RADIANCE RETREATS MEDIA ARTICLES

A Radiance Retreats Press Kit is available upon request

Woman’s Day – November 2006

Travel Special – Superb Spa Regions

'Byron Bay, NSW

'With its sweeping white-sand bay and lush hinterland, the Byron Bay region is retreat haven, a mecca for yoga devotees, new-age therapies and organic retreats. There’s the usual foray for day spas and massage therapists but for visitors seeking more substance, Jessie Chapman runs regular yoga retreats. (included full contact details).'

Sunday Telegraph Sunday Magazine - October 2006

Beauty - Spa Therapy

'Jessie, a well known yoga teacher, run Radiance Retreats, which offers clients lush yoga and spa retreats in Australia and Asia....'

Australia InStyle Magazine – November 2005

Advance Retreat

‘Will New Year’s Eve be one last hedonistic fling before your resolutions take effect, or would you rather get in early and treat 2006 the way you want it to continue – with health and serenity? If it’s the latter, consider Radiance Retreat’s New Year’s Eve Yoga Cleanse Retreat – four days of gourmet vegetarian meals, meditation, yoga and walks in the Gold Coast hinterland. www.radianceretreats.com’

The Gold Coast Bulletin – ‘Attitudes’ lift-out – November 16th 2005

Your Body – full of life

‘Yoga may be known as a relaxation tool, but it can also deliver an energy boost. Jessie Chapman, a yoga teacher and author of four yoga books on the subject, said yoga had the power to energise and transform. “One of the reasons yoga is so popular is that its benefits, such as stress release and increased energy levels, are felt instantaneously” she said. “It is also simple to practice and caters to our individual needs.”

Ms Chapman says yoga provides tools for living a healthy life.
“As each day is new and different so too are our moods and perspectives,” she said. “One day we may be feeling completely inspired and focused another day totally lethargic and overwhelmed. “As we practice yoga with regularity we quickly become familiar with the various effects of the different postures on our body, mind & emotions and we’re soon are able to develop a personal practice that suits our every day needs. “This is one of the greatest gifts of yoga – the ability to heal ourselves.

“If feeling dull and uninspired, over weight or sluggish, yoga postures will stimulate the bodies systems, circulation and speed up the metabolism.
“Increased energy levels will be felt along with a greater sense of inspiration and motivation for life.

“However if one comes to yoga feeling exhausted, overworked, stressed, underweight or suffering from sleeplessness, the yoga postures will effect the person in such a way as to relax the nervous system, slow down the heart rate and calm the mind.”

Ms Chapman advises to prepare for a total transformation beyond just a healthy body.

“The postures also strengthen our mental and emotional states giving us a stronger sense of who we are,” she said.

“As the postures make us more flexible our attitudes to life and those around us become more open minded and less judgemental.”

Ms Chapman runs regular Radiance Yoga Wellness Retreats in Byron Bay and Bali, and has released a new Radiance Yoga DVD for at home practice. For more information go to www.radianceretreats.com

Nature & Health Magazine – October/November Issue 2005

Mind-Body Tips from 25 Top Spa’s

‘Take a ‘retreat’ regularly. Jessie Chapman explains, ‘Radiance Retreats is all about creating a space in alluring backdrops like Bali or Byron Bay where people can travel for relaxation and inner stillness.’ Using yoga, meditation, dance and holistic therapies, Radiance seeks to help clients to take an inward journey and find a deeper connection within.’

Virgin Blue’s In-flight Magazine ‘Voyuer’ – September 2005

City Guides – Ballina/Byron

Take some time out from your busy schedule and treat your body and soul on a Radiance Luxury Byron Bay Yoga Detox & Pamper Retreat in Byron’s beautiful hinterland. The five days and four nights are all about being pampered and cleansing your body and mind by following a program that includes meditation, yoga and tai chi classes, plus a one-hour massage. Only raw food and juices are served (for the detox program’s), which is all about giving your body the chance to have a deep inner spring cleanse. And with the beautiful beaches and the breathtaking scenery of Byron Bay and the surrounding area at your doorstep, there’ no longer a better place to totally unwind and get right back to basics. (included dates, costs, contact details)

Nature & Health Magazine – August/September Issue 2005

A healthy start – this is the month to…

Go on a yoga retreat or two! ‘…Jessie Chapman also runs yoga retreats in idyllic locations including Bali and Byron Bay. The radiance Retreats encompass various styles of yoga, meditation, relaxation, dance and other holistic therapies. Close the door on the outside world for a while and take an inwards journey. For more information contact….’

