Why feel you have to choose between engaging in life-changing conversations or a holiday when you can combine the two?

Pulse Retreats combine world-leading transformational coaching with the opportunity for experiential relaxation in extraordinary locations around the globe. Our 5 day Pulse Retreat in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve where we will be learning to live to the pulse of our life whilst immersed in the splendour of the South African bush. A Pulse Retreat nurtures the ideal environment in which to examine your mindset, as well as improve your well-being and take on a new outlook to happiness. We focus on developing your states of being and supporting you to connect to your Purpose, Meaning, Spirituality and Vitality – resulting in you feeling more comfortable, healthy, contented, and satisfied, as well as improving the quality of your relationships both with yourself and others.

Our thoughtfully crafted itinerary draws on the nature of the environment to complement and enhance our coaching programme. It embraces the natural landscape and incorporates local experiences into your personal learning and development throughout the retreat. Expect talks around the Boma (firepit), interactive group coaching sessions in the bush, as well as 1-2-1 coaching sessions and plenty of opportunities to see the Big 5 on safari.

Our thoughtfully crafted itinerary draws on the nature of the environment to complement and enhance our coaching programme. It embraces the natural landscape and incorporates local experiences into your personal learning and development throughout the retreat. So this February, expect talks around the Boma (firepit), interactive group coaching sessions in the bush, as well as 1-2-1 coaching sessions and plenty of opportunities to see the Big 5 on safari.

This adventure is calling to you because.....

Like for many of us, today’s fast-paced, high-intensity lifestyle has induced a self-neglect and lethargy of spirit and you want to be inspired

You feel you want to restore your sense of perspective and nurture your ability to practise an attitude of gratitude

You desire a deeper connection and understanding of what makes you tick and to embrace this new knowledge while identifying and pursuing your life’s purpose

You are looking for the motivation, support and inspiration to change things that don’t work for you and to build the life that you want (even if you’re not sure exactly what that looks like yet!)

You want to improve the quality of your relationships both by making peace with past ones and moving forward positively with current and new ones

You’d like to fully detach yourself from the digital world and give your brain a break by immersing yourself in the beauty of South Africa

"To live with the tempo giusto, to us, means to live neither too fast nor too slow, sacrificing neither work nor life."

"To live with the tempo giusto, to us, means to live neither too fast nor too slow, sacrificing neither work nor life."

What we will explore

Maybe you’re looking for a better way to cope with the fast pace of the world of work and maintain the experience on your return? Or perhaps you are yearning for a real break from ever-increasing tension where you can focus on finding release from the distractions of life? You might even be searching for clarity on your purpose in life and wanting to focus on the legacy that you will leave. Whatever it is, with the support of the facilitators, you’ll choose the direction of your exploration during our time together to help you live to the pulse of your life.

Taking Your Pulse:

Before embarking on your journey, it is important to pause for a moment to take a breath and slow the mind down. Take stock of your current situation: What do you know about yourself? What are you searching for? Why are you here?

Checking Your Pulse:

Is everything that you know about yourself true? What could life look like if you rewrote the rules or got rid of them all together?

Quickening Your Pulse:

Get ready to journey into your identity and beliefs. Why do you think the way you think? Is there a reason that you behave in a certain way?

“No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.”John Donne

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“No man is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.”John Donne

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Matching your pulse to others:

Learning how to live in harmony with others and traverse the challenges of your relationships is an essential step towards living a life full of vitality and contentment.

Pulse of the world:

Is your life’s purpose and meaning currently uncertain or feels unattainable? How does your journey fit into the larger picture? Is it personal, local or global in scope?

The pulse of your mind:

It’s time to look at how you deal with struggle, challenges and upsets. Is everything that you believe to be true actually true? Instead of overwhelm and stress, what if you felt gratitude and peace? How different could your life be?

Finding the rhythm of your pulse:

Now we explore what really makes you tick and what brings passion and joy into your life. If there were no constraints or restrictions, what would you be doing right now? Who would you dare to be?

