Join this all inclusive yoga retreat to Find Bliss in Belize!
Take this opportunity to replenish your spirit, nourish your body, clear your mind - and experience the beauty of Central America in southern Belize. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder, cultural heritage and peaceful grandeur of the lush rainforest where ancient Mayans built soaring pyramids and temples, many still standing today.
We’ll spend 7 nights (Feb. 11 - 18, 2023) at the luxurious Copal Tree Eco-Lodge near Punta Gorda, Belize. Surrounded by 12,000 acres of tropical rainforest, the lodge has its own 3,000 acre organic farm and rum distillery with tours of both available to guests.
You will gain a set of practices that can help you more skillfully navigate emotions, settle your mind and release stress. You will find the bliss that resides within you and learn how to nurture it, so that bliss infuses every part of your life. This takes practice, and we'll begin the practice here together so you can continue the practices that work best for you as you move forward post retreat. This may all sound quite serious, but rest assured we aim to have a whole lotta fun in the process and want this to be a delightful experience for everyone involved.
In addition to daily yoga and meditation, we’ll embark on two day trip adventures. During our Snorkel with a Chef excursion we'll snorkel boat side in the shallow aquamarine waters while our chef prepares the day's fresh catch on board for our lunch. On our tour of Nim Li Punit we'll trod the paths of ancient Mayans amid the stone temple ruins and view some of the most famous Mayan stone carvings on record. Heading back to the lodge, we'll stop at Rio Blanco National Park Waterfalls hiking a short distance to the rushing falls and emerald pools below (a jump in to swim is optional if water levels are safe at the time).
Copal Tree Lodge includes an on-site spa with full forest views, an infinity pool and forest shaded pool, the Jungle Gym, rainforest hiking and biking trails with complimentary bikes available. You'll also have access to complimentary kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle down the Rio Grande River (or choose a paid guided tour with staff). The lodge also offers optional classes (mixology, chocolate, or coffee anyone?), on-site farm, jungle and distillery tours, excursions and spa services which guests can book directly with reception, for an additional fee, upon arrival and throughout the week. (*A $50 credit for one additional booking of your choice is included in your registration.)
Retreaters will receive a detailed schedule of events at our opening circle. See the "Itinerary" tab for our tentative schedule. See "What's Included" below for planned excursions.
The Find Bliss in Belize retreat includes:
· Accommodations in a Jungle Suite - single and double occupancy options*
· Three farm-to-table meals daily, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
· Daily yoga and meditation with exclusive use of all yoga equipment
· Snorkel with a Chef – day trip excursion
· Tour of Nim Li Punit Mayan Site and Rio Blanco Waterfalls – day trip excursions
*$50 credit toward your choice of resort offered add-on activities/classes/services, several options are available for $45 to $50
· Round trip domestic 1 hour flight to/from Belize City and Punta Gorda **
· All ground transfers
· Taxes and gratuities on site
· Marine access fees
*All-inclusive rates: Single occupancy $5655, Double occupancy $4050 each
Monthly installment plan available.
Deposit of $1000/Single occupancy, $500/Double occupancy. Deposit due with registration.
**Attendees are responsible for all international flights to/from Belize City and their home airport.
When should I place my deposit for this trip?
Your non-refundable deposit is due at registration. Full payment for the trip may be made at that time if you wish. Due to the limited availability, reserving early will help guarantee your spot!
I have to cancel. Do I get my money back?
If you cancel your trip on or before Nov. 15, 2022 you are entitled to receive any payments back, minus your $1000 non-refundable deposit. If you paid in full during registration and cancel before or on Nov. 15, 2022 you will receive funds paid towards your retreat minus the non-refundable deposit. With written approval from Cathy Eads, you may transfer your deposit to another retreat registrant up to Dec. 15, 2022.
What airport do I fly into and out of?
Your arrival destination is Belize City (BZE).
Do I need a visa?
Visas are not required for travel to Belize. You do need a valid passport. Please check your passport expiration date. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your trip's ending date.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but we highly recommend it to ensure you are covered should any unexpected event arise. A personal, political, environmental or weather-related incident or pre-existing or unexpected medical condition may prevent or interrupt your travels. These events are rare but do occur and make clear the importance of travel insurance coverage. There is a wide spectrum of policies and options so make sure you are clear on what is covered in the policy you are selecting, including delays, cancellations due to COVID-19, and medical evacuation if needed.
What vaccinations do I need?
