COLOMBIA Retreat (details are from previous retreats)
Retreat back to nature and deepen your yoga practice. Join Brenda & Argentina’s second annual, transformational end-of-summer yoga retreat.
Taking place in the small town alongside the stunning Caribbean Coast of Santa Marta, Colombia, just a few hours from the historic city of Cartagena.
Take the time to go beyond the yoga studio practice and create a new start for yourself.
Empower your body, restart your mind, and get-away on this new travel journey.
You’ll practice daily yoga and meditation on an oceanfront yoga studio while taking the time to explore the jungles and sacred lands of Colombia: rivers, waterfalls, beaches, coffee farms, sacred natural pools, and so much more.
Everyone is welcome! Solo travelers, couples, groups, and all levels of yoga experience.
Would you like to advance your practice?
Have you ever wondered if there is more to yoga than physical poses and fast-paced flows?
With studio classes getting shorter, and faster these days, it’s hard to grasp all the details of a full yoga practice. When the goal in each class is to mainly feel good in your body, it doesn’t leave much time to learn why we do certain poses, the importance of breath, meditation, and the overall picture that makes yoga a life-changing practice.
How will you deepen your practice?
The purpose of this retreat is to explore and learn the teachings of yoga that help transform our physical, mental, and soulful practice beyond the typical one-hour studio class.
You’ll feel refreshed, inspired, and ready to apply these techniques on and off the mat.
ON OUR 6-DAY YOGA PROGRAM, YOU WILL DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE BY LEARNING HOW TO
Explore the power of the breath
Start a meditation practice
Practice self-inquiry and journaling
Understand the foundation of poses with posture labs
Slow down and practice self-care with Restorative Yoga
Go deep into the subconscious with Yoga Nidra
Themed workshops to explore the depth of your practice
What we hope you’ll experience
- Gain a new perspective on the practice of yoga as a tool for healthier living, physically, mentally, and soulfully
- Practice relaxation, restoration, and healing through self-care and ancient therapeutic yoga techniques
- Hands-on assists throughout classes for people that want that support from two experienced yoga & meditation guides
- Experience an energetic recharge from Mother Earth, by exploring the luscious green jungle, the magical Caribbean sea, and sacred lands in Santa Marta
- Learn about Colombia’s indigenous community and historic culture
- Build long-lasting friendships and connections
What’s Included
- 5 nights in beach-chic bungalows with private bathrooms
- Eco-Chic bungalows are equipped with full private bathrooms, outdoor showers, fans, down pillows and plush sheets and towels
- Organic meals
- 3 fresh, organic, locally sourced meals a day catered by the world-renowned in-house Chef
- Plus daily tropical fruit juices. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free & Dairy free options are also available
- Free wireless internet
- If you are a US Citizen you do not need a visa
- Payment plans available
Yoga, Meditation, Posture Labs, & Workshops
- Morning Yoga (including vinyasa flow, breath work, and meditation)
- Evening Yoga (including restorative, gentle flow, Yoga Nidra)
- Each class will offer an opportunity to learn the foundational aspects of the poses while still offering the challenge of a full Vinyasa Flow practice.
- We will break down poses, dive deep into common misalignments and how to keep your body safe and avoid injury.
- Most importantly, you’ll learn why correct alignment isn’t about perfection but more about making the pose fit your YOUR body, not the other way around.
- Practice the art of work and play! Our workshop themes typically include arm balances, inversions, introspection, and other topics to fit the needs of our group.
Activities
2-3 group excursions are included
River tubing, hikes to waterfalls and natural swimming pools, horseback riding, and more
What’s Not Included
- Roundtrip airfare
- Gratuities (recommendation from Gitana del Mar is $5 per night)
- Massage Spa & Ayurvedic Spa Services
- Cocktails and snacks from the bar
- Hotel stay in Cartagena (any meals or accommodations here)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Any activities not listed above
About Gitana del Mar
Gitana del Mar is a relaxing world where time moves slowly and you can reflect and appreciate all that life and nature have to give.
Feel the raw energy of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Watch stunning sunsets and discover peace on its empty, white sand beaches. Spend lazy afternoons by the jungle pool with your favorite book and refreshing drink. Rise with the sun over the Caribbean and fall asleep counting falling stars in the Milky Way.
ABOUT THE FOOD
Gitana del Mar serves healthy, locally-sourced meals made with fresh ingredients from their local garden and fresh-caught fish and seafood from local fishermen. The fresh menu features a coastal themed, fusion-style cuisine mixing Colombian, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors.
Each meal is served with appetizer, tropical fruit juices, dessert after lunch, and freshly-brewed Colombian coffee and tea.
Flight Information
Option 1
Fly into Cartagena airport (CTG). This option is recommended because most flights are more direct and affordable. You’ll need to arrive in CTG the night before the retreat. On the morning of August 12, you’ll take a door-to-door shuttle service to Santa Marta (about 5.5-hour drive). This shuttle service should be booked at least two days prior (we will help you with this). You’ll arrive at the retreat center by 1 PM and just in time to enjoy lunch with us, relax in the afternoon, and be ready to start the retreat by 5 PM.