The Gold Coast Bulletin – ‘Attitudes’ lift-out –August 17th 2005

Recovery Retreat

Blissed-out in Byron, stress free on the Sunshine Coast or getting happy in the Gold coast hinterland, why not ‘find yourself’ in paradise
Traditionally retreat were created for monks and priests to find solitude, contemplate life and meditate.

Today, the concept of retreats has embraced a far wider range of holistic modalities but finding stillness and place to simple ‘be’ remain an integral part of the modern day retreat experience.

Best-selling author and founder of Radiance Retreats, Jessie Chapman, believes most people can benefit from visiting a retreat.
“Retreats offer you the chance to experience a healthy lifestyle and learn the skills for maintaining this lifestyle” she said.

“Today people are aware of the importance of de-stressing and being healthy, and want to focus on that to give themselves time to come back to a balanced state and to after themselves.”

“On retreats, as each day goes by, people let go of work and family commitments and the many roles they have to play in life such as wife, husband, boss, employee, mother, father or daughter. “They no longer have to do or be anything and they can relish in this empty space, dropping deeper and deeper into relaxation. They re-visit their passions in life, they remember what brings them happiness and re-focus their goals for living a life that suits their potential and dreams. They also realise what is no longer serving them in life and, through strengthening on retreat, they are more able to let go of these things whether it be bad eating habits, laziness or a disempowering job or relationship.”

Convinced of the virtues of a timely escape? Picture yourself on a sun drenched beach or communing with nature during a rainforest rendezvous?

The right retreat will have you feeling renewed, relaxed and back in touch, but it’s important to do your research before making that booking.

“It helps to first write a letter to yourself and clarify what you really need out of a retreat,” Ms Chapman said.

“Not all retreats are suited to every person and it’s the responsibility of both the client and the retreat organisers to be upfront and communicate well. “Don’t be afraid to gain as much information as possible before you book. Start by finding out the place of the retreat. Are there lots of optional activities and free time and relaxation, or is the schedule packed with compulsory activities?
“Some people need motivating and a nudge, others are already pushing themselves each day and need to learn to just stop and relax, so choose the program that suits your needs.

“Check the retreat caters to your level of yoga and fitness and that there’s plenty of experienced and qualified facilitators. If you have an food allergies or intolerances, check that you will be well catered for and ask for a menu plan if you have any doubts.

“The location is also important for your relaxation, so find out a bit about the actual environment you’ll be staying in.”
Ms Chapman said that if you did your homework, you’d be rewarded with a self-awakening experience and a sense of serenity that’s a match for any monk.

The Sunday Telegraph’s Body & Soul lift-out – May 29th 2005

news brief
‘snow-ga: Grab your yoga mat and your snow boots this season. Radiance Retreats are no taking bookings for a yoga retreat at the snow. Held at Ajax Ski Club, Mt Buller, Victoria, from July 24 – 29, the retreat offers daily yoga classes and the snow at your doorstep. What better way to limber up for the slopes? The price of $1423 per person includes accommodation, breakfasts and three-course dinners, twice-daily yoga classes, meditation and evening relaxation, plus access to all lodge facilities including spa and sauna. See www.radianceretreats.com

COAST Living Magazine – Autumn 2005
Story by Melissa Ellis
‘Health Retreats – Escape & Recharge’ a feature story on various NSW health retreats

'Radiance Retreats: Australia and Bali'
Jessie Chapman discovered yoga as a teenager, as she watched her mother explore relaxation and guided meditation techniques to help overcome chronic fatigue. Jessie later went on to study yoga and is a fully qualified teacher who has had four books published and a newly released DVD for at home practice.
She began Radiance Retreats in 2000, when the first Radiance Yoga Wellness Retreat was held in Bali, offering people a chance to experience yoga in an exotic locale and explore local therapies.

A natural progression has seen the retreats add a range of holistic therapies, and healing arts, including such things as chakra awareness meditations – and even guided nature walks. This year will see retreats in a variety of luxury locations as well as the launch of a yoga detox and cleanse retreat.

