Hawaii Bhakti Retreat: Chanting, Yoga & Ocean Adventures

Whale Spirit Sanctuary, Big Island, Hawaii

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Ananda Das
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7 reviews
Mar 5 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 15
Hawaii Bhakti Retreat: Chanting, Yoga & Ocean Adventures
Whale Spirit Sanctuary, Big Island, Hawaii

Ananda Das
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
7 reviews

Mar 5 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 15

About this trip

Dive into the depths of refining your personal singing, music and yoga of devotion practice.


The aloha Spirit awaits your arrival into an unprecedented, intimate, connective community of like-hearted souls who are joining together in Hawaii! If you are looking for a safe, healing, rejuvenating, uplifting and spirited retreat full of music, yoga, adventure and amazing food, look no further!  


Over six magical days Ananda guides us in specific, practical methods of deepening our experience of The Divine. Ananda’s hands on individualized instruction in voice, instruments, breathing and yoga opens those who are new to the path to the transforming power of daily, disciplined devotion.  


We'll be staying at the beautiful Whale Spirit Sanctuary on the Big Island of Hawaii.  It is just a half mile from the famed Kealakekua Bay.  This bay is world renowned for spectacular snorkeling and regular visits by pods of spinner dolphins.   


In regards to covid safety, it feels very safe for several reasons. First, Hawaii requires either proof of vaccination or testing within 72 hours of arrival. Second, the entire retreat center is open air. Third, the rooms are all very spaced out.  Fourth, there is plenty of room to social distance if you choose.   The retreat is open to all people and of all levels of music, singing and yoga experience.  Each participant will practice according to their individual needs guided by Ananda. Loving care, attention and support for your experience will be available.     


An adventure of a lifetime, a memory to cherish, and your dream winter getaway awaits!  Say yes! and we will see you there. Aloha! 


Is this for me?


Chanting & Heart Songs 


This retreat will deepen your love and practice of singing, chanting mantra, and bhakti (devotion) in a majestic and elevating environment.  We will also explore singing techniques, mantra pronunciation, deity mythology and relevance in a modern context.  We will explore singing and chanting as a pathway to healing, upliftment and connection.   

Sattva Yoga  


Ananda will be sharing a style of yoga that is called Sattva Yoga.  This style of yoga is similar to Kundalini Yoga as taught by KRI but with more freedom and flow to it.  It is an integrative approach that includes asana (postures), kriyas (dynamic movements designed for clearing and elevating energy), pranyama (breathing practices), dhyana (meditation), chanting and much more.     


*Check out some examples of my yoga classes, workshops and music: Click Here.   


We will rejuvenate, relax, and explore yoga as a practice of embodying spirit in a heart opening and devotional way.  Through daily yoga and chanting you will refine your perspective of these practices and yourself.  

Sea life  


This retreat will open the door to up close encounters with some of the most loving and beautiful creatures on Earth such as spinner dolphins, giant sea turtles and an array of colorful fish.  Regardless of your swimming abilities, we will do our best to guide you with up close encounters with these magical sea creatures. 


We will also be embarking on a whale boat! This will give us up close encounters with the humpback whales.  Hawaii boasts the largest congregation of humpbacks at any given time. They come to give birth, mate and enjoy the warm waters.  They put on quite the show and sonically are incredible.  


What to expect? 


-Snorkeling in stunning coral reefs with colorful fishes, giant sea turtles and possibly spinner dolphins-Evening chant and heart song circles 

-Whale Boat Excursion

-Evening Chant Circles

-Afternoon workshops on singing, music, mantras, devotion, deities and more.

-Daily Sattva Kundalini Yoga (All Levels) 

-Gourmet Organic Vegetarian/Vegan Meals   

-Cacao Ceremony

-Comfortable and beautiful rooms and retreat center

-Natural and Chemical Free Retreat Center


Check out this video of this same retreat: https://youtu.be/MZ5c-Ya25Tk 


Whale Spirit Sanctuary 


WhaleSpirit Sanctuary is a magical, nurturing and inspirational place to experience the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii.  It is a balinese style, uniquely charming, sacred-retreat destination designed for comfort and relaxation.  The sanctuary is at 350 feet elevation and has breathtaking views of Kealakekua Bay.  It is located within minutes of some of the island’s best waters to swim and see whales, dolphins, turtles and other amazing marine life.  This eco-friendly sanctuary is natural, chemical free with beautiful gardens.    


