Belize yoga retreat
laurie johnson| curated luxury travel | pura vida vacations
about Belize
Belize is a small country between Mexico and Guatemala with 7 different regions. From ancient Maya cities, rainforests filled with 500 species of birds to the 2nd largest barrier reef named by Jacques Costeau as one of the best in the world, you’ll be amazing that it has something for everyone.
In San Pedro, wildlife and marine life are abundant, making life both exciting and beautiful. There are two rare and intriguing animals: Belize's national animal and bird, the tapir and the toucan.
The Barrier Reef houses beautiful and wondrous water loving friends, dolphins (which seem to love accompanying boats), manatees, sea turtles, sting rays, sharks and an array of fish, shellfish and invertebrates make Belize their home.
Known as "Sanpedranos," the islanders speak English along with Spanish, Creole, and Maya, making it their own dialect.
Philip S.W. Goldson is the International Airport (PGIA) with smaller airports centrally located.
The currency here is Belizean Dollar (BZD) or most places accept USD. Electricity is 110 volts, the same as in North America.
where we're staying
RETREAT DATES: FEBRUARY 3-10, 2024
We will be staying on an island off the coast of Belize called Ambergris Caye, just 15 minutes from San Pedro Town at the Ak’Bol eco-resort.
Spend the week in the Caribbean immersed in nature, listening to the sound of birds while swaying in a hammock. The perfect white-sand beach, warm-winter getaway location.
Traveling solo?
Perfect! We will match you with a compatible solo traveler with whom you are comfortable. Private accommodations may be available at additional cost.
Ak’Bol which means the island breeze is going to cool you during your stay, as there is no AC. Rooms do not have WIFI, phones, or TVs…unplug and enjoy the island rhythm. Free WIFI is however located in common areas only. The island also strives to help with water conservation, so please keep that in mind (however, they do change the bedding and towels each day if needed, and have plenty of drinking water.) This is an opportunity to go back to the basics and enjoy the simplicity of life.
What we're doing
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
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6:30am coffee/tea/fruit
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7:30-8:30am Yoga
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9:00am Breakfast
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2:00pm Lunch
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4:30-5:30pm Yin/Restorative Yoga (alternates before & after dinner)
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7:00pm dinner
About the meals
The food is homemade farm-to-table Belizean cuisine with other favorites: large breakfast menu, appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, curries, catch of the day and homemade desserts. Delicious teas and juices are also available and included in the cost of your retreat.
The resort has a restaurant with a fully stocked bar, local beers, cocktails, fruit smoothies and fresh juices.
Getting there
Ak’bol Retreat is located on the tranquil North side of Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, just a quarter mile from the second largest Barrier Reef in the world and a bike ride away from the old fishing village of San Pedro.
From Belize City (BZE) you’ll continue your journey to Ambergis Caye and Ak’bol.
You’ll book the whole trip, with a choice of two routes from Belize City to the retreat. Travel to Ak’bol is clear, easy to navigate, and safe. If you like we can help coordinate travel buddies for the jaunt over.
1. SMALL PLANE www.tropicair.com
Once you have your plane tickets to BZE you can book online for a flight from BZE to San Pedro. Plan to depart one hour after landing in Belize City. The flight is a stunning 15 minutes, $165.25 USD round trip, $93.50 USD one way. From the San Pedro airport you’ll take a taxi to Ak’bol, 15 minutes, $17-$20 USD.
2. TAXI TO WATER TAXI www.belizewatertaxi.com
You’ll take a taxi from BZE airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City, 25 minutes, $25-30 USD. The boat ride from Belize City to San Pedro is 1.5 hours, $20 USD one way. When the boat arrives on San Pedro you will see taxis waiting roadside in a designated area. The ride from town to Akbol is 15 minutes, $17-$20 USD.
Aim to arrive in Belize City by early afternoon on Feb 3, and depart Belize City midday or later later on Feb 10.
