During the day, wake up with morning breathwork, meditation and yoga around the saltwater pool and waterfall, cooled by ocean breezes. Yoga is followed by a scrumptious breakfast featuring local exotic fruits. Then explore white sand beaches, peaceful harbors and rocky shorelines; go hiking (in many different ecosystems), snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing or kayaking. After a delicious lunch, visit colorful local festivals, historical and ecological tours and much more. Return to a gentle, therapeutic yoga class in the afternoon to unwind from a day of relaxing Caribbean style.
In the evening we gather in the oceanview gallery porch for dining on a sumptuous gourmet 100% plant-based dinner prepared from local organic produce while the sun sets beautifully behind the water. Then enjoy optional evening activities such as therapeutic yoga, dancing, star gazing, or free time.
We will offer a few included adventures during the week in which you will be welcome to participate:
Snorkel lesson
Guided snorkel along Frederiksted Pier
Guided nighttime snorkel along Fredreiksted Pier
Swimming and sunning at Rainbow Beach
Shopping/dining trip to Christiansted that includes a yoga class and an organic fruit smoothie at the local’s yoga studio
Guided snorkel of the Coral Restoration Project in Butler Bay
Basketweaving class
Historical walking tour of Butler Estate
All this adventure will flow beautifully with our daily program. All activities including yoga and meditation are optional. We will offer guidance and support for solo time and personal reflection as well as connected, safe, and compassionate group activities.
You can expect a wonderful flow to your days. There will be opportunities to practice yoga and meditation at least once daily, with a spacious balance of personal time to truly relax and enjoy the island pace of life.
This location was chosen for the retreat specifically because it is out on the quiet side of the island, away from distractions and tourists. If you are hoping for a week of reconnecting with yourself, with the ocean, with spirit, then this retreat is for you. The emphasis will be on slowing down, resting and rejuvenating the body, mind and heart while enjoying the serenity of the pristine natural ocean environment.
Throughout the week you can expect to practice yoga that is gentle, beginner-friendly, contemplative, and easeful. No prior yoga experience is necessary. If you have been practicing for a while, you will enjoy the slow pace of the classes that allow for tremendous depth and exploration in the postures.
The breathwork and meditation practices are accessible and straightforward. The focus will be on depth and cultivating a mindful presence through open and loving awareness. Journaling and writing will also be woven throughout the week as well.
Matece Skow, Founder of Nourishing Heart Yoga, has been fostering compassionate growth and healing for students and clients for the past 24 years. She facilitates safe and nurturing environments for the transformation of body and heart through the practices of yoga, breathwork, meditation, essential oils, hands-on healing, and massage.
By design, she works with small groups, so as to develop close relationships with students. She devotes her attention and energy to meeting students where they are, helping each individual experience yoga in their own way, according to their own understanding and capability.
Savor three organic, vegan, plant-based gourmet catered meals daily:
•A Full Breakfast; fresh exotic, local fruits; coffee & tea; fresh squeezed juices and smoothies; and baked goods
•A Tropical lunch daily all prepared from fresh local produce.
•A Two Course dinner each evening with dessert.
All food is vegan.
We can accommodate allergies & sensitivities, please make sure to list them when you sign up.
Feather Leaf Inn is a short 30 minutes drive from Henry E Rohlnson Airport (STX).
American Airlines is the main carrier to St. Croix, though you can find flights on other carriers.
Roundtrip transfers from the airport are included at no additional charge.
Transporation on arrival and departure day will be made according to the flight schedule of our participants. We will do our best to keep your wait at the airport to a minimum!
All prices listed are per person.
•If you are traveling with friends, please write in the comments section of your checkout, whom you would like to room with.
•If you are traveling alone, I am happy to pair you in a shared accommodation.
**Please note that cancellations for any reason are non-refundable**
7 nights, 8 days at Feather Leaf Inn
Arrival day transportation from Henry E. Rohlson Airport (STX) provided and departure day taxi to the airport included.