Living to your pulse:

What do you want your next step in your journey to look like? What is really important in your life as you look forward?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”Gandhi

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”Gandhi

Setting your pulse:

How are you going to take all of your happiness, purpose and vitality back into your daily life?

There will also be plenty of opportunities to slow your pulse too so that you can take time to reflect and recharge by relaxing on your terrace, swimming in the pool or getting creative with your wildlife photography in the Terrapin Water Hide.

How the days will run

Our approach is very flexible. Yes, we have a timetable, however we give space for the unexpected to arise; this is what creates the magic and maximises the impact of the interventions that take place. During the retreat, there is a strong emphasis on group coaching because exploring your emotions with others and discovering that your experiences are often shared and that you are not isolated is extremely powerful. These group coaching elements are supported by 1-2-1 sessions too and of course, we will be available throughout our time together for more informal chats whenever you may need it.

Before the retreat:

- Individual phone call to get to know you and determine your goals for the programme - Homework to help you capture your journey so far and begin to focus on what you hope to get out of the retreat

During the retreat:

- Group coaching sessions - 1-2-1 coaching sessions - Journal time

After the retreat:

- 1 x 1-2-1 coaching session - Group phone call - Access to a Private Online Group Space to continue your dialogue with your fellow explorers

The Pulse Experience

Your retreat days will blend reflection and discovery activities, individual coaching sessions and interactive group explorations with plenty of time for rejuvenation, exploration, play and relaxation all against the backdrop of, and immersed in, the wilderness of the stunning Madikwe Game Reserve. This retreat includes:

At least 20 hours of group conversation, coaching and experiential learning

Optional yoga sessions

Two 1-2-1 coaching sessions

Private luxury tented suite at Jaci's Lodge for 5 nights

Bodywork sessions to help restore the harmony between the body and your mind and to reduce excessive physical tension

All-inclusive food and drink while at Jaci’s Lodge

At least 3 evening safaris and 1 morning safari

Use of all facilities while at Jaci’s Lodge including the swimming pool and Terrapin Viewing and Photography Hide

Guided bush walk and the chance to take your learning outdoors

1 night’s 5* accommodation in Johannesburg and return luxury coach transfer to Jaci’s Lodge

The Accommodation

Imagine yourself waking up to the sound of lions roaring, the sight of elephants bathing in the waterhole and then enjoying your breakfast in the wilds of the South African bush where you will perhaps spot a giraffe, or two! These are just some of the extraordinary experiences that await you during February’s Pulse Retreat which is being held at Jaci’s Lodge—one of National Geographic's “Unique Lodges of the World”. We have chosen Jaci’s Lodge as it places global wellbeing and sustainability at its core and many of the staff that work there are stakeholders in the business which makes it a great example of how to empower local communities and cultivate employee loyalty. Also, being set in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve— home to the Big 5—Jaci’s Lodge offers unrivaled game viewing as well as exceptional service and accommodation. You will have a luxury private tent to yourself as standard to gift you the time to reflect and peacefully enjoy your surroundings, as well as access to all of the on-site facilities including the swimming pool and Terrapin Viewing and Photography Hide.

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Your Facilitators

Ian and Ellie Hale are bold, passionate pioneers– breaking all barriers to communication, effectiveness, happiness, love and fulfilment for all. Between them they have a combined experience of over 40 years working with corporations and individuals to actively engage people and take them to the edge, causing unimaginable results in their lives. Having been together for 38 years there’s not much they haven’t seen or done and so they draw on their own lives and experiences to bring a very human dimension to their coaching. When coupled with their backgrounds in psychotherapy and extensive coaching training they deliver a ruthlessly compassionate style of coaching which empowers and transforms lives. When not working, Ian and Ellie can be found at home in Devon where they spend time with their grandchildren, Ian masters backgammon and Ellie tends to her 5000 plant strong garden.

