Release The Wild Within
Safari & Yoga Retreat
July 28 - August 3, 2024
Join us for 7 days and 6 nights of adventure in arguably one of the most stunning nature locations in South Africa: Hoedspruit, located in the Greater Kruger National Park region.
The laid back atmosphere and surrounding bushveld of Rafiki Bush Lodge makes this the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and our daily lives. It’s the perfect way to spend your bush holiday. The Rafiki Bush Lodge is located right in the heart of the Greater Kruger area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the South African bush.
Rafiki Bush Lodge is located within a private wildlife estate in Hoedspruit and is home to all the usual suspects: wildlife, beautiful sunsets, majestic mountain views, and rare sightings of leopards. Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili - and that's how you’ll be treated.
Imagine - waking up to the sounds and smells of the African bush and watching the big red African sun slowly rise above the horizon. Enjoying an outdoor yoga practice that will guide you to connect deeply to your true nature and that of the surrounding wildlife. Then journey via game vehicle into the bush with expert safari guides and trackers who will teach you about zebras, elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, birds of prey and much more. You’ll hear stories from the local residents. You’ll go on walking safaris through the bush, eat picnics under the shade of acacia trees, swim in the pool, relax on the sun deck, enjoy sundowners while watching impala run across the plains, sing around the campfire, and leave your everyday life far, far behind.
If you've always dreamed of going to Africa, experiencing the culture and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the natural world - here is your chance to make those dreams a reality.
This is a special curated intimate trip only available to no more than 8 participants. So if you're interested, SAVE your spot today!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
6 nights/7 days in luxury accommodations
Transfers between Hoedspruit Airport and the Retreat Center
Daily Breakfasts
Mid-Day Snacks
Nightly Dinners
Daily yoga classes
Daily Guided Game Drives (1-2 per day)
Sundowners
Campfires
Pool
Free use of yoga equipment (mats & blocks)
Free use of bikes
Unlimited Internet
Laundry Service
Daily Housekeeping
Support throughout the Retreat
Surprise Gifts!
YOGA CLASSES:
Each yoga class will be customized for active recovery. Classes will be taught for all levels. Keri will provide modifications for beginning yogis and also opportunities for advanced practitioners to grow their practice. Even if you have never practiced yoga, you will find these sessions fun, energizing, and reviving.
SAMPLE DAILY ITINERARY
6AM to 9AM - Game Drive
9AM to 10AM - Brunch
10AM to 1:00PM - Free Time
1PM to 2PM - Vinyasa Flow
2:30PM - Midday Snack
3PM to 6:30PM - Game Drive & Sundowners
7PM to 8PM - Dinner / Braii (campfire!)
RETREAT RATES:
Price Includes:
6 nights/7 days lodging at Rafiki Bush Lodge, transfers, daily breakfasts and dinners, mid-day snack, yoga classes, guided game drives, retreat swag, laundry facilities, & unlimited Internet access.
Not Included:
Airfare to Cape Town/Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, additional hotel nights pre and post retreat, alcoholic beverages, other activities, gratuities, taxes and fees.
REGISTRATION FEES:
King Room
$3,900 - Single Occupancy
$6,200 - Double Occupancy
Queen Room
$3,500 - Single Occupancy
$5,400 - Double Occupancy
Twin Room
$3,200 - Single Occupancy
$5,200 - Double Occupancy
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH ONLY A $1,000 DEPOSIT!
*Inquire about flights and travel insurance by emailing jen@jennymactravel.com
*Inquire about an optional pre-retreat Cape Town add-on by emailing jen@jennymactravel.com
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All fees associated with Release the Wild Within are non-refundable. This includes but is not limited to registration fees, booking fees, administrative fees, and any other charges incurred. Once payment is made, it is considered final and non-negotiable. Refunds will not be issued for any reason, including but not limited to cancellation or no-shows.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for all attendees involved in Release the Wild Within. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to procure adequate travel insurance coverage for the duration of their involvement in the retreat. This insurance should cover, but not be limited to, trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Failure to provide proof of valid travel insurance may result in denial of attendance at Release the Wild Within. We strongly recommend that attendees thoroughly review their insurance policies to ensure they meet their individual needs and circumstances.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
JEN McVeay is our resident safari expert and owner of JennyMac Travel Adventures! She has spent the last six years traveling to South Africa every chance she gets, to pursue her hobby as a wildlife photographer. Her passion is travel, and she has managed to combine her jobs as an event director and travel agent with her obsession for wildlife… When not traveling, Jen lives in Kailua, Hawaii, along with her 15 year old blind dog, Toby.
KERI Mandell is the owner and founder of emPOWERyoga. Keri is a 500 hour RYT and a Running, Triathlon, & CrossFit coach. Keri’s high energy and go get ‘em attitude is infectious and challenges her students to want to do and be their best. Keri’s classes are fun, energizing, and empowering!
QUESTIONS?
Please contact jen@jennymactravel.com or keri@empoweryoganj.com
“A Safari is not just a journey, but an awakening of the senses.”
LUXURY YOGA & FITNESS RETREAT- ITALY
“Relax & Reset”
June 1-8, 2024
SOLD OUT
Have you ever dreamed of living in an Italian Villa? Now is your chance. Join us for 7 nights in the beautiful Italian Countryside at Oliveto Estates located on a secluded hilltop in the Le Marche region of Italy; voted the world's 2nd best region to travel worldwide. Relax and reset on this 9 acre estate while enjoying views of rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and the Adriatic sea.
Oliveto Estate includes two Villas - Villa Olivo and Villa Oliveto that can accommodate 18 guests. The villas were designed with luxury in mind, each with their own garden, gym, swimming pool, along with spacious indoor/outdoor living areas. The Villa’s are connected via their gardens with a state of the art yoga studio overlooking olive groves nestled in between.
Enjoy numerous planned excursions to immerse yourself in the magic of Italy, along with functional fitness classes, yoga classes (all levels welcome), and lots of fun. This carefully curated retreat has been designed to focus on your wellbeing and how to best create a more balanced lifestyle with small steps that make a significant difference.
Come and enjoy the beauty that Italy and Olivito Estates have to offer. Take in this incredible experience with its clean, quiet beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges and charming historic towns untouched by tourism.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
Keri Mandell
Keri is the owner and founder of emPOWERyoga. Keri is a 500 hour RYT and a Running, Triathlon, & CrossFit coach. Keri’s high energy and go get ‘em attitude is infectious and challenges her students to