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 Shangri-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 Shangri-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 Shangri-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 Ecotherapy practices on this site of pure nature and tranquility. We will then take a trip to the sea and enjoy snorkelling 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 Shangri-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.

Click links below to learn more about this wonderful retreat:

Hosts

Daily Description/Itinerary

Accommodation

Optional Healing services

Preparations

Deposits and Reservations

Cancellations and Refunds

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