Join the Bhakti in Paradise Maui Yoga Retreat with Govind Das and Jacqueline Michelle, Saul David Raye & Rob and Melissa! A Spring 2025 Solstice Celebration & "mini-fest!" - March 23-28th, 2025.

Dive deep into the heart of Bhakti Yoga with daily Bhakti Yoga classes, Kirtan, music and meditation, all blended with the tropical paradise of Maui's lush landscapes. 

Celebrate the renewal of the Spring Equinox for the 2025 Bhakti in Paradise "mini-fest!" Yoga Retreat!

What to Expect:

• Daily Bhakti Yoga Classes: Connect with your breath and move your body with heart-centered Yoga asanas
• Daily Kirtan & Music: Sink into the practice of Mantra, music and meditative singing to connect to your heart through chanting of the holy names and heart-centered music
• Workshops and Talks: Participate in insightful workshops and discussions led by your Bhakti teachers, exploring themes of devotion, mindfulness, and spiritual awakening.
• Tropical Island Bliss: Enjoy the beauty of Maui’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant tropical life, and tranquil settings as you unwind and rejuvenate your heart in paradise.
• Nourishing Meals: Savor delicious, organic, and locally-sourced meals that nourish your body and soul, aligning with the principles of Ayurvedic cuisine. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!)
• Visit the Hanuman Temple: Visit Ram Das' home and the Maui Hanuman Temple for an evening of meditation, Kirtan and Aarti inside of the Hanuman Temple
• Beachside Relaxation: Take advantage of free time to bask in the sun, swim in the ocean, or explore Maui’s activities like Whale watching or sunset on Haleakala volcano. 

Whether you're new to the Bhakti practice or a longtime lover of Kirtan, this retreat is for anyone and everyone to rejuvenate their heart and soul on the vibrant island of Maui, blended with daily Bhakti Yoga, Kirtan, music and celebration for the soul! 

Join us for a week of blissful connection and renewal in Maui, where the spirit of Bhakti Yoga meets the natural beauty of a tropical haven. Let this retreat be your gateway to a deeper sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Govind Das and Jacqueline Michelle | The Bhakti Yoga Shala

Bhakti Yoga Shala is a west coast bhakti yoga/spiritual community, known worldwide for its devotional programming. After serving Santa Monica for 11 years in person, BYS became an online-only studio in 2020. This has allowed BYS to better serve the global community. 

Govind Das and Jacqueline aim to spread the practice of Bhakti around the world. They follow the teachings of the great saint Neem Karoli Baba, who celebrated all Gods as one. Anyone and everyone is welcome, and we are happy to serve you on your spiritual journey.

In 1989, Govind Das was introduced to the practice of meditation and the spiritual culture of the east. A few years later, while on a road trip, G listened to a Ram Dass lecture. This cassette tape changed the course of his life. Govind Das has since dedicated his life to studying and sharing the practices of Bhakti yoga.

https://bhaktiyogashala.com

Saul David Raye

Saul David Raye has been practicing and teaching yoga, meditation and healing arts for over 30 years. Primarily influenced by his studies in Yoga, Bhakti, Tantra, Thai Massage, Pranic Healing and Shamanism, Saul’s heart-centered approach to has influenced students and teachers around the world. He is able to bring alive the ancient wisdom teachings for modern seekers and create a safe space for people to connect deeply with their own authentic power, spirit and truth. He has taught and performed music at festivals and healing centers around the world and continues to share his work through online programs, teacher trainings, workshops, sacred journeys + retreats &  sacred music.

https://ritamhealingarts.com

Rob and Melissa

Rob and Melissa are kirtan singers and yoga teachers devoted to sharing the heart-opening practices of Bhakti yoga and kirtan, call-and-response chanting. Kirtan with Rob and Melissa is a fresh take on an ancient practice, where Sanskrit chants blend with modern, accessible melodies and lush harmonies to create an atmosphere that has been described as “joyful medicine,” “heart-opening bliss” and “love and devotion materialized!”

When Rob and Melissa first met, neither of them sang kirtan nor practiced Bhakti yoga. By the time they married two years later, love and devotion had become the foundation of their partnership. As these seeds of devotion to each other grew, Rob and Melissa’s Bhakti yoga practice blossomed, as well as the desire to share this love with others. Their music, teachings, and storytelling create a space of comfort, discovery, and deep joy.

Rob and Melissa are based in Seattle, WA, but their music keeps them on the move, sharing kirtan as far away as India, Europe, and Central America. When they aren’t on the road, the couple leads regular kirtans in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to sharing their music at yoga studios and festivals, they teach Bhakti yoga workshops, kirtan trainings, provide live music for yoga classes and lead retreats around the world. Find out more at www.robandmelissa.com 

Lotus Retreats

Lotus Retreats hosts international retreats and group travel; specializing in cultural immersions and self-empowerment retreats in unique locations around the world. Lotus Retreats are carefully curated trusted retreat centers, chefs, teachers & hosts to offer an intentional week full of Yoga, workshops, nature, food & renewal for the soul. 

www.lotusrereats.com

The Bhakti in Paradise Retreat is hosted on an Eco-Retreat Center nestled in the heart of Maui. Stay at the “Home of the Divine” in the native Hawaiian language, offering an exclusive, intimate, and secluded jungle setting for your stay.

