Our Story
SOUL SANCTUARY
A center for Healing, Acceptance, Values, Expression, Nature and Nuturing
A school for life!
To express life to its fullest potential
With the bustle of modern life constantly nipping at our heels, and the benchmarks of success constantly evolving around us, the need to regress, to revert to a state of harmony and happiness is of paramount importance — SOUL SANCTUARY aims to affect such a ‘regression.’
The brainchild of Shahnaz Minallah, SOUL SANCTUARY is inspired by a commune that she visited years ago in California, where it became apparent to her that modern life as we know it wasn’t the answer. She noticed that without possessions or 9 to 5s were living contented, minimalistic lives dedicated to the spirit which from within happiness flowed. It was in this commune that Ms. Minallah realized the importance of community and, within this, communal living.
SOUL SANCTUARY aims to be the first of its kind in the country: a commune where individuals from all walks of life can enter and leave with a profound sense of self awareness, cleansing themselves in the process. It is a sanctuary, a respite from the stresses around us. We give you knowledge and comfort in an environment where individuals release and distress mentally, emotionally, physically.
Within this haven, SOUL SANCTUARYdraws its other focus – the meeting of minds. Communes or collectives have traditionally formed for various purposes: we wish to provide a setting where artists and musicians, thinkers and creators can come together, and through action and discourse, yield meaningful outcomes of their de-stressing.
In addition to this, SOUL SANCTUARY is keen to promote the concept of Alternate Living: where we as humans live in harmony within our environments and Nature, creating lifestyles that reflect an inner and outer peace, building awareness and offering alternatives.
THE FOUNDER
Shahnaz Minallah has been a teacher of YOGA, BREATH-WORK, MEDITATION, and MINDFULNESS for the last decade. In a country set in its way, she has been relentless in her work. Unconditionally converting the depressed, the lost, the scared.
People are always looking for an escape. But what they don’t realize it that it is the perspective inside that makes their outer world look so grim.
MINDFULNESS is a revolutionary tool for aligning the mind body and soul.
So after a decade of giving it her all, she has decided to take it to next level.
By starting a knowledge and wellness center, which also happens to be her humble abode—carefully designed and built over the last ten years as a collective—SOUL SANCTUARY ~ is a place for people to change the way they think. This is a world where people can truly live the art, by following a carefully guided day.
SOUL SANCTUARY Retreats and Steps to Self Mastery Programs
Soul Sanctuary Retreat brings your organization the ultimate strategic getaway focused on the well-being of your team, your people. We put together itineraries that breathe awakening, reflection, nurturing, renewal and centering into your life. Our unique de-stressing and self-help practices, developed over years of experience, form the core of our activities. We adhere to the universal rhythm of day and night: rising early in the morning to the sun and winding down the moon.
Our residential and rehabilitation space is the place to be: our instructors and natural environment bring together individuals to find peace, nourishment and strength when overcoming and cleansing the stresses of daily lives.
Soul Sanctuary~ Home of the Heart & Life Skills is your multidimensional centre for life learning and knowledge. We bring you educational and inspirational programs to enlighten your mind, heart, and soul. Starring yoga classes, meditation workshops, happiness programs, success modules and much more, we light your journey towards self-love and realization.
Our programs provide you with personalized de-stressing and healing methods, alongside alternate remedies for the improvement of your health. Our main space is a haven for deep energy, breathing and healing work.
SOUL SANCTUARY premises and surroundings are meant to inspire openness and natural living, taking those who visit away from the frenzy of populations, traffic and cities. Our home is your haven for de-stressing, embodying togetherness and environmentally friendly living.
Located in Bani Gala, a 15-minute drive from Islamabad, SOUL SANCTUARY has been built on the banks of Rawal Lake. It is built entirely with an open-air concept: construction with no boundaries, no walls. Our home is one with the environment—not distinct or removing from it. Inspired by the rustic charm of the Mediterranean and Hellenic architecture in particular, it has been fashioned after seaside towns of Greece. Simple in design and green.
As you enter SOUL SANCTUARY you are met by the fresh air and zephyrs buzzing from Rawal Lake—the verdant environment providing the perfect setting for reflection