Jessie said a large percentage of her clients are people that work hard and “who want holiday that offers a lasting purpose”. She said: “Participants leave with an inspired personal yoga practice, techniques on ways to relax, unwind and restore energy levels, the experience of a wide range of holistic therapies to find out what works for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a deeper connection with that quiet inner space”.

If you’ve ever thought that yoga was only for the fit and supple you’d be wrong, according to Jessie the discipline can be modified to suit physical aliments and injuries. Radiance Retreats offer a wide range of spa and healing treatments, from Reiki and deep tissue massage to sounding and breath work. This year will see the introduction of a snow yoga retreat in Victoria’s Mt Buller (obviously winter!) and several retreats on the NSW north coast as well as Bali.’

Spa Asia Magazine – March/April 2005
' The Retreat Revolution' Feature story on the benefits of retreats

‘…Jessie Chapman of Radiance Retreats (www.radianceretreats.com) says that she is constantly inspired by the retreat dynamic where people come together in a sacred space to relax, learn, heal and grow. Jessie says “People who come on the retreats are often seeking quality time for themselves away from work and family commitments, busy lifestyles and the world in general. They know that by looking after their health they’ll be in a stronger position to change and grow and are consciously choosing to connect and listen within, to restore energy levels, to be healthy, to increase self awareness, to discover what brings them happiness in life and to learn tools for attaining it”…’

The Daily Telegraph - July 2004
'Winter Treat' By Kate Minogue

‘Yoga Teacher Jessie Chapman is offering yoga retreats in Byron Bay and Bali that aim to cleanse and pamper mind and body. The Byron Bay getaways include twice daily yoga and meditation, a cleansing diet, daily one-hour massages and beauty treatments, and sessions in healing arts such as voice work and dance…’

Wellbeing YOGA Edition - June 2004
Story by Donna Duggan on Byron Bay’s Yoga Play Festival

‘...The lovely Jessie Chapman followed with her workshop “Yoga Nidra and the Art of Relaxation. Jessie oozes love and balance and is certainly an expert on relaxation. After growing up in the rainforest surrounding Byron Bay, Jessie explored many different styles of healing arts, eventually studying yoga at Yoga Arts in 1997. Since then she has taught yoga, is the author of four yoga books and the co-director of the international yoga wellness retreats, Radiance Retreats.
In this workshop, Jessie took us through the many basic postures, breathing techniques, meditations and relaxations you can do anytime, anywhere and which can calm you immediately. In everyday life we rarely allow the time to experience this deep relaxation, so important for keeping a clear mind as well as overcoming insomnia, stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue.’

Australia’s New Idea Magazine - March 2004
'Out of this world: Relax, Revive, Retreat' Story by Serene Conneeley

'...Head to yoga camp to awaken your mind and move your body...'
A full page story on Radiance Yoga Retreats in Byron Bay with Jessie Chapman.

WHO Magazine - February 2004
Story titled ‘Pilates & Yoga: Reach for the Stars’

Included a piece titled STEP-BY-STEP YOGA
‘Neighbors actress Carla Bonner has been a yogini for more than three years. Instructor and Yoga for Inner Strength author Jessie Chapman gives the lowdown on the ins and outs of her poses’ Contains 5 postures and words by Jessie Chapman

Also a piece titled: YOGA MOVES FOR TWO on pregnancy and yoga by Jessie Chapman
“Yoga postures work to stretch and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and open the hips, aiding in childbirth”, says yoga instructor Jessie Chapman, advising that newcomers consult an experienced prenatal yoga teacher. “Yoga’s breathing techniques teach one to relax at will and this is useful during pregnancy, and especially labour.”

B Magazine - January 2004
‘Relax, recharge, retreat’ By Elisabeth Knowles

A full page story on Radiance Retreats in Byron Bay which Elisabeth herself attended. It details the whole program, highlights and the retreat process as experienced from a novice.

