Nature Retreat Daily Activities
| Natures Wisdom Holistic Wellness & Eco-adventure Retreat in Dominica Daily Description Day One Welcome to Dominica. As you fly into Melville Hall be sure to watch outside the window for stunning aerial views of our dramatic, rugged and intensely green landscape. As you leave the plane take a deep breath to inhale the warm, vibrant air and know that your healing adventure has just begun. You will be greeted at the airport with fresh coconut water and driven with a guide on the KHATTS shuttle through the luscious interior of the island. Depending on the time of your arrival you will also have the opportunity to tour the Carib Territory, home of the indigenous Caribbean population. Arrive at the rainforest village of Wotten Waven, home to Sangria-la Resort. You will be shown your comfortable and distinctive accommodation and after you feel settled in you will be given a guided orientation of the site. The evening of the first day will commence with an introduction and overview of the program with a chance to ask any questions. Our evening meal will be a selection of freshly prepared local cuisine. Vegetarian and Vegan meals will always be an option and are recommended by your hosts for you to gain the maximum healing benefits from the retreat. After dinner we will have an introduction to the Natures Wisdom circle which draws on ancient council tradition and the innate human need to gather in circles to share stories. We will spend time together in this healing and awareness circle every evening to discuss experiences of the day and draw on the collective wisdom of the group. As we share with others we grow, transform and Shine the evening meditation will be a guided sensory appreciation of star filled dark sky and night time sounds. We will also focus on mindful attention to the breath in order to end each day with a clear mind and relax our brainwaves into a restful sleep mode. Day Two Each day begins early with a sunrise meditation. This dawn rising allows us to align with the natural cycle of the day and experience the freshness and everyday miracle of the first light. During this time we focus on the blessings of life and set our intention for the day bringing forth a positive sense of celebration and gratitude. Continuing at flowing pace, we engage in a class of Yoga to stretch our body, cultivate mindfulness and breathe deeply into spirit. Led by Trudy Scott-Prevost, a yoga teacher for over 20 years, postures are adapted and made suitable for all levels. After a healthy and nutritious breakfast we begin our outdoor adventures with a trip to the majestic twin falls of Trafalgar. Set within the luscious forest a gentle hike takes us to the viewpoint to see both waterfalls. We can then bathe in a natural hot bath created by one of the falls or climb up the rocks to swim in the cold refreshing pool at the base of the other. Either option (or both) is a special treat for the whole body. We then transfer to Titou Gorge, an experience that is a highlight of any visit to Dominica. The name ‘Titou Gorge’ literally means ‘little throat hole’, so named because we must swim right inside of the open air cave to reach the magnificently gushing waterfall inside. This is truly a mystical natural wonder and if you have a underwater camera bring it to capture the moment. If not then the memories will certainly last a lifetime. After a packed lunch we will drive up to the Freshwater Lake. Nestled in the mountaintops at 2500 feet above sea level, Dominica’s largest lake fills a volcanic crater. The air is cool and the atmosphere is perfectly serene and peaceful. Kayaking across the lake gives you the opportunity to enjoy the relaxation of the still water surrounded by ‘a land that time forgot’ and makes for an incredibly rejuvenating natural adventure. When we return to Sangria-la you will have free time to spend as you wish. This is an ideal time to book one of the optional therapeutic treatments or relax on site by the river. Close to the property are three other facilities with natural hot spring water tubs and all offer glimpses of heavenly paradise that are well worth the visit. A delightful evening meal will be followed by the Nature’s wisdom circle and a celestial meditation. Day Three Rise and shine for the dawn light meditation and feel as radiant as the sunshine! Greet the new day with gratitude and celebration, then stretch and align mind, body and spirit with Trudy’s awesome and invigorating Rainbow Yoga. After breakfast we journey along the west coast of the island and into the heights of the Syndicate Rainforest. Here we will enjoy a day of Ecotherapy; an immersion into the healing presence of nature. Ecotherapy massages our consciousness in the midst of nature, reawakening our multi-sensory capacity and innate intelligence. With both solo and group activities we explore the reciprocal and dynamic relationship between our inner most selves, the