Why do we travel? Is it really to escape the everyday life? To connect to our soul purpose? To find ourselves? The motivation to travel becomes a lot deeper when we make our decisions based upon choosing an experience that is going to make us grow, change, evolve, get a different perspective on life, or make us take a good look at what is going on in the inside.
In today’s world of cultural turmoil, spiritual chaos, and global unrest, we find ourselves over-connected at a shallow level and under-connected at a more meaningful level. We have allowed digital addictions to pull us away from what’s important: Ourselves, family, community, and our planet.
Transformational travel will change your life
In this search for meaning, we are seeking something new, something different. We are seeking the experience of truly being connected and alive.
Transformational travel is motivated and defined by a shift in perspective, self-reflection and development, and a deeper communion with nature and culture.
Transformational travel takes you out of your comfort zone, it is good for your soul. This is where the magic happens.
When the desire to truly transform comes knocking, you should probably do something about it and answer the door.
Soul Searching Retreats
Yoga and Safari
Yoga, nature and animal lovers looking to get in touch with their inner self will appreciate these Soulful Yoga Safari’s. There is a shift that occurs when travellers encounter nature and wild animals. This is the first and so far the only retreat in Namibia that offers Yoga while on Safari.
Some people describe Namibia as a country that gets into your soul. Namibia awakens your emotions and senses with its stunning landscapes, endless space and fresh air. You will experience moments that won’t be possible anywhere else.
It’s not just a holiday, yoga or a safari, this is an adventure of a lifetime. An unforgettable journey that will make your feel more peaceful. Where you can enjoy nature in its purest form, in unique surroundings.
You can join their next 10 day all inclusive yoga safari retreat from the 12th – 21st of October, accommodating a maximum of 8 people and a minimum of 4 to keep it intimate and special.
Venture through the mountains and jungles of the Land of the Himalayas
On this Discover Nepal yoga trekking retreat be ready to venture through the mountains and jungles of the Land of the Himalayas, complete with temples, trekking, yoga, and art in Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara and the Annapurna circuit.
Your tour guide has deep knowledge of the achievements and challenges, history and culture of Nepal and will provide in-depth perspective and context as you learn about the unique place you’re visiting.
The adventure starts in Kathmandu with a visit of the main squares and temples, learning about their Hindu cultural base along with Buddhist influence.
Nepal is incredible on the senses, with incense and oms at every turn. You’ll then take a domestic flight to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and bike around the temple complex before an afternoon tea time with local monks to learn more about Buddhist philosophy.
From there you’ll head to the Annapurna mountain range, basing out of the beautiful city of Pokhara. You’ll have time to explore its many sites before we going on a 3-day trek in the mountains. The hikes will be for around 6 hours per day on moderate terrain enjoying the local villages, vistas and cool mountain air.
You’ll stay in teahouses run by Tibetans and enjoy masala chai under the skies. After the descent, you’ll recover in Pokhara with its many spa options and traditional massages before the final leg of the trip, a two-night yoga retreat in the hills above Kathmandu.
Yoga and Horse Soul Journey Retreat in Jordan
This transformative yoga and horse journey in Jordan is an incredible 9 day adventure. Travel Jordan with yoga, meditation and horse wisdom sessions. Embark on a desert journey that connects to the wisdom of this ancient land, its people and horses.
Expand and deepen your awareness, unbridle your creative life force and be inspired to transform your life. Connect to the stillness and magic of the desert; the intuitive power of horses; the light of fire and stars; and the ancient wisdom of your heart.
Enjoy yoga with magnificent views of world heritage sites Petra and Wadi Rum. Absorb the healing zen of the Dead Sea and allow the minerals of the water to nourish your body.
Sleep under the stars, chant in the desert, ride a camel and reflect with horses. Share in sacred circle, song & dance. Wander barefoot in the desert, connect to the earth, send your wishes to the stars and reconnect to your courageous heart.
