True Nature Retreat
in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador - Mindo
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In Collaboration with YogaSix Glenview
Friday, September 20th - Friday, September 27th, 2024
Accepting Applications - 2 spots remain
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Join Vanessa and Margaret on an intimate yoga retreat + adventure, this fall! Located in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador, on the outskirts of the small town of Mindo, La Lomita is an off-grid/ solar-powered hacienda that expertly combines rustic & luxurious, for a breathtaking, cloud forest experience. Our hosts are located approximately 2 hours from the capital city Quito.
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Chocó Andino de Pichincha, where Mindo is located, was declared a new Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Covering an altitudinal range of 360 to 4,480 meters, this encompasses a region considered to be one of the most biodiverse hotspots in the world. With a biosphere representing over 270 species of mammals and greater than 450 species of birds (in the Mindo region alone), the Cloud Forest boasts a diverse flora & fauna, unlike anything most have ever seen. Known for outdoor lovers, this area offers an array of activities such as hiking, biking, zip lining, birding, night walking, mountain climbing, river tubing, horseback riding, coffee and chocolate making, frogs singing, gondolas, and a butterfly garden. Let's add some great food, yoga, meditation, and relaxation to the mix for an experience of a lifetime.
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Your 7 night package includes:
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Exclusive accommodation for our group at La Lomita
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Hotel stay on evening of arrival Friday, Sept. 20th, near the Quito airport + breakfast​ on Saturday before transport
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Transportation services to and from the airport (if arriving and departing with recommended flights)
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Private yoga shala (screened) with guided meditation and yoga practices offered by Vanessa and Margaret twice+ daily
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Three wholesome, healthy, organic & locally sourced meals (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free & omnivorous options)
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Onsite spring-fed chlorine free swimming pool and sauna
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Tranquil gazebo with hammocks and orchid gardens
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Natural bath products, natural insect repellent
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Daily housekeeping, fresh linens and towels
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Potable, drinking water
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Wireless Internet
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Eco-excursions and activities
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Butterfly farm visit
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Guided hike to waterfalls/Tarabita
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Chocolate Tour
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Ziplining
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Birding
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Optional onsite massage services in any location (variety of options $30-$50)
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We will coordinate, as a group, our arrival/ departure times to most easily travel between the airport and our retreat center. Due to flight times, we have opted to stay in a hotel near Quito on Friday, September 20th. We will shuttle to Mindo the morning of Saturday, September 21st. Our return flight will be the night of the 27th.
Once your booking is approved, a $500 non-refundable deposit is due for each guest. All payments are due no later than June 15th, 2024. Accommodations are first-come-first-serve. When you apply, please specify your first choice and second choice. Designate your roommate choice if applicable. All guests will require a valid international passport that is less than 6 months from expiration. No visa is required for travel at this time.
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Accommodation options:
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Country House includes 4 shared bedrooms and 2 shared bathrooms​ : $2200/ person
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Shared double-occupancy bedroom (2 single or 1 dbl/queen)​
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House can accommodate up to 8 guests with 2 in each room
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Recycled Cabins each include 1 shared bedroom and one shared bathroom : $2500/ person
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​Shared double-occupancy cabin​ (single or dbl/queen)
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Each cabin can accommodate a maximum of 2 guests​
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Option to book this as a private cabin with queen bed and private bath for $3500​
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​Country Cottage includes 2 private bedrooms, 1 shared bathroom : $3200/ person
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Private single-occupancy with queen bed
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Cottage can accommodate up to 2 guests with one in each room​
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*Note that package does not include airfare, spa treatments, additional eco-excursions or any required outside transportation. Trip insurance is strongly recommended and an agent will be provided to you.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:30 Morning Practice
9:00 Breakfast
10-1:00 Guided local excursion
1:00 - Lunch
Free time (sauna/pool/hammocks)
4:00 - Afternoon Practice
6:30 - Dinner
8-9 - Evening program
(dharma talk, nidra, restorative, bonfire)