Kick start 2020 with a Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat

Las Galeras, Dominikanische Republik

CY
Caribe Yoga
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11 reviews
Jan 12 - 19, 2020
Group size: 7 - 25
Kick start 2020 with a Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat
Las Galeras, Dominikanische Republik

Caribe Yoga
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • Twitter verified
11 reviews

Jan 12 - 19, 2020
Group size: 7 - 25

About this trip

This retreat is for the explorers, adventurers and for souls that are hungry for life and experience. Wake up every morning in your private bungalow nestled in the hills of the Dominican Republic with the most stunning view over the Caribbean ocean. Practice daily yoga and meditation on the stunning deck overlooking the ocean, sample local Caribbean delights and dive into the turquoise ocean just minutes away from the resort. This week will make you feel alive, connected and filled with joy!

Kick Start 2020

With Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat


Relax, reflect, recharge, retreat – A New Year, a new decade, a new start, a new you.

Make your first vacation in 2020 a yoga, meditation and wellness retreat at an Eco Lodge in the stunning Dominican Republic.

Whether you are a complete beginner or no stranger to yoga, nourish your mind, body and soul through daily and evening yoga sessions on an open deck overlooking the ocean. Enjoy guided meditation sessions and soak up guidance and knowledge from a series of mini workshops that will help set your goals and intentions for 2020 and put you on the path to peace and harmony. Unwind and make memories to last a lifetime with group excursions including a boat trip, whale watching, horseback ride, beach breaks, evening BBQ, and plenty of ‘you’ time.

Teachers Julie, Larissa, and Antonio are no strangers to this part of paradise having met at a retreat in this exact same resort. If you enjoy great conversation with lots of fun and laughter, plus dancing under the stars to the sounds of a live Caribbean band, then this paradise retreat is your destination.

We can’t wait to meet you!

About Julie, Larissa & Antonio

Julie Garrido:
“My retreat here was one of the best experiences ever. From the minute I arrived, all my worries just melted away. That ocean view takes some beating. It’s the perfect place to kick start the New Year.”


Health and wellbeing has always been a passion of Julie’s and from the very first day she began practicing yoga she knew it was to become her destiny. Originally from Britain, life took a sudden turn in 2014 and brought her to live in Miami, where she enrolled at the prestigious Corpo yoga studio and gained her RYS200 in Vinyasa teaching. Combining her 30-year history of running her own PR and Marketing business with her passion for yoga, Julie has founded ‘Yourself Yoga’ - a company that specialises in private yoga and corporate teaching. Skillfully and gently guiding her students in yoga and meditation, she helps them to unlock their true potential and to kick start a physical, mental and spiritual transformation.


What to expect from Julie’s teaching:
As a business owner and mother of three, Julie draws on her incredible life experiences and cleverly creates ‘themed’ classes to help her students gain a better perspective on life. By skillfully connecting her classes to an overarching theme, she is able to touch her students' hearts; leaving a lasting and profound impression both on and off the mat. Offering a blend of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Restorative styles, her approach is gentle yet challenging.


Larissa Tirle:
“I can’t wait to go back to this retreat. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to and provides the perfect escape. It is simply nature at its best.”


When Romanian-born Larissa first discovered Bhakti yoga - often referred to as the yoga of love as it helps nourish the heart - she discovered her true passion. Since then, she has experimented with other styles of yoga including Yin, Vinyasa and Hatha, but Ashtanga is the style that has captured her heart. Now a certified Ashtanga teacher, Larissa expertly guides her students to synchronise breathing with an intelligent and progressive series of postures - a process that produces intense internal heat to help detoxify muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. Larissa also has a passion for travel and has been lucky to visit India several times to discover the birthplace of her beloved yoga.


