Disconnect to Reconnect
Upachaya Eco Resort
Relax and unwind in the Caribbean this winter on the island of Roatan, Honduras . We have an amazing retreat planned with Andrea Robin, yoga instructor and Reiki Master from Winnipeg, Manitoba. We’ll start the retreat at Upachaya, an eco resort built on the philosophy of growing and healing – here you will unwind and reconnect through daily yoga/meditation practices, Reiki sessions upon request, outdoor activities such as kayaking through the mangroves, a medicinal plant walking tour & natural beauty product workshop, and eating delicious healthy home cooked meals.
It’s truly a place that completely relaxes you and sets the tone for the trip. You don’t realize how disconnected you become living your chaotic life at home and that it takes time to rejuvenate yourself, and to heal and grow. For those of you that believe in natural energy vortexes, Upachaya has a certain energy that you feel instantly upon arrival that allows you to focus on yourself and to become grounded again. You feel instantly safe and secure. With an open mind you have the opportunity to learn something new about yourself and grow as an individual.
Andrea will also challenge your mind, body and soul with partner yoga classes – an art that expands the traditional practice of Yoga into the realm of relationship and authentic connection with others. You will be challenged to place your trust in a partner – which can be a stranger – you will learn to remove all barriers and feel empowered to support another person. This was one of the highlights of the trip from last year.
You will also have the privilege to experience one of Barb, the owner of Upachaya’s Kundalini yoga classes. Kundalini Yoga derives its name through a focus on awakening the kundalini energy through a regular practice of meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), chanting mantra, and yoga asana. It’s referred to some as “the yoga of awareness”, it aims “to cultivate the creative spiritual potential of a human to uphold values, speak truth, and focus on the compassion and consciousness needed to serve and heal others”. You feel completely energized and euphoric after this practice – you’ll have to come and experience it for yourself!!
Diving on the Island
After the first half of the trip spent at Upachaya, you will then head to Paya Bay, a secluded beachfront eco resort with incredible snorkelling right from the shore. Roatan is one of the best dive locations in the world, located on the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef. If SCUBA diving is your thing, this is the place for you. Colourful corals, playful turtles, seahorses, hundreds of fish species, and crustaceans are some of the things that you can see while diving. Whether you are trying scuba for the first time or an experienced diver, you will not be disappointed. We will also take a trip to visit a dolphin sanctuay to experience the resident dolphins that swim up to shore on a daily basis.
Paya Bay is also home to one of the best seaside yoga platforms on the island. Practice yoga with the sea as your background – feel the power and calmness of the sea during your practice.
Giving Back
A lot of people forget that practicing the asanas and doing the poses is what yoga entails. But it is so much more than that. You will be exposed to the philosophies behind yoga and also walk the talk and help out with a local community development project with an NGO. Last year we worked with Sol Foundation on helping them organize an event for the local children on the island and this year we will assist with filling a need in the community with a relevant local project. People are sometimes hesitant about volunteering, but once you get into the activity you realize that by donating just a little of your time can make a difference in people’s lives.
Reserve your Spot Today!
The retreat takes place from March 8 – 16, 2016 and we can assist with making arrangements for your flights. This will be a small group so it’s best to reserve your spot for this amazing retreat sooner than later. Plus we have a special early bird rate if you book by December 31, 2016. More information can be found at http://www.travelroots.ca/island-yoga-retreat-honduras-2016.