Please be prepared to upload an up to date COVID19 vaccination card with boosters.
however all people should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Check out the CDC website and consult with your primary care physician for recommendations on vaccinations for your travel to Belize. As of June, 2022, Belize does not require proof of negative Covid-19 test for entry into the country.
What will the yoga classes be like?
Our yoga classes are inclusive and welcoming for all levels. Although each teacher has a slightly different approach, our classes most closely resemble the Hatha style, which is slower paced. We combine pranayama (breath work), asanas (physical movement and holds of postures) and meditation.
What's the itinerary?
We have a tentative daily schedule on this site that you can scroll down to view. You will receive the full schedule upon your arrival at Copal Tree Lodge. We have planned an itinerary that provides time for yoga, exploration, rest and lots of fun.
TRAVELING TO BELIZE
Arrivals and Departures
Our adventure takes us to the southern part of Belize near Punta Gorda. All travelers should plan to arrive and depart from the Belize City airport. (Airport code BZE), A short connecting flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda is included in your retreat package, and coordinated by the lodge concierge, as are ground transfers from Punta Gorda to/from the lodge.
Please note:
Arrival and departure windows for flights to/from Belize City will be provided following your registration. You must arrive and depart at the noted destinations within a specific time window in order to take advantage of the airport transportation included with your package.
Click here to link to the Belize International Travel Information website, including PASSPORT information.
Travel Documents
Belize requires a valid and current passport for entry. To be safe, your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond date of departure.
Belize does not currently require any Covid documentation (vaccination or test results) for entry (as of June, 2022).
Vaccinations
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including COVID-19, while traveling to any destination. Check out the CDC website for Belize and consult with your primary care physician for recommendations on vaccinations for your travel to Belize specifically.
What else do I need to bring and know beforehand?
Before we depart for our time together in Belize, we will send you a suggested packing list and other important details you need to know. Check out all the FAQs for more information that you may find useful in preparing for your retreat.
Robin Lieberman 200RYT, MSW, LCSW and Cathy Roberts Eads 200RYT, BA Education. Together they have over 50 years of combined personal yoga and meditation practice!
Robin has been practicing psychotherapy for over 30 years in Portland, Oregon. In collaboration with clients, she uses a wide variety of modalities to best support their therapeutic needs. As a lifetime yogi and artistic painter, Robin incorporates Hatha yoga and curative painting along with more traditional psychotherapeutic modalities. Robin has walked El Camino de Santiago de Compostela four times, the Frances twice, the Portuguese and del Norte. She has a deep love of humanity, life and is honored to serve others through her work and daily living. Learn more about Robin at robinlieberman.net
Cathy started her career teaching elementary school for six years, then spent 22 years as a sales rep and team leader for a children’s publisher, so she could work from home while raising her three children in Atlanta, GA. In that role, she started co-leading retreats and training conferences for her sales team. Cathy found yoga roughly 20 years ago, as a way to exercise without having to leave home or needing childcare. As her practice grew, she learned yoga has much to offer beyond physical asanas. The yogic way of life - focusing on equanimity, calming the mind and emotions through consistent yoga practice and meditation, recognizing the impermanence and uncertainty of life as the only permanent or certain things we will ever know, seeing the divine in all creation; even in the folks we find challenging to be around – all those life skills, knowledge and daily practices have brought her deep peace, lasting contentment and joy in the every day. On really rough days, which we all have sometimes, she knows what practices will bring her back to the middle path. Learn more about Cathy at https://findblissyoga.offeringtree.com/
Robin and Cathy met at their Sri Sri Yoga Teacher Training program through the Art of Living. During their nine-day in person intensive, they decided to begin co-leading yoga retreats to bring transformational ancient yogic wisdom and practices to others who would also like to experience the unique and lasting connections that come with shared travel to other parts of the world.
Jungle Suites include a private bathroom, sitting area, and screened-in balcony. Queen Jungle Suites include two queen-size beds. King Jungle Suites include one king-size bed. Each suite offers air conditioning, a ceiling fan, small fridge (upon request), hair dryer, safe, complimentary WiFi, bathrobes, and umbrellas.
Amenities:
Suites include a private bathroom, sitting area, and screened-in balcony. King Jungle Suites (only one remaining King) include a king-size bed and sofa bed. Queen Suites include two queen-size beds. Each suite offers air conditioning, a ceiling fan, small fridge (upon request), hair dryer, safe, complimentary WiFi, bathrobes, and umbrellas.
Amenities:
After arriving at Copal Tree Lodge in the afternoon, settle into your accommodations and get comfortable.
We'll have our welcoming circle, orientation before dinner and an evening restorative yoga practice to unwind from the day's travels.