What to expect from Larissa’s teaching:
Larissa is passionate about making Ashtanga yoga more mainstream and accessible to everyone. Through clever and subtle modifications, she is able to lead students slowly through postures without stress or injury. Whilst the ultimate purpose of the Ashtanga practice is purification of the body and mind in preparation for meditation, Larissa’s students get to benefit from increased strength, flexibility, stress management, and inner peace. Her classes are ideal for beginners looking to learn a structure of poses and equally for those already immersed in this wonderful discipline.


Antonio Garrido:

Meditation expert
“There aren’t many places that I would return twice, but this retreat enables you to recharge and gain a new perspective on life. Horse riding and whale watching were my favorite activities.”


The mind can be our biggest strength or our greatest enemy. However, Antonio who is an Author and Co-founder of Absolute Sales Development, Inc. based in Miami, brings a light-hearted and novel approach to a practice that many students struggle with. A devotee and longstanding student of meditation, he has a phenomenal understanding of the workings of the mind, and by helping students form a positive relationship with their thoughts, he can put them on the path to true health and happiness.


What to expect from Antonio’s teaching:
Under Antonio’s expert guidance, learn tips and techniques to still your thoughts and tap into your greater self-awareness. Antonio will take you on a journey of discovery that leads to a more grounded, centered, and focused state, leaving you feeling relaxed and liberated. He will unlock your zest for life; helping you set goals and intentions for the New Year with a renewed purpose.


Program

  

Day 1 Sunday
Welcome to Santo Domingo
Transfers: Airport to Caribe Yoga Ocean View Eco Lodge, Samana
Welcome Refreshments
Bungalows assignment & resting time
6.00pm Opening circle and gentle stretches (subject to arrival times)
7.30pm Dinner


Day 2 Monday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am - 8.00am Tea/Coffee & fruit
8.00am - 9.30am Yoga followed by Mala’s & Mantras
9.30am - 11.30am Personal assessments with Julie & Larissa
11.30am Brunch delights
12.30pm - 3.00pm Relax, read, rest – You time
3.00pm Afternoon tea/coffee & snack
5.15pm – 6.00pm Workshop 1 “Goals & Intentions”
6.00pm - 7.30pm “Open your heart” Yoga followed by Candlelight Meditation
7.30pm Dinner & sweet dreams


Day 3 Tuesday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am – 8.00am Tea/coffee & fruit
8:00am - 8.45am Workshop 2 “G.A.G.A” (Gratitude, Affirmations, Goals, Attract)
8.45am – 9.45am Yoga
9.45am - 11.30am Rest & Reflect/Massages
11.30am Brunch delights
12:30pm – 4.30pm Depart for boat trip for whale watching & trip to a private paradise beach with packed snack and fresh coconuts
5:30pm - 7.00pm “Recharge” yoga followed by Candlelight Meditation
7:30pm Dinner & sweet dreams


Day 4 Wednesday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am - 8.00am Tea/Coffee & fruit
8.00am - 9.30am Yoga & Meditation
9.30am - 11.30am Rest & Reflect/Massages
11.30am Brunch delights
12.30pm - 3.00pm Relax, read, rest – You time
3.00pm Afternoon tea & snack
5.15pm – 6.00pm Workshop 3 “Open your Chakras”
6.00pm - 7.30pm “Find Your Balance” yoga followed by Candlelight Meditation
7.30pm Dinner & sweet dreams


Day 5 Thursday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am - 8.00am Tea/Coffee & fruit
8.00am - 9.30am Yoga & Meditation
9.30am - 11.30am Rest & Reflect/Massages
11.30am Brunch delights
12.30pm - 2.30pm Relax, read, rest – You time
2.30pm – 6.00pm Horseback ride to “El Limon” waterfall and swimming
7.00pm Candlelight Mantra’s & Meditation
7.30pm Dinner & sweet dreams


Day 6 Friday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am – 8.00am Tea/coffee & fruit
8:00am - 8.45am Workshop 4 – “Yoga & Meditation to Go”
9.00am – 10.00am Yoga

