When I plan a retreat, I know it it has to be more than just a getaway. It has to be a place where people can truly reset—stepping out of their routines, reconnecting with themselves, and rediscovering joy. Belize kept calling to me, and once I looked closer, it was clear why.
Accessible but Far Enough Away
Belize strikes that perfect balance. It’s easy to reach with affordable flights, English is the primary language, and the people are incredibly welcoming. This makes travel stress-free. Yet once you arrive, it feels like another world. The pace slows down, the air shifts, and suddenly you’re surrounded by vibrant jungle and turquoise Caribbean waters. It’s “just far enough” to leave daily life behind without the overwhelm of a long-haul trip.
A Rare Mix of Jungle and Beach
Most destinations are either-or, but Belize offers both. The retreat begins tucked away in the lush jungle by the Macal River, where toucans call from the treetops and howler monkeys provide the morning soundtrack. Later, we head to the coast, where hammocks sway between palms and the reef stretches endlessly before us. This mix of wild green and calming blue is the perfect metaphor for yoga: strength and softness, adventure and rest, balance in every sense.
Nature as the Best Teacher
Belize makes yoga come alive in ways a studio never can. Morning sun salutations take on new energy when practiced beside the river, while evening yin becomes deeper under the hum of the jungle. Out here, nature guides every breath—the rhythm of the waves, the pulse of the jungle, the stillness of wide-open skies. It’s an invitation to be fully present.
Adventure Beyond the Mat
Yoga isn’t just what we do on the mat—it’s how we show up in the world. In Belize, that means bringing mindfulness into new experiences: exploring sacred caves, snorkeling among vibrant coral, hiking ancient Mayan ruins, or simply pausing to notice a macaw overhead. Each adventure becomes an extension of practice – you learn presence, practice curiosity, and develop courage.
Community That Lasts
A retreat is never just about the place—it’s about the people. In Belize, we’ll share meals, stories, and laughter. We’ll practice side by side, explore together, and create space for quiet reflection. That sense of sangha—true yoga community—is one of the most powerful parts of retreat life, and it stays with you long after the week ends.
Why Belize? Because It Has It All
This is why I chose Belize. It’s beautiful and welcoming, adventurous and serene, energizing and deeply restful. It’s a place where nature holds you, yoga grounds you, and community uplifts you. More than a trip, it’s an experience that stays with you—long after you’ve rolled up your mat and boarded your flight home.
✨ What will Belize bring for you?
📅 Join me December 6–13, 2025 for Belize Bliss: a week of yoga, adventure, and renewal.
Spots are limited and rooms are going quickly—reserve yours today and give yourself this gift of transformation. Just a few spots remain.
Spots are limited and rooms are going quickly—reserve yours today and give yourself this gift of transformation. Just a few spots remain.
Traveling with someone can be magical. You share the excitement, build memories together, and often deepen your bond. For some, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a retreat. But if you don’t have a travel buddy—or even if you do—don’t let that stop you from going. In fact, traveling alone might be the best decision you make.
A yoga retreat is the perfect environment to try it. You’ll arrive to a ready-made community of like-minded people, with built-in activities and space for both connection and solitude. It’s the best of both worlds—you can join in, make new friends, and share experiences, but you can also retreat into your own quiet moments when you want them.
When I was in college and graduate school, I traveled alone often—especially through Eastern Europe: Hungary, Poland, and what was then Czechoslovakia. I’d connect with one group, share some adventures, and then part ways to find a new circle. It was empowering. I always felt safe, I learned to trust my instincts, and it gave me a deep confidence I still carry.
Over the years, people have told me, “You’re so adventurous—I could never do that.” But here’s the truth: I didn’t set out to be adventurous. I simply followed what I was curious about and trusted that I’d figure things out along the way. You don’t have to be fearless to travel alone—you just need to be willing to take one brave step at a time.
Traveling alone offers something you can’t always get when you’re with a companion—you move at your own pace, follow your own curiosity, and explore without the weight of shared history or expectations. You’re not leaning on someone else to affirm your choices or direct your path. It’s just you, trusting yourself, making the call on what matters most to you in that moment.
I’ve had retreat guests for whom Costa Rica was their first international flight or their first time traveling without a partner, kids, or parents. They arrived with a mix of nerves and excitement, bravely trusting the path ahead. By the end of the week, they left glowing—lighter, more confident, and deeply proud of themselves.
So if the idea of traveling alone makes you hesitate, I want you to know: you’re not alone in that feeling. But it might just be the thing that transforms your retreat from a vacation into a truly life-shifting experience.
Ready to see what’s possible when you say yes to yourself?
Whether it’s your first time traveling solo or you’re a seasoned adventurer, my retreats in Costa Rica and Belize offer the perfect balance of community, yoga, and nature—designed to support you moving at your own pace.
Join us to explore vibrant landscapes, deepen your practice, make new friends, and discover just how brave and confident you really are.
