September 04, 2008 07:00 ET

Santa Barbara Wellness Institute Introduces Spiritual Travel to Sacred Sites in Nepal

Trips Conducted by Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Masters and Accomplished Western Dharma Teachers

SANTA BARBARA, CA--(Marketwire - September 4, 2008) - The Santa Barbara Wellness Institute (SBWI) 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 with an esteemed team of Tibetan masters and Western Buddhist teachers. Set in the ancient and colorful Kathmandu Valley, guests will partake in an opportunity for extraordinary spiritual transformation while enjoying the luxury accommodations at the new Kathmandu Hyatt Regency Hotel.

During the one week journey, the Santa Barbara Wellness Institute's 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. 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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu, 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.

After each day of exploration, SBWI travelers will enjoy Kathmandu'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.

"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.

Tour Dates for SWBI Spiritual Journey to Nepal
November '08:  Nov. 14 - 22;  December '08:  Dec. 10 - 18.

For more information, please visit www.SBWI.com or contact Jeff Braslin at Jeff@SBWI.com.

About Santa Barbara Wellness Institute (SBWI)

Based in Santa Barbara, California, the Santa Barbara Wellness Institute has attracted the country's top health, fitness, and personal growth experts, all of whom are committed to sharing their expertise with consumers. SBWI takes a holistic approach by focusing on the health of not only our bodies, but also our minds and our spirits in order to achieve true wellness. At www.SBWI.com, consumers will find products for the mind, body and spirit that are selected by the Santa Barbara Wellness Institute for their superior quality and distinct approach to health and well-being. By 2010, Santa Barbara Wellness Institute plans to open an environmentally-sustainable physical location in Santa Barbara that will serve as a premier global facility for wellness products and education.