Australia’s New Idea Magazine - December 2003
'The Great Escape' by Serene Conneeley - a full-page story on Bali Spa’s and Radiance Retreats

‘I was stressed and exhausted, in need of a place to relax and rejuvenate. I dreamt of soaking in a steam bath, of being massaged and soothed, body and soul. And where better to go than the island paradise of Bali? Australian healer Judy Chapman...she and her sister Jessie run Radiance Retreats, based in Byron Bay NSW, organizing inspirational trips combing yoga, meditation and spa pampering…’

B Magazine - December 2003
A piece on Jessie Chapman’s book Partner Yoga for your Body Mind & Soul

The Daily Telegraph - November 2003

“Radiance Yoga Retreats are offering early birds a 10% discount on next years programs. The retreats, which aim to completely relax and restore participants, are held in Byron Bay, Sydney and Bali. Included are twice daily yoga, daily massages and spa treatments, meditations, healthy meals, tai chi, Pilates, voice play and self-enquiry. To find out more visit: www.radianceretreats.com.

Singapore’s Female Magazine - August 2003
Story by Audrey Simon

Yoga: Radiance Retreats:
Say ‘Ohm’ to the Bali Yoga Wellness Retreats. A yoga instructor will put you through the paces…includes twice daily yoga, nature walks, spa pampering, healings, cooking class and lots more…in a conducive location suitable for yoga….Extra: a welcome pack that includes yoga mat and more.

The Sunday Mail - July 2003
‘Byron’s Greener Postures’ by Kellie Alderman - A full page story on Radiance Retreats in Byron Bay with images.

'…Byron Bay sisters Jessie and Judy Chapman have been running yoga retreats around the world for five years between them and have written seven books on yoga and aromatherapy.
Not only are they the best walking advertisements for their Radiance Retreats (beautiful, glowing with good heath, able to launch into a headstand at a moments notice) they are so passionate about what they do you cannot help but be enthusiastic too…The best thing about their retreats is that they are for all levels of yoga devotees – so if yoga has been on your to do list this is the ideal way to kick-start the new yoga you…’

Nature & Health Magazine - April/May 2003
‘Going on a Retreat’ by Jessie Chapman

This is a three page story on why to take a retreat with a list of retreats Australia wide and their emphasis including Radiance Retreats.

Australian Vogue September - Issue 2002

'Island Treats..a great way to discover Bali's spa is with a team of
Australian sisters, Judy and Jessie Chapman, who run Radiance Retreats
and their spa trek, a fice-day retreat that includes yoga, fitness and spa
treatments. One of the spas visited during the retreat is Bagus Jati, which
lies high in teh mountains above Ubud. Described as Bali's first spa
retreat, Bagus Jati offers a huge range of Ayurvedic, anti-ageing, health
and beauty and fitness treatments, not to mention a state-of-the-art
gymnasium and yoga pavillion nestled in the lush jungle. Other spa
destinations in the retreat include The Legian and The Chedi. Each day
starts with a yoga session run by Jessie. This is followed by spa treatments
and afternoon cycle or trek through Balinese rice paddies or villages and
finishes with a calming evening yoga session.

'If you think that the week sounds totally self-indulgent, then your're right'
says Judy 'This retreat is a total lift, tone, shape and glow all wrapped in one...'

The Weekend Australian August 24-25th 2002
'How to be a bathing beauty' by Susan Kurosawa

'No time to visit a spa for some pampering and pummeling? The next best thing is to
practice spa therapies at home - a nice deep bathtub being an
essential prop 'Spa Bathing Blends for your Home' by Judy Chapman is at
attractive little manual for creating a home spa. A neutral bath is perfect
for bathing experiences, says Chapman, a yoga and ayurvedic healing devotee
who divides her time between Bali and Byron Bay on the NSW north coast.....Chapman
and her sister, Jessie, a yoga teacher and massage therapist, also run tours to Bali
through their Radiance Retreats company.

The Business Times - Singapore August 10-11
'Meet the Spa Sisters' by Cheah Ui-Hoon

'Aromatherapist Judy and yoga expert Jessie join forces to organize unique
spa retreats....When you've a sister who's a yoga expert, and you're into
aromatherapy, how about joining forces to compete in the fast-growing
world of wellness....Meet the Spa sisters - Judy and Jessie Chapman who've
developed unique spa retreats in Bali, Daintree (Australia) and Singapore,with
other locations in Japan and Hawaii in the pipeline.....The Chapman sisters are
giving it a refreshing twist by custom-designing retreats that pool together some
of the best hotels and spas a region can offer and marry that with twice daily
yoga sessions and cycling through the rice fields in Ubud....'

