Special programs that offer relaxation and rejuvenation in a resort setting
The search for balance and inner peace becomes a lot easier in the right setting. Especially if that setting is a Caribbean beach. You can begin your personal path to enlightenment with a yoga and wellness retreat offered at several of the Caribbean’s premier beachfront resorts. Here’s what to expect.
Cleanse Retreat, The Buccaneer Resort, St. Croix
Think of it as a tune up for both body and soul. During the week of July 17 to 24, holistic fitness coach Stacey Stone and board- certified health coach Karin Del Maestro host a Cleanse Retreat at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort that will leave you detoxed, refreshed and vibrant. Each day, participants will learn new ways to build a healthy body and develop a long-term vibrant healthy state. Karin will lead daily cleanse and wellness workshops, while Stacey provides one or two daily movement, yoga and meditation classes. Participants will also enjoy a special daily meal plan based on seasonal foods that will help cleanse body and mind.
The Buccaneer’s Mermaid Beach is the perfect place to relax after daily yoga sessions. Guests seeking solitude can also visit secluded Whistle Beach or sail to the wildlife refuge at Buck Island. Photo: Buccaneer
In addition to daily coaching support, yoga, movement and mediation sessions, participants can enjoy all the recreational amenities of the Buccaneer, including the use of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and exclusive access to the resort’s three spectacular beaches. Two packages are offered. A four-night session is $2742 single and $2117 double per person. Or plan to take in the entire week for the seven-night package with rates of $3951 single and $2858 double, per person. The package includes room and tax, daily cleanse and wellness workshops, movement classes, all meals and more. Both Karin and Stacey are available for additional one-on-one sessions for an additional fee. www.TheBuccaneer.com
Yoga and Tai Chi Weeks, Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa, Jamaica
Whether you are new to yoga and energy work, or an avid devotee looking to enhance your practice, these Jamaican retreats are for you. On the shores of the Caribbean Sea, you will join celebrated yoga teachers and holistic nutritional lectures for a week of restorative activities and a full slate of classes. The program includes multiple daily yoga sessions, with offerings for those new to yoga, along with total-immersion programs such as Yoga for Life or Yin Yoga for those looking to enhance their practice. Classes range from guidance in align and flow to cooking classes and mediation sessions, along with movement-based programs in Pilates, dance, spinning, aquacize and nature and power walks.
Jamaica’s Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort is an ideal setting for a sunset session of yoga on the beach. This all-inclusive property places an emphasis on health and fitness. Photo: Jewel Paradise Cove
The Paradise Cove Beach Resort is chic adults-only resort located on the shores of Runaway Bay, and in addition to yoga and wellness activities, guests can enjoy a wide range of resort perks that include all meals and snacks at seven on-site restaurants, access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, and daily activities such as boat tours and snorkel trips. Yoga weeks are offered on August 13-19, 2017 and December 10-16, 2017. Rates start at $150 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Visit www.jewelresorts.com/yogajournal or call 888-310-6182.
Yoga Month at Body Holiday, St. Lucia
Each fall, the Body Holiday dedicates October to yoga. During the month-long program known as Octoba Yoga, the resort becomes the ultimate yoga retreat, with sessions from sunrise to sunset that include Hatha, Ashtanga, Shanthi and Katti yoga and meditation classes. These programs are created to accommodate everyone from beginners to the more advanced, and are led by the resort’s resident Yogi, Natascha and Kestin, who will be joined by Yogi Master Doug Swenson who’s unique approach to yoga has evolved into a holistic presentation that includes enhanced nutrition and cross training.
The Body Holiday blends the amenities of a luxury beach resort with a range of active sports and wellness programs designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. Photo: Debbie Snow
In support of Octoba Yoga, the resort will offer a dedicated menu of yogic foods and teas served at restaurants throughout the property, as well as an array of special massage and therapeutic treatments at The Wellness Centre. In addition to yoga, guests can partake in a full range of water sports and other resort activities and sports as part of Body Holiday’s all-inclusive plan. Rates vary according to room type and location. www.thebodyholiday.com/theme-months/themes/octoba-yoga