This eco-retreat center is on the east-side cliffs of Maui island, overlooking the pacific ocean and surrounding waterfalls. There is a private hot tub, sauna and patio to overlook the views during your stay! There is also a private pool and lounge area for guests to soak during the day.

There are several accommodation types available; from shared dormitory style rooms to private, luxurious villas and private rooms.

Please review the available rooming type on the drop down list. 

Note most rooms have private bathrooms (mostly villas and single rooms) while some rooms do have shared bathrooms (villas with 2 king beds or shared double, triple rooms)

The villas and suite rooms have private outdoor pools and hot tubs as well.

Your room includes, 3 meals a day, Wifi and usage of the Yoga shala, pool, hot tub and surrounding areas during your stay.

Immerse yourself in the expansive practices of Bhakti yoga each day with Yoga classes, Kirtans, Satsangs, Breath work, meditations & a Bhakti program intended to deepen your relationship with the divine through song, movement, meditation & community.

Morning Meditation and Mantra: Start the day with sunrise meditations and chanting

Daily Yoga Practices: Partake in expansive yoga sessions led by your hosts each day to celebrate and awaken the physical body

Daily Kirtan & Satsang: Gather with our community for daily heart activations through song, Kirtan & music celebration.

Daily Workshops: Partake in connective workshops sharing the beauty and heart of Bhakti to expand your heart and knowledge

Explore the beauty that Maui island has to offer. We will help organize guided hiking tours to the volcano, whale watching and a special visit to the Hanuman Maui temple. Excursions and group activities are optional but encouraged! You may also explore individually.

Hanuman Maui - Ram Dass Loving Awareness Sanctuary - Visit the Ram Dass Home / Hanuman Temple on Maui for an evening of meditation, Kirtan, Aarti & prasad with the Hanuman Maui community. https://www.hanumanmaui.org (Donations welcome to Hanuman Maui)

Sunset Haleakala Volcano Hike - From the lush rain forests, to the rocky coastline, to the majestic overlooks of a volcanic landscape above the clouds, visit Haleakalā Volcano for sunset for a very special, sacred experience on top of Maui island. https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/index.htm

($15-$30/per car)

Whale Watching - Optional morning/afternoon boat tour in the ocean to watch & listen for whales! (Cost TBD)

Yoga is a practice not only on the mat, but in the kitchen! Nourishing ourselves from the inside out is a HUGE component to a Lotus Retreats week. Our private chef team will be providing 3 nourishing and nurturing Vegetarian, Ayurvedic meals a day.

Flavors from the pacific coast merge with local influences. Wholesome ingredients such as fresh fruits and herbs from the garden, as well as locally sourced foods will be served.

The kitchen can accommodate any vegan, gluten-free or other dietary requests in advance.

Our Chef - Julie Checknita

A holistic chef, Julie specializes in crafting beautifully balanced plates using quality, locally sourced ingredients. She draws inspiration from a fusion of culinary traditions, always seeking creative ways to incorporate the healing power of food & spices into her dishes.

For Julie, the kitchen is a therapeutic space where each step of the cooking process is an opportunity to stay present and connected. She has been known to chant mantras and even dance as she prepares her meals, infusing her creations with loving energy and a deep sense of joy.

Sample Daily Schedule

7am - Sunrise Meditation/Chanting

8am - Breakfast

9:30am - 12:30pm Maha Morning Sadhana

Yoga/Kirtan/Meditation

1pm - Lunch

FREE TIME Beach, Surf, Hiking, Whale Watching, Optical Excursions, Ayurvedic Massages and Treatments

4:30pm Workshops - Heart of Bhakti, Aarti, Sunset Kirtan

7pm - Dinner

8pm - Kirtan

Guests are responsible for their own transport to/from the retreat center. You may rent a car for as low as $30/day or ride share with other guests arriving to the retreat center at a similar time.

Alternatively, we will provide the option for a group transport shuttle and arrange a meet up time & location to transport from the OGG (Maui airport) to the retreat center. Estimated group shuttle cost is about $75/one-way and $150 RT.

Can I book a shared occupancy as a solo traveler?

Yes! We do our best to combine shared occupancies for solo travelers looking to meet new friends! However, if you are particular about AC settings or you are a loud or light sleeper, we recommend booking a private occupancy.

Do I need a vaccination or visa to travel to Maui?

Currently no vaccinations or visas are needed to travel to Maui from the USA. Please check the CDC for any vaccination requirements from country to country. 

Can I rent a car?

Yes! You may rent cars on Maui island for as low as $30-$45 a day to drive yourself to the retreat center or around the island.

Can I ride share? 

Yes! We will provide a shared google sheet for all guests to input arrival information and coordinate meetups with other guests interested in sharing rental cars/rides.

We will also provide a group transport option for (~$75/one-way)