6-DAY ART, MINDFULNESS & ENERGETIC CONNECTION IN LUXOR, EGYPT
Join me on a transformational journey of artistic creation, self-discovery, and energetic connection, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of ancient Egypt at Luxor.
During this transformational experience at the heart of ancient Egypt, explore your inner and outer landscapes through deep meditation, mantra, insight practices, and the development of artistic skills that will allow you to connect to the energetic nature of this sacred place. Produce beautiful works of art and discover the profound stillness at the centre of your being. This will be a spiritual odyssey like no other.
2nd - 9th May 2024
Why Choose the Art, Mindfulness & Energetic Connection Retreat?
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Guidance and practice on how to connect through art, meditation and mantra to a place of deep stillness within you.
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Discover peace, bliss, and a sense of profound calmness as you take a spiritual journey of discovery into your own true nature.
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Develop your artistic abilities as you are guided with expert tuition to create beautiful works of art; offering you the chance to connect to and expand your creativity.
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Resolve stress, anxiety, overwhelm, burnout and depression.
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Instruction and guidance through meditation and art to connect to the energetic nature of the landscape around you.
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BONUS: Receive a personal energetic empowerment that will help you tap into your true nature and connect with the wider energetic qualities of the location in Upper Egypt.*
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World-class mentoring and training from an experienced and internationally known coach and trainer.
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Healthy and nutritious meals for all types of diets.
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A perfect retreat for everyone, regardless of previous experience, skills, or fitness levels.
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Visit the temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings and the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Museum and the local bazaars and restaurants and more!
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Staying in outstanding accommodation on its own exclusive island in the Nile in the ancient city of Thebes, modern-day Luxor, we visit Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple and enjoy the Sound and Light show at Karnak.
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Discover traditional Egyptian hospitality, traditions, food and lifestyle, soaking up the unique ambience and stillness deep in the south of Egypt.
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Join an international and supportive community.
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Lots of sunshine!
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Plenty of downtime and opportunities to explore the various locations we find ourselves in.
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An opportunity to continue your artistic development and learn some powerful esoteric meditation techniques to aid you on your meditation and spiritual journey.
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Exclusive Facebook group to share, connect, and prepare for the retreat and then continue the friendship once the retreat is over.
* By request only. This is not a ‘must’ for the retreat, but an additional extra that you must specify that you would like. The empowerment will be done at a distance prior to the retreat.
Get a FREE signed copy of my latest book Manifesting Abundance with Reiki
Training & Activities
Morning Mindfulness
Trip itinerary permitting, start each day with a guided meditation.
Tutored Drawing Sessions
Expert guidance on getting started or developing your artistic skills by Steve Gooch, an experienced professional artist and arts educator.
Guided Mindfulness Training
Learn and develop confidence in mindfulness meditation and start reaping the benefits of regular practice. Led by Steve Gooch, an accredited Breathworks instructor.
Visits to Ancient Temples
Explore (and draw!) the ancient Temples of Hatshepsut, Luxor, and Karnak during our time in Luxor.
Binge the Nile in Upper Egypt
Spend 7 nights at a luxury, island hotel surrounded by the waters of the Nile enjoying the serenity of the river lost in time.
Visit the Valley of the Kings
No trip to Luxor would be complete without a trip to the most famous tomb in the world: The tomb of Tutankhamun. Also visit the tomb of Ramesis II, the Pharoah of the Biblical Moses story.
Art & Mindful Awareness
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this retreat will provide you with the opportunity to develop your expressive skills through a variety of focused drawing activities, centred on the landscape and our location in historic Luxor. As well as dedicated time with expert tuition to guide you in ways of seeing, mark-making and confidence building, you will be encouraged to take your sketchbook with you to the various historical sites that we will visit to make on-the-spot sketches for use later in developing more extensive works of art.
You will also have opportunities to develop your mindfulness skills through guided sessions and tuition on how this affects the mind and what that means for an engagement with artistic activity. We’ll be looking at how artistic expression and mindful awareness come together to create a state of flow, which you can take into your everyday life.
This unique 6-day experience seamlessly combines the serenity of mindfulness practices with the creative outlet of artistic expression. Mantra work will enhance this experience, as will the optional, bonus energy empowerment.
You’ll be encouraged to bring mindful awareness directly into your creative endeavours and to establish a state of immersive flow as you engage in the various drawing activities and attempt to connect to the energies of this sacred landscape.
