I think people are not getting the full picture of Ashram life. Ashram life is not just walks in the forest and sitting next to a river chanting "Om" and eating nice food all day whilst standing on your head and doing the splits . The experience of an Ashram life is about retreating from the distractions of the "modern" world and training the body, speech and mind in discipline, humility and trying to engage with your true self and your inner consciousness through Yoga and meditation. Yoga practices also encompass physical activity/work with the aim to perform the task without receiving any personal reward or gain, whether monetary or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the individual to care for oneself during ones time there, with the support of the Community and Yoga teachers. It is made quite clear during the classes that one should only perform practices to ones' ability, and there are opportunities for modifications to a practice and rest. The teachers are well trained in recognising and supporting an individuals' physical restrictions but are not in a position to have one on one teaching time.

The focus on Ashram life is of simplicity and openness, combined with routine in order educate and to place the body, speech and mind into new "habits" by performing habitual tasks and routines. Putting locks on doors would not adhere to this as it would be an external change. Again, it is an individuals' responsibility to take care of their belongings and space. It is not a hotel.

I think if you want to have a holiday in a trendy Heath and Well Being retreat Centre, there are plenty available 20 minutes up the road in Daylesford.

Thank you.

Good if you are mentally well and physically fit and wanting to be very busy working and attending ashram activities. Not a nurturing place. Very strict timetable. Food very good and healthy.

Beware if you have a health condition.

I had a terrible experience at the Rocklyn Ashram. Before I enrolled I called the Ashram and told them I suffered with long term post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, chronic fatigue and problems in my back. They said the program was appropriate and so i completed an enrolment form and a health questionarre (which they clearly did not bother with) as they accepted my enrollment and my $945 for the program and private accomodation. When I got there my health was not discussed and i was given a busy timetable that involved a heavy workload lots of lifting etc with people telling me to hurry constantly. I knew there was some work but I assumed it was light pottering and as they accepted my enrollment i figured it was a light load. After one day I had extreme anxiety and felt exhausted. I couldnt not stay any longer and left. I discussed the program was unsuitable for my health and they placed all of the onus on me (no compromise) and refused to give a portion of the fees back. They showed no care in the world and would not come to a compromise at all. The website states they are nurturing and I can attest this was not the case. The people I encountered were not smiley and nurturing quite the opposite. I expected a happy joyful environment and felt it was run like a military camp whereby visitors PAY to go and do the ashrams heavy workload. There WAS NO LOCK ON THE ROOM DOOR. I had to place a chair under the handle of my door. I wanted to leave immediately because of thisbut gave it one day. it was highly inappropriate.

I would not reccomend going to this ashram if you have poor health and or in need for a happy nurturing supportive environment. Unless you wish to join the sect or wish to pay to work your butt off with minimal yoga poses ..... The program was essentially work wand rushing adhering to a timetable with minimal actual yoga body poses just some minor yoga stretches in the morning then work work work !!

I would not call this a 'restreat' of any nature. Perhaps ok for a yoga class if you live locally. Im really easy going but It was one of the worst experiences ive had and they clearly just want the money and work done ....why on earth they give you a health questionarre is beyond me when they dont consider it. very disappointed in the people that run the ashram. Ive had more compassion shown in mainstream business..and this was supposed to eb a health retreat......that care for mind and body ....ummmm ?

My advise is whilst the website makes it look relaxing and joyful , although it does stipulate some work involved dont expect it to be some happy pottering around ahving a laugh .......its like a fulltime job with a busy timetable.

The ashram offers a variety of themed retreats throughout the year. I have been to one week-long retreat and a weekend one. It is worth being aware that these are not exactly holidays. It's a 5 o'clock start every day and part of the deal is that you help out with things like gardening, maintenance and cooking. The environment is one of routine and discipline and there are lots of benefits from regular yoga and meditation tuition.

The food (vegetarian) is mostly grown in the ashram garden and is delicious. The surroundings are fabulous! The ashram is located near the Wombat State Forest and there is time in which you can take a walk and enjoy nature.

There are day classes as well. A good intro to the ashram is the daily yoga nidra (meditation) and lunch which is only $20. There are yoga classes on Saturday afternoons, and other day activities - it's all on the ashram web site.

The community is friendly and approachable. Once you're in there, turn off the mobile phone. It's not part of the ashram lifestyle. It's a welcome break not to have mobile phones distracting us.

I am probably more likely to return for day classes rather than a longer retreat. However, both are worthwhile and recommended.

Approximate cost: $varies - see website