The desert escape is about grounding, expanding, opening and transforming. In Petra you connect with local women over lunch and embark on an exploration via the back entry to the awe-inspiring Monastery.
Here we rest and meditate to connect to the divine feminine energy of this magical place. Finally, you have Dead Sea Zen for body relaxation: healing water and mud for nurturing and releasing the old and preparing you to step into a new phase of your life journey.
Sandra and her horses offer you a unique and transformative journey that will shift your experience of life and encourage you to manifest your dreams.
As sustainable, eco-tourism is important to us, we will stay in camps and family run hotels. We will also eat at Bedouin camps and cooperate with the local community.
A Conscious Living Retreat with Yoga, Meditation & Ayurvedic Wellbeing
Deep in the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve, at the end of a rugged track, an idyllic candle-lit lodge rests in the magnificent Wadi Feynan. This is an enchanting world of authentic Bedouin hospitality and natural beauty.
It is here that Emily Reed is guiding a group of “explorers” from 2nd – 13th October for their retreat Adventure: a Conscious Living Retreat with Yoga, Meditation and Ayurvedic Wellbeing. A journey to cultivate better relationships and greater health and wellbeing in their body, mind and everyday life.
She is joined by her friend and mentor Drew Lawrence (Vedic astrologer, teacher and Sanskrit editor) and Serene Miqdadi (operational facilitator; native Jordanian) on the retreat.
This retreat is a time to rediscover your “Rasa”. “Rasa” in Sanskrit can be translated as “pure essence”. It directly refers to the “true” nature- who you are beneath the everyday stresses, hang-ups and conditioned pressures from society.
When you set an intention to rediscover your RASA you set an intention to create a platform from which you can cultivate better overall health, wellbeing, relationships and a better day to day experience of life.
Emily has been guiding Conscious Living retreats since 2012. The ‘Conscious Living’ ethos is looking at cultivate a healthier, happier, more sustainable and well-rounded life. The intention is to be inspired to create greater harmony and cultivate long-lasting, sustainable relationships with yourself and others. In essence it’s the Yoga of Living (what we do and how we live off our mats).
Expect: 6 nights at an authentic, world acclaimed eco lodge in the national park; daily meditation and movement practices, contemplations; options to do sunrise or sunset walks in to the desert for meditation; talks and stories on the ancient lands of antiquity, Vedic astrology; discover how to use ancient well being wisdom from Ayurveda for your modern day life style.
Enjoy: nourishing and delicious Jordanian vegetarian meals served by the Bedouin community who run the beautiful eco lodge resort.
Explore: the sacred site of Petra (2 nights) and the Dead Sea (2 nights). Both powerful spaces for meditation and contemplation. The Dead Sea will also be the time to indulge in the deeply healing salt spa treatments.
Escape from the rigors and toxicity of the modern world at MesaStila in Central Java
MesaStila (previously known as Losari Coffee Plantation) is a luxury five star resort and spa that incorporates an unparalleled collection of remarkable antiques and enchanting buildings; including Central Java icons such as a Colonial railway station and historic Joglo-villas.
At MesaStila the focus is on luxury yet keeping the traditional, local and wholesome experiences intact, which accentuate the magnificence of the environment, the people, the culture and facilitate a healthy lifestyle- full of wonderful experience.
In a world where pollution, noise, crowds, unhealthy diets and stress are the norm; MesaStila Wellness Retreats offer an escape from the demanding daily grind.
Detach, de-stress and recharge with a blissful escape in the cool highlands of MesaStila. A chance to stimulate the body’s natural healing pathways and re-create a healthy equilibrium through a structured cleansing and rejuvenation program, bringing together the human-sciences of the West with alternative therapies from Java.
Spa wraps, scrubs, facials and heat treatments help to cleanse the skin and lymphatic system; healthy eating and nutritional guidance support the digestive system; while physical activity and natural Javanese herbal-remedies assist in creating metabolic changes.
