Island Awakening

Meditation, Reiki + Yoga Retreat

March 31 - April 6, 2019
Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro Panamá

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WHAT'S IN STORE

This retreat is intuitively guided to combine class-style workshops, meditations, yoga, partner practice & hands-on experience. It has been thoughtfully designed to support you in three areas of vital awakening - Physical, Mental/Emotional, and Spiritual. Students receive focused time to learn, grow, set intentions for the changing seasons, and connect with nature.

We will discover how to live with more passion, purpose and positivity in each area of our lives - enhancing our personal journeys into wellbeing.

Island Awakening Retreat is situated in a slice of paradise - at an eco bed & breakfast on Bastimentos in Bocas Del Toro, Panama. It is geared toward those who love the outdoors, a local experience, amazing food, and adventure.  Our locally-built retreat home is boho chic, surf-island home with comfortable interiors, quality linens and a fun vibe. It features an open air waterfront restaurant + bar, infinity pool and lounge area complete with sun loungers, daybeds & hammocks is the perfect place to reconnect, unwind and play!

At the end of the retreat, you will be a Reiki Level 1 -or- 2 Certified Practicioner (depending on your current level of certifcation or desire for re-attunement)We'll explore how to utilize the learned tools and techniques as healers and practitioners, bringing balance and healing into our lives and the lives of others.


In addition to daily classes in the focused Areas of Awakening (below), you'll be pampered with lots of other goodies:

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  • Afternoon island-hopping boat tour

  • Snorkeling, SUP gear and foam-top beginner surf boards available for use throughout the entire retreat

  • Crystal healing and aromatherapy toolkits to support your Reiki + Meditation practice at home

  • Reflexology workshop

  • Locally-made coconut oil soaps in every room

  • Locally-sourced gourmet breakfast, lunch, 3-4 course dinner, smoothies and snacks. ALL meals included except 1 lunch/2 dinners to allow for exploration + local sampling! Omnivore/herbivore menus available.


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Awakening Physical Wellbeing
Daily Hatha Yoga Flow

Our body is communicating with us every moment of every day, quietly (yet persistently!) giving signs and signals of where it is functioning at its absolute best and where it could use a little help. In our daily Hatha flow, we will first learn how to clear away static in the channels of communication and tune into the infinite wisdom of our body. Then, we will explore kind, intentional, powerful movements to support physical wellbeing. The result is an immediate alleviation of tension, stress and dis-ease, and an awakening of vibrant energy.


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Awakening Mental + Emotional Wellbeing
Primoridal Sound Meditation

Learn an ancient meditation practice that is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve overall health, reverse the seeds of illness, expand self-awareness, increase brain function, super-charge innovation, inspire creative problem solving and allow you to live with unshakeable compassion for yourself and others. Together, we'll dispel the misconceptions about meditation, and help you develop a daily mindfulness practice that will support you all year long.


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Awakening Spiritual Wellbeing
Reiki Certification Level 1 or 2

1+2 offered concurrently: you choose your path

An immersion for those ready to advance on their Spiritual path and serve themselves and the world by accessing this powerful energy-healing modality. Reiki means "Universal Life Force Energy" which comes from the divine and is connected to every living being. It travels through the practitioner, to heal on all levels – body, mind and spirit. Reiki is a very subtle, warming energy, inducing a state of relaxation and rejuvenation. It has the ability to harmonize energies, release blockages, accelerate healing, assist in cleansing toxins, treat chronic and acute physical conditions, enhance creativity and develop a deeper self-awareness.                         


SCHEDULE + SACRED FLOW

Day 1 - March 31
Welcome Cocktail or Mocktail (your choice!)
Retreat Orientation
Dinner Reception
Opening Ceremony

Days 2-6 - April 1-5
Sunrise Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast + Free Time
Awakening into Wellbeing Workshop
Lunch + Free Time
Hands-On Reiki Workshop
Evening Meditation
Dinner
Integration Time or Occasional Evening Activities

Day 7 - April 6
Reiki Certification Graduation + Closing Ceremony
Breakfast + Time to Pack
Depart

*Schedule is tentative and subject to change as best supports the overall retreat experience.


THE FINE DETAILS

IS THIS RETREAT RIGHT FOR ME?

