International Retreats
Dominica:
Adventure, Yoga and Service
January 11-18, 2025
Get ready for one of the most fun adventures of your life!
Join us as we travel to the beautiful island of Dominica where you will have the opportunity to hike through the rainforest, swim in unique waterfalls and mountain pools, sea kayak in turquoise waters, and snorkel through unique underwater volcanic bubbles while you explore the diverse sea-life at Dominica’s premier marine reserve. Sea horses, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish are often sighted. Healthy meal fare, fresh fruit juices, daily yoga, and a spa treatment all included during your stay at the Jungle Bay Resort.
Award-winning Jungle Bay Resort is operated in alignment with international Geotourism and Ecotourism guidelines. As an alternative to traditional Caribbean tourism, the focus is on enjoyable nature-based activities and the wellness of guests, along with quality service.
Jungle Bay features tastefully designed stone and hardwood villas overlooking the marine sanctuary of Scotts Head and Soufriere. The hotel resort is nestled within beautiful forests of tropical trees, banana plants, and native flowers, and the villas are spacious, featuring luxury furnishings. Guests access the units through footpaths, allowing you to explore the tropical plant life along the way to your private villa.
Jungle Bay offers an exciting launching pad to explore the almost unending natural attractions of Dominica. Daily hikes, activities, and excursions are available for all fitness and endurance levels.
Dominica is an island nation located in the Lesser Antilles area, south of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique. Nature lovers and adventurers will enjoy this island of 365 rivers and streams by going off the beaten path along remote trails that take you to the many unique waterfalls, mountain pools, and mineral springs that make Dominica the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) Transportation will be provided from the airport to your deluxe lodgings perched atop a jungle-clad hill with expansive views over Dominica’s southwest coast. Enjoy the scenic drive as you travel across untouched jungle peaks.
Check-in at Jungle Bay then relax and reset in your lush surroundings complete with a stunning infinity pool, gardens galore, and beautiful views in every direction.
6:00 pm Welcome Dinner full of the island’s fresh, organic ingredients and Caribbean flavors.
During the retreat one of the goals is reconnecting with yourself and learning the importance of taking a break. You will also get out of your comfort zone a few times for real personal growth, meet new kindred spirits, find joy from the exciting adventures, and explore yoga exterally as well as internally.
Day 2
7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30-11:00 am. - Scotts Head Hike – Hike from Jungle Bay Resort along the main road down to the fishing village of Soufriere. Instead of hiking up the steep hill to the mountain village of Galion, continue the hike on the flat, along the shore from Soufriere to Scotts Head. The walk takes us through the small village of Scotts Head and up to the historic Scotts Head peak to enjoy the spectacular view of the pristine water. The peninsula and peak of Scotts Head are the most southern point of the island and are dividing the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Easy to Moderate Hike - This hike is approximately 3-5.5 miles (mainly flat terrain) depending how far you would like to go.
12:30 pm Lunch at Jungle Bay Afternoon free for spa treatment, enjoying the pool, exploring the complex and more!
4:00-5:00 pm Jungle Bay Story The “Jungle Bay Story” is told by Developer/Owner Sam Raphael, when on the island. The discussion includes the history and philosophy of Jungle Bay along with the many challenges and triumphs from inception in 1997 to the present.
5:15-6:15 pm Gentle Yoga Class
6:30 pm Dinner
Day 3
7:00-10:00 am Breakfast at Jungle Bay
9 am-12 pm Kayak & Snorkeling Tour Start with a short lesson in kayaking, before heading into the Caribbean Sea to enjoy paddling and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve. You will be surrounded by a scenic coastline of mountains and coconut trees. EASY – 5 minute drive each way.
3:30-4:30 pm Dominican Medicinal Herbs and Tea Experience Learn about the ancient herbal remedies of the island’s traditional peoples.
It is no wonder Dominica has such a high number of centenarians when you realize they live off the organic plants grown in the island’s nutrient rich soil. The fragrant herbs you will encounter during this presentation are grown right in Jungle Bay’s garden. Make your own tea blends during this interactive ‘wellness experience for the senses’ where you get to see, touch, smell, and taste!
