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An old Chinese proverb states: The journey is the reward. A journey is not so much a distance covered between points A and B but a movement of the body through space and time that can bring unexpected experiences as the effect of movement reacts with the physical, mental and spiritual senses.

So imagine the journey of Aliikai, a beautiful hand built traditional Indonesian phinisi. Named after the Queen of the Seas she takes her guests on a journey through the beautiful Lombok Strait, down the coast of Sumbawa and over to the islands of Komodo and Rinca before berthing in Labuanbajo, Flores.

Aliikai “Queen of the Seas”A Voyage of Discovery. By Kate Allen, Photography by Orly Even

Aboard this ship your hosts are practitioners of a healthy and holistic lifestyle which they will impart to you on your journey. A vegetarian diet is combined with daily yoga, spa treatments and water pilates, all taking place against the backdrop of pristine waters and unspoilt islands of Eastern Indonesia. The voyage becomes a journey of joy as all on board engage in the pursuit of rejuvenation.

Inspired by her earlier experiences making and sailing phinisi’s in Indonesia, Britta was looking for something that combined her love of the ocean with her recognition that even life on the idyllic island of Bali came with stresses and strains. Starting with a little home on the island of Gili Trawangan that gave her a place to get away with her kids, she saw the potential for something more. It’s not about escape, it is more about balance, she says:

“If we can bring balance into our lives to cope with the pressures of

being in business, raising children and just existing in a conscious way in life, then we are being better to ourselves, better to the people in our lives and

better to the world.”

Connecting with others who felt the same, Britta has created a dynamic cruise that involves all aspects of being.

The onboard Queens of Health and HarmonyThe Aqua Queen:

After leaving her home in Germany to work in Indonesia, Melanie developed a successful personal training business where she encourages her clients to balance their lives with healthy nutrition, plus provides information that helps them cope with stress and bring them back to a respect for themselves and nature. On board Melanie leads the guests in a tailored program of fitness and aqua gym that takes place, not in the confines of an urban environment where a return to schedule occurs after class, but in the expanse of nature. In this space, on board, in the ocean, Melanie says changes occur faster. Participants are more focussed and reap greater benefits from their distance from their routines.

The Yoga Queen:

Yoga is conducted by Erica whose own amazing journey began in Italy. At ten she was visiting Bali for her summer holidays and by the time she was nineteen she was living here fulltime and found herself drawn to the practise of yoga. Her own journey took her back to the West and in New York City she studied Kundalini Yoga and travelled to India to deepen her knowledge. After teaching in New York Erica felt something was missing

ALIIKAI THE AQUA QUEEN THE YOGA QUEEN

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and felt the time had come to move back to her spiritual home of Bali where she is now sharing her knowledge and teaching. On Aliikai and on the beaches, Erica leads dynamic sessions of Kundalini Yoga that use the breath combined with specific positions to move toxins away from the body and balance the hemispheres of the brain.

The Cuisine Queen:

Liat is the culinary expert and as such shares not only the results of her knowledge but imparts vital information about diet and health, about wellbeing and ecology. Following the principals of a macrobiotic diet she provides nourishing and delicious foods that work with the natural energies of the body to prevent the imbalances that lead to health problems.

The Spa Queen:

Regina from Bodyworks provides the beauty program that works to release impurities from the skin, tone and cleanse it and protect it from the effects of sun exposure and pollution. Regina also leads instruction in massage and care of the body through awareness. With over fifteen years of experience in spa and beauty treatments from all over the world Regina is knowledgeable, confident and aware. She is able to explain and advise in all aspects of individual skin and body care.

The Journey:

This cruise is specifically designed to appeal to women of all walks of life. The basic idea is that you will do things that will make you smile, eat things that make your body healthy, share in activities that make you feel good and create a feeling of success and satisfaction that will allow every thought to be happy.

With a combination of daily activities that includes yoga practise, healthy food preparation, spa treatments and a daily session of leader directed learning that includes discussions and lectures on life issues, spirituality and total mind, spirit, body connectedness, guests can be assured of fulfilling days and relaxing nights.

Diving and snorkelling equipment are onboard for magnificent diving opportunities and the adventure is high as the cruise includes a tour of Komodo Island, including the viewing of the magnificent Komodo Dragons in their home environment.

The unique aspect of this cruise is each person has a valuable contribution to the dynamic that is created on board. So whether you feel the need to release your inner pirate, to feel the wind through your hair and make a break from routine, or to create a new lifestyle the opportunity now presents itself to you on Aliikai; here is your chance to become the queen of your life.

Departure Dates: 10/8, 20/8, 12/9, 22/9/07Bookings: www.bluewatercruises.com

www.balancecruises.com

THE CUISINE QUEEN BRITTA & THE SPA QUEEN

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