10.00 – 11.30am Pool Yoga
11.30am Brunch delights
12.30pm - 2.00pm Relax, read, rest – You time
2.00pm – 5.00pm Trip to the wonderful “Playita” beach
5.30pm - 7.00pm “Stretch your comfort zone” yoga followed by Candlelight Meditation
7.00pm - Drinks
7.30pm BBQ with live Caribbean band


Day 7 Saturday
7.30am – 8.00am Morning Tea/coffee
8.00am – 9.00 Lazy breakfast

9.30pm - 12.30pm Relax, read, rest – You time
12.30pm - 2.00pm Lazy Lunch

2.00pm – 4.00pm Personal Reflections with Julie & Larissa
4.00 – 5.30pm Closing Circle
6.00 – 7.00pm Drinks on the Terrace

7.30pm Farewell Dinner


Day 8 Sunday
7.00am Wake up call (bells)
7.30am – 8.00am Morning Tea/coffee
8.00am – 9.00am Farewell breakfast
9:30am - Check out and depart for Santa Domingo/airport


NB This Itinerary may be subject to change

The resort - a paradise for yoga

Who does not want to come home deeply and thoroughly refreshed from a long-awaited and well deserved vacation?  Recharge your batteries, enjoy life to the fullest, broaden your horizons and simultaneously do something good for your body!  A Yoga Holiday can be a wonderfully satisfying combination for body, mind and soul. Leave the daily routine behind and treat yourself with an intense experience under palm trees – a yoga retreat in the dominican republic far away from the hustle and bustle of cities, amid the spectacular and diverse nature of the Caribbean.

There are 14 private bungalows at the Samaná Ocean View Resort.  Each is equipped with a queen size bed, bed linen and towels, night table, reading lamp, table and chairs, safe, ceiling fan and closet.  Each one also has a bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet. All off them have fully-openable picture window facing the ocean and with breathtaking views on the Samaná peninsula. The room will be cleaned daily.

The main building includes a large open living space and seating area, a bar, a barbecue grill, a sound system, free WIFI and a fully equipped kitchen.


Click here for a video of caribeyoga


The swimming pool measures more than 1200 square feet.  It can be used 24 hours a day and is attractively illuminated at night. At its longest point the pool measures 45 feet, and is between 4.6 and 5.3 feet deep. There is no lifeguard on duty or any special safety devices for children, so we recommend that only adults and children who know how to swim make use of the pool. Use at your own risk.


Brand new yoga platform with an incredible seaview.


Click here for more photos of the resort

  • Private estate which covers more than 18000 square feet, surrounded by tropical vegetation with plenty of space to relax
  • Ocean view from anywhere at the Eco-Lodge
  • 14 private bungalows (7 with a queen size bed, 1 with a king size bed, 6 with two twin beds)
  • Total capacity: 28 persons (for Yoga retreats normally a max. of 18 guests)
  • Bathroom, fan, safe, shower, toilet in each bungalow
  • Main building with terrace, barbecue, bar, pool, 2 bathrooms and a sun deck with an outdoor shower
  • Spacious and fully equipped kitchen with fridge in the main building
  • Use of the washing machine and dryer for an additional fee
  • Irons are available (in the main building)
  • Hair dryers not available
  • Personal laptops and other devices can be used with power adapter
  • Daily cleaning service of bungalows and main building
  • 24 hour electricity, water and WIFI
  • The property manager lives on the estate and provides assistance of any kind 
  • All packaged retreats include breakfast and dinner

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A landscape like a picture book

Away from the crowds of tourists and surrounded by marvelous nature, you can find the Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge.  Here is a perfect retreat for dreamers, people seeking peace and quite, Yogis and meditators from all kind of all methods and schools.

The Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge is located on top of a hill near the village of La Guázama and the idyllic fishing town Las Galeras on the Samaná peninsula. This spot is widely recognized as the most beautiful region of the Dominican Republic, primarily due to the thousands of coconut trees and the many pristine beaches.

