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!
Yoga is a practice that will adapt to you – not the other way around. This retreat is especially created to convey the fact that yoga is so much more than just a posture. Everybody is welcome regardless of skill level, even if they have never done yoga before. Anyone who would like to have a personal practice, customized to their preferences, will benefit greatly from this experience. Even those who are already on an advanced level (that would like something more challenging than a normal yoga class) can benefit from learning how to live the philosophy of yoga in their daily life.
During this retreat, you will live an experience to harmonize your body and soul. Totally unwind, let your mind go, and relax while your body immersed in the perfect combination of restfulness and motion-free from external influences. This retreat offers daily yoga practices and interaction with the yoga instructors and like-minded fellow travelers in the incredible picture landscapes.
Yoga is rather a way of life which is about compassion, mindfulness, and truthfulness. The atmosphere on this retreat is quiet and, except for the daily yoga hours, your time is your own to read, swim, sleep, and enjoy. Much emphasis is placed on healthy, diverse, and fresh food to accompany the experience.
The yoga classes will be suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced learners.
Ruchama Bilenky
Join yoga instructor, Ruchama Bilenky and event planner, Bina Trahan for a week of relaxation and rejuvenation in the tropical paradise that is the Dominican Republic. Enjoy a private, sea-facing bungalow, daily yoga classes and amazing included excursions: horseback riding, whale watching, waterfalls, hiking and beaches! All Levels! Beginners Welcome!
Ruchama Bilenky is a Certified Yoga Therapist and Instructor who specializes in bringing the spiritual and physical benefits of Yoga to diverse individuals and populations. She focuses on healing through yoga. She is certified in Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Vinyasa Yoga, Pre Natal Yoga and Yin Yoga. She is also a musician. She is inspired by music, travel, meditation, yoga and chocolate! Think Yoga isn't for you? Try a session with Ruchama and have your misconceptions dispelled!
Day 1
Welcome to Santo Domingo.
Transfers: Airport-Lodge to Caribe Yoga Ocean View Eco Lodge. (3 hrs road trip).
Welcome/Meet & Greet
6:45pm Dinner
8:00pm Meditation & Opening Circle
Day 2
8:00am - 9:00am: Morning Yoga Practice.
9:15am Breakfast.
1:00pm Lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm Yin/Restorative
6:45pm Dinner
Day 3
8:00am - 9:00am: Morning Yoga Practice.
9:15am Breakfast.
11:30am. Day Trip to the most fascinating caribbean beach “Playa Fronton”. Start at the beach Las Galeras town by boat (30 minutes), whale watching, untouched nature, impressive panorama, lunch and and a hike through the gentle hills of Samaná.
5:00pm Going back to the Lodge by bus.
6:45pm Dinner.
8:00pm Meditation/Restorative
Day 4
8:00am - 9:00am: Morning Yoga Practice.
9:15am Breakfast.
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm Day at the wonderful beach Playita, Natural swimming pool
6:45pm. Dinner
8:00pm Meditation/Restorative
Day 5
8:00am - 9:00am: Morning Yoga Practice.
9:15am Breakfast.
1:00pm Lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm Developing a Personal Practice Workshop
6:45pm. Dinner
Day 6
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Trip To El Limon Waterfall and horseback riding, swimming in the sweet water of the waterfall.
2:00pm Lunch??
5:30pm-6:30pm Yin/Restorative
6:45pm. Dinner
8:00pm Meditation
Day 7
8:00am-9:00am: Morning Yoga Practice.
9:15am Breakfast.
1:00pm Lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm Yin/Restorative
6:45pm Dinner
Day 8
Brunch and Departures
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
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.
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.
The following meals are included:
Breakfast
Lunch or Brunch
Dinner
Water and tee
The following dietary requirements are served and/or catered for:
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Vegan
Vegetarian
Other dietary requirements on request
(If you have special dietary requirements we strongly advise to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation)
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
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 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.
Single accommodation in a small private bungalow with your own bathroom. Queen size bed. All bungalows with breathtaking view of the sea.
Double accommodation in a small private bungalow with your own bathroom. Twin size bed. All bungalows with breathtaking view of the sea.
Included in the price! Whale watching in the Bay of Samaná and Half-Day Hike through the gentle hills 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. At Playa Fronton we start the hike, we will explore the undiscovered treasures of the Samaná peninsula. The hike which we will take for approximately 2 hours to Boca del Diablo, will give you the opportunity to walk along the unspoiled coastline, discover different fruits and vegetables while hiking along the cultivable land. At this point, you can take a taxi back to the resort, or continue with an uphill hike which will give you a glimpse of the life at the village La Guazuma.
And for the end we will pass by a Marmol Mine.