as well. By running the conversational gamut, DM FM hopes to facilitate a roundtable of fun, honest, and smart voices. Episodes published bi-monthly.

Anum is also a monthly Style Contributor at Man Repeller.

Working closely with her husband, Artist and Photographer Waqas Farid, Anum lends her standout aesthetic and sought-after style to everything she does. Creative Consultant, Designer, Podcast host, and Digital influencer, Anum continues to champion the best of fashion.

Catch her if you can!

FOCUS:

We will be setting the sensory stage to transform your ideology of self and support you in tapping into your mind-body connection.

This retreat of Self-Empowerment for Cultivating your Creativity forces you to dig deep. Deep into your vision and plan of creative pursuits, dig deep into your existing reality and how that may be hindering or helping you to better cultivate your passion and purpose.

With a series of workshops, transformative group sessions and powerful conversations. You can be sure to unlock what has been holding you back and armour yourself with the tools of what to do next. Teamed with daily wellness practices that support in feeding the soul and grounding you with the clarity and conviction to continue to thrive.

Learn directly from Anum Bashir and our experienced team, as well as your sisterhood of other women on a similar journey. Our daily immersions will complement in providing an inspiring space to deeply connect with people and place.

PROGRAM:

1. Retreat Dates: 9-12th Jan 2020

2. Retreat Location: Sahab Boutique Hotel, Sayq, Oman

3. Daily Yoga & Meditation

4. Cultivating your Creativity Workshops with Anum Bashir

5. 1-2-1 Sessions in Cultivating your Creativity with Anum Bashir

6. 1-2-1 Sessions in Yoga, Meditation, Breath-work, Coaching, Tapping Therapy,

7. 1-2-1 Release Sessions

8. Self-Empowerment workshops with Anum Bashir & Ingrid Asoni

9. Daily Journaling & Downtime

10. Local Discovery & Philanthropic Immersions

INCLUDED:

1. 5* Luxury Accommodation at Sahab Boutique Hotel.

2. All daily meals prepared with local ingredients.

3. All programmed & scheduled activities

EXCLUDED:

1. Flights & Travel insurance

2. Pre & Post Retreat Destination Immersion trips

3. Spa & Wellness Treatments

4. Airport Transfers

GETTING THERE:

Our in-house flights & logistics team are on hand to assist you with flights, transfers, Pre & Post Retreat Destination immersion trips & any Visa assistance required.

• Sayq Airport is approx 20 Mins

• Muscat International Airport is approx 2 Hours

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

• FULL PAYMENT or opting for a PAYMENT PLAN are available. To activate the Payment Plan, simply select the DEPOSIT option at checkout.

• Deposits are none-refundable

PLANT A SEED

Consciously Connected Travel was created out of a necessity to do more. Our tribe of beatniks truly believe that everyone has a part to play, and ours is creating a space where travel, wellness and philanthropy intertwine. So that the future generations might live in a world that is a little bit more full of love and light.

CCT was designed to blur the lines between travel and supporting communities in the places you travel to, every time you travel with us - either through our Travel Design service, Culturally Connected Experiences or Wellness Activations, we donate a % directly from our own pockets to a local project, charity or community in that destination in addition to planting trees to offset each travellers carbon footprint.

1. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

Three nights at unique accommodations based on double or single occupancy throughout the journey; private travel for all day trips and excursions; private tours with local guides/insiders and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities, artisan discoveries and programmed, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners; non-alcoholic beverages with meals.

2. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

Roundtrip airfare; arrival and departure airport transfers, travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for guides/insiders and artisans. Spa and Wellness treatments and Pre and Post Destination immersion trips.

3. WHO IS GOING ON THIS TRIP?

The Retreat is limited to 14 female guests, in addition to the Consciously Connected Travel team. Our retreats are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travellers, couples and friends even family members traveling together. This adventure is for travellers aged 21 and above.

4. DO I NEED TO PAY A SOLO TRAVELLER SUPPLEMENT?

This retreat offers both Shared and Private Accommodation . For solo travellers who wish to book a private room simply select that upon checkout.

5. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL RETREAT?

Consciously Connected Travel bridges that gap between Travel, Wellness and Philanthropy. Our retreats are about deeply and spiritually connecting you with people and place. Leaving an impactful reminisce of yourself behind and knowing that you have created a real catalyst for change. Our retreats give you the opportunity to discover the world through a unique lens and rediscover yourself in the process. We help you push past your pain and obstacles and better understand your passion and purpose, providing you with sustainable tools and armour to live and flourish in your reality. 

6. HOW DO I SELECT WHICH RETREAT TO ATTEND?

Immerse yourself within our retreat page. Be transported on a journey of discovery. Each retreat has a specific theme and purpose centred on “self”.  Thus we cultivate everything to support that theme and purpose in being as impactful and transformational as possible. We cultivate everything from scratch. Identifying which location would provide us with the greatest impact to fully serve you on your journey. Identify which theme and purpose resonates with you the most. Then establish which length of time you have available. Our Immersion weekends are 4 days long, while our retreats range from 6-14 days in length. Whether you have a limited amount of time and taking a flight isn't on the cards or you have decided to take the leap and truly invest in yourself. We design retreats all over the world in destinations such as the Peruvian Amazon, remote parts of Brazil, off the beaten Argentina, the surf haven of Senegal, nature immersed in Morocco, barefoot boltholes in the Joshua Tree, spiritual spaces in Mexico and so much more. You are guaranteed to find something that aligns with you. Remember this, no matter how rough the journey of self will be, you are guaranteed love, laughter, safety, sisterhood and a space to truly reveal your vulnerabilities and be embraced for exactly who you are.