During the Pulse Retreat they will also be joined by Alexander Technique expert Jenny Quick who will work with you to restore the connection between mind and body through a combination of hands on guidance, observation and contemplation.

During the Pulse Retreat they will also be joined by Alexander Technique expert Jenny Quick who will work with you to restore the connection between mind and body through a combination of hands on guidance, observation and contemplation.

The Pulse Retreat is facilitated by Velius Travel Ltd, experts in luxury travel.

Your Commitment

Registration: £7700 per person

Reserve your place with only a 50% deposit.

Includes:

Private room in 5* hotel in Johannesburg x 1 night

Private luxury tented suite at Jaci’s Lodge x 5 nights

All-inclusive food and drink during your stay at Jaci’s Lodge

Return private group transfer in a luxury coach to Jaci’s Lodge

All conservation and park entry fees

At least 20 hours of group coaching

Two 1-2-1 coaching sessions

Bodywork sessions

At least 3 evening safaris and 1 morning safari

Guided bush walk and the chance to take your learning outdoors

Optional yoga sessions

One post-retreat 1-2-1 coaching session as well as online group support

FAQs

We will depart for Jaci’s Lodge on a private group transfer from Johannesburg in the morning of Sunday 23rd February 2020. As such, we ask that all participants arrive in Johannesburg at their leisure on Saturday 22nd February. One night’s accommodation in a 5* hotel in Johannesburg is included in the cost of the retreat. FLIGHTS: International flights land at O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

We recommend that you check your relevant country’s foreign office website for up-to-date visa requirements. If you are a British citizen, this information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements

The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Once at Jaci’s Lodge all food and drink is included (local beer, wine and spirits. Premium spirits incur an extra charge). The only things that you may need to budget for are your meals in Johannesburg, any souvenirs that you may wish to buy at the gift shop and any extra tips you may want to give.

Jaci’s Lodge serves up South African-inspired, fire-cooked dishes, which is all served under the stars around the campfire as often as possible. If you have a specific dietary requirement please let us know as the lodge can cater for most requirements.

A group tip kitty is included in the cost of the retreat for the staff of Jaci’s Lodge, but not for the safari guides. All other tips are at your discretion.

Madikwe is home to the Top 10, which includes everything you want to see on safari, and more. They have the famous Big 5 (including both black and white rhino), plus endangered African wild dog, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, hippo and cheetah, in addition to a wide diversity of plains game. There are over 300 bird species, so it is indeed a birders’ paradise.

What Others Are Saying

"This session was the best session I have taken part in. I witnessed something that made the hairs on my arm raise and also had goose pimples. Ian was able to open up a very closed book in one of the other candidates in the session. The only way I can describe this is like when you blow a balloon up from the start to the finish and then tie it. Right from the beginning when Ian made him smile , he spotted something from this and then just ran with it . So much so that the person involved was able to say out loud and many times that "I am bloody Great and that’s ok". The transformation was something else considering the person involved and I have worked with this person for over a year and have never witnessed anything like this. So what could be improved? On this session nothing."

For Your Boss

The Pulse Retreat creates an environment where people flourish. It enables them to return re-energised, fulfilled, healthy and bringing flow and energy to the workplace. They come back more empathetic and with a better understanding of how to connect with their colleagues and clients which creates inspiring environments with a strong sense of purpose and empowerment. Moreover, their ability to influence and support colleagues, customers and their team whilst maintaining their own resilience and supporting others is refreshed. Ultimately, they come back ready to be in the zone, more creative, dynamic and having greater resilience, all of which creates a positive ripple effect through the organisation.

The Pulse Retreat, South Africa22nd - 28th February 2020

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Live to the pulse of your life…on safari

Fill out the form below to book on to the retreat and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly to provide payment methods.  Got any questions?  Get in touch with us here.

The Pulse Retreat is facilitated by Velius Travel Ltd.

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Images courtesy of Chris Rosling & Jaci's Lodge.