Surrounded by the power of nature these programs all support an optimal cleansing process and an essential escape from the rigors and toxicity of the modern world.
An Ethical Luxury Resort in Cambodia
Welcome to a carefree paradise, an intimate escape, crafted with love, inspired by our surroundings. Song Saa Private Island offers luxury, serenity and a deep connection with the environment.
Created with sustainability in mind, Song Saa Private Island reflects the beauty of the Cambodian coastline. It’s a place that breathes in time with nature, built from local materials, by local hands, and infused with local art and soul. An evolved tropical getaway with a pristine private beach, spacious wooden villas, heavenly spa sanctuaries and a preserved coral reef.
Built with reclaimed timber and materials from the mainland, the resort’s design and architecture reiterates our commitment to sustainability. Each villa is a private sanctuary, a refined blend of thatched roofs, linen-draped canopy beds, up-cycled décor and repurposed furniture. Discarded oil drums find new life as lamps. Driftwood serves as a table or bench. Salvaged wood from old fishing boats and factory yards now forms decks and floors and beams.
Song Saa Private Islands offer a selection of spa and wellness retreats for those seeking a wholly transformative experience. Refresh with a ‘stillness’ themed retreat, rejuvenate with an invigorating, detoxifying retreat inspired by the ‘blessing’ treatments, or revive with a ‘healing’ retreat. Retreats are available for three and five days.
The Power of Seven Women’s Retreat
Lynne Franks is holding a Power of Seven Gathering and Celebration in Avalon, at the beautiful Earth Spirit Centre outside Glastonbury from 29th – 31st August where you will be exploring your leading archetype and how to use it to create value in your community and your lives.
In the fifteen years that Lynne has been running women’s workshops and retreats, both in Mallorca and the UK she says that she has heard and witnessed many extraordinary stories from so many members of her groups and circles. And yet, whether working with high level successful business women to disadvantaged women, including refugees, she have found so much in common with them all.
Without a shadow of doubt, all women have a desire to work in collaboration, be seen and respected for their Intuitive creativity and wish to give back in some way although at the same time often not having enough belief in their full potential.
More recently, inspired by so many women searching to achieve their life purpose, Lynne has developed a new programme, The Power of Seven, where she have identified a number of archetypes – Storyteller, Alchemist, Seed Sower, Sky Dancer, Medicine Woman, Space Weaver and Vision Keeper – which exist in all of us individually, allowing us to grow our personal potential as well as being so effective when we take one of these roles in a collaborative circle or ‘pod.’
Study ancient philosophy in Sicily
Arrive just in time to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with a special guided meditation on this retreat with Manja taking place from the 22nd – 29th September. This time of year asks us to reflect on which chapters/projects/cycles are ready to come to a close, what do we need to finish and let go of?
It also creates space for something new thus inviting us to set an intention from here on: How can we become more true to ourselves, do as we speak, and realise our full potential?
Explore the Ancient philosophical writings by Aristotle and Plato (who spent most of his life on Sicily). Study the Philosophy of Happiness and compare it to the teachings of the Baghavad Gita. These Greek and Indian teachings are about the same old and are remarkably similar in their approach to happiness.
This is a retreat that combines yoga, healthy living, positive affirmation of life, cultural studies, and spending time in nature. Besides visiting archaeological sites, you will also hike Mount Etna, visit Vendicari Nature Preserve to watch migrating flamingos, and visit an olive farm to watch the olive harvest.
Connect to your more intuitive, healing, powerful self with the Kabira school of energy
Tune into your personal power and reconnect to your core truth with Cat Kabira, a world-renowned yoga teacher trainer and Master Of The Subtle Energetics Arts.
Cat created the The Kabira School of Energy – a set of programs designed to help you connect to your more intuitive, healing, powerful self as well as refine your relationship with yourself, others, and the universe. Cat created this after realizing that for any student to step into more advanced yoga work, certain training and initiations were necessary to connect and operate on these deeper levels.
