Facilitators
Jill
Collage Artist and Meditation Teacher, Jill is the Founder of Embody Yourself.
Based in Sydney and NSW’s Central Coast, Embody Yourself offers creative services and holistic self-care practices aimed at cultivating the spirit of expressive living for embracing a more imaginative and fulfilling lifestyle.
“Telling your own story through collage isn't merely creative; it's a path to self-discovery, introspection, and empowerment.”
At PlayFest, Jill guides us by harnessing the energy of the mandala and principles of sacred geometry, to bring forth collaborative art and creative expression in a very unique way.
During her workshops we find ourselves journeying through themes and concepts that marry light & dark, structure & chaos, freedom & boundaries. It is fun but not always easy!
You may expect the unexpected with Jill. With her artistic eye, quirky humour, and musical talents, she is an impressive facilitator and we absolutely love participating in her meditative works of art.
It has been a tradition at PlayFest Retreat for participants to co-create a mandala collage, and each year we bring back the unique murals from previous events to display for others to witness. It is often a hilarious and enjoyable journey as we continue to create this playful art gallery and we are most grateful for the laughs.
Anna
Creatrix of PlayFest Retreat and Master Breathwork Instructor.
Originally from Sydney, Anna is a certified Master Breathwork Instructor travelling to work as a breath coach, retreat organiser, and conscious event collaborator.
Historically a scientist, she is a Conservation Biologist who followed a path towards underwater research in Malawi, Africa.
Little did she know her travels would extend for 6 years and take her from Africa to the Americas, Indonesia, and circle back to Australia to create A Gypsy’s Edge.
“From SCUBA to free diving, guiding wildlife tours in Canada, working with horses in California, or the sharks in Mexico, I learnt something - people protect what they care about. So how do we get people to care? By experiencing their connection to overcome separation.”
This became the core of Anna’s work and creation of her retreats. At PlayFest you can expect Anna to share experience and skills during workshops with gentle guidance. She creates space for us to safely explore, release, and rediscover things we may have forgotten. Delving into deeper awareness between body, mind, emotions, to connect with all that surrounds - human, animal, plant, and planet.
Efrat
Holistic Sexual Wellness Coach and Founder of Life of Passion.
Efrat’s online academy, Life of Passion, has supported 4500+ turned-on students since 2015.
Initially doing the work for herself then expanding out to others, Efrat became committed to helping women, men and couples elevate their sex lives and follow their heart’s deep desires.
“Facts that are really important for you to know about me:
2 = The number of beautiful kids I have
9 = The number of years I faked orgasms
85 = The average number of minutes each day I devote to pleasure and passion - not necessarily in a row!
60500 = The number of women I have helped live a more turned on life”
At PlayFest, you can expect Efrat to offer tools and practices that are simple, down to earth, fun and effective in transforming sexual challenges, clearing pleasure blocks and unlocking epic sexual experiences!
There’s no nudity or sexual touch involved in the workshops and everything is only an invitation. You may expect connection exercises and movement, an awakening of your pelvis and deeper dialogue with your pleasure centres of sexuality and creativity.
Tashi
Re-Evolution World: Quest for Regenerative, Universal, Abundance.
A man of science, art, advanced technology, and ancient spirituality, Tashi wears many hats which you will soon learn about.
At PlayFest, we are privileged to have him share with us the rare martial art of Yong Chun Pai, a form or Wing Chun Kung Fu, descendent from the ancient Shaolin Temples of China.
With over 20 years experience, Tashi’s workshop teaches Kung Fu not only as a form of defence, but a way of life. He combines practical skills and incredible intellect to bring forth Re-Evolution World, an interactive experience to explore some of our greatest achievements as a species and demonstrate our capability to solve challenges right now.
“The aim is to equip fellow sentients with ideas and practical tools to co-create a reality based on Regenerative, Universal, Abundance. Using science, biodesign, exponential technologies, the wisdom of our ancestors, and systems thinking, we can create empowered individuals and resilient decentralised communities.”
With his decades of knowledge, research, and keeping up to date with cutting edge advancements, Tashi explores topics like transitioning to 100% renewable energy systems, distributed circular sustainable economy, digital direct democracy, decentralised blockchain based solutions like cryptocurrency, and increasing longevity, peak performance and maximising our potential to the hilt.
Re-Evolution: You Are The Solution…
Naomi
Maker, Teacher, Dancer, Rigger.
A visionary mixed media artist with a profound background in sculpture, Naomi’s talent extends across the globe, from Australia to North America.
Whether it’s captivating audiences at boutique arts festivals or crafting unique sculpture installations, her performances span solo, group, and multi-apparatus acts, leaving spectators in awe.
At PlayFest Retreat, guests will have the chance to experience Naomi’s awe-inspiring aerial mobility workshop. And trust us, you don’t want to miss her breathtaking performance!
