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!

Create your perfect winter recipe of well-deserved rest and restorative activity with Three Branches Wellness!

This year, gift yourself a break from the usual with a week of relaxing and rejuvenating yoga and movement study in the Dominican Republic, with instructor Ian Elliott, at the beautiful Samana Ocean View Eco Lodge.

Nestled in the hills of the Samana Peninsula, this private estate resort features clean and comfortable accommodation with queen-size beds for singles and couples, an outdoor practice area with a stunning coastal view, a 1200 sq. ft. swimming pool with 24-hour access, an on-site chef preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and easy access to the local towns and beaches.

Participate in two classes each day, covering a variety of subjects:

– yoga (all-levels hatha and restorative)

– movement study

– mindfulness and relaxation techniques

In your free time, lounge at your leisure, or join in on the roster of fun excursions to the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. Join in group activities or venture out to explore on your own.

Spaces are limited – register early to avoid disappointment. Your dream retreat awaits!

About Ian

Toronto-based instructor Ian Elliott is a living example of the benefits of mindful yoga and movement study. In his 15 years of practice, he has explored various postural, breathing and meditative techniques on a path of personal recovery from both physical and emotional trauma. He has been teaching dedicatedly since 2012, and currently shares his understanding via multiple group classes at several studios in his west-end neighbourhood, as well as offering private sessions in his home studio.

Realising the limitations inherent in traditional yoga asana, Ian has bolstered his knowledge in this field with ongoing studies in dance and movement (via Axis Syllabus workshops and intensives), pain science, and trauma-informed instruction. Rather than viewing people as problems to be solved, Ian assists students in discovering and nurturing their own inherent resilience and adaptability as they move through life’s various ups and downs. His kind, caring and patient approach has found broad appeal with students across a variety of ages and abilities.

Student testimonials:

“I have been participating in Ian’s classes since he became an instructor at the club and will often try to work my schedule around a class so as not to miss it.”

“Ian is the first yoga instructor I have been comfortable continuing work with over an extended period. I have a physical disability which severely restricts my flexibility and often confuses or scares off yoga instructors. Ian was able to meet my specialized needs through a basic process of patiently listening to my advice on how my body works and adapting yoga techniques to suit.”

“Dealing with numerous health ailments, surgery was strongly recommended for hip, limbs and mobility issues. However, prior to pursuing such drastic measures, I joined a yoga program with Ian. In a few short months, I regained and recovered movement, flexibility, and experienced immense pain relief and active mobile enjoyment. I did not pursue surgery – what a relief!”

Arrival – Feb 17
Transfer from Samana Int’l Airport to Samana Ocean View Eco Lodge (approx travel time 1.5)
Welcome and accommodation assignment
Dinner
Arrival ceremony, orientation

Day 1 – Feb 18
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Morning Class
10 a.m. Breakfast
Free Time
1:30 pm: Lunch
Free Time
5:00 – 6:30 pm:  Evening Class
7:00 pm: Dinner

Day 2 – Feb 19
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Morning Class
10 a.m. Breakfast
Free Time
1:30 pm: Lunch
Free Time
5:00 – 6:30 pm  Evening Class
7:00 pm: Dinner

Day 3 – Feb 20
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Morning Class
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10:30 a.m. Horseback Excursion to El Limon Waterfall* or Visit to Las Terrenas
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Evening Class
7:00 pm Dinner

DAY 4 – Feb 21
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Morning Class
10 a.m. Breakfast
11:30 am – 4:00 pm Excursion to Playa Fronton or Playita*
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Evening Class
7:00 pm : Dinner

DAY 5 – Feb 22
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Morning Class
10 a.m. Breakfast
Free Time
1:30 pm Lunch
Free Time
5:00 – 6:30 pm Evening Class
7:00 pm Dinner

DAY 6 – Feb 23
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Morning Class
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10:30 am – 4 p.m. Whale Watching Excursion*
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Evening Class
7:00 pm Dinner
9:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony

Departure – Feb 24
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. Transfer from Samana Ocean-View Eco Lodge to Samana Int’l Airport

*All the previus excursions are included in the retreat cost, even tho participation is optional*

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
  
  

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

-Excersise 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.