Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat-- Cartagena

Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia

BE
Bel Esprit Cultural Institute
  • Email address verified
6 reviews
Oct 9 - 16, 2021
Group size: 5 - 11
Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat-- Cartagena
Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia

Bel Esprit Cultural Institute
  • Email address verified
6 reviews

Oct 9 - 16, 2021
Group size: 5 - 11

About this trip

Slow down. 

Close your eyes. 

Breathe deeply. 


Join us for seven days of awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping peace and relaxation. 


Walk through Cartagena's walled-city streets bursting with bright colors and old-world charm. Taste the delicious foods inspired by African, Spanish and indigenous flavors. Immerse yourself in Colombia's waters and emerge renewed. 


This is your chance to reconnect with yourself after an unprecedented year in a safe space, and share the beauty that is you with a community of women. 


By the end of this retreat, through yoga, mindfulness practices, reiki, nutritional planning, self-reflection and experiential challenges, you will have concrete techniques that you can use at home, in your office, in the car, or wherever you find yourself-- to help you create more  inner balance, improving both your inner and outer landscape, and  propelling you forward to close 2021 on an amazing note. 


"A healer does not heal you. 

A healer is someone who holds space for you 

while you awaken your inner healer, 

so that you may heal yourself." 

(Maryam Hasnaa)



###

Bel Esprit's Sol Goddess Retreat is a powerful program offered in environments which are naturally conducive to the work of letting go of our past, true healing and restoration, and ultimately, the manifestation our dreams.

Important Details

Airport & Ground Transportation

You will fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena, Colombia. Details about ground transportation to the villa will be made available closer to our departure date.  


Passport Required

A passport book is required for entry into Colombia. Please make sure  that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months beyond our trip end date. 


Cell Phone Service

Contact your carrier to ensure that you will have access to service while in Colombia, or alter your plan for a better rate for service while you are there. Depending on your carrier, service may not be reliable. 


Payment plans are available.

Instructors

Nadege Fleurimond

Nadege Fleurimond is a chef and business strategist living in New York City. A 15-year entrepreneur and published author, Nadege holds a political science degree from Columbia University. Nadege runs several  successful businesses, most notably Fleurimond Catering, an off-premise catering firm servicing mid to high-level clients in NYC. A recipient of  the U.S. Department of State Culinary Grant, Nadege has catered at the White House, appeared on the Food Network show Chopped and has received numerous food writing fellowships.


Through her own quest for self discovery, Nadege has learned and wants to reinforce that who you are is not tied to a job title. Your true self will manifest no matter where you are placed. She encourages a life of passion and purpose.


Nadege also helps entrepreneurs develop and implement the systems  and strategies they need to succeed. Nadege provides coaching and  business development services in a down-to-earth manner. She provides  her clients with the guidance, accountability, and strategic plans  needed for them to utilize their passions to create financially thriving  businesses they love. The result being that they uplift their  communities and their families all while nourishing their bodies through enriching food that keeps them nourished, grounded and empowered. 


Sokhna Heathyre Mabin

Sokhna Heathyre Mabin is a Solo Mama of 2 vivacious cubs, a Certified Herbalist, a seasoned Full Spectrum Doula, a Perinatal Counselor, and  an experienced Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher of almost 30 years.  She is the founder of MamaSutra Loving Arts, a woman~centered wellness practice that merges fertility, creativity and sexuality as the  foundation of wholeness. Sokhna has taught 6 prenatal yoga  trainings and several intensive modules to date and leads an annual "Svadhyaha" ~ a yearlong guided self study group for women. Yoga and herbs have been the guardians of her wellness maintaining harmony between the mental,  physical, emotional and sexual health over the phases of her life. 


Sokhna's training stems back to her degrees in Psychology (University of Michigan) and Education (Western Michigan University) and extends into artistic expression as a touring vocalist and dancer.  She has  performed internationally from NYC to the renowned The Sydney Opera House.  Indeed ~ fertility and creativity are of the same essence. In 2014, Sokhna relocated from Brooklyn to Kalamazoo, Michigan to care for her brother. At present, Sokhna is the lead Doula at Healthy Babies Healthy Start in Michigan and has created a program to train women of color as Doulas to heal the tragically high mortality rate of black infants.  Her next birth is to complete a book of her memoirs and discoveries of being a Doula over 13 years. 


Kafayat Alli-Balogun

Kafayat Juanita is the descendant of Nigerian and Honduran kings, queens, warriors, fishermen, farmers and healers. A Certified Reiki Practitioner, Kafayat first learned of the ancient Japanese form of energy healing in 2007. A modern day medicine woman, Kafayat works with the Plantcestors to create formulas using recipes passed on to her from her grandmothers, her communities and her intuition. She considers her hands to be sacred anointed instruments created in service to her communities. 


Kafayat is the Founder & Executive Director of the Bel Esprit Cultural Institute, and the Founder & Principal of the Sol Goddess Wellness Collective. She is also a seasoned Marketing & Communications professional having worked for organizations such as the the UNDP, the American Cancer Society, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and ESSENCE Magazine.  


