Radiance Retreats, Jessie Chapman & Facilitators
Meet Jessie & some of the Radiance Retreat facilitators:
Jessie Chapman - Retreat Host & Founder | Yoga Teacher I Author
Jessie Chapman has been teaching yoga for over two decades and is passionate about yoga as a nourishing and supportive tool for life and in particular the art of restoration yoga to replenish the bodies systems, quieten the mind and cultivate emotional stability. Dedicated to making yoga accessible and supportive, Jessie has a background in immersive yoga teacher trainings and studies and brings a wealth of experience and care to every class and retreat journey.
In 2002, Jessie founded Radiance Retreats, designed as holistic journeys to move well, cultivate relaxed breathing, settle the nervous system, and restore strength and vitality – while enjoying personal support, nourishing food, beautiful walks, hiking adventures, connecting with others, and being inspired by the the natural surrounds and local culture.
The author of four inspirational yoga books (HarperCollins Publishers Australia and Ulysses Press USA) – including the bestselling Yoga Postures for Your Body, Mind & Soul and co-creator of the Radiance Yoga DVD series for at home practice – Jessie’s teaching meets you where you are, offering practices that both support and challenge —whether new to yoga or looking to develop and refine an existing practice.
When not guiding Radiance Retreats, Jessie lives in Byron Bay where she offers Byron Bay Yoga Classes along with online yoga classes filmed at her home in Byron Bay and in Bali.
Lee Purdie - Retreat Facilitator I Yoga Assistant I Yogadance Teacher
Lee Purdie has been a part of the Radiance Retreats journeys since 2006 and loves to support and connect with all she meets on the retreats. Lee gives yoga adjustments in the yoga classes and guides some of the walks during the retreats. Lee is a dancer and dance teacher and after completing a Yoga Teacher Training course in 2004, went on to combine her two passions of dance and yoga to create uplifting Yogadance sequences, which she offers on some retreats. Set to beautiful music, these short, choreographed sequences relax the body and mind, open the heart and are accessible to everyone. Lee is also certified in Yoga Therapy and Kids Yoga Teaching. Lee lives between Byron Bay and Adelaide with her family.
Anthea Amore - Retreat Facilitator I Yoga Assistant I Holistic Spa Therapist I Author
Anthea Amore has been assisting on Radiance Retreats since 2004 in the yoga classes with yoga adjustments and coordinating the guest’s spa services. Anthea began practicing yoga from a young age and completed a Yoga Teacher Training Course in 2002. Anthea is a passionate and qualified Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Ritual Creator and Natural Beauty Therapist with over 30 years’ experience in the holistic therapies. Anthea is the author of the two bestselling vegan cookbooks ‘Passion‘ and ‘Hungry‘ and also designs the delicious and abundant all-organic plant-based menu for our Byron Bay Yoga Restore Wellness Retreats.
Oles - Chanting, Bhajans/Kirtan
Oles has been chanting Sanskrit chants ever since he first visited India over 3 decades ago. Using his experience and training as a professional musician and music teacher he leads the chanting/kirtan/bhajan sessions on some of our Byron Bay Retreats. “Chanting is an ancient and important part of yoga practice. Just as music sometimes allows us to access parts of ourselves that sometimes we can’t so easily reach, chanting mantras gives us the opportunity to lose ourselves, to open up, and in doing so it can allow us to transform ourselves.” Oles. In the retreat sessions there is the option of chanting, sitting in stillness or lying down and simply absorbing the wonderful sounds. Oles lives near Byron Bay with his family and travels extensively to India and beyond.
Click here to read what others are saying about their yoga experience and Radiance Retreat with Jessie and the team.
More About Radiance Retreats
Jessie Chapman has been offering inspirational Radiance Yoga Wellness Retreat journeys since 2002 in beautiful natural locations like Byron Bay, Wanaka New Zealand, Ubud Bali, Northwest Spain, the Atlantique Pyrenees in Southwest France and beyond. Each retreat provides a warm, welcoming environment for relaxation, inspiration and transformation. The retreats are a place where deep rest, real connection, and radiant health are not luxuries, but a way of life. Based upon the foundation of dedicated twice daily yoga, restoration and stillness along with a range of nature-based and wellness experiences unique to each destination. Enjoy coastal walks in Byron Bay with dolphins and passing whales, awe-inspiring hiking adventures in New Zealand, Spain, and France, and exploring the vibrant Ubud culture in Bali with luxurious spa wellness treatments at award-winning spas. Read what others are saying about their Radiance Retreat experience.
Yoga, Restoration & Stillness
Jessie’s is passionate about creating a healthy, relaxed and welcoming space that inspires your yoga practice and retreat journey. The retreat yoga classes cater to all levels, whether you’re new to yoga, managing health concerns, are looking to develop a home practice or are an experienced practitioner. With 27 years of yoga teaching, Jessie ensures everyone receives support and challenges tailored to their individual needs, energy, and physical condition. The morning yoga combines gentle sequences with breath awareness, along with holding in postures to focus on strength, flexibility, alignment, and mindfulness. Afternoon classes offer restorative yoga to relax, slow the body’s systems, and replenish energy. Yoga props are often used, and guests receive individual guidance and adjustments from Jessie and the team. Other retreat classes and activities, depending on the location, include evening yoga nidra – a guided relaxation before bed that promotes deep sleep; evening Pranayama – guided yogic breathing practices to calm the mind and nervous system; Ayurvedic self-care sessions, core strength classes, silent walks, kirtan, sound healing, yoga dance, cooking demos, cultural tours, and temple visits. Everyone is nurtured and well cared for throughout the retreat journey.