Reserve your spot today and start your unforgettable retreat experience. Just send me a DM on IG at @yogawithandreab or @andreabyogaandwellness or head the retreat section of this site for info and next steps!
What if you could vanish for a week — not to escape your life, but to remember what it feels like to be deeply alive, fully relaxed, and completely you?
Tucked into the lush hills of Alajuela, Costa Rica, this retreat isn’t just a vacation — it’s a reset for your soul. Set in an unbelievably energetic sanctuary surrounded by green mountains and open sky, the space alone invites you to breathe differently. The minute you arrive, you’ll feel it: you’ve landed somewhere powerful, peaceful, and pure.
✨ Spa Like You’ve Never Known It
Here, spa treatments aren’t about surface-level pampering — they’re about transformation. From deep tissue massage to herbal body rituals and soul-nourishing therapies, each treatment is rooted in nature and tradition. You’ll walk out not only glowing, but feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply restored.
🍽️ Food that Heals
Every meal is a celebration of real food — made without processing, additives, or artificial anything. Freshly prepared with love and local ingredients, the meals nourish you from the inside out. You’ll eat mindfully, joyfully, and maybe even rediscover a way of eating that feels good in your body and soul. Enjoy fresh coconuts, pressed juices, and ginger tea.
🧘 Yoga for Every Mood
Whether you’re craving the discipline of Ashtanga, the softness of Yin, the clarity of Hatha, or the flow of Vinyasa, you’ll have access to a full spectrum of yoga practices guided by me, a 500-hour E-RYT teacher and experienced wellness coach. We'll play with partner practices and inversions, too! Every session is tailored to support you — no pressure, no comparison, just practice that honors your body and energy.
🧠 Daily Meditation & Mindful Workshops
Each morning begins with a grounding meditation, helping you set the tone for the day ahead. You’ll also explore deeper inner work through workshops on EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and advanced meditation practices — tools that empower you to reset patterns and come home to yourself.
End your days with yin, meditation or the deep rest of Yoga Nidra, a guided journey into the most restorative layers of consciousness. It’s like a full-body exhale.
🌿 Explore the Magic of Costa Rica
When you're ready for adventure, Costa Rica offers some of the most awe-inspiring excursions in the world — and we’ve picked the best:
- Blue Falls Hike: Hike through pristine jungle trails and take a dip in some of the bluest waterfalls you’ve ever seen — untouched, unspoiled, unforgettable.
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens: A breathtaking journey through waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant flora.
- White Water Rafting: Feel the thrill in one of the top-rated whitewater locations in the world.
- Jungle Hot Springs: Soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by tropical trees and the hum of the forest.
- The Ark Botanical Gardens: A living sanctuary of rare plants, hummingbirds, and healing energies that will leave you speechless.
💫 Make This Journey Yours
This retreat is designed so you can tailor your experience: rest when you need it, explore when you crave it, and heal on every level. You’re never alone — your guide is a seasoned yoga teacher and holistic wellness coach who holds space for you to grow, unwind, and reconnect.
June 2026 is already on the calendar. Join me the 6th-13th...send a message to get your spot today. All the rooms are fabulous, but the best rooms go fast!
I’ve recently had some tough conversations—ones where I knew my words might disappoint or frustrate people I care about. And yup, they did. It’s never easy to be the one to draw a line, speak up, or ask for change. I am the first to say – I’m kind of terrible at it.
But here’s what I have to remind myself over and over again: clarity is kind.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash Not just for others, but for me too.
When we avoid the truth, things get murky. Resentments grow, boundaries blur, and we end up exhausted from carrying emotional weight that was never meant to be ours long-term. Whether it’s a relationship that needs redefining, a job that no longer fits, or a personal truth that’s been quietly simmering—avoiding it only prolongs the pain.
Yoga, in its own quiet way, reminds us of this every time we step onto the mat. It asks us to listen. To stay present. To stop pretending. It teaches us that truth is not about being blunt or brutal—it’s about acknowledging how you are showing up.
So let’s talk about what it really means to choose clarity, even when it’s uncomfortable—and why it might just be the most compassionate thing you can do.
Clarity is kind.
Clarity is healing.
Clarity is necessary.
Clarity is healing.
Clarity is necessary.
You Can’t Heal What You Pretend Isn’t There
The moment someone finally names what they’ve been holding in is the moment something shifts. That tension in their shoulders softens. The tightness in their chest loosens. They can breathe more easily.
Because when we speak the truth, we give ourselves permission to move forward.
You don’t have to yell, blame, or tear it all up. But if you want change—in your relationships, career, or your own patterns—it starts with clarity.
Not vague hints. Not passive-aggressive comments. Not waiting for the “perfect time.” Not avoiding the whole situation.
Just clear, honest, heart-centered truth.
Avoiding the Conversation Doesn’t Protect Anyone
We think we're being nice when we avoid the hard stuff. But yoga reminds us: Kindness isn't the same as comfort.