A lover of travel, Kafayat has traveled to countries such as Honduras,  Haiti, Grenada, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Senegal and Brazil. She is fluent in Spanish and proficient in French, Portuguese and Wolof. She received her B.A. in Psychology and African-American Studies with a minor in Dance from Wesleyan University. She graduated from the Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy with an MA in International  Affairs & Policy concentrating in Infrastructural Development.


What to Bring

An open mind

Mosquito repellent

Sunscreen / Sun block

Personal toiletries and medications

Vitamins / Supplements

Alarm

Yoga mat and/or mat towel 

Yoga clothes

Swimsuit, beach towel and anything else you want for swimming/beach activities

Walking shoes

Water bottle

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are non-refundable. 

If you cancel your booking more than 30 days prior  to departure, the penalty is 50% of the trip price. Within 30 days of  departure, the penalty is 100%.

What’s included

  • Accomodation
    Private villa
  • Meals
    Fresh, nourishing and in-season (Dinner only on the first night; and breakfast only on the last morning)
  • Airport Transfer
    Limited hours from CTG to the City Center
  • Hatha Yoga
    Hatha Yoga Gentle introduction to yoga. A great way to work out kinks in the body, get grounded and calm. You will leave class feeling longer, looser, and more relaxed.
  • Mindfulness Meditations
    Become the observer of your thoughts, instead of a slave to them.
  • Kundalini Yoga
    Awaken the energy of consciousness. Kundalini sheds light on our self-imposed limitations, and invites us to think out of the box and develop our intuitive mind.
  • Yoga Nidra
    Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that withdraws the senses, allowing you to tap into a state of relaxed consciousness as the mind settles between wakefulness and sleep.
  • Two Cooking Workshops
    Cooking as a spiritual practice: Food heals! We connect over food, we share experiences through food, and we develop community over food.
  • Sister Circle
    Heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul. Learn more about one another.
  • Incredible Community
    Who better to celebrate the dawning of the new you, than other Sol Goddesses like yourself!
  • Daydreaming
    Endless sunrises and sunsets
  • Star Gazing
    Our experience begins on heels of the new moon. Celebrate all that you are as the Universe conspires to deliver new truths and bring awareness into ancient beliefs.
  • Reiki
    Breathing exercises and sound meditations coupled with the power of healing touch.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    International travel to and from Cartagena (CTG) is not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    Travel Insurance is not included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Optional Excursions
    There is an abundance of excursions that you may want to explore in your spare time: jungle hikes, tours, wonderful eateries, spa treatments, boating, scuba diving, etc.

Available Packages

7 days / 6 nights-- (Shared Room)

This room is ideal for two friends. Or if you would like to make new ones. 

$1,871
Deposit: $400
7 days / 6 nights-- (Single Occupancy)
$2,100
Deposit: $500


Itinerary

Welcome
Bienvenidos a Cartagena!

Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a historic city of preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old, bright colonial structures.

Your Organizer


BE
Bel Esprit Cultural Institute
6 reviews
The Bel Esprit Cultural Institute is a 501(c)(3) created to provide individuals, families and organizations with travel experiences that delve into the depths of the soul--- combining the thrill and adventure of travel with sustainable local projects that engage with communities on THEIR terms.