Earth and the enchanting mysteries of the Universe. This fun and thoughtful practice opens us up to experience full spectrum living and restores balance, integrity and energy to our everyday lives. When we return to Sangria-la you will have free time to spend as you wish. Book one of the optional therapeutic treatments, relax on site by the river or put your feet up in your cabin hammock. Close to the property are three other facilities with natural hot spring water tubs and all offer glimpses of heavenly paradise that are well worth the visit. A delightful evening meal will be followed by the Nature’s wisdom circle and a celestial meditation. Day Four By now you will be leaping out of your bed to rise and shine for the sunrise meditation! Greet the new day with gratitude and celebration then stretch and align mind, body and spirit with Trudy’s awesome and invigorating Rainbow Yoga. After a juicy, fruity breakfast we will drive further south in the island and up to the picturesque mountain village of Belle Vue Chopin. Here we will be treated to an educational tour of a 5 acre organic farm that will give you insights into the health and ecological benefits of organic agriculture and a chance to get some hands on experience on a 100% organic Caribbean farm. Your guides for the tour, Roy and Cherry Ormond have over 40 years experience of farming organically and their deep insight and wisdom on the subject of organic agriculture and living in harmony with the environment is inspiring and profoundly motivating. The farm is surrounded by mountain views and lush forest and imbues sense of rejuvenating peace and calm. We will enjoy a lunch of freshly picked produce and juice In the afternoon move onto to further explore and deepen our Echo therapy practices on this site of pure nature and tranquility. We will then take a trip to the sea and enjoy snorkeling in the Marine Reserve of Champagne Beach – so called because the volcanic vents release silvery bubbles through the water. The fish are colourful and plentiful and this glimpse into Dominica’s underwater paradise is sure to be a fun-filled treat. When we return to Sangria-la you will have free time to spend as you wish. Book one of the optional therapeutic treatments, relax by the river or wander off-site to one of the three other facilities with natural hot spring water tubs. A delightful evening meal will be followed by the Nature’s wisdom circle and a celestial meditation. Day Five Yippee!! A brand new day! Rise and shine for the dawn meditation! Rejoice in the spirit of gratitude and celebration, then stretch and align mind, body and spirit with Trudy’s awesome and invigorating Rainbow Yoga. After a delicious breakfast we set out to enjoy a hike to Middleham Falls – Dominica’s tallest waterfall. The trail passes through a 950 acre oceanic rainforest within the Morne Trois Piton National park and as we meander through this spectacular environment our guide will tell us about the native plants and wildlife. On arrival at the falls we will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water at the base of the falls which is immensely refreshing and simply amazing! We will eat our bountiful packed lunch by the water before making the jubilant return journey. We then take a trip to the North East of the island to the Carib Territory, home to the indigenous people of the Caribbean region. We will take a tour of the Kalinago Barana Auté (Carib Cultural Village by the Sea) which highlights the history, traditions, cultural heritage of the Kalinago people. The group will have dinner with members of the community and enjoy a vibrant and colourful dance performance by the cultural group. Day Six Ah the joy of dawn rising! Sunrise meditation is followed by Rainbow Yoga and the real benefits of this routine are being felt in all ways. Today is a free day for you to create your own plans!! You may want to do some shopping in the capital, Roseau or take a boat ride out on a Whale Watching Safari. The adventurous may want to try Dominica’s biggest challenge of all – a hike to the Boiling Lake, whilst others may use this day to indulge in therapeutic treatments and a private yoga class. An extensive list of guided island tours can be located on the KHATTS website and arranged in advance. Whatever you decide to do please make sure you are back in time for our final evening dinner together which will be followed by a sharing circle and a selection of African & Caribbean music to dance to in the rainforest pavilion. Day Seven With vitality and gratitude we welcome the new day with meditation and yoga. We enjoy a delicious tropical breakfast and then join together in a Natures Wisdom closing circle. We offer you blessings for the journey and an invitation to join us again in the future. You will be transported to the airport with a packed lunch and our love. This itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and needs of