Radical Sabbatical

Monday, January 25 - Sunday, January 31, 2027

Guánica, Puerto Rico

Hosted by co-LAB Collective Co-Founders: Maura Bairley, Monica Dennis, and Viveka Chen.

Radical Sabbatical is an abundant sanctuary space for reflection, restorative practices, and deep rest in community. This retreat is designed for women, femmes, and nonbinary leaders of color (BIPOC).

One of these themes may speak strongly to you, and likely more than one. 

Are you:

• Feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and in need of a change in pace?

• Wishing for a nourishing space to play, rest, and reflect after many seasons of caring for others?

• Tending a passion project and struggling to find space to develop that idea in your day-to-day?

• Ready for a big change, but unsure what that is or how to make it happen?

As a participant, imagine:

• Feeling reconnected with rest, body, energy, emotional aliveness, and spirit, with boundaries and pacing reset.

• Experiencing regenerated abundant space to heal and play with the support of nature, culture (art, music), and community.

• Nourishing imagination for new, joyful possibilities, and radically do-able ideas for manifesting what’s next.

• Appreciating and understanding changes you want to make in this season of life, and what you need to make that happen.

• BIPOC women, femmes, and nonbinary leaders who need rest and are too busy to plan for it
  

• Social Justice leaders holding significant responsibility (3+ years in a senior role) in Reproductive, gender, racial, economic, migrant rights, Indigenous sovereignty, LGBTQIA+, and/or environmental justice movements

• Leaders who crave an expertly facilitated and well-curated space where they can experience being cared for instead of being responsible for everything

This is not designed for:

• Leaders seeking formal “training” on leadership or management
  

• Those seeking an intensively facilitated group experience  
  

• Those seeking clinical support for a mental health crisis

Depending on your particular Radical Sabbatical needs, you can choose to focus on any of these outcomes. Imagine:

• 6 nights in a carefully selected, peaceful beach retreat location that allows for time in nature and nourishment.
  

• Warm hospitality, yummy nourishing food, and care in the Black Feminist tradition.

• Being in choice about solo and communal connection for relaxation and generative imaginings.

• Principles that prioritize leaders' agency, resilience & dignity.

• Emergent facilitation and coaching responsive to your sabbatical themes - healing, reflection, resting, visioning, and more.

• Bodywork offerings, including somatic and embodied practice. Meditation with light guidance.

Here are a few reflections from previous participants.

"Radical Sabbatical's value is giving us the gift of restoration and rejuvenation so we can persist and resist in pursuit of justice and collective liberation."

“Rad Sab directly addresses burnout, conflict, and strategic stagnation within our social justice movements by creating space and rest for movement leaders.”

“This is a magical and unique space. You will feel so loved and cared for. Resting is harder than it looks - this was by far more relaxing and restful than any vacation I have ever taken because it's intentionally designed to facilitate rest and healing.”

“I've never had something be so lightly facilitated and yet felt so whole and held. It is clear that the facilitation went beyond the group times and the times the facilitators were at the front of the room."

"Your movement deserves a rested you!” 

Registering today tells us you are a YES to this experience. In order to register, we will need:

• Selection of the price point at which you can join us

• 10% Deposit

• Completion of the participant information section to support thoughtful curation

• Patience as we thoughtfully curate this group

• Confirmation upon receiving the final invitation

We value radical generosity, partnership, and collective resourcing, and we practice this ethos in our convening design and pricing. This experience is priced to invite individuals with access to different kinds of resources to contribute at a level commensurate with their access. We encourage you to consider requesting organizational/community support for this impactful leadership experience, and we are glad to support your advocacy in that direction.

Please contribute at the highest level you are able.

Packages

The Hibiscus is for new participants seeking full or reduced-rate sponsorship

The Orchid is for participants who can pay the sliding scale rate - $6,000

The Morning Glory is for participants who can pay the full rate - $8,000

The Caribbean Rose is for participants who can pay the full rate and sponsor others - $11,000

As you prepare to join us for this retreat, we want to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and protected throughout your journey. While we are committed to providing a nurturing and restorative retreat experience, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes arise during travel. All participants must purchase travel insurance. For your peace of mind, we highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

Here are a few options:

Faye

Allianz Travel

World Nomads

Freely

If you're seeking full or reduced-rate sponsorship, please do the following:

• Register for the Hibiscus package.

• Complete the participant questions in the registration form.

• Pay the $100 deposit.

• Email us at info@co-labcollective.com to schedule a call to discuss potential sponsorship opportunities or if you have questions.

There are a limited number of spaces available.

We would like to offer a generous cancellation policy. The following timeline reflects the nonrefundable payments we must make to our partners and vendors in Puerto Rico: 

• The initial deposit is fully refundable up to 48 hours after booking.

• After 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable.

• Cancellations made on or before 8:00 p.m. ET on October 25, 2026, are eligible for a 25% refund.

• Cancellations made on or after October 26, 2026, forfeit 100% of payment.

We are committed to:

• Accessibility for All – We intentionally choose locations, activities, and itineraries that are physically, culturally, and socially accessible so all participants can fully engage.