The Kabira School of Energy is a comprehensive “systemless system.” Cat designed these programs after her lifetime of exploration and work with psychics, healers, shamans, medicine people, monks, therapists, and plant medicine. At the urging and request of students and clients, through her own trainings and challenges – as well as her experience in working with people on a more subtle level – she created the Kabira School of Energy body of work.
Some would call this shamanic, some biodynamic craniosacral, some would call it healing work, some would say it’s somatic therapeutics. The deal is that it is all of that plus something more. Cat calls it “Biodynamic Energetics”.
Cat offers biodynamic energetics initiations, workshops, retreats and teacher trainings.
Explore a past ‘ghost town’ that sits on a bed of rose quartz
This 4 Night Luxury Yoga Retreat in San Miguel de Allende will focus on discovering the wonders and beauty of San Miguel de Allende. Sitting on a bed of rose quartz, this town has a particularly uplifting energy, offering a culture rich with artistic expression, which you find in every corner of the town from the architecture to the many art galleries of local artisans.
Along with daily yoga at our own private luxury villa in the center, we will indulge in gourmet meals, have luxury spa treatments, relax at the hot springs, visit the acclaimed new local wineries, discover the history with a cultural tour, and much more.
San Miguel was hailed as The Best City in the World by Travel and Leisure and Time Magazine. While this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made the list for the best city in Latin America, it’s the first time in the 22 years of the contest that it has topped the list of all international cities.
This retreat participates in the Conscious Traveler Initiative, where a portion of the profits is donated to a local non-profit organization that directly supports the improvement of conditions for people, animals or the environment in the area you visit.
For this location, we have chosen the organization CASA to donate to. CASA is a non-profit organization that has been serving the poor, particularly adolescents, rural women and their families, through health, social service, education, and environmental outreach programs since 1981.
It also created Mexico’s first government approved Midwifery School, which has been cited as meeting international criteria for effective replication in countries worldwide.
Experience Ancient Wisdom Healing in Bali
This Balinese healing retreat is for regeneration, replenishment and alignment. At Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, they embrace holistic Balinese-inspired therapies administered by traditional Balinese healers using ancient wisdoms passed down through direct lineage.
Following the Balinese principal of Sekala-Niskala, which holds that we all live equally in two worlds; the seen or conscious world Sekala, and the unseen or psychic world Niskala, the Balinese healers engage the help of the divine source during each healing session.
The Panca Mahabhuta (fiveelements) retreat is their signature program that comprises a holistic integrative approach designed to tune in on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels, allowing an organic healing process to naturally unfold. This begins by attuning to your authenticity and honouring your highest potential.
Acknowledging and respecting your individuality, they collaborate with you through a personalised programme. Which guides and nurtures a healing path combining: Balinese-inspired healing rituals for purification, balancing and regeneration, Plant-based living foods cuisine for health, beauty and longevity, sacred arts practices for inner strength, alignment and dedication. Retreats are available in 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 nights’ stays.
Discover authentic shamanism and ancient sacred sites in Peru
Go on a life changing spiritual adventure discovering authentic shamanism and ancient sacred sites in Peru. Hosted by inner travels outer journey, this 3 week journey will take you from the vibrant Amazon, to the heights of the Andes. Explore the Inca heartland, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca with mystic guides.
A transformational group journey to explore the mystical side of Peru. You’ll feel a deeper connection with the sacred power places and shamanic traditions of Peru, including Machu Picchu, one of the newest wonders of the world. A a non-touristy group tour with shamans, Andean mystic guides and healers.
Have you been on a life changing transformational travel retreat or do you lead them? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch to chat with us to book one of these magical adventures.
Oh my gosh these places are my idea of an IDEAL holiday! I would love to go to a yoga retreat in Africa. Thanks for sharing <3
Nice post and very useful information!Thank you for sharing.