Beginners welcome & encouraged! Enjoy a variety of styles with Matece Skow, who has been fostering compassionate growth and healing for students over the past 24 years.
Matece facilitates safe and nurturing environments for transformation of body and heart through the practices of breathwork and mindfulness meditation.
Three 100% organic, gourmet vegan meals each day. UV filtered water, teas and coffee throughout the retreat.
Safari Taxi to Christiansted for a yoga class and fresh, organic juice at The Courtyard followed by free time for shopping and exploring Christiansted.
Our expert guide will take us on a night snorkel at Frederiksted Pier. Snorkel gear is provided or bring your own from home.
Spend a leisurely afternoon learning to weave a basket from natural plant materials from the rainforest of St. Croix.
Join professional musician Ann Percival for a casual night of singing simple, uplifting, and inspirational songs. This is a favorite activity of past participants.
Learn the history of the Butler Bay Estate (Feather Leaf Inn). We’ll talk about the plants and animals we share the land with and give an overview of the coral reefs.
We are happy to offer guidance regarding flight itineraries.
Recommended
If you wish to rent a car to get around on the island, we can make recommendations.
We will provide an experienced massage therapist for private bookings on site.
Our final night excursion is a sunset sail with live music. This excursion is optional (not everyone likes boats!) so it is *not* included. The trip costs $150 and we will help with reservations.
It is recommended to bring cash for gratuities for drivers and staff. We can offer guidance in this area.
Sample Daily Schedule (subject to change)
DAY 2
7:30 am MEDITATION, PRANAYAMA & YOGA
New Beginnings: A Gentle yoga class focused around letting go of what may be holding you back and making a fresh new start. Perfect for our first full day!
9:15 am BREAKFAST
10:30 ORIENTATION
Join Matece and Feather Leaf staff for a full introduction and orientation to the property and the itinerary. Learn about additional excursions including hiking, horseback riding, cycling, tours, kayaking, and more. Learn a bit about island etiquette and how to keep yourself well and safe in the Caribbean climate.
12:00 pm LUNCH
1:30 pm SNORKEL LESSON IN THE POOL
A short snorkeling tutorial designed to help you get acquainted with your gear, whether you brought your own or you are borrowing gear from the resort. This is not a swimming lesson; you must be able to swim. You will have a chance to try out snorkeling in the pool before heading out to the sea.
2:30 pm HISTORIC WALKING TOUR OF BUTLER ESTATE & BUTLER BAY
Join the owners of Feather Leaf Inn on a walking tour through the property to learn about the long history of the Butler Estate, the plants and animals they share the land with, and hear an overview of the coral reefs and restoration projects they are involved in.
6:00 pm DINNER
7:00 pm EVENING PROGRAM
Breathing with Mindful Presence: This class is focused on deep breathing and pranayama (breathing practices). Close your eyes and allows the present moment to encapsulate you, soaking up the radiance that lies within your newly open heart.
DAY 3
7:30 am YOGA AT THE SAMAN TREE
Connection to the Natural World: A gentle outdoor yoga class held under the canopy of the property's ancient and gigantic Saman tree. This class invokes the natural world to help you release tensions and feel connected to the pristine tropical environment around you.
9:15 am BREAKFAST
10:00 am SNORKEL & SWIM AT FREDERIKSTED PIER or RAINBOW BEACH
Just down the road are many wonderful beaches to explore. Rainbow Beach is great for sunning and swimming. Frederiksted Pier is a popular and beautiful snorkeling location. We will be offering transportation to and from either of these locations on this day. Alternatively, you may ride one of the resort's complimentary bicycles to the beach if you wish!
1:00 pm LATE LUNCH
4:00 pm YIN YOGA
Benefits of Stillness: Patience isn’t waiting or being static but moving in harmony with the speed of nature and what life is presenting you. Yin is a practice of patience and deep stretching and in this class, we will slow down and allow the body's inherent healing capacity arise, bringing balance and ease.
6:00 pm DINNER
7:00 pm FREE TIME