A truly talented artist, we admire Naomi in her beauty, strength, commitment, and discipline— she’s a true inspiration! We’re so excited to welcome her at PlayFest Retreat.
Sabine
Creatrix of SCI-MAA Ceremonial Dance: Sacred Portal to Transcendental Experiences.
SCI-MAA is a form of active meditation. It means Science Master of Arts, and is a mind-body-energy practice that integrates sacred geometry, sound, and guided meditative linguistic body movements to enhance a transcendental experience.
Sabine Leila Laliya is an experienced energy healer from French and Malian heritage. She has travelled the world for over two decades visiting destinations that allowed her to deepen her spiritual and energetic healing knowledge and practice. She has multiple degrees and diplomas and is passionately on a path to empower others through their own self healing.
“The primary purpose is to expand the sense of the self beyond the limitations of the mind and body to allow for a feeling of liberation.”
In workshop, this dynamic mindfulness meditation technique guides you to abandon control of the rational mind and enter a deep space of body-mind-soul connection.
Photographer: Mariana @maczbe. Art Director and Body Painting Artist: Maria @sawabona.yoga.arts
Lillian
Contact Improvisation Dance and Animal Flow.
Lillian is a Sydney based movement practitioner, coaching and holding spaces for aerial silks, functional mobility, Animal Flow and Contact Improvisation.
Animal Flow is a dynamic, ground based movement practice - imagine a cross between yoga, primal movement, breakdancing and gymnastics.
Contact Improvisation is a mindfulness-based dance practice. It involves two or more people engaging in a physical dialogue through deep listening, touch, momentum, and shared weight.
“Unlike choreographed dances, it is not pre-planned or structured; it unfolds in the present moment, allowing dancers to respond to each other and the environment intuitively. It can look fluid and acrobatic, with basing and flying, or quite subtle and meditative.”
During these classes Lillian will be creating a space for us to explore these two movement practices, and learn skills to help us find movement flow.
With 10+ years of coaching experience, she brings a calm and supportive energy to her classes. Her passion is in empowering others to learn new skills, develop a greater sense of embodiment, and find that sweet spot between challenge and play.
Ali
Originally from France, Ali is a certified Somatic Sex and Embodiment Coach based in Sydney.
She has studied yoga, conscious dance, embodiment, holistic sexuality and somatic sexological bodywork.
“Somatic Sexology is the meeting of Somatics - focusing awareness through the body - with Sexology - the scientific study of human sexuality.”
It is the merging of practices from time-tested traditions such as yoga, meditation and tantra, with cutting edge research in neuroscience, psychology and somatic learning theory. Somatic sexology develops ‘embodiment’, which is deeper presence, awareness and understanding of what is going on in your body. It can be used as a tool to release body-mind restrictions that inhibit pleasure, and allow space for greater growth, choice, and play.
Ali is also a dancer that explores different forms of holistic and creative movements. She mainly practices intuitive dance, contact improvisation, fire dance, erotic dances, contemporary, and weaves all styles together for a deep journey into embodied movement.
Workshops with Ali create a conversational space talking about intimacy and the relationship with our sexuality. Activities are held in an open and engaging manner, mixing talk, group shares, self-inquiry, and movement. It is an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with each other for a more fun and conscious sex life. The workshops do not include nudity or sexual touch. Your time with Ali is an invitation to encompass the confidence to be you.
Ayham
Storyteller, Entertainer, Poet, Business Entrepreneur from Jordan.
Ayham is an all-encompassing brother, father, sister, mother, lover, carer, friend, healer, leader, child. A student of Life fuelled by energy from the cosmos.
By no means perfect, by every means resilient, Ayham rises to support loved ones and strangers alike.
Compassionate, funny, and reliable, this is a person who plays an integral part in the background and leaves lasting impressions on those he meets.
His workshops are a testament to his character. Although intended as a men’s circle, there is always demand to expand the space which finds us welcoming an all inclusive, all expressive time for stories, conversation, and laughter.
“Say goodbye to small talk, together let us breakthrough some of our restrictive behaviours. I share some of my own life’s journey with you. My experience of healing, embracing my masculinity and femininity, my methods of nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Simplicity is good. But peace to be yourself and live true to your magic is grand.”
PlayFest Retreat Ticket | $555
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW (click here)
Accommodation, Dinner, and Workshops are included.
Additional Highlights
Professional Bodywork and Energetics, including Zenthai Shiatsu, Reiki, Relaxing Massage sessions on offer.
Guest Facilitators and more workshops to be announced
Fire Dancing and Live Interactive Art
Cacao and breakfast delights to boost your energy
Aerialists and Acrobats
Live Music & Original Artists
Shibari Artistry
Sacred Tattoo Ritual