Dominican Republic·2 - 7 March 2023
A restful and relaxed wellness experience in a private Caribbean villa complete with a private chef, on-site staff and beach club access
In need of a mental detox? Space to just be without responsibilities and worries? Well, if white sand beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze is your idea of a good time - look no farther than this modern Caribbean villa retreat + wellness experience. When else will you stay in a luxury home with nearby private beach club access, an on-site chef and plenty of lounge chairs around a crystal clear pool? Step out of bed and into one of our welcoming yoga classes or take a morning swim. Want to sleep in? Your coffee and breakfast will be waiting for you. If rest and relaxation (in luxury) are what your soul and body need right now - this is your retreat. *Please note we are requiring proof of COVID vaccination and booster for all 2023 retreat guests + we also require a negative PCR COVID test within 48 hours of the retreat start* - Group Size: 10-12 guests - Luxury Score: 5 (out of 5) - Activity Score: 1.5 (out of 5) - Relaxed + Low Key - Cuisine: Omnivore / Pescatarian
There's no getting up early to fight for a pool chair here -- enjoy premium lounge chairs, breezy hammocks or a spot on a shady couch at our private villa pool. Or retreat to our indoor lush living area to read a book or meditate in our outdoor palapa area.
Wake up with one of our invigorating morning vinyasa yoga classes, indulge in an evening slow flow or yin class or just take quiet time in our journaling workshop for personal reflection. All yoga + wellness offerings are 100% optional. Attend all, a couple, or none of the classes offered.
You'll be a member of a private beach club during your time on retreat. Just 3-5 minutes from our villa, and within the same gated neighborhood, this beach club boasts a huge pool, several bars and restaurants and unparalleled white sand Caribbean views.
Our on-site private chef will prepare lovingly curated and mouth-watering breakfasts, light lunches you can eat poolside and several themed dinners including Dominican fare, Mexican cuisine and Asian fusion.
After yoga + breakfast one day, we'll head to the nearby Ecological Reserve and Park to explore their 500 plant types and swim in the crystal clear lagoons and centoes. This is a tropical excursion unlike any other that you don't want to miss.
Feel free to take one of the villa's bikes out for a spin. Or if you want more adventure in your week, for a small additional fee you can go kite surfing, stand up paddleboarding, play a round of golf overlooking the ocean or go horseback riding... all within the local area.
In search of some much-needed pampering? There is a beautiful spa within the larger resort property. This spa offers up massages, facials, body treatments, scrubs and mani pedis in luxurious tropical surrounds.
From the moment you step into our villa you'll feel that you've arrived into a lush and peaceful Caribbean sanctuary. Bright whites and rich wood tones are accented by fresh local greenery. The entire property is natural, yet sophisticated.
If your mind and body are feeling the effects of the last two years, this retreat will allow you to just be, without stress or responsibility. Journal, grab a siesta in the hammock or have a leisurely stroll on the beach. You'll return home renewed and refreshed.
In addition to our owner and Chief Zen Officer Anna, each Above Yoga retreat has one or two additional certified yoga teachers on-site who will lead a portion of the classes and support students in their practice. We find that an opportunity to participate in a variety of classes with various teaching styles adds to our guests’ overall retreat experience.
Anna is Above Yoga's Chief Zen Officer and lead yoga instructor. Anna handles all retreat planning and logistics on-site. She aims to hold space for others to experience personal growth, transformation and community. She enjoys teaching mindfully paced vinyasa flow classes that are accessible to every level of student as well as yin, gentle and restorative classes to relax the body.
Born in raised in the Dominican Republic's capital city of Santo Domingo, Yira has since lived across the world. She's settled back it the D.R. in Punta Cana. She's the owner and lead teacher for Ananda Yoga Studio. We are thrilled to have Yira scheduled to guest teach at least 2 classes on this retreat and share her 20 years of yoga experience, beginner-friendly approach and positive attitude with our guests.
Jennifer decided to pursue a new career in wellness after being diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer in 2013. As part of her rehab she discovered Pilates and yoga and became certified in both. Jennifer teaches at In Balance Yoga in Blacksburg, VA and has also attended our retreat in Ireland in 2018. She enjoys working with clients of all levels and ages to help them improve their flexibility and balance.