*Check out these stunning pics of the center. Click Here.  

*Please look over the welcome guide as it will answer many of your questions. 

*Check in is 4pm on March. 5th and check out is 10am on March. 10th. 

Sample day at the retreat:

-7am-9am: Yoga 

-9am: Breakfast

-10am-1pm: Free time/Ocean Activities

-1pm-2pm: Lunch

-2pm-4pm: Free Time

-4pm-6pm: Afternoon activities (Voice/Chanting/Music/Bhakti workshops)

-6:30pm: Dinner 

-8pm-9pm: Evening Chant & Song Circle  

Travel and Flight Details:

You'll most likely want to fly into Kailua/Kona airport.  Please be aware that the retreat does not include transportation to and from airport to the retreat center.  You can either rent a car for that time (recommended) or taxi/Uber/Lyft.   The retreat center is an hour south of the Kona airport. If you would prefer not to drive, we can try and link you up with another person coming and see if they would be willing to share a rental car.  Let us know asap.      


Snorkel Equipment:  


We recommend you buy snorkel equipment and bring it to Hawaii. It's about the same price as if you were going to rent it and probably better quality.  We recommend brands Cressi or US Divers. But here are are some options on Amazon.    


Option 1

Option 2


About Ananda Yogiji: 


Music: Ananda Yogiji is an internationally loved musician, song composer and mantra enthusiast.  His musical offerings complement his yogic practices with a deep devotional spirit. His music channels a powerful blend of modern and ancient soundscapes that touches the heart.  Infused with mantras in Sanskrit and Gurbani, his music offers blissful energy currents woven into lyrical heart songs. He is a self taught singer, guitarist, harmonium player and bansuri flautist. His latest release is the album "Flow Like the River".   


He is also well known for being in the duo Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda. Together they released over 14 albums and toured since 2011.  They now are exploring more of their solo careers.  


Singing/Music Instructor: Ananda specializes in how to access your fullest, richest and most authentic singing voice. He does so with the intention to connect you to your heart and devotional nature.  Many of his students have found his techniques to be the most effective they have ever come across.  He is a versatile, fun and seasoned instructor that has a gift for bringing the best out of anyone. He also loves to teach harmonium, guitar and bansuri flute as a support for your devotional practice and experience. 


Yoga Instructor: Ananda Yogiji has been a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Kundalini Yoga as taught by the Kundalini Research Institute since 2006. In April 2020, he also completed a 300hr teacher training in the Himalayan Yoga tradition known as Sattva Yoga. In May of 2020, he also completed an 18 day, 60 hour course on the Bhagavad Gita. Both the 300hr and Gita courses we taught by Anand Mehrotra, a himalayan yogic master.   While touring, Ananda regularly taught at festivals such as Bhakti/Shakti Fest and Beloved, as well as taught at Wanderlust, Hanuman Fest (CO), and Bali Spirit Fest. He and Jaya Lakshmi also led retreats at Esalen Institute, Sivananda Ashram Bahamas, and Breitenbush.   

Insurance:

We strongly recommend our guests to purchase Travel Health Insurance. We will ensure your stay is peaceful, safe, and lovingly guided, however it is wise that should you need immediate attention you have insurance for your own personal well being.  


Registration: Please note that the deposit reserves the room and is non-refundable. You can receive a refund if the room is reserved by another person. 

This retreat is truly a gift to yourself! Sign up asap! 

What’s included

  • Lodging
  • Food

What’s not included

  • Airfare
  • Transportation
  • Whale Boat

Available Packages

Garden Suite: Shared Room: Friend/Family

The Garden Suite is in the main building. Select this package if you want to split a room with a friend or relative. Please note there is a queen size bed and a twin in each room.  $1800 per person. To see pictures, click here.  

$1,800
Garden Suite: Single Room

The Garden Suite is in the main building. There is a queen size bed and a twin in each room.  To see pictures, click here.  

