If you like nature, peace and tranquility, then a visit to River Sound will leave an impression on your mind and soul. Relaxation, a word we seldom use but that means different things to different people, is the ultimate goal of most visitors to the tranquil North East of New Zealand. For me, a trip to the far away Anglesey region evokes images of peace, serenity, quiet and, of course, beautiful scenery. The calmness and tranquillity of River Sound are a sight to behold. I can remember feeling totally at peace and totally relaxed as I cruised along watching the local wildlife and scenery.

Music is a big part of my trip. I like anything that makes me relax, whether it’s relaxing classical music, calming nature sounds, or the gentle sounds of bird song. My travel advisor and yoga teacher, Don Griffiths, have developed a simple way of finding out what sorts of music inspire and soothe me to find my peace of mind. He suggests that you should try using music during your ‘Lotus Holidays’ in terms of spa music and relaxation. Additional info found at River Sound GOOD RELAXATION OF THE MUSCLE | Stress Relief Music.

Don explains that he likes ‘Lotus Holidays’ when he means a week of guided meditation in the mountains. He likes to play the spiritual game called Chaturanga, played with other participants, during his ‘Lotus Holidays’ in the woods. The participants take turns playing this spiritual game, which involves tapping various parts of the body with sticks as they float across streams, under bridges and through meadows. Don describes the music as being similar to chirping, except that with ‘Lotus Holidays’ participants sing and play melodious songs and enjoy great company.

Another popular sound source for ‘Lotus Holidays’ is spa music. In my experience, music, particularly music from New Zealand, tends to set the mood for a peaceful and relaxing time. It is important that you choose spa music, preferably with a rustic or native style to provide a setting for the Lotus Holidays experience. Music from this country includes the sounds of Te Anau (The Deep South), Orewa (Otago), Papakura (Hokitika), aurora (Kiwi Coast) and Westport (Canterbury).

I usually like to start the day with a light breakfast of tea and a fruit salad, and then head out for some ‘real living.’ ‘Real living’ can mean walking the dog, taking a walk or meeting friends for coffee and relaxing in a garden shed. Depending on the nature of the garden venue, these activities can take a variety of forms. For example, some venues are ideal for ‘active’ games such as Capture the Flag, where team members hide behind bushes, wait for other team members to approach and shoot at them with a range of rifles. Others offer quiet activities such as reading a book, chatting with others or playing a board game.

Some people, when choosing music for their retreat, will want to have the music specially composed for them. Music is an important part of sound therapy. Therapists recommend listening to soft music that has been recorded by a trained professional for a couple of hours each day. The therapist can then play the music softly, which helps the mind to relax and release feelings of stress and worry. Relaxation CDs and downloads available from the internet make it easy to get quality relaxation music to enjoy during your stay at a luxury retreat.