5:15-6:15 pm Raja Yoga (the "Eight Limb Path" that includes asana, pranayama, and meditation)
6:15 pm Dinner at Jungle Bay
Day 4
7:00-10:00 am Breakfast at Jungle Bay
8:00-4:00 p.m. Perdu Temps Hike ~ Retrace the footsteps of Dominica’s “maroons” (run-away slaves). This hike is part of the historic Perdu Temps trail and takes about one and a half hours each way through secondary forest, mainly flat terrain and some river crossings. It gets steep and narrow as you approach the end and opens up to an area often described as “Paradise” or “The Garden of Eden”! You are invited to pick fresh tropical fruits from the trees. Explore Pump’s bio diversified farm with a huge variety of exotic fruits and vegetables. Tour the “Medical Garden” with a wide assortment of healing plants/natural herbal remedies. Pump and his family warmly welcome you to their home, due to the close relationship they have with "Sam", owner of Jungle Bay. This tour is one of our guests’ favorites and should not be missed! A vegan lunch is provided ◊ MODERATE++ ◊
5:15-6:15 pm Slow Flow Yoga
6:30 pm Dinner at Jungle Bay
Jungle Bay Dominica
Jungle Bay Dominica
Jungle Bay Dominica
Jungle Bay Dominica
Day 5
7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30am-10:45 am Half of the group will visit the preschool supported by Peace Through Yoga Foundation, while the other half will explore Morne Bruce, Botanical Gardens, Trafalgar Falls, and Titou Gorge (see excursion description list on Day 6. The groups will switch activities on Thursday. Seedlings Preschool is in the village of Soufriere. This is the only preschool in the village, which also services two other villages,
Scotts Head and Galion. Seedlings serves children ages 3-5 years old.
12:30 pm Lunch at Jungle Bay Enjoy the afternoon getting a massage, swimming at two of the resorts pools, or just relax on your terrace
5:15-6:15 pm Hatha Yoga
6:30pm Dinner at Jungle Bay
Day 6
7:00-10:00 am Breakfast
9am-2:30pm Morne Bruce, Botanical Gardens, Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge Drive to Morne Bruce, Roseau (offering a panoramic view of the entire city), continue through the Botanical Gardens to Trafalgar Falls. The famous Trafalgar twin waterfalls are easily accessible. It is a short 10-15 minute walk along a well-mantained foot path from the visitor center to the viewpoint of Trafalgar Falls. Another 15 minute drive taxes you to Laudat to visit the spectacular Titou Gorge (located at the start of the hike to Boiling Lake) It’s a short walk to the Gorge and a short swim though a series of natural “rooms and ponds” formed by high cliff walls canopied by interlaced trees leading to a hidden waterfall. Part of the second “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie was filmed here, when captain Jack and his crew were trying to escape from the tribe and fell into this gorge. Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge are both located in the Trois Piton National Park. A brief stop at the local market is made on the return to Jungle Bay. Pack lunch is provided. EASY – 45 minute driving each way/ 40 minutes walking in total.
Sack lunch provided.
5:00-6:00 pm Partner Yoga
6:30 pm Dinner at Jungle Bay
Day 7
7:00-10:00 am Breakfast followed by a leisurely day or choose one of the optional excursions.
8:45-11:15 a.m. Whale Watching (optional excursion) Dominica is one of the whale watching hot spots in the world and they have year-round resident sperm whale sightings. Price is $80 USD per person inclusive VAT and transfers. Please sign up in advance to secure your place. Space is limintited
12:30 pm Lunch at Jungle Bay
3:00-4:00 pm Caribbean Cooking Class ~ Learn how to prepare local Caribbean cuisine full of organic vegetables, seasonal fruit, unique spices, eggs, fish, and more. Ingredients sourced directly from the property will almost assuredly be included in the receipes.
4:15-5:00 pm PTYF founded and supports the Girls for Success Dominica program with a library at their Girlhood Lounge. The girls will be coming to the resort to participate in an "empowerment workshop". Feel free to share a talent or interest with the girls, if interested.