In fact, sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to say what needs to be said. Even if it feels awkward, even if it goes against your natural people-pleasing tendencies.
Saying it out loud is brave. It’s vulnerable. But it’s also a huge act of self-respect.
Your Mat Is the Practice Ground
Yoga gives us the tools to sit with discomfort, breathe through resistance, and get clear on what’s real. When you’re sitting in Utkatasana (Chair) for what seems like a million breaths and your legs are screaming…what do you do?
Yoga reminds you: You don’t run. You stay. You breathe. You listen.
That’s exactly how we handle hard conversations off the mat.
Clarity doesn’t come from rushing. It comes from stillness, from presence, and from listening to your inner voice—the one that always knows the truth, even when your mind tries to talk you out of it.
Speak Up with Love (Yes, You Can)
You don’t have to be perfect at this. You just have to be honest.
And when you speak clearly, you’re not being harsh. You’re being real. You're creating space for something new—whether that’s a healthier boundary, a more fulfilling job, or a deeper relationship with yourself.
So if there’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding, ask yourself:
- What am I afraid will happen if I’m honest?
- What could open up if I speak my truth?
- How can I show up with both clarity and compassion?
Because truth isn’t selfish and it isn’t mean or dramatic.
It’s kind.
And it might be the exact thing that sets you—and everyone involved—free.
Remember, yoga isn’t just what happens in a pose. It’s how we live, how we relate, and how we love. So next time you feel the pull to be quiet when you know you need to speak, remember:
You are allowed to be clear.
You are allowed to ask for more.
You are allowed to change.
You are allowed to be clear.
You are allowed to ask for more.
You are allowed to change.
That’s yoga, too.
Have you felt it – that quiet magic in unrolling your yoga mat?
The mat, the practice, doesn’t ask you to be anyone other than who you are. Whether you arrive tired, restless, or perfectly at peace, the mat welcomes you—no questions asked. Over time, it can become more than a place to move; it transforms into a home. A sanctuary. A space where you can be as you are.
But how long does it take for yoga to feel like home? Is it years of practice, or can you settle in from day one? The answer isn’t linear—it’s as unique to you and your personal journey.
The Space Where You Can Just Be
Yoga is one of the rare places where there is no expectation to perform. You don’t have to impress anyone. You can dance when the music moves you, collapse into child’s pose when you’re weary, or sit still and simply breathe. There’s freedom here—freedom to explore, to fail, to be perfectly imperfect.
And it doesn’t matter where you practice. Whether you’re in a fancy yoga studio, a carefully curated personal space at home, or your bedroom surrounded by laundry—it’s all valid. Your mat becomes a home not because of where it is, but because of the intention you bring to it. Wherever you are, you can create a space to land.
If you’ve taken my class, you may find the poses come quickly, and at times, it might feel like a lot to remember. But the goal isn’t to memorize every transition—it’s to lose yourself in the rhythm of your breath. Let the breath guide you. If you forget a shape or take a different path, that’s part of the magic. Get curious. Let yourself be surprised. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the unexpected turns, and those detours can lead you exactly where you need to be.
When you let go of being right-–of meeting some expectation-–the yoga begins.
For some, this comfort in yoga comes quickly. They step onto the mat and exhale a breath they didn’t realize they were holding. For others, it’s a slower unfolding—a process of unlearning the need to "do it right" and rediscovering the joy of simply being.
When you give yourself permission to be authentic, your yoga practice becomes a refuge. In the stillness, you find yourself. In the movement, you return home.
The Journey to Feeling at Home
Does it take years? Months? Or can it happen in your first class? Truthfully, it’s less about time and more about allowing yourself to show up—fully and honestly.
It’s easy to think yoga only "works" when you’re strong, flexible, or experienced. But the real magic happens when you show up exactly as you are. Each time you step onto the mat without judgment, you deepen your sense of belonging.
Your breath becomes a familiar companion. The poses become less about achievement and more about inquiry. And somewhere along the way, your mat transforms into a place where you feel safe—like a home you carry with you, wherever you go.
Creating Your Home on the Mat
If you’re longing for that sense of home, start here:
- Let Go of Perfection. Your practice isn’t about nailing every pose. It’s about meeting yourself where you are—tight hips, racing mind, and all.
- Bring Your Whole Self. Joy, frustration, exhaustion—everything is welcome. The more real you are, the more your mat becomes a place of comfort.
- Trust the Process. Some days will feel effortless. Others won’t. Both are part of the journey. Keep showing up.
- Allow Space to Play. Explore what feels good. Dance if you want to. Rest if you need to. There are no rules here.
An Invitation Home
Your mat is always waiting—ready to hold you, ready to remind you that you belong. Whether it’s your first practice or your thousandth, you are welcome exactly as you are.
So come as you are. Let your mat be a home—a place where you don’t have to try so hard. A place where you can just be.