PRICING & INCLUSIONS
DUE AT REGISTRATION: $750 USD PER PERSON
SECOND PAYMENT DUE: November 4, 2023 (40%)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: December 20, 2023 (50%)
* ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
What’s Included
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7 Nights 8 Days Accommodation
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2 Daily Yoga Classes (Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative)
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Yoga Blocks (please bring your own mat)
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All Meals – all vegetarian except the first and last meal of the week
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Beach towels
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Filtered water
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WIFI is free in communal areas only
Not Included
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International airfare to and from Belize City
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- Transportation between Belize City airport and Ak’bol
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- Massages, spa services, gifts, alcoholic beverages, excursions
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staff tip (recommended $50 per person for week) *Tips will be collected during “individual check out” in cash or by Visa/MC
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Travel insurance (recommended)
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Add-on excursions (optional)
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$40 USD departure fee when leaving Belize
PLEASE NOTE: that your passport MUST be valid beyond 6 months. This is non negotiable, check it now!
Travel Insurance
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I cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Get a quote here or call us) Canadians only
room categories
Seafront Cabanas
Cabanas feature traditional Belizean touches such as river rock flooring, woven thatched roofs, plantation shutters, an outdoor rain shower & private porch with sea views. Each cabana has a water cooler and lockable storage area.
1 room available with private bath
Prices:
Private $2950USD / Couple $2500 USD per person tax included
Sea/Garden Cabanas
Cabanas feature Belizean touches with one queen bed and a twin bed in a ladder loft, outdoor rain shower & private porch surrounded by lush gardens. Each cabana has a water cooler and lockable storage area.
2 rooms left with private bath
Prices:
Private $2750 USD / Couple $2300 USD per person / Triple $2000 USD
tax included
Hostel Room
Hostel room features lockable private rooms with one or two twin beds, queens for couples, an in-room storage area with padlock, and umbrella chairs on the front porch.
5 rooms left (all rooms share communal bath – 1 for women and 1 for men)
Prices:
Private $1600 USD / Couple $1500 USD per person tax included
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Lagoon Kayaking & Birdwatching:
The earlier the better for wildlife, a guide will take you through the winding mangrove channels on the lagoon where you will see heron, egret and more.
Snorkel Trips:
Mexico Rocks National Reserve. Stop at MX Rocks plus another stop either a shipwreck or an entrance to an underwater cave…lots of huge coral heads- you never know what you’ll see around the corner!
Sailing Trips:
Caye Catamaran full day sail
snacks and drinks included, buy your own lunch on Caye Caulker.
Rum Punch Sailboat with Captain George- all aboard this beautiful painted lady! Rum punch included, privately chartered. Sail North, Sail to Caye Caulker or Sunset sail
Bacala Chino Island Tour:
Explore this reserve at the northern tip of the island called Bacalar Chico National Reserve. The Mayas dug a channel that separates the island from Mexico, which was once a trading center and nature walk. Make a loop of the island from the back of the lagoon around the front of the sea with 3 snorkel stops plus lunch.
Crocodile Educational Tour:
The local Crocodile Dundee, Chris, has an abundance of information to share with us regarding crocodiles. Leave by boat just before sunset and spot crocodiles in the lagoon and depending how spunky, Chris might just grab a small one to bring on board!
Marco Gonzalez Maya archeological site:
This is our local Maya ruin 5 miles south from Ak’boL on the southern tip of our island. There are no tall pyramids on the island, there are signs of a village trading community down South.
Divers will love this!
Spectacular Wall diving at the southern-most tip of the atoll. The currents bring in an abundance of fish and marine life and are home to some of the largest gorgonians (sea fans).
As well as fishing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding and more!
All excursions and spa services can be booked through the resort.
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
Connecting with locals (or other travelers) is the key to having a great trip, keeping an open mind as you experience new things, and being able to adjust to whatever comes your way. If the descriptions below sound like you, we want you to join us!
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You are interested in learning yoga or are already a yogi at heart.
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You’re a positive person who looks for the best in all circumstances.
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You enjoy being surrounded by like-minded travelers and meeting new people.
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You desire to be a better traveler: embracing the local culture and rustic accommodations.
MEET YOUR RETREAT LEADER
Elda Giardetti is an International Yoga Instructor and Yoga Retreat Leader. She enjoys sharing her passion for yoga and traveling with students around the world! www.eldagiardetti.com
This retreat is run in collaboration with Modo Yoga Hamilton