Singapore Expat - July 2002
by Gillian Beal

'Its six in the morning and the ascending, hollow call of the coucal fills
the Ayung River valley as the gentle rhythnm of Jessie Chapman's voice
instructs us to inhale deeply, to exhale, to get in touch with our breathing,
to empty our minds of thought.

'That is no easy task when you are surrounded by the sounds of Bali's
most sacred river valley. But you find yourself trying as Jessie, a 32 year
old teacher, has a presence and authority that belies her age.

'She is, of course, instructing our group of eight in the ancient art of yoga.
Today is the first lesson go our five day /four night yoga and spa retreat,
a programme put together by Jessie, an experienced yoga teacher an author,
and her sister, Judy Chapman, a spa and aromatherapist specialist.
Their company, Radiance Retreats (www.radianceretreats.com)
matches the rigorous of dialy yoga with the pleasures of some of Bali's
most sensuous spa and health treatments.

'This trip is no boot camp, nor an ascetic ashram experience.
We are staying the spectaculour five-star Chedi Hotel just north of Ubud.
Following two nights here, we will transfer to an equaly luxurious property,
The Legian, located on Bali's southern coast. There we practice early morning
yoga to the sounds of the Indian ocean waves rolling on to the beach.
Our spa safari exposes us to the many different types of treatments now
available on the Island of the Gods: from traditional Balinese massage to
Thalasso aqua treatments and an Ayurvedic cleansing wellness treatment.....'

Destinasian - July/September 2002

'Bali Spa Smorgosbord..Radiance Retreats (www.radianceretreats.com) is
an innovative five day prorgam that combines the rigors of twice-daily yoga
sessions with the pampering of exotic spa treatments. The US$1235 Bali retreat
features Javanese lulur scurbs, Thalasso seawater therapiest, seaweed wraps,
Ayurvedic oil treatments and traditional Balinese massages. Included in the price
are accomodation (two nights at The Chedi Ubud and two nights at
The Legain, twin share basis), three hours of yoga daily, all spa treatments,
cycling and trekking in Ubud, return transport to the various spa facilities
and all breakfasts.......'

The Australian Women's Weekly' - June 2002
'Bali Spa' by David Leser - extracts from his article

'For the Balinese, it's not about sitting in a tub with a jet stream sensually
pummelling your back. It's not about some vacuous pursuit of beauty for
beauty's sake. It's about a range of treatments that reflect an understanding
of how inner and outer beauty are connected, and how, when we're relaxed
and happy, the bio-chemical rhythms in our bodies actually change.

'Believe it or not, after five days doing yoga twice daily, eating fresh nutritious
food, walking through rice paddies and villages of smiling children, being
pampered with essential oils and natural herbs and spices, imbibing the
exquisite beauty of the "Island of the Gods," I was shinning, both from
the inside and out."

'Best known for its surf beaches, Bali is now the health spa capitol of
South-East Asia. Dressed in only a sarong, David Leser took the plunge and
found what it's like being pampered in paradise.........Is there people more
gentle and beautiful, an environment more lush and sensual, a hospitality
more gracious and welcoming...It was day one of a five -day yoga/spa retreat
to which I had been invited by Judy and Jessie Chapman, two soulful sisters from
Byron Bay on NSW's North Coast, who'd come up with an enticing idea.
Combining an understanding of the physical , emotional and spiritual balance
that yoga brings to life, a keen appreciation of plants, roots, barks, leaves,
flowers and fruit as a source of medicine and healing, and a respect for the
time-honoured but little understood tradition of spa treatments the Chapman
sisters had decided that a yoga/spa retreat in Bali was just what the new
millenium was calling for. They knew in the words of Swamaji, the yoga master
and humanitarian:

"If you want peace in the world you first had to find peace within".

'And on a retreat like this, you could actually begin to bring that into your everyday
life. By developing a personal yoga practice you could start to discover inner strength, willpwers, balance, co-ordination and a capacity for relaxation you never knew you had. And after you'd spent your morning doing all that, you could then get pampered too.'

The Sydney Morning Herald - 25-26th May
Weekend Travel Section - 'The Best Spas of Asia'

'Radiance Retreats
Five-day supreme wellness and fitness spa retreats.
SENSATION Super luxurious. There's a daily spa trek to Bali's finest and most
stunning spas.