Reviews

DW
I had an amazing time. The intentionality behind each excursion and culinary experience was greatly appreciated. I loved that our daily schedules were not jam packed with activities, leaving room to rest and explore on our own. Our beautiful hosts were amazing and always made sure we were taken care of. I felt safe, seen and heard throughout this trip and I truly enjoyed the fellowship amongst Black women! Our villa during this time was beautiful, with modern updates as well as old world charm! Great location and we even had the best in- house support! Amazing experience, would 1000% recommend and am looking forward to another trip with our organizers!
By DaShawn W for Cartagena Uncovered- A Culinary Tour on Oct 16, 2022
The retreat to Cartagena with Sol Goddess Wellness was an amazing experience; The choice of our villa located inside the wall was a perfect option for six individuals; the amenities and staff in the villa were spectacular and so accommodating. Overall the retreat was a great balance of excursions of all that Cartagena has to offer combined with relaxation and mindfulness. We explored, shopped, cooked, practiced wellness and even climbed into a volcano together. Definitely a trip worth exploring!
By Diane L for Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat-- Cartagena on Oct 30, 2021
We had an amazing time. The trip was well curated, will be traveling with Sol Godess again. It was such a pleasure being with such a group.
By Marjorie T for Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat-- Cartagena on Oct 25, 2021
What a trip! Or should say EXPERIENCE! As a hard working mom who is actively working on bettering herself everyday so she can learn to heal herself and heal others. This was the perfect opportunity to go on this retreat. I was able to enjoy time with likeminded Goddess who were just a joy to be around. Kafayat was the perfect host, very gentle, considerate and left no question unanswered. I’m looking forward to the next one and will start to work to make this an annual ritual for myself. You will not be disappointed Goddesses:-)
By Alana D for Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat on Dec 22, 2019
Thank you for this amazing review, Alana. This is exactly the type of feeling we hoped you would have from a Sol Goddess Wellness experience. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
BE
KG
I really needed this. I spent more than a decade putting off appreciating or celebrating my hard work as punishment for mistakes I made. It was always after I earn this, or achieve that, or lose this (weight), or pay that. If everything wasn’t lined up perfectly, I felt like I didn’t deserve it. When I arrived, I realized how deficient I was in self-nourishment - how I was living in the past and taking the present for granted. I made it through some tough times and deserved this investment in self. My senses were heightened with breathtaking views, calming sounds, connections with the earth, therapeutic movement and energetic food. As a vegan, I was especially apprehensive about the food and brought my own stash so I wouldn’t go hungry if there weren’t provisions. Not only did Kafayat make sure I was well fed, but the menu was catered to everyone. If you had a special diet, or allergies, or just preferences, you were taken care of. Fresh fruit and vegetables were in abundance and no meal was the same. By the time I left, my soul was awakened, refreshed and nourished...and I had a blast on the excursions! The best part was knowing that the proceeds from the trip would go to communities in need. By helping myself, I was also helping others. I am forever grateful for the experience.
By Kyma G for Sol Goddess Retreat: Heal Thyself on May 26, 2019
Thank you for this astouding review, Kyma. This is exactly the type of feeling we hoped you would have from a Sol Goddess Wellness experience. Taking the time to tap into the sacredness of our humanity, and to harness self-love is one of the most important gifts we can give to ourselves. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
BE
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References

AC
I was blessed to attend the first Sol Goddess Wellness Retreat in Port Antonio, Jamaica. I have spent most of my days the last 2 years caring for my child in a hospital over 500 miles away from home. The opportunity to retreat for 5 to 6 days with other women in a setting fit for a movie was a dream come true. I didn’t know how much I needed to leave my everyday surroundings for a place as beautiful as Port Antonio and with the company of an amazing group of women. During the trip I focused as much on self-care and self-love as I did on breeding new friendships. I practiced Yoga first thing in the morning every single day. Imagine laying your mat down and raising your head high towards the open sky. The ocean ahead of you and the sun kissing you good morning. Yoga was always followed by my favorite meal of the day! Breakfast. And what a meal it always was. Fresh fruit, coffee, pastries, made to order eggs and more. Imagine rolling up your yoga mat, grabbing a cold drink of water and walking over to a beautifully set table facing the ocean. Breakfast was made all the better by the company. I absolutely loved meeting the women on the trip. My roommates and I became instant friends. We were like 3 peas in a pod. We allowed each other the space to be or genuine selves around each other. And boy did we laugh every day! No day was complete without an excursion or time at the beach. Winnifred Beach, Frenchmen’s Cove (named one of the best beaches in the world), San San Beach, the Blue Lagoon, hiking at Reach Falls and more. Hard to imagine we did all of that and more in 5-6 days. In the late evenings we dined under the moon to food catered by either the hotel staff or very own chef Nadege Fleurimond. Nadege not only prepared food for or group but invited us into the kitchen to participate in the experience. We shopped for ingredients together and each of us played a small role in preparing a portion of our meal. Dinners were lively some nights with lots of conversation and peaceful other nights. On the more peaceful nights we would gather at the table and reflect on our day - share small moments and open up about the life that awaited us back home. Together - whether at Yoga, over dinner or an evening sit down - we helped each other heal, soul-search, rest, leave worries behind and grow. Sol Goddess Wellness Retreats provides an array of opportunities for all women. It’s opportunity to say “this is my time”! It is so hard to dedicate time for self-care, but nothing forces you to focus on you more than leaving your everyday surroundings and flying to somewhere as beautiful as Port Antonio. If you are looking for ME-time, a little adventure, a little out-of-your comfort zone time to challenge yourself, a beautiful setting to explore, a moment to rejuvenate your spirit with the help of other women, a hands-on learning experience or simply a vacation, then Sol Goddess Wellness Retreats are for you. Kafayat, founder and organizer, of Sol Goddess was a great facilitator and leader of the retreat. Every day / night was thoughtfully planned out. You could see in her eyes and her smile how much she wanted all of the attendants to get exactly what they were each looking for in the Retreat. I would highly recommend you consider Sol Goddess for your next trip or retreat. You will not regret it. It’s important to also note that part of the proceeds from the retreat helps to find some very important work at the Bel Espirit Cultural Institute - whether it’s working with at risk young girls in The Dominican Republic or gifting Haitian youth with much needed school supplies. What more could you ask for? The Retreat took care of me and sent me on my way feeling ready to conquer another day fighting for my daughters life. Thank you Kafayat and Sol Goddess.
By Adayna C on 21 Mar, 2019