You will be sent a list of suggested art materials to bring in your retreat pack, at least two months before the start of the retreat.
Each day of the retreat offers a balance between guided drawing, mindfulness and mantra sessions. Engage in guided meditation amidst the tranquillity of the desert and at our retreat centre, finding inspiration in the silence that has embraced these ancient sites for centuries. In the heart of Luxor, let the vibrant colours of the bustling bazaars invigorate your senses, providing the perfect subjects for your artistic output.
Guided by Steve Gooch, a professional artist and arts educator, and mindfulness expert, you will get to refine your drawing skills and move into a state of flow as you learn to channel your creativity through focused and calming mindfulness practices. Steve has lived in Egypt for most of the last twenty years, running art and self-development workshops and training, particularly in the field of working with subtle energy.
Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for new perspectives or a beginner eager to unlock your creative potential, this retreat offers an unforgettable fusion of artistic growth, inner reflection, cultural immersion and energetic connection.
The Empowerment
The empowerment is not a requirement for attending the retreat. It’s being offered to those who want to take the opportunity to connect more deeply to their own true nature, slow down and move into a state of flow, aided by the empowerment process.
The empowerment will only be done at a distance prior to the retreat. It will not be available in person during the retreat itself.
What is the empowerment and where does it come from?
The empowerment is based on ancient Buddhist empowerments and impacts directly on the body’s metaphysical energy system, raising the vibration of the various energy centres and acting as an energetic reminder to the receiver of their connectedness to the oneness of the universe and to their own true nature.
In brief: during the process, the consciousnesses of the giver and the receiver connect energetically and merge to share the same experience of reality and the dissolution of duality. A feeling of ‘being in the flow’ can often quickly follow.
When in this state, we can connect more deeply not only to our own true nature, but also the world/universe around us. It's a very powerful spiritual mechanism. There are no negative outcomes possible from the empowerment, though you might find for a short period some emotional turmoil as you rebalance as a consequence of the empowerment process.
Where Will You Be Staying?
Jolie Ville, Kings Island Luxor
On arrival in Luxor, you’ll be staying at the Jolie Ville Hotel on Kings Island. All necessary amenities are available, including free Wi-Fi, three pools and a choice of six restaurants providing excellent food with local specialities available.
The 660,000 sqm exclusive location, nestled on its own private island in the Nile is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. As well as providing plenty of space for meditation and creative activities, it’s also ideally situated for access to the centre of Luxor and the historic sites we’ll be visiting.
What's the Accommodation Like?
The Deluxe rooms offer plenty of space and comfort. All Deluxe rooms are elegantly decorated and provide relaxing and splendid views of the lush island gardens, pool, and the river Nile. They are fully air-conditioned, carpeted, and come with a flat-screen TV, offering satellite channels.
Free Wi-Fi and a private furnished terrace to relax on in the evenings. 24-hour room service is available and free tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a dining table for 2 and a seating area. There is also a walk-in shower or bathtub with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
There are rooms available for anyone who is physically challenged. If this is you and you wish to come along, please notify us as soon as you can that you would like suitable accommodation.
What Will You Be Eating?
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided every day of the retreat, except for one evening during the week when we will go into the town of Luxor to eat at a local restaurant.
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Lunch each day will be buffet-style.
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Tea/coffee breaks each day will include mineral water, an herbal tea selection, fruit juice, Danish pastries, home-baked croissants, a selection of sandwiches, muffins, and sliced seasonal fruit.
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Evening meals can be taken in any one of the six Jolie Ville restaurants: Buffet, Italian, Asian Fusion, Oriental BBQ, Egyptian, Seafood.
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There will always be plenty of healthy options available with fresh local fruit and ingredients. The staff are incredibly helpful and will ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
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All dietary requirements can be catered for.
What's Included?
Airport transfers and all listed excursions below are optional for Egyptian Nationals wishing to attend. See the booking form for details.
6 Days + 7 nights all-inclusive retreat.
The 6-day retreat in bustling Luxor is being hosted by Steve Gooch an internationally known artist and mindfulness/self-development coach and teacher, and Dahlia Hilal, owner of NutraHealth. With many years of experience working in the spiritual and self-development community in Egypt, Steve and Dahlia are ideally placed to ensure an outstanding experience for all.
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Mindfulness, meditation, mantra, nature-based, and art workshops led by Steve Gooch.