'SPECIALTY Ayurveda 'Shirodhara' (an anti-ageing treatment whereby warm
oil is dripped on to the forehead to smooth out tension around the head and
eye area, complemented with an ayurveda body massage), oxygen and
hydrotherapy, Indian head and foot massage together with Javanese
floral baths and massages galore. $1300-2,500, including five-star boutique
accommodation, breakfast, twice daily yoga and spa treatments.
CONTACT www.radianceretreats.com'

Hong Kong Magazine - July 5th 2002

'Body Work by Joyce Hor-Chung Lau'Sisters Judy and Jessie Chapman,
who have recently published a series of health books with Harper Collins,
are organizing Global Yoga Spa Treks, a series of 4 night/5 day retreats
all over the world. Their upcoming event will be held at The Legian and
The Chedi Spas in Bali from July 21-25th. It will include twice-daily yoga
sessions, plus Ayurveda, Thalasso, oxygen and massage treatments...'

Fashion Quarterly - Winter 2002

Gourmet Traveler - April 2002
'Bali with a twist'

'Radiance Retreats offers four night/five day yoga and spa retreats
staying at The Chedi and Legian hotels in Bali. Suitable for yogic
beginners as well as the more advanced, the retreat also offers a
Spa Trek through treatments such as Vichy shower and the
anti-aging Ayurvedic "Shiro Dhara", and a Casa Luna cooking class.
Visit www.radianceretreats.com'

Asian Business Weekly 'The Magazine for Entrepreneurs'
March 2002

'Bali retreat designed to rejuvenate''Australians sisters and yoga and
aromatherapy practitioners Jessie and Judy Chapman have created
Radiance Retreats to allow executives to combine yoga and spa treatments
in the comfort of five-star luxury accommodation in Bali.'Jessie, a yoga
teacher and author of books on the discipline, takes the twice-daily yoga
sessions during the four-night/five day retreats. Jessie says, "The sessions
are suitable for the absolute beginner to the more advanced practitioner.
We move through a cleansing sequence of twists, salutes, standing, sitting,
backward bending and inverted postures to increase circulation and speed
up the metabolism."

Judy, author of several aromatherapy books, will give talks on youth
rejuvenation and health. The Spa "trek" includes being smeared with
nourishing volcanic mud and immersed in seaweed enriched hydrobaths
together and detoxifying saltwater massages. Also included are traditional
French-style Thalasso spa treatments which promise to improve circulation,
reduce excess body weight, stress, cellulite and tension.
Guests stay at The Chedi and The Legian and included is 3 hours of yoga a
day, daily spa treatments, cycling and trekking, talks on Ayurvedic and all
breakfasts.'The retreats will take place throughout the year and retreats can
be arranged for groups of 8 or more'

South China Morning Post - Feb 2002

'Beating a retreat: Sisters Judy Chapman (author of beauty-aromatheraphy
books) and Jessie Chapman (best-selling author of yoga titles) are pooling
their expertise to launch a series of yoga/spa retreats in Bali.
The four-night/five-day experience, staying at the five-star boutique resorts,
The Chedi and The Legian (below), will incorporate twice-daily yoga sessions
combined with daily spa rituals from oxygen facials and seaweed wraps to
exotic-sounding Javanese lulur and thalasso treatments.'Retreats will run
from March 3-7, May 26-30th, September 22-26 and December 1-5, and
cost A$2,080 (HK$8,450) per person, excluding flights (budget retreats are
available for groups of eight or more).....'

Garuda Inflight Magazine - February 2002

'Spa Trek Across Bali - For serious Spa trekkers and seekers there's no beating
the latest addition to the spa industry 'Radiance Retreats. Fusing Yoga and Spa,
these 4 night/5 day retreats are held throughout the year at 5 star boutique locations.
'The Chedi' and 'The Legian'. They offer daily yoga and fitness combined with an
abundance of youth enhancing treatments including oxygen facials, slimming
body oxygentation program, seaweed wraps, Ayurvedic treatments, Thalasso
Vichy Showers, and more all wrapped up in one. This is a world class event for
those looking for a yoga and fitness holiday with serious pampering'.