Recommended for those wanting to take the time to explore the liveliness and history of Cartagena.
Option 2
Fly into Santa Marta Airport (SMR). Santa Marta airport is approximately 1 hour from the retreat center. You’ll most likely need to stop in Bogota or another major city. You should plan to arrive at Gitana Del Mar by 1 PM so you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
However you decide to get there, we will help you coordinate ground transportation and get you safely to Gitana Del Mar.
Sample Day Schedule
- Tea, coffee, water, fresh fruit
- Pranayama (Breathwork) & Morning Meditation
- Morning yoga or Workshop
- Breakfast
- Free time* or day trip
- Lunch
- Free time* or day trip
- Evening yoga & meditation
- Dinner
- Free time*
- Bedtime
How to spend your free time
- Take a walk, run, swim, or nap in any part of Gitana Del Mar
- Walk to one of the nearby Rivers
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
- Swim in the Gitana Del Mar Pool
- Hike the nature trail
- Chill on the hammock lounge
- Book a massage
- Enjoy a drink, cocktail or snack
- Read your favorite book
- Connect with others
- Enjoy time with yourself
Accommodation Options
Luxury Glampers
Luxury Glamping Tents are completely set apart from the other Bungalows and nestled under mango and palm trees. These 20 square meter tents (215sqft) offer privacy, jungle views and their own wooden deck, full size regular door, and open windows. They are fully equipped with electricity, wifi access, two fans, and shared bathrooms (4 bathrooms, 4 showers). Great for those traveling on a budget.
Option 1: Double Glamper 2 people occupancy – Shared with one other participant :
- EARLY BIRD by May 12th $1,399
- GENERAL after May 12th $1,599
- Payment plan on EARLY BIRD can be as low as $167/month (no fees)
Option 2: Triple Glamper 3 people occupancy- Shared with two participants:
- EARLY BIRD by May 12th $1,199
- GENERAL after May 12th $1,399
- Payment plan on EARLY BIRD can be as low as $117/month (no fees)
Triple Bungalow Suites
Triple bungalows have 3 single beds and a private bathroom. These bungalows offer unheated water, but with 85+ degree temperatures, it will be a refreshing little treat. Great for solo travelers or groups of 3.
Double Bungalow Suites
Eco-Chic bungalows are equipped with full private bathrooms, outdoor showers, fans, down pillows and plush sheets and towels.
Double bungalows have one queen bed and one single bed. Queen beds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. This means that reserving your spot will secure the best rooms and best beds.
Double Bungalow 2 people occupancy – Shared with one other participant:
- EARLY BIRD by May 12th $1,899
- GENERAL after May 12th $2,099
- Payment plan on EARLY BIRD can be as low as $250/month (no fees)
Single Bungalow Suite
Your own private bungalow. Eco-Chic bungalows are equipped with full private bathrooms, outdoor showers, fans, down pillows and plush sheets and towels.
Double bungalows have one queen bed and one single bed. Queen beds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. This means that reserving your spot will secure the best rooms and best beds.
Single Bungalow 1 person occupancy – Your own private room and bathroom:
- EARLY BIRD by May 12th $2,599
- GENERAL after May 12th $2,799
- Payment plan on EARLY BIRD can be as low as $367/month (no fees)
Bungalow Selva
The most private, stand-alone, all wood Bungalow in the jungle path on the way to the beach. It’s equipped with one queen bed and one single bed, its own private porch, patio, hammock, and outdoor sitting area. Perfect for couples or those looking for a bit more privacy.
Bungalow Selva 2 people occupancy – Most Private shared with one other participant:
- EARLY BIRD by May 12th $2,199
- GENERAL after May 12th $2,399
- Payment plan on EARLY BIRD can be as low as $300/month (no fees)
Testimonials
“Brenda and Argentina are incredible yoga teachers! Everything about the retreat was so well thought out — from the location to the food to the yoga classes and meditation. I left Colombia feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to bring the calm vibes back to NYC.”
“Absolutely wonderful week in a stunningly beautiful place. Excellent resort, yoga bliss (with perfect challenge level) with beach view.”
“Overall, this was a great experience. I got to do lots of yoga, meet nice people, eat great food, have lots of relaxing time, do enough fun activities, and get to practice with my 2 great yoga teachers. Thank you.”
Cancellation and Payment Policy
Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $400. If the deposit is placed by May 12th you lock in the early bird price and you have until August 1st to pay the remaining balance. Deposits placed after May 12th are considered regular price and the remaining balance must be paid by August 1st. Payment plans are available. After you put your deposit down, you’ll receive a brief questionaire where you can opt-in or opt-out of the payment plan at no added cost.
**Cancellation Policy: We know life happens and you may need to cancel your reservation. Cancellation requests submitted within 90 days of retreat date, 50% of total amount (less deposit) will be refunded. Within 30 days of your scheduled retreat, we do not offer refunds.