the group Preparations The Natures Wisdom retreat is designed to be relaxing and nurturing whilst also packing in as much of the beauty of Dominica and Natures Wisdom as possible. As such it can be a fairly intense program and may at times push you out of your natural comfort zone. We are here to guide and support you on this journey and invite you to breathe deeply and go with the flow. If exercise and healthy eating are not a regular part of your life we encourage you to begin a gentle routine and nutrition awareness whilst you are at home to kick- start your journey and ensure you get the maximum benefit from the retreat. However if you want to jump straight into it we welcome you too! The effects of long distance travel can be minimised by resting on flights and staying well hydrated. Drink plenty of water whilst travelling and avoid soft drinks, salty snacks, coffee and alcohol. Please bring whatever you need to be comfortable with the difference in food and temperature. Below is a list of essential items to pack in your suitcase: A camera A journal and pen Natural insect/mosquito repellent Sunscreen A range of clothes suitable for walking, yoga, meal times, your free day and the end of retreat dance. Bring some warmer clothes for the evening Good hiking shoes Swimwear Sunglasses An open mind and willingness to be immersed in the magic of nature Transportation and Tour Facilitator: KHATTS TOURS |
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| Retreat Accommodation Shangri-la Resort located one thousand feet above sea level in the cool village of Wotten Waven on the site of the Dominica Sulphur Springs. All cottages are secluded in the surrounding flora and one cabin has a panoramic view. Every cabin has a large shower and a hammock on each porch. We have seven stone tubs on site that are all fed by natural hot water. One of them is located near a massage cabana on the River Blanc where we offer Hot Stone Massage and Shangri-La Massage by appointment. On the bank of the River Blanc, we have two large stone tubs where bathers can move from hot tubs to cold river water. Reservations can be made for Watsu in the larger tub. A variety of healing mud can be obtained from our geothermal areas for mud baths and facials. In this area there are also cascades for natural water massage, a natural steam grotto sauna, both hot and cold, bubbling, ‘champagne’ water pools and a sandy ‘river beach’ for sunning and relaxation. Our large reception centre has a large and modern kitchen, dining room and wrap-around dinning veranda. A coin-op laundry is set up for easy guest access. Our secluded pavilion is used for meetings, dances, aerobics, yoga and other group workshops. On the resort property is a boiling water and steam cave and another cave that has sulphur crystals growing on the ceiling and salt crystals on the walls. All sites, including access to a large steam geyser, are free to registered guests. |
Facilitators
| Terri Henry Onelove Livity celebrates our complete interconnectedness with every part of the web of life and perceives all life as sacred. I am passionate about the health of people and planet and sharing ways which can uplift both. It is a joyful honour to facilitate your retreat program and journey into nature’s wisdom.” Terri uses the techniques of applied Ecopsychology and her own personal experiences in nature to facilitate a variety of ecotherapy workshops. Eco-therapy restores our connection with nature and creates balance, rejuvenation and expansion of our inner-self. Through engaging in innovative and experiential practices participants have the opportunity to enjoy genuine sensory connection with the natural world and are motivated to find new perspectives on personal fulfilment, social responsibility and environmental care. Terri is the founder & director of ‘Onelove Livity’, a qualified massage therapist and a writer/poet whose work has been published internationally. |
| Trudy Scott-Prevost Rainbow Yoga “I have been practicing yoga for over 30 years, and I find it hard to stop talking about the benefits. I love yoga, I love how it makes us feel, how it teaches us to focus, how it allows us to increase our sense of balance, level of fitness and range of motion at any age.” Trudy teaches a flowing Hatha Yoga, with a focus on relaxing into the poses, full body awareness, breathing deeply, increasing flexibility and enhancing the mind, breath, body connection. During the past 30 years of practicing and teaching yoga, she has continuously researched new flows, exercises, poses and variations of poses to add to her repertoire and keep each class interesting and different. Trudy's classes encourage each participant to feel the pose from within and adjust their bodies to fine tune alignment and positioning through their inner awareness. She practices the yoga exercises right along with you so if in doubt you can glance at her demonstrating the pose. |