7. DO I NEED TO ARRANGE MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes. You are responsible for booking your own flight. Each trip will have suggested arrival and departure details based on when we know you need to be in the airport. Our in-house flights and logistics team are also on hand to assist you in booking these flights to take the pressure off completely. If you require assistance making these arrangements, please email us.

8. I WANT TO BOOK A PRE AND/OR POST RETREAT EXPERIENCE. CAN YOU HELP?

We have cultivated some incredible pre/post retreat experiences that connect to the heart of the destination. Should you need assistance making these arrangements, please do contact us and we’d be happy to help and provide you with our local knowledge. Send us a note an email.

9. DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

All guests are strongly recommended to have their own travel and medical insurance to cover any loss or injury, including repatriation if necessary. It is advisable to take out travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. If you need assistance, our team are more than happy. We use World Nomads as our preferred travel insurance partner. However their policies are independent to them. We are simply stating our preference and hold no responsibility for anything World Nomads does.

10. WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

We will send out an intake form to all guests prior to the retreat to capture any dietary requirements. We will share these with our private chefs who will make arrangements to accommodate to your needs.

11. WHICH YOGA PROPS ARE PROVIDED?

The yoga spaces are fully equipped with yoga mats, blankets, and meditation cushions. You don’t need to bring anything from home. Unless we state otherwise.

12. CAN I SHARE A ROOM EVEN IF I’M NOT COMING WITH A FRIEND?

If you’re travelling alone and would like to share a room, you’ll be combined with someone of the same gender attending your retreat.that compliments you. We take an in depth compatibility profile to gain an essence of your purpose and passion and do our best to align you with someone that will enhance your overall journey and experience.

13. HOW DO REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS WORK?

• Please notify us ASAP if your plans have changed. Unfortunately, all deposits are non-refundable. 

• If cancellation takes place more than 120 days prior to retreat start date any payments made will be refunded (minus a £500 per-person service fee)

• If cancellation takes place after this point, 100% of the trip price will be forfeited.

• If you opt for the payment plan, no payments will be reimbursed. The remaining balance is non-refundable once paid

14. HOW CAN I MAKE PAYMENT TO CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL?

• Deposits and Full Payments are taken via the Consciously Connected Travel website. 

• If you opted for a Payment Plan, then consecutive payments can be made either by Wire Transfer (please inform us), Online Payment Gateway (via invoice), or PayPal (4% additional fee)

15. HOW DO I CONTACT THE CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL TEAM?

• CCT Tribe Line: +44 203 966 9067

• Email, Please head over to our Contact Us Page

• Whatsapp Messenger

• Instagram: @consciouslyconnectedtravel

16. WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR A RETREAT?

Our welcome pack will provide you with a suggested packing list for each retreat after you sign up. But the destination and program outlined on the retreat page should support in giving you an idea of what would be suitable. 

Some general suggestions are:

• Stay hydrated and bring along a reusable water bottle

• Pack your camera or camera phone, our in-house photographer is going to help you capture those special moments.

• Pack some sunscreen and insect repellent. There shouldn’t be too many nasties, but just in case.

• A cute hat and a fab pair of sunnies....you never know who you might bump into.

• Some sneakers for our morning sunrise walks and a cool pair of flip flops, barefoot optional.

• A warm cover up because it can get a little chilly in the evenings.

• Whatever self-care rituals you have with skincare and haircare, we always advise to bring those.

• The rest we have you covered!!!

17. WHEN WILL WE NOTIFY YOU IF A POSTPONEMENT IS NECESSARY?

Any postponement decisions will be made 45 days prior to departure dates (or closer to travel if the situation dictates).

18. WHAT IF I AM BOOKED ON A TRIP THIS YEAR AND HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TRAVELLING?

For any guest booked on a Consciously Connected Travel Retreat, traveling in 2020, if you are not able to travel on your original Retreat booking, we are offering Retreat credits. This allows you to transfer 100% of your booking value to any current or future Consciously Connected Travel Retreat. Travel must be completed by the end 2021.

19. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL’S TRANSFER POLICY?

For all postponed departures, a Retreat credit will automatically be applied and available for use on a future Retreat. If your Retreat is not postponed, requests for a transfer must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the original Retreat departure date. Reservations can be transferred directly to an active Consciously Connected Travel Retreat or credited to your guest account. Any remaining balance can be applied towards an additional Consciously Connected Travel Retreat traveling before the end of 2021. All transfers and credit allocations are final and non-refundable. 

20. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY RETREAT IS POSTPONED?

We are actively rescheduling impacted departures and in most cases offering them in the same travel month for 2021. If you are unable to travel on the new date, you can transfer to another Consciously Connected Travel Retreat without penalty or cancel your reservation per the terms of your original booking.

15. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AS A GUEST ON A POSTPONED TRIP?

If your Retreat is postponed you can:

• Travel on your rescheduled date.

• Transfer 100% of your booking amount to travel on another Consciously Connected Travel Retreat.

• Cancel your booking per the cancellation terms of your original travel date.