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Optional empowerment, given by Steve Gooch prior to the start of the retreat.
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6 days and 7 nights at a tranquil oasis of calm at Jolie Ville, Kings Island: a private island hotel in Luxor, Egypt.
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The cost of the retreat is based on sharing a double room. The single-room supplement is £230. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Our hosts have already upgraded us to their deluxe suites for the price of their standard suites.
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Access to the whole island, including the small zoo area for art and meditation activities.
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Access to the three pools on the island including the infinity pool.
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Daily fresh, and where possible, locally sourced home-cooked food for breakfasts, buffet lunches, and evening meals during the days of scheduled retreat activities.
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*Half-day trips to see some of the historic sites of Luxor with a private driver and guide, including entrance fees:
Valley of the Kings including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Luxor Temple.
Karnak Temple.
Luxor Museum.
Hatshepsut Temple.
Karnak Sound and Light.
Colossi of Memnon.
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Group outing to the local markets for you to purchase any souvenirs.
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Roundtrip airport transfers to and from Luxor airport.
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Private Retreat Facebook Group and WhatsApp Group for pre-retreat connection and support.
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Immerse yourself in the history, energy, and panoramic spectacle of ancient Egypt.
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Connect with like-minded people, find relaxation, inspiration, and life-changing transformation.
*Sightseeing and airport transfers are optional for Egyptian nationals wishing to attend the retreat.
Get a FREE signed copy of my latest book Manifesting Abundance with Reiki
What's Not Included?
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Visa fee. Most international passport holders require a visa for Egypt (currently $25/per person) – purchased at the airport on arrival. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date that you leave Egypt.
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Travel and Trip cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance (recommended). Please purchase any insurance you need prior to leaving home.
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All art materials - a list of suggested materials will be sent to you in your retreat pack, at least two months before the start of the retreat.
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and all snacks, drinks and meals not listed previously.
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Any other excursions, costs etc not listed in the itinerary.
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One evening meal during the week at a local restaurant.
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Optional felucca trip on the Nile.
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Gratuities.
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International flights.
Single Travelers: The cost of the retreat is based on two people sharing a room. If you wish to be guaranteed a single room, the Single Supplement is £190.
Full Trip Itinerary
PRE-RETREAT: (Date to be confirmed):
We will meet online to get to know each other, answer any questions, and arrange empowerments for those who have opted to receive them.
(2nd May):
Welcome to Luxor. A representative of the tour company will meet you at the airport and help with customs procedures and then transfer you to your hotel. Have an evening meal at one of the Jolie Ville restaurants and if there’s time, meet with Steve and Dahlia.
DAY 1 (3rd May):
7.30 am Breakfast.
9 to 12 pm Mindfulness and Art Journalling Workshops.
12 to 2 pm Lunch time.
2 to 5 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops.
6 to 7 pm Dinner followed by a relaxing evening and optional half hour guided meditation.
Day 2 (4th May):
7 am Breakfast.
8 am to 1 pm Trip to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple (start time may vary depending on the schedule of the tour company).
1 to 3 pm Lunch time.
3 to 5.30 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops.
6 to 7 pm Dinner followed by a relaxing evening and optional half hour guided meditation.
Day 3 (5th May):
7.30 am Breakfast.
8 am to 12 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops.
12 to 2 pm Lunch time.
2 to 5 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops.
6 to 7 pm Dinner
8.15 pm Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple.
Day 4 (6th May) 7.30 am Breakfast. 8 am to 12 pm Luxor Museum. 12 to 2 pm Lunch time. 2 to 5 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops. 6 to 7 pm Dinner 8.30 pm Luxor Temple. Day 5 (7th May) 7.30 am Breakfast. 8 am to 12 pm Karnak Temple. 12 to 2 pm Lunch time. 2 to 5 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops. 6 to 7 pm Dinner. 8.30 pm Dinner in Luxor. Day 6 (8th May) 7.30 am Breakfast. 8 am to 12 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops. 12 to 2 pm Lunch time. 2 to 5 pm Mindfulness and Art Workshops / optional felucca trip on the Nile. 6 to 7pm Dinner. 8 pm Shopping in Luxor. Day 7 (9th May) 7.30 am Breakfast. Return to Luxor airport and fly home. Check-in time: 2 pm. Check-out time: 12 noon. Late check-out until 6 pm is possible subject to availability. Late check-out after 6 pm will be subject to a one-night charge. Trips times might vary and will have an impact on the above schedule. Timings can’t be set in stone at this point. Plenty of free time is included in the retreat to ensure spaciousness for everyone and the chance to unwind, relax and do your own thing. You will be provided with an itinerary with your welcome pack.
