Our Ethos

To whom much is given, much is required.

Our ethos inspires us to seek out ethically-run and environmentally-conscious vendors, as well as local partners who provide meaningful employment and support their local community.

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Sustainable Tourism

Whenever possible, we use hotel and retreat providers who are committed to sustainable practices such as eliminating single use plastic and paper products, using produce from their own gardens, and utilizing water recycling systems.


One example: Our safari retreat partner in Kenya sits on a private conservancy. This conservancy is internationally recognized for its proactive and innovative approach to wildlife conservation and is home to the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos in existence. Scientists are working hard to bring the species back. 


Another example: Our retreat partner in Ireland serves guests vegetarian cuisine grown on-site in their organic garden domes and has planted more than 5,000 trees on property, all native species. They also compost all food waste for use back in their on-site gardens.

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Local Providers

Whenever possible we utilize retreat properties that are owned or staffed by locals and who support their own communities by paying a living wage. We also contract with local transportation companies and independent tour guides for excursions so more of our guests’ money stays in our host community.


One example: Our retreat partner in Cambodia supports the local economy by providing 25 ethical jobs to residents of Siem Reap and surrounding villages. They also provide education and professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, free nutritious meals at work, savings plans and a bonuses for their staff members.


Another example: We use local, responsible tourism providers such as on of our partners, Ocean Friendly, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Their oceanologists have been documenting and supporting the local migratory whale populations for more than 20 years.

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Support the Community

When appropriate and once properly vetted, we strive to partner with local charities or NGOs to give back to our host communities through time, financial resources and continued support and partnership.


One example: Our retreat partner in Marrakech, Morocco supports a local NGOcalled Project Soar whose mission is to empower teenage girls to stay in school. Project Soar was featured in Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2016 documentary “We Will Rise” after she visited with the girls in Morocco as part of the Let Girls Learn global campaign for female education.


Another example: The local community needs in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico were higher than ever given the lack of money coming in from tourism during COVID. We donated more than $800 on behalf of our retreat participants to the Vallarta Food Bank, a well-respected and critical supplier of food and meals kits to the area's most disadvantaged residents.

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Total Contributions: $12,490*

Where some of our contributions have gone: 


  • Donations to Project Soar - NGO Program for Young Women (empower girls through period packs, anti-child marriage information and more) 2023-2025 (Morocco)
  • Donations to Grace House Community Centre (NGO serving villages at our below the poverty line) 2022 - 2025 (Cambodia)
  • Fully fund Pre-K Private Schooling for our guide's daughter 2022-2025 (Cambodia)
  • Donation to Vallarta Food Bank (Mexico) 
  • Business Seed Starters to Partners during COVID - 2020 (Cambodia)
  • Donation to Hope for Haiti - Disaster / Earthquake Relief (Haiti / Dominican Republic) 
  • ACLU - American Civil Liberties Union (USA)
  • Fund Yoga Teacher Training Program for BIPOC and Bilingual Yoga Teacher Trainee (USA)

These donations have mainly been soured through Above Yoga's retreat proceeds. Additional efforts to fundraise for certain causes have been made from our guests and online yoga class students. 


*Total contributions are as of August 2025


*These numbers do not include $5,000+ in conservations fees paid to our partners in Kenya across 4 retreats there that help support local wildlife conservation efforts through sustainable safaris.

Grace House Community Centre (Cambodia)

Grace House was founded in 2008. Through both on-site and outreach development services they provide support to those living at or below the poverty line in 3 rural villages outside of Siem Reap. Their pillars include elementary through teen education, hygiene services, food supplies and family and community support. 


Their goal is to give children opportunities to learn, develop and thrive regardless of gender, economic circumstances, religion or disability. They strive to provide a place where those in the community can seek advice and support, in order to achieve a better future for themselves and for following generations.


On our most recent retreat to Cambodia, our guests delivered donated supplies needed by the school and had a blast leading kid's yoga with the students! 


Learn more and donate here: https://www.gracehousecambodia.net/

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Impact Experiences

Some of our retreats have a focus on community support, wildlife conservation efforts, or an opportunity to interact with local NGOs (in a mutually-beneficial way). In these cases, a portion of the proceeds are also donated to local causes.

Yoga + Safari Conservation Retreat in Zimbabwe

Vuti, Zimbabwe

5 - 11 October 2026· 6 nights

Yoga + Safari Conservation Retreat in Zimbabwe

Immerse yourself in a unique corner of the African wilderness. Experience daily safaris with wild dogs, elephants and lions in Mana Pools.

FROM$6350/pp

Yoga + Culture in Charming Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

8 - 14 November 2026· 6 nights

Yoga + Culture in Charming Cambodia

A life-changing adventure in stunning Siem Reap, Cambodia. Explore ancient temples + an incredible culture.

FROM$2520/pp