Issue 17, June 2006  You can view this enewsletter online!

Goddesses and Glowing Golden Days
Having just returned from my first visit to Uluru and the red centre, I am again struck by the awesome capacity of Mother Nature to manifest, and the simple tribal wisdom that teaches us how to connect and open to the healing energy ofthe land. Here at Moondance another spectacular seasonal performance is well under way as the rolling vine-clad hills transform into a striking autumnal glow of golds and bronzes. Milky sunshine and cool air blend deliciously with clear blue skies and the friendly scent of wood smoke as locals begin their winter burn and crank up fireplaces for cozy days ahead. And with clockwork precision the green fields become dotted with little blobs as this year's lambs make their way into the world - perfectly timed to ensure mother's milk production from the endless green feed... so says Steve and Yvonne from the nearby Shearing Shed, another wonderful attraction for Moondance family guests visiting this part of the world.

Brugh Joy at Moondance....there's still time!
Meanwhile Moondance continues to hum along as we pack away our kimonos and sushi mats from the wonderfully successful Sushi Modern at Moondance event and start finalizing numbers for the very special Brugh Joy International Wellness Retreats taking place in July (Newcommers Weekend July 6 - 9, deepening with Brugh July 10 - 16). Both are wonderful examples of our Masters in Residence program where guests spend a few days with gifted teachers bringing their art, be it culinary, corporate or spiritual.... providing us with some well-needed soul nourishment. While numbers for the Brugh Joy conferences are strictly limited we still have a few spots open so it's not too late to sign up for this unique and powerful heart-centred healing opportunity to deepen and share a few days with kindred spirits in the luxurious Moondance grounds. Register and receive the Brugh Joy ebrochure.

Hygeia Healing Hotels
My unplanned visit to Uluru was made possible by our worldwide launch of Hygeia Healing Hotels which took place in Cairns at the Australian Tourism Exchange Council summit two weeks ago. Accompanied by Josh Whiteland, our gifted friend and Wardandi Aboriginal Cultural Custodian, we launched the World's first hotel group linking travelers with properties around the globe that are dedicated to offering healing experiences that nourish the soul. Hygeia Healing Hotels (named after Hygeia - the Greek Goddess of physical, emotional and mental health) is not-for profit and has four Founding Members: Moondance Lodge - Margaret River, Eagle's Nest - New Zealand, Healing Dreams Retreat - Tasmania, The Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa in Queensland. Thank you for helping spread the word about Hygeia so other properties dedicated to offering healing experiences can join in.
Resister your interest and receive further information about Hygeia.

And while we're on the topic of things healing, for those who would like to have an authentic tribal connection, we are delighted to advise that our very popular Didgeridoo Meditation experience is now available for guests and visitors regularly on Saturday mornings in the Main Lodge. Josh's Tribal Bushwalk is also available immediately following the "Didg Med" and as well as being a wonderful way to relax in nature, also provides a rich insight into the medicinal properties of plants growing wild on the Moondance property and surrounding native bush... all ages are welcome and it's best to book ahead.

Whales and Wisdom
For those of you who enjoy getting up close and personal with the world's largest creatures, why not plan a trip to Moondance during the winter whale season from May till October to experience the awesome Blue Whales as they migrate along our coast all winter. It's a short boat ride from our wintry coast and truly a lifetime high, as there's only 1200 of them left in the world and they are very accessable from here. And if you're trying to find the perfect venue for your company's next Executive Planning Retreat, do contact us about our excellent Corporate Nourishment package which is tailored to your groups needs and can include warming fireside high-tech conferencing, whale-watching and wonderful winter winery experiences.... it's all about the W's!

Our ongoing mission here at Moondance is to create a rich variety of nourishing special events and packages throughout the year that enable you to pop down to Moondance for a few days, enjoy a unique and memorable experience and leave feeling rejuvenated and in love with Life! To that end here's our latest Magical Moondance Calender and we look forward to your email or call so we can help you plan the details click stay@moondancelodge.com to make your reservation for any of the following events:

Brugh Joy Wellness Retreats
Newcomer's Weekend (July 6-9)
Residential - $1395 - includes tuition, gourmet meals and deluxe share accommodation at Moondance Lodge.

Non-Residential - $750 - includes tuition and gourmet meals.

Bodyfulness With Brugh (July 10-16)
Residential - $3200 - includes tuition, excursions, deluxe share accommodation and gourmet meals.

Non-Residential - $1795 - includes tuition, excursions and gourmet meals.


Winter Wine & Food Lovers Weekend (August 11-13)
An annual favourite on the Moondance calendar, this gastronomic weekend celebrates the joys of warming winter cuisine where lovers of fine wine and delicious food can indulge together. Gather the fresh local produce from around the region and then get in the kitchen with Executive Chef Saul for a Master Chef Class to prepare the evening feast. Highlights also include a Moondance Mystery Picnic and fireside inspirational foodie feature film.
Email us now to book.

The Mammas at Moondance Lodge (October 27-29)
Back by popular demand, this sell-out two night experience welcomes lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. Five delightful Italian Mammas from Chianti share their secrets, passion and cooking techniques of preparing deliciously simple Tuscan cuisine cucina povera (plain and simple cooking). In the kitchen with The Mammas and Chef Saul, guests can enjoy live food demonstrations, take-home recipes and a mouth-watering three course Italian feast paired with Margaret River and Chianti wines.
Email us now to book.

Starlight Starbright

And for all our budding Friends of Moondance Astronomers I am pleased to advise that we rate extremely highly in the clear skies stakes according to recent guest Ati El Bakush from Malaysia who was so excited to peer into the universe from his suite here at Moondance: "Most perfect dark skies I have ever seen. No light from pollution brings out every star in the Milky Way. Jupiter was in opposition making it extremely bright and visible through a low power telescope. A skywatchers dream come true!"

Finally, if you're wanting to cut down the traveling time from Perth to Moondance Lodge and cost is not a priority,  we've just welcomed our first helicopter guests, James and Gordon, and can happily recommend Moondance as the perfect place to land (hired from HeliWest) your sexy little chopper for that suprise luxury getaway for someone special.... with serious WOW factor!

We all send you love from Moondance.

Love


Geraldine Reilly & Richard Doggart
Owners
Moondance Lodge
Spencer Road, Yallingup 6282
PO Box 217, Western Australia
Phone (618) 9750 1777
Fax (618) 9750 1788
stay@moondancelodge.com
www.moondancelodge.com

We would love to welcome you as a Friend of Moondance and send you our regular enewsletter with advance notice of the latest packages, unique recipes and exciting events in the diverse Margaret River region.

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