The Island Awakening Retreat is the PERFECT soulful getaway for you IF:
—you enjoy nature and adventure
—you want a local experience, not to be stuck behind walls where you never really see the local people
—you are a foodie who is always looking forward to their next meal. Our host restaurant is tops in Bocas for a reason and they believe in sourcing locally and organically whenever possible.
—you enjoy traveling to rustic, off the beaten path types of places in a beautiful, natural setting yet you want to return to a super comfy memory foam mattress ,a hot shower and a room where attention has been paid to the details.
—you enjoy the intimate feeling of staying in a small, laid back, eco B&B as opposed to a 24 hr hotel with a large staff
—you appreciate the planet, taking care of it and the often fragile ecosystem of an island
—you are laid back and understand that “island time” can be an amazing concept in which to de-stress
—you want a hip environment in affordable rooms where attention is paid to design and comfort
—you are not bothered if the internet decides to not work one day or if the power goes out unexpectedly (because this does happen)

Learn more about your teacher and guideMonica Graves

Learn more about your retreat home - The Firefly Bocas del Toro

Island Awakening Retreat is a very intimate experience. Only 10 spaces are available to ensure all guests have a powerful, personalized, hands-on experience - particularly with our Reiki Attunements + Certification course. Register early to secure best pricing and ensure your space.
 


ACCOMMODATIONS

PRICES LISTED ARE EARLY BIRD, AVAILABLE UNTIL NOV 15, 2019
ON NOV 16, all rates will increase by $200.

Air Bungalow + Water Bunglaow

Stand-Alone Ocean-Facing Jungalows
Queen Bed, Private Bath, Outdoor Shower + Private Terrace

PRIVATE - $1775 -or- DOUBLE - $1575 (ideal for friends or couples; bed is shared)

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Rooms 1 + 2

Ocean-Facing LOWER LEVEL main cabANA
Queen Bed, Private Bath + Private Terrace

PRIVATE - $1625 -or- DOUBLE - $1425 (ideal for friends or couples; bed is shared)

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3-BEDROOM APARTMENT

Ocean-Facing uPPER LEVEL main cabana
SHARED Bath BETWEEN ALL ROOMS
LARGE SHARED LIVING SPACE + TerRACE

ROOM 1 - PRIVATE
QUEEN BED - $1475


ROOMS 2 + 3 - SHARED
QUEEN BED - $1395
TWIN BED - $1325

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Connect with Soulbare to join this
powerful Island Awakening Retreat!

Payment Plans may be arranged upon request. Please email monica@soulbare.com with inquiries.

Cancellation Policy
Until January 31, 2019 - cancellations made within 7 calendar days from the time of booking will be allowed a full refund, less $250 administration fee. After 7 days, you are eligible for a 50% refund of funds paid.
February 1, 2019 and after - cancellations made any time after booking will not receive a monetary refund, but will receive $400 voucher towards standard pricing of any future retreat, workshop, private session or other arranged Soulbare offering(s). 

Have questions? Good! We're here to help! Email monica@soulbare.com to explore this or other offerings.



FAQ'S and NEED-TO-KNOW'S

When does the retreat begin and end?

We begin at 5:00pm CST on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
You may check in to our beautiful host venue anytime after 2pm.

If you are traveling from outside of Panamá, I HIGHLY recommend that you plan to arrive to Panamá a least a day early on March 30. 
Travel in Central America can be unpredictable and take longer than expected.

The retreat ends at 11:00am CST on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

If you wish to come early or stay late, let me know and I will be happy to help arrange.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

IN ADDITION TO THE CLASSES, CERTIFICATION, MEALS + ACTIVITIES LISTED ABOVE:
—Lodging 6 nights
—All filtered drinking water. Coffee and tea available during meal times
—Transport from the airport in Bocas Town to The Firefly (2 min cab and 10 min boat ride included) 
—Boat transfer back to bocas town for departure
—All taxes + Food gratuities ( please note: gratuities for the maids are always appreciated and are NOT included. They may be left at the end of your stay)  


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

—Airfare to Panama City & Bocas Del Toro
—Dinner in town 2 nights, lunch 1 day and drinks outside of meal times (besides water)
—Optional excursions:: bat caves ($39 pp); atv rentals, surf lessons, kayak rentals, organic chocolate farm tour ($20 pp); zip lining ($60 pp)
—Optional massage services available 


for international guests -- How do I get there? 

BY AIR

Our retreat takes places on Isla Bastimentos, one of several islands in the chain of Bocas del Toro. You can reach Bocas by air from either Panama City, or San Jose, Costa Rica. You can also reach Bocas by land through the port town of Almirante. Almirante is connected to other parts of Panama & Costa Rica by taxis & private shuttles.

FLY INTO PANAMA CITY

Panama City is a Central American hub and has tons of flights going in and out from all over the world. Major carriers fly into Tocumen Airport (PTY), the international airport in Panama City. Once there, you must take a taxi from PTY to the domestic airport (the smaller airport 35 min away) to get to Bocas Del Toro.