Your Guide: Steve Gooch
Steve loves sharing the transformational potential of art, meditation and energy work with others. He’s been active in these fields for many years. As an artist, he worked with the world renowned 107 Workshop in the UK on commissions for some of the leading British and international artists as well as on his own exhibitions with work in collections around the world. As a mindfulness and self-development teacher, he worked with celebrities and people in the arts and media in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East as well as leading fashion houses in Saudi Arabia.
Steve has a degree in Fine Art from the prestigious Bath Academy of Art in the UK, a post-graduate arts education certificate from the University of London and a Master’s degree in arts education and developmental psychology alongside his Mindfulness Teaching Certificate from Breathworks UK. He is also the author of three books in the field of subtle energy work and is currently working on a children’s story book. He has appeared as a speaker at several international conferences in the field of Reiki and was the founding editor of the journal, Focus: The Journal of Reiki Jin Kei Do UK.
In his free time, Steve loves cycling around the country lanes and along the canal towpaths of the UK, reading, drawing and planning new writing projects.
Duration
Double Occupancy per Person
Single Occupancy per Person
7 nights
£1799
£2019
Rates for Egyptian Nationals
60, 809 EGP
64,409 EGP
Early Bird Discount
We expect this retreat to fill quickly so don't miss out on the chance to secure the Early Bird Discount:
Double Occupancy per Person: £1639
Single Occupancy per Person: £1829
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Egyptian Nationals Early Bird Discount:
Double Occupancy per Person: 55,279 EGP
Single Occupancy per Person: 58,549 EGP
The Early Bird Discount runs until midnight (GMT) on 31st December 2023.
Retreat Confirmation & Travel Insurance
The retreat will be confirmed once we reach a minimum number of participants. Whilst it’s expected that the retreat will sell out, to ensure peace of mind, its advisable for all participants to purchase travel insurance in case of trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. If the retreat is not confirmed, all funds paid will be refunded. Feel free to email me at steve@stevegooch.co if you have any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions before travelling.
What is the weather like at this time of the year? This time of year is almost summer in Egypt, so please make sure you bring appropriate clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, sun cream etc. Temperatures can potentially exceed 40 degrees. Hopefully, at the start of May it shouldn't be quite that hot, but it's still going to be pretty warm, so be prepared.
Do I need vaccinations or immunisations before I travel? Please consult your local health care provider for advice.
Is the retreat suitable for people with mobility problems? The retreat is not suitable for those who might need to rely on walking or mobility assistance in the form of canes or walking sticks as we will often be walking on uneven surfaces.
Do I need a visa? Most international travellers will need a visa to enter Egypt. Visas can be purchased at the airport on arrival and currently cost $25 per person.
Will the retreat be confirmed? The retreat will be confirmed once we reach a minimum number of participants. Whilst it’s expected that the retreat will sell out, to ensure peace of mind, its advisable for all participants to purchase travel insurance in case of trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. If the retreat is not confirmed, all funds paid will be refunded. Feel free to email me at steve@stevegooch.co if you have any questions or concerns.
What art materials should I bring? A basic travel art supply list will be provided as a part of your retreat pack, at least two months before the start of the retreat. You are welcome to add to this materials that you’d like to work with but the list you will be sent will cover all your needs for the retreat.
Do I need any experience with art or mindfulness to attend? The retreat is open to people of all levels of experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner of either discipline, you are welcome to join is and immerse yourself in the experience.
What makes this retreat stand out? As far as we know, this will be the first ever art and meditation retreat offered in Egypt. You will also have the opportunity to receive an empowerment to help you explore your own energetic connection to your inner core and how that connects to the energetic nature of your surroundings. Again, as far as we are aware, there are no other retreats offering such an opportunity. You’ll be guided by Steve through all the retreat activities who is an accomplished and sensitive mentor and guide with many years’ experience in the field.
Do you offer Payment Plans? Yes. We want this retreat experience to be accessible to as many people as possible. You will find details of the payment plan when you click the Book Now button.