Note: Please consider bringing an old suitcase full of books or school supplies for teen girls or preschool children (two libraries PTYF started on the island) or bring a few books in your own suitcase to donate.
5:15-6:15 pm Haha Yoga
6:30 pm Dinner at Jungle Bay
Day 8
7-10 am Breakfast at Jungle Bay
8:30-9:30am Slow Flow Yoga then enjoy the resort until it is time for departure to the airport. Sack lunches will be provided for your return trip home.
Testimony from February 2023: “What a wonderful adventure filled, soul thriving, nature abound retreat you have created! I have learned so much and have made some life-long friends. What an assembly of great people! It was the perfect experience for me. I am so grateful, and I will see you again I am certain.”
Peace through Yoga Foundation developed, built and supports a Girls for Success school in the rainforest of Costa Rica, developed two libraries in Dominica (one for teen girls and one at a preschool) and supports and a women's shelter in Morocco.
January 11-18, 2025
$2299 p.p.
Double Occupancy
$650 per person single supplement
$209 per person double room for pre-night stay
A $500 deposit is due per person upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation. 3.5% added for credit card fees.
Cancellation fee is $500 prior to balance due and non-refundable after full payment. Trip Protection highly recommended.
The 8 day/7 night package includes:
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Accommodation in Villa Rooms
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All healthy meals and fresh fruit juices (full board)
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Off-Site Excursions as described
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On-Site activities such as herbal presentation, nature walks, Caribbean cooking class
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Seven (7) yoga classes for all levels in one of the two yoga studios including props (mats, blocks, blankets & straps)
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Access to private trails on the lodge’s property, an incredible infinity pool, whirlpool, luscious spa treatments and more!
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Government VAT (10-15%)
Not included
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Flight to Dominica (DOM) from your hometown
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Tipping to local guides
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Alcoholic beverages or other personal expenses
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Whale watching or Champagne Snorkel trip
RECOMMENDATION: Due to the changing airfares in the airline industry, we recommends booking your air to the destination once you confirm land arrangments with PTYF. For cheaper airfare you might consider going out on Friday and paying extra pre-night of $209 per person at Jungle Bay.
Note
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and conditions.
YOUR TRIP LEADERS/YOGA INSTRUCTORS
Mariah Rachelle, BSW and RYT-200. Mariah has her Masters in Social Work and works with teens. She has a strong passion for helping girls and women to empower themselves through adventure, yoga, and holistic wellness.
Mariah grew up exposed to yoga, practicing Baptiste DVDs with her mother, and went on to develop a deeper and more personal practice in college. She noticed the physical and emotional benefits of yoga and breath-work almost immediately. After watching her grandmother complete her 200 hour teacher training, she decided to take the opportunity between undergraduate and graduate school to pursue her 200-hour and completed training in December 2021. Mariah feels the most at home when she is surrounded by nature and is always excited to lead others in adventures around the world.
Mariah will be leading the January 11-18, 2025 retreat.
Sally Bassett
Sally Bassett, Ph.D./E-RYT, has been teaching yoga for over two decades. As well as being a yoga instructor, Sally is a humanitarian, world traveler, seeker, and founder of Peace through Yoga Foundation.
Sally has led groups to over 120 countries as a result of her 40+ year career in the travel industry where she went from flight attendant to CEO. Sally’s yoga journey has included a 12-year ownership of two yoga studios before selling in 2014, teaching yoga and philosophy as an adjunct professor at Butler University for seven years and co-founding the Yoga and Spirituality program at Christian Theological Center in Indianapolis, IN. Sally teaches at Blooming Life Yoga in the village of Zionsville, IN and leads retreats around the world. Her favorite quote is by Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
Sally will be leading a private women's spiritual retreat January 18-25, 2025 Trip with Rev Jamalyn Williamson. If interested, contact Jamalyn Williamson at jamalyn@zanmifondwa.com
For more information on Dominica, check-out
DOMINICA: caribbeanislands.com
Our trips are in partnership with Peace through Yoga Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, and Blooming Life Yoga.
To register for this trip, please fill our the reservatin form then call our Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, to pay deposit. Venmo also an option.
(317) 544-8391 susie@peacethroughyoga.org.