Flights leave for Bocas (BOC) out of  Marcus A. Gelabert Airport, commonly referred to as Albrook Airport, the smaller, domestic airport 35-40 min away from PTY.  The taxi ride across town costs $30-35. Please verify with the driver before you get in the taxi. I’m happy to help arrange a private driver if desired.

Flights typically depart Panama City everyday at 6:30am and 3:30pm with multiple flights added throughout the day in high season.  The flight is about 45 minutes and is operated by Air Panama. www.airpanama.com   Sometimes the flight will make a stop in Changuinola before Bocas. Don’t get off there. **Note:  In high season, AirPanama tickets sell out VERY quickly. Be diligent in checking the site if the tickets for your month aren’t yet for sale. They tend to start 6 months out. If you are having difficulty buying tickets online with Air Panama, contact Jose Palm at Palm Travel, palmtravel@cwpanama.net   He has amazing connections to the airline and can get it done quickly. He also does not charge a fee for booking your flights. He will ask for your passport info so have that handy.

When flying to Bocas, please note that you must arrive in Panama City by noon/12:30 in order to make the afternoon flight (3:30pm) to Bocas.  Otherwise, you must stay the night in Panama City. You must take in to account an hour in customs/immigration and then 40 minutes drive into the city to get to the domestic airport you will fly out of to get to Bocas-Isla Colon.

Once you arrive at the Bocas Airport on Isla Colon, you will be greeted by a taxi driver who will take you directly to the boat dock. And you’ll be on your way to the retreat venue, The Firefly. It’s a 10min beautiful boat ride.

 

What's the money situation?

The local currency in Panama is the Balboa, however US Dollars are used more frequently.
No need to exchange $ if traveling from the US. 
ATM's are abundant in Panama City, but not in the islands of Bocas/Bastimentos. Plan accordingly.

 

If I arrive in PANAMA before the retreat begins, where should I stay?

I highly recommend experiencing Casco Viejo, a gorgeous colonial part of Old Panama. The town is partially restored to immaculate vintage glory, and partly conserved ruins. It's stunning, albeit a bit pricey and touristy. There are many hotels (www.booking.com) and Airbnb options available.

Casco is just a short 5min cab/uber ride to the Albrook Airport, which will make your departure for Bocas very easy the following morning. 

Of course, anywhere in Bocas is option too if you want to get to the islands early :)

 

What should I bring to the retreat?

Great question! The following are Must-Have's:

-- Comfy Clothes! In which you can move well, breathe well, and just BE. It will be warm, so you won't need much!
-- Yoga Mat or YogiToes
-- Large Refillable Water Bottle. Purified water is sourced directly to our cabanas
-- A Sacred Item for our SoulFam Altar. Anything special and sweet that represents a piece of your heart... a crystal, a special photo, a souvenir, spiritual momento, family heirloom, etc.
-- Good walking shoes or water shoes for the rocky shores
-- Headlamp or flashlight
-- Small daypack or other "hands free" type of bag for day excursions
-- Bathing Suit + Beach Towel (shower towel is provided but NOT for the beach!)
-- Umbrella or light rain jacket. March/April is not yet technically "wet season" but we are in the islands, so you just never know!
-- Toiletries and your own personal essentials. If you forget something, no worries. You can purchase just about anything you'll need in town. 
-- Bug spray and sunscreen are available on the island, but we recommend Reef safe sunscreens. Help save the Reefs!
-- Any extras that make you feel warm and fuzzy
-- An open heart <3

You'll receive a special Retreat Journal upon arrival (spoiler alert!), so no need to bring a notebook.
Of course, if you have a special personal journal or pen, feel free. 

 

What's the weather situation?

Expect temps of 78+ degrees during the day and high 60's at night. Plan accordingly.

 

Do I *have* to participate in every activity?

This is YOUR retreat. You are the Shaman, you are the Guru, you are the Nurturer of your own Soul. If one of our active excursions doesn't feel like a Fuck Yes!, then feel free to sit it out and enjoy space. That said, I will be there to instigate each of us to push past the boundaries of what's comfortable and flirt with the unknown, the terrain where true awakening and transformation take place. You'll thank me ;) 

As for the educational classes, you will be required to attend each Reiki Workshop in order to receive your Level 1 or 2 Certification.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

Until January 31, 2019 - cancellations made within 7 calendar days from the time of booking will be allowed a full refund, less $250 administration fee. After 7 days, you are eligible for a 50% refund of funds paid.
February 1, 2019 and after - cancellations made any time after booking will not receive a monetary refund, but will receive $400 voucher towards standard pricing of any future retreat, workshop, private session or other arranged Soulbare offering(s).

 

have Other questions you don't see here?

I'm here for ya! Email monica@mahavedasoul.com