The closest beaches are Playa Grande (the main beach in Las Galeras) and the especially beautiful beach, Playita. Both can be reached within 15 minutes by car or motorbike.

Also close by is the beach Playa Rincon, a three-mile long, white sandy beach; one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. From Las Galeras you can reach it within 25 minutes by car or within 15 minutes by boat.

There is also Playa Fronton, a perfect snorkeling spot. This Robinson Crusoe beach with its impressive panorama can be reached with a 30 minute hike, or by boat, or horse (not accessible by car).  The small romantic bay with its natural beach Playa Madame is also within reach either by boat or by horse.

Las Galeras, with its small supermarkets, restaurants and beach huts can be reached within 15 minutes by car. Here you can drink Dominican rum together with the locals, or book a boat trip with the local fishermen.

For those who want to discover the beauty of the Samaná peninsula independently, a rental car would be most suitable. But those who prefer to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge can easily get around with taxis and so called “Motoconchos” (motorbike taxi) procured for you by the property manager.

The closest airports are the “El Catey International Airport” of Samaná (about 1 hour drive) and the “International Airport Las Americas” of Santo Domingo (about 2.5 hour drive). Rental Cars or transfers from either airport to the Eco-Lodge can be arranged for you.

The comfortable bungalow complex offers an unforgettable and relaxing stay. The tropical vegetation in and around the area, the tranquility of the site, and the stunning views make you feel as if you are visiting paradise. This area is one of the most beautiful and originally native places that the Dominican Republic has to offer.

Experience the genuine Caribbean and pure Relaxation.

Every year more than 1000 humpback whales migrate from the Polar Regions into the Bay of Samaná for mating season. From mid-December to end of March you can observe this great spectacle directly from the Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge. There are also regular boat excursions from Las Galeras if you prefer a closer look.

Food

During your retreat, you will be provided with six hearty breakfast buffets, healthy lunches/brunches and sumptuous dinners. The meals are a combination of Caribbean and international cuisines which are prepared to enrich your body and soul, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request. Tea, Coffee and water are available free of charge throughout the duration of your stay. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please inform CaribeYoga upon registration.

Our ingredients are fresh and bought from the market to support the local economy.


The following meals are included:

Breakfast

Lunch or  Brunch

Dinner

Water and tea

The following dietary requirements are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian

Vegan & Gluten Free on request

(If you have special dietary requirements we strongly advise to communicate it to the organiser   and/or Caribeyoga when making a reservation)

Testimonials of clients

Wendy Leif Wyka
Larissa and Jörg are two of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. They work behind the scenes to ensure your experience is perfect. My experience was transformational. From breathtaking views to delicious food this place has it all. Several people have actually told me I’m glowing since I returned. This must be because I had a beautiful experience with beautiful people and I’m still floating.


Raquel Pernas
Caribeyoga was one of the best experiences of my life. It is a place in which you can find yourself, because Jörg, Larisa, Carmen and the crew take care of every little detail. So peaceful! A place where people care about each other and delicious food too!
I enjoyed every single minute there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 


Click here and see a wonderful video of one of the retreats


Carina Bo
I have hosted a retreat there this January and it was the most beautiful place in nature I have ever experience. And they go whale watching! 


Gayathri Ramaswamy
My husband and I really enjoyed this hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle. The owner Jorg is a wonderful and selfless person who went out of the way to please us – whether it be special veggie food or wine after a long hike. The scenery is spectacular and the pool is wonderful. Staff are attentive and cheerful. Lots to do in surrounding areas including the best beach! Doing yoga amidst the nature was truly magical. Enjoyed interacting with fellow yogis!


Suzanne Ramos
This is a spectacular, small and private resort where you can relax, unwind and totally escape in the natural beauty of your surroundings. The accommodations, pool, food, staff, panoramic scenic views and owner are ALL top notch. I attended an AMAZING one week Yoga retreat there and it was the vacation of a lifetime!!!! In between our peaceful yoga sessions overlooking the mountains AND ocean we also visited beautiful beaches, rode horses to swim in a breath taking waterfall and hiked vigorously through the jungle/mountains as well. Truly a wonderful experience and great value, worth every penny and more! Can’t wait to do it again!!


