Put your Money Where Your Karma Is

In today’s travel many are seeking eco and sustainable options, as no one wants a carbon footprint weighing heavy on their conscious nor do they want it fueling negative repercussions on their environmental karma.

In today’s conscientious eco and sustainable travel market, many don’t want to leave a carbon footprint, yet are quite keen to leave a personal one behind or in some cases take one with them as it doesn’t weigh heavy in their baggage, personal or checked.

There are several immersion travel options to immerse travelers in the local communities and or voluntourism options for those looking to give back when they get away.  For some it’s a spiritual journey or peace that they are seeking.

The Santa Barbara Wellness Institute is providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for a limited number of people to travel to Nepal for a behind-the-scenes spiritual journey to Sacred Sites in Nepal with an esteemed team of Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Masters and Accomplished Western Dharma Teachers.

Set in the ancient and colorful Katmandu Valley, guests will partake in an opportunity for extraordinary spiritual transformation while enjoying the luxury accommodations at the new Katmandu Hyatt Regency Hotel.

During the one week journey, the SBWI team of practicing Tibetan Buddhist meditation masters and Western Dharma teachers will guide people in exploring how to work with their minds to expand their wisdom and clarity, open their hearts to be of more benefit to themselves and others, and achieve enduring happiness. Keeping their carbon in check, tours will be limited to 25 people per trip.

“We are extremely fortunate to have entered into a unique relationship with leading Tibetan masters and Western Buddhist teachers,” said Rowland Hanson, co-founder & co-managing partner of SBWI. “We feel privileged to be able to provide people with the rare opportunity to embark on a life-changing journey that will strengthen the spirit and expose them to one of the most spiritual locations in the world.”

The Katmandu Valley is renowned for its full range of historic and artistic marvels. During each trip, travelers will explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, the Durbar (‘Palace’) Squares of Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and the Hindu temple Pashupatinath. Travelers will also visit ancient caves in the nearby town of Sankhu, where mahasiddhas, highly realized Buddhist masters, attained extraordinary meditation powers.

You don’t have to live like a minimalists monk, as SBWI is catering to their affluent audience with a luxury angle. After each day of personal and cultural exploration, SBWI travelers will enjoy Katmandu’s new luxury Hyatt Regency Hotel, located within walking distance of the Boudhanath Stupa. The Hyatt is a calm sanctuary where you can stroll through the gardens, swim, play tennis, work out at the fitness center, or just relax at the exclusive spa and reflect on the days events.

“We all share the desire to be happy, but often feel stressed and distracted by daily events,” said Joellyn Conk, co-founder & co-managing partner of SBWI. “We sense something is missing and want to experience a deeper meaning in our lives. Our intent in creating this extraordinary spiritual journey is to help people develop a joyful state of mind and give new meaning to their lives.”

Sacred Site Journey to Nepal by Santa Barbara Wellness Institute will take place in November and December 2008 and costs $10,980 (USD) per person double occupancy, excluding airfare; an additional $990 (USD) charge for single supplement.

Consider it a guilty pleasure without the guilt.

By Karen Loftus