This retreat is about relaxing, having fun and deepening our experience of the Aloha spirit.

Through the sacred container of our group, we practice yoga and meditation together, eat meals, swim and sing together, creating a sense of ‘Ohana’ or family, that many of us long for these days. Helping us remember how it feels to just be and enjoy the natural beauty of life, to come back into harmony with ourselves. 

Kealakekua Bay is a very sacred and powerful portal for the Hawaiians. It means ‘The Pathway of the Gods’. There is an ancient ‘heiau’, or temple, right in the bay that is still actively used in Hawaiian ceremony. It’s no surprise there has been hardly any development in this area, as there are a lot of protections placed here by the Hawaiian kahunas (priests and priestesses). It feels like old Hawaii to me and it is no coincidence if you feel called to this spot, I’m sure it has a powerful gift for you!

Hawaiian culture is so rich and the ‘aina (the earth and waters of the islands) has much mana (life force/prana) to share with us. My second daughter was born in Hilo in 1994. Her Hawaiian name is “Ke Alohi o Ke Kea Hau’ or, ’sparkle of the white snow of Mauna Kea’.

I feel deeply connected to the Big Island as I lived here for years and have been spending every winter here since. I love to share with you my inspiration and love of the island, a place of timeless magic and beauty. 

Just what is Aloha?

A, ala, watchful, alertness 

L, lokahi, working with unity 

O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty 

H, ha'aha'a, humility 

A, ahonui, patient perseverance 

The kahuna David Bray interprets this code as… "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble." 

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.  The bay is world renowned for spectacular snorkeling and regular visits by pods of spinner dolphins.  Please check out this video that was made in 2019 of this same retreat I did with Ananda:  https://youtu.be/MZ5c-Ya25Tk
These retreats are so magical and I hope you can join me.  

CHECK-IN TIME: 3pm Sunday Jan 23

CHECK OUT TIME: 10am Friday Jan 28

Is this for me?  
Sea life 
This retreat will open the door to up close encounters with Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales and other magical ocean creatures.  We will be swimming and snorkeling daily together at local bays and beaches. You don't have to be an expert ocean swimmer but some experience is helpful so we can have a full experience together.  You can always sit out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and sunshine.
Yoga and Chanting 
This retreat will also help deepen your love and practice of chanting, bhakti, yoga, and ceremony in a majestic and elevating environment.  We will sing and dance our hearts open. We will rejuvenate, relax, and explore yoga as a practice of embodying spirit in a heart opening and devotional way.  Through daily meditation and chanting you will refine your perspective of these practices and yourself.  
The retreat is open to all people and of all levels of yoga and kirtan experience.  Each participant will practice according to their individual needs guided by Jaya Lakshmi. Loving care, attention and support for your experience will always be available.  This retreat is truly a gift to yourself!
*Families with children are welcome! Please contact me for arrangements and for pricing discounts. 
What a prior retreat participant said about our retreats: Click Here.

What to expect? 
-Snorkeling in stunning coral reefs with sea turtles and colorful fish

-Evening music and chant circles 

-Daily Sattva Himalayan Kundalini Yoga (All Levels) 

-Cacao Ceremony

-Comfortable and beautiful rooms and retreat center

-Natural and Chemical Free Retreat Center

-Gourmet Organic Vegetarian/Vegan Meals

-Possible whale boat outing if our group is small enough 

*Check out our yoga videos here: https://jayalakshmiandananda.com/kundalini-yoga-videos
*Check out videos here: https://jayalakshmiandananda.com/live-experience-with-the-saraswati-dream-band-2016

Whale Spirit Sanctuary
Whale Spirit 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.  They continue to nurture and grow mango, fig, papaya, avocado, lilikoi, banana, citrus with several new gardens filling up with fresh herbs and vegetables.  
*Please visit their website by clicking here.*Please look over the welcome guide as it will answer many of your questions. 

Sample day at the retreat:

 -7am-9am: Yoga led by Jaya Lakshmi 

-9am: Breakfast

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

-1pm-2pm: Lunch

-2pm-4pm: Free Time

-4pm-6pm: Afternoon activities (cacao ceremony, Chanting workshop, yoga, or meditation)

-6:30pm: Dinner 

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

All Inclusive Program Offers the Following:

• Lodging at Eco Sanctuary with sweeping sunset views overlooking Kealakekua Bay
• Three delicious organic vegetarian meals a day. 
• All classes and scheduled group activities (does not include possible boat or kayak excursions)

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.  

What to bring:

You will receive an email as the date gets closer with a more detailed list of what to bring. The most important thing is that you set up your snorkel gear ahead of time. That way you aren’t spending your retreat time in town renting snorkel gear (that is ok if you need to - can be fun too) Have your mask, snorkel and fins ready - fins are recommended for extra safety in Hawaiian waters.

Insurance:

We 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, Cancelation and Refund Policy: 
Please note that the deposit reserves the room and is non-refundable. In certain cases Jaya Lakshmi will offer to transfer the deposit to a future retreat or refund it fully if the room is reserved by another person. 

For payments made in addition to the deposit: 

If you cancel more than 120 days before your retreat start date, 100% of your payment will be refunded.

If you cancel 119 – 70 days before your retreat start date, 75% of your payment will be refunded.  

If you cancel 30 – 69 days before your retreat start date, 50% of your payment will be refunded.  

If you cancel 29 days or less before your retreat start date, you can apply 30% of your payment to another retreat.  

Hope you can join us!!