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DAY 1
Everything on this and every other Above Yoga retreat is 100% optional. You can skip morning yoga and head to the beach instead. Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant instead of joining the group meal. Unlike many of our retreat experiences, this is not meant to be an activity-filled week or a cultural experience. Instead this retreat is perfect for those who are ready to have zero responsibilities besides deciding whether to sunbathe by the pool or the ocean. However, if you're ready to explore more, we can help you book additional activities, tours or spa appointments nearby.
Daily Breakfasts
Yoga Class(es)
Daily Light Lunches
Nightly Dinners
Beach Club Access
Wine + Cocktails w/ Dinner
Unlimited Filtered Water, Coffee + Tea
Excursion to Nature Hike + Cenote Swim
Use of Shared Golf Carts + Bicycles
Roundtrip airport transportation
Daily yoga classes
Daily gourmet breakfast
Light poolside lunch
Evening theme chef dinners
Cocktails + wine with dinner
Access to tropical beach club
Excursion to eco-reserve park for hike + natural lagoons
Access to golf carts + bicycles to explore area
Daily housekeeping service
Private chef + staff
Journaling + meditation workshops
Flights to PUJ (Punta Cana Airport)
Optional additional activities (spa, kayaking, etc.)
Discretionary staff gratuities
VIEW GALLERY
You'll be flying into the Punta Cana, Dominican Republic airport (PUJ) and it's a short 15 minute ride (or less) to our villa. If you'd like to use the retreat transportation, aim to arrive after 2 pm on March 2 and depart before 3 pm on March 7.
For the safety of all guests, Above Yoga is requiring all guests show proof of vaccination record (including at least one booster) and a proof of negative COVID test ahead of the retreat (either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the retreat start, or a rapid / antigen test taken within 24 hours of the retreat start). As of June 2022 the U.S. no longer requires a rapid test to return to the States.
The weather in the Dominican Republic in March is ideal. Lows in the 70s and highs in mid to upper 80s with constant breezes and occasional afternoon warm passing showers. A tropical paradise for certain. A month prior to the retreat, you will be sent a recommended packing list; but you’ll just need comfortable clothes for yoga, bathing suits, beachy attire and sandals.
Our private chef will be cooking up 3 meals a day for our group - have any special requests or dietary restrictions? No problem, just let us know when you book and we'll make sure you're covered!
This trip was fabulous. Anna is the epitome of a well-organized leader who is mindful of every detail. Her pre-trip communication and staying ahead of any possible challenges associated with travel and COVID protocol made for a safe experience.
Becky, Winston-Salem, NC (2021 Dominican Republic Retreat)
What a wonderful retreat! Above Yoga takes care of every detail making travel stress free and easy. Although I went for yoga, sun and relaxation, I came away grateful for the time spent with new friends exploring a new country. The nature walk and swim in the cenotes were the highlight of the trip.
Melissa, Downers Grove, IL (2021 Dominican Republic Retreat)
This experience was absolutely the best! I loved being able to roll right into breakfast and dinner after the yoga. The meals by Chef Daniel were so good- fresh, healthy, delicious, and plenty of food so I never felt like I didn't have enough to eat. The villa felt like living in total luxury, and the on-site staff was friendly and there for anything we needed. Anna made sure we knew all yoga and activities were optional, so this really took the pressure off and allowed each of us to really make the vacation our own. The best part - spending time with and getting to know new friends on the trip! I highly recommend a retreat with Anna and Above Yoga, you won't be disappointed!
Lindsay, Charleston, SC (2021 Dominican Republic Retreat)
This retreat was a wonderful experience. Anna was so helpful with preparations for the trip - very detailed information was sent concerning transfers at airport, packing list, and detailed itinerary. The villa was beautiful with a lot of areas to relax, and just a short golf cart ride to the beach. The chef was wonderful - every meal was delicious and he accommodated any special requests. Yoga classes were great - outside under the cabana by the pool. A beautiful setting for yoga. Cenote swim was in a beautiful location. It was a lot of fun getting to know our fellow travelers- many entertaining dinner conversations! A perfect vacation!
Elizabeth, Lake Wylie, SC (2021 Dominican Republic Retreat)
The planning and organization were excellent - unlike any event I attended. The mobile app was great to have a quick glimpse of schedule multiple times a day. Everything about the retreat surpassed my expectations. Would do it again.
Vijay, Northville, MI (2021 Dominican Republic Retreat)
Dominican Republic·2 - 7 March 2023·5 nights
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