$2,400
Deluxe Single Room

Beautiful room with a queen size bed and private bathroom. For pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3xh8gkpu3ppgxeu/AAB7MI17ioMUy4U82bvo_9zQa?dl=0

$2,600
Deluxe Couple Room

Beautiful room with a queen size bed and private bathroom. For pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3xh8gkpu3ppgxeu/AAB7MI17ioMUy4U82bvo_9zQa?dl=0

$1,900


Your Organizer


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Ananda Das
7 reviews
Ananda Das is an internationally acclaimed devotional musician and yoga teacher. He sings, plays guitar, harmonium and bansuri flute. Ananda Das has been a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Kundalini Yoga as taught by the Kundalini Research Institute since 2006. In April 2020, he also completed a 300hr teacher training in the Himalayan Yoga tradition known as Sattva Yoga. In May of 2020, he also completed an 18 day, 60 hour course on the Bhagavad Gita, both the 300hr and Gita courses we taught by Anand Mehrotra.

Reviews

This was a life changing event for me. I feel stronger and more confident that I can lead Kirtan in my area. Ananda has a gift in helping others outside their comfort zone. I felt gently pushed, encouraged, and was given truthful feedback that will make me a better musician. The food, the location, and the people were simply amazing. I will plan to attend next year. Thanks Ananda!
By Maya P for Heart & Soul | A Kirtan & Bhakti Yoga Training on Sep 14, 2023
I’m blessed. I say YES to Bhakti Kirtan Training with Ananda Das in Sedona, AZ. In this training, I was able to open my heart and heal lots of feelings of guilt, shame, and fear. I received light, love, courage, knowledge, self-love, and self-acceptance. I’m grateful I was able to overcome shame about my culture, voice, and karma. Ananda Das holds a secret, authentic, loving space that’s allowed me to be myself. He is a patient, and devoted teacher. I felt I was retreating with my soul family. I felt comforted, cherished, and free. My favorite highlights were learning the harmonium for the first time, hiking with the group, morning yoga practice, and chanting/dancing with the community. Besides, all the meals were prepared with love. BIG applause for the wonderful chef Nitai. Thank you so much Ananda Das for your gift. I can’t wait for the next training session. Love, Fernanda Hang.
By Fernanda H for Singing and Music Made Simple on Nov 15, 2022
Profound! Intuition guided me to participate in Ananda's Alter of Love weekend in Bend. Then, intuition guided me to Ananda's Bhakti Yoga and Kirtan Training in Sedona, which the participants agreed was that and more - a retreat! Ananda is: Wise, deeply spiritual, a compassionate and gentle guide, an exceptional teacher, a truly authentic, joyous person. He is also an exceptional musician and composer. He sings from the heart and delivers the message to the listener's heart. I never loved yoga before this week in Sedona. I liked the results (when I did it), but always felt something missing -- almost like I was doing calisthenics under the watchful eye of a drill sergeant. BUT, with Ananda, I absolutely loved the way that he wove in the mantras and spiritual and scientific reasoning behind what we were doing. I also now have a greater appreciation and understanding of the Hindu dieties. Since returning home I have registered for his online yoga courses and have been faithfully and joyfully participating on a daily basis. The voice and harmonium lessons were educational and so much fun!! Although I will need much more practice, Ananda taught us about breath and how to contral our voices. We learned not just how to control our physical voice, but many of us also had breakthrough moments, finding our inner voice! Our chef was amazing. He was a young person with a natural instinct for selecting just the right spices and combinations of ingredients. Our group found that we often ate too much simply because our meals were delicious! I loved our free time in our beautiful setting, hikes and watching the striking sunsets. I hope that I've sufficiently captured the essence of this week. So many moments of love, joy, and support amongst the participants, whom I am hopeful that I'll see again. Profound is the best word that I can come up with to summarize this week in Sedona with Ananda and a dozen other beautiful souls. Thank you, Ananda for providing the setting for this amazing life-alterng experience. I shared this experience with our Unity congregation during our Celebrations. Many of them are now anxiously awating your return to Bend!
By Lorraine S for Singing and Music Made Simple on Nov 09, 2022
Ananda Das is an amazing teacher! His patients is like none other. He explains singing so simply that anyone can do it. Ananda taught me to play the harmonium in record time. The hike’s were incredible and the food was top notch. Thank you for this fantastic experience!
By Kyria E for Singing and Music Made Simple on Nov 01, 2022
This was a wonderful retreat! The accomodations were peaceful and comfortable, with food made by an excellent chef! Ananda was a wonderful guide through morning yoga, noontime fun on excursions, afternoon singing and evening kirtan! My heart is full after visiting this beautiful island and spending time at this retreat. I already miss the ocean view and company of new friends.
By Misty S for Hawaii Bhakti Retreat: Chanting, Yoga & Ocean Adventures on Mar 20, 2022
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