• Reciprocal, Non-Extractive Relationships – We honor the people and land we visit by fostering respectful, mutually beneficial connections that avoid exploitation and center local knowledge.

• Community-Rooted Economy – We support and prioritize locally-owned businesses beyond traditional hospitality—such as caterers, wellness practitioners, artists, and guides— so that our travel benefits the broader local ecosystem.

• Rest as Liberation – We believe rest is essential to personal wholeness and collective liberation. Leaders deserve intentional spaces for renewal, regeneration, and reflection.

• Economic Accessibility & Sponsorship – We ensure that participation is not limited by financial resources by creating opportunities for sponsorship and community investment.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Click the Ask Question icon in WeTravel to send your requests and questions.

Where is Guánica?

Guánica is a beautiful coastal town located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, about two hours from San Juan. It is renowned for its tranquil Caribbean waters, lush mangrove forests, and the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve.

What’s the weather like in late January?

Expect warm, tropical weather with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid 80s°F (27–30°C) and cooler evenings in the 70s°F (21–24°C).

Which airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying into:

• San Juan International Airport (SJU): ~2 hours to the hotel

• Mercedita International Airport, Ponce (PSE): ~45 minutes to the hotel

• Rafael Hernández International Airport, Aguadilla (BQN): ~90 minutes to the hotel

• Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport (MAZ): ~75 minutes to the hotel
  

What are the preferred flight times?
Please choose flights that:

• Arrive on Monday, January 25, 2027, by 3:00 PM (Atlantic Time)

• Depart on Sunday, January 31, 2027, after 1:00 PM (Atlantic Time)

What kind of accommodations are provided?
Participants will enjoy single-occupancy oceanfront rooms with either a queen or king bed. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.

When are check-in and check-out?

• Check-in: 3:00 PM on arrival day

• Check-out: 11:00 AM on departure day

Is a credit card required?
Yes. A valid credit card is required at check-in to cover incidentals such as spa services, room service, or other personal expenses not included in your retreat package.

May I bring a loved one?

In some cases, yes—for an additional fee, with prior approval. Guests will not participate in the programming.

What should I bring?

A "How to Prepare" email will be sent closer to the retreat. In general, plan to bring casual breathable clothes with a light jacket for cooler evenings, swimwear, beach shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescribed medications.

What is the COVID policy?

Pre-Travel Testing: Required within 48 hours before travel.

• Post-Travel Testing: Recommended within 3–5 days after returning home.

• Daily Testing: Quick antigen tests will be provided and required daily.

• Outdoor Focus: Most activities will take place outdoors, where the risk is lowest.

• Indoor Masking: Masks are required indoors, except when eating or drinking.

4:00 pm         Arrive and Check-In

6:00-7:00 pm   Welcome Reception (optional)

Mornings begin when you choose.

8:30 am                Meditation (optional)

8:30-10:30 am     Breakfast Bar 

11:00-1:00 pm       Community Time: REST

1:00-2:30 pm       Lunch 

2:30-5:00 pm    Choose Your Own Adventure:
                               1:1 Coaching

                                Group Reiki

                               Bodywork

                               Beach or Pool

                               Nap

6:00-7:00 pm     Sunset Social Hour

Mornings begin when you choose.

8:30 am                Meditation (optional)

8:30-10:30 am     Breakfast Bar 

11:00-1:00 pm       Community Time: RELEASE

1:00-2:30 pm       Lunch 

2:30-5:00 pm    Choose Your Own Adventure:
                              1:1 Coaching

                               Bodywork

                               Beach or Pool

                               Nap

6:00-7:00 pm     Sunset Social Hour

Evening               Dinner on your own

Mornings begin when you choose.

8:30 am                Meditation (optional)

8:30-10:30 am     Breakfast Bar 

11:00-1:00 pm       Community Time: ABUNDANCE

1:00-2:30 pm       Lunch 

2:30-5:00 pm    Choose Your Own Adventure:
                              1:1 Coaching

                               Group Reiki

                               Bodywork

                               Beach or Pool

                               Nap

6:00-7:00 pm     Sunset Social Hour

Evening               Dinner on your own

Mornings begin when you choose

8:30 am               Meditation (optional)

8:30-10:30 am    Breakfast Bar 

11:00-1:00 pm      Community Time or Trip to Yauco

1:00-2:30 pm     Lunch (onsite or in Yauco)

2:30-5:00 pm    Choose Your Own Adventure:
                              1:1 Coaching

                              Group Reiki

                              Bodywork

                              Beach or Pool

                              Nap

Mornings begin when you choose

8:30 am               Meditation (optional)

8:30-10:30 am    Breakfast Bar 

11:00-1:00 pm      Community Time or Trip to Yauco

1:00-2:30 pm     Lunch (onsite or in Yauco)

2:30-5:00 pm    Choose Your Own Adventure:
                              1:1 Coaching

                              Group Reiki

                              Bodywork

                              Beach or Pool

                              Nap

7:00 pm Celebratory Dinner & Karaoke

9:00 am Farewell brunch

11:00am Departure