Karin Stirk-Davis
My Caribeyoga experience was transformative. Jorge and Larissa are incredible, they made sure that all our needs were taken care of. The activities arranged were spiritually uplifting, from walking in the jungle to swimming in the breathtaking Limón waterfall! I connected with beautiful people, with my soul and deepened my mindful practices. Silence, love, laughter and friendship radiated. I have a new happy place to return to in my mindful practices! Namaste

Informations

Insurance

To minimize any loss and to protect yourself during the trip, we highly recommend taking out a comprehensive insurance policy that covers cancellation. You can book travel insurance at great rates from our Partner Travelex here.


Electricity information

We have 24 hours electricity because the company of Las Galeras is a private electricity company. We dont deal with black outs like most parts of Dominican Republic.


Dressing information

Las Galeras is a beach town where everyone generally wears beach attire. You are recommended to bring shorts, short sleeve shirts, tank tops, and sandals. 

Outfits we advise to bring: 

-Yoga clothes

-Hike clothes (comfortable sneakers) 

- Horse Riding clothes (long pants recommended)

-Beach clothes

-Anything you feel comfortable wearing.


What to bring

Flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, toiletries, any required medications.

caribeyoga will provide yoga mats, but please feel free to bring your own mat or blanket if you prefer.

Passport / visa

Bring a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry date.

There are some countries that can enter Dominican Republic without a visa, more infos at http://www.dominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-visa-2/

Additional information

For more information ask your questions directly to caribeyoga who will be happy to assist you. Simply click on the Contact Organizer button to send a message.

Booking conditions

For information about the booking conditions, please ask your instructor or send  caribeyoga an inquiry.

What’s included

  • Healthy breakfast
  • Healthy lunch
  • Healthy dinner
  • Yoga classes
  • Tea, coffee and water
  • Group Airport Pickup
  • Transportation
    Group transfers to included excursions
  • Excursion to a waterfall
    See itinerary
  • Whale Watching
    See itinerary
  • Beach day
    See itinerary
  • 45 minutes Massage
    Full Body relaxing massage
  • Larimar Shop
    Mobile Dominican Jewellery Shop. The jewellery you want to buy is not included in the price.
  • Taxes + Excursion Fees

What’s not included

  • Flights
    Flights are not included in the price. If you need assistance booking a flight, please let us know.
  • Individual Transfers
    We include and organize a group airport pickup and transfers to included excursions. If you arrive at a different time from the rest of the group we can schedule your pick up for an additional cost.
  • Extra Drinks

Available Packages

Single accommodation

Single accommodation in a small private bungalow with your own bathroom. Queen size bed. All bungalows with breathtaking view of the sea.


$1,490
Deposit: $500
Double accommodation

Double accommodation in a small private bungalow with your own bathroom. Twin size bed.  All bungalows with breathtaking view of the sea.

$1,240
Deposit: $620


Itinerary

Walewatching
The bay of Samana is visited every year by the humpback whales.

Included in the price! Whale watching in the Bay of Samaná.

The bay of Samana is visited every year by the humpback whales that migrate from cold waters, to warm waters for their breeding season.  Go on a guided excursion by boat and watch those giants in their natural environment. 

After whale-watching, the trip continues by boat to Playa Fronton, one pristine beach, where we will have time to relax,  and have something to eat. 

Your Organizer


CY
Caribe Yoga
11 reviews
Away from the crowds of tourists and surrounded by marvelous nature, you can find the resort of caribeyoga named Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge. Here is the place for aa perfect retreat for dreamers, people seeking peace and quite, Yogis and meditators from all kind of all methods and schools. The Samaná Ocean View Eco-Lodge is located on top of a hill near the village of La Guázama and the idyllic fishing town Las Galeras on the Samaná peninsula. This spot is widely recognized as the most beautiful region of the Dominican Republic, primarily due to the thousands of coconut trees and the many pristine beaches.

Reviews

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend one of Carina's retreats out in Samaná and it was a truly incredible experience. Everything was perfectly curated from the yoga classes, the accommodation, the food and the excursions. I am not over exaggerating when I say this was a truly perfect retreat. Thank you Carina and I look forward to coming again in the future.
By Gary W for Yoga & Whale Watching retreat with Carina Bogner on Feb 11, 2020
This is a beautiful venue, off the beaten track. The views are spectacular and the people who run the resort are very kind and helpful. It is the perfect place for a yoga retreat with a lovely platform overlooking the jungle and the sea. Carina is an energizing and inspiring teacher who is a lot of fun too. She inspires a very positive energy among the members of the group. Over the course of the week there were 3 excursions which were all good. Each of them included a beach component. It is important to realize that this is not a standard large resort. That's one of the reasons that it was so appealing to me. There is no air conditioning, but that didn't end up being a major issue. Any participants should understand that it is not all that easy to get to the town. Other than the excursions, if you'd like to get away you will either need to have your own vehicle, or the staff can organize a (somewhat pricey) taxi, which is really only feasible if you have several passengers. You could also travel on a motor scooter if you're feeling very adventurous. However, with all the yoga and the excursions, along with the very nice pool, I was perfectly happy just to rest on the days when nothing else was scheduled. The food was very good, however the staff do things like add sugar to the fresh pressed morning juice unless they are asked not to do so. I really enjoyed the Dominican based menus. It was apparently the first time the chef had prepared exclusively vegetarian meals and he really progressed well over the course of the week. My week here was overall a wonderful and relaxing experience.
By Sheila C for Yoga & Whale Watching retreat with Carina Bogner on Feb 11, 2020
Hello Sheila. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW. Your words makes us really happy and proud. Hope to see you again, YOU KNOW, NOW YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
By Caribe Yoga on Feb 11, 2020
CY
PA
I had an amazing and very relaxing week, mire than I even expected thanks to the energy the location as well as the group provided but mostly to the very professional yoga teaching skills of Carina. Got so inspired by it all that am already looking into booking another retreat. The location with the priceless view of Samana Bay cannot be topped. Staff were very accommodating as to our nutritional well being and/or any other concerns we had.
By Petra A for Yoga & Whale Watching retreat with Carina Bogner on Feb 11, 2020
Hello Petra. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW. Your words makes us really happy and proud. Hope to see you again, YOU KNOW, NOW YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
By Caribe Yoga on Feb 11, 2020
CY
I had read the reviews before booking, but honestly no review could ever capture how great this trip was! It truly is your own little paradise that has a wonderful way of lifting the veil of our lives to reveal truth and beauty. Samana is picturesque to say the least! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Julie & Antonio Garrido, and Larissa... they are AMAZING! This was my first yoga retreat, but according to others in our group who have been on many prior, this was just the best organized trip ever. Any future retreats will have a lot to live up to! Perfect combination of yoga, meditation, activity, adventure, and down time. Not to mention the incredible workshops that were fruitful for my life personally and professionally!
By Kaitlyn E for Kick start 2020 with a Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat on Jan 23, 2020
Hello Kaitlyn. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW. Your words makes us really happy and proud. Hope to see you again, YOU KNOW, NOW YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
By Caribe Yoga on Jan 23, 2020
CY
A unique experience for those who are looking to expand their horizons. Very beautiful moments and a true vacation/retreat. Loved it! Thank you to the wonderful staff, they were so warm and supportive.
By Monica L for Kick start 2020 with a Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat on Jan 21, 2020
Hello Monica. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW. We really hope to see you again soon. YOU KNOW, NOW YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
By Caribe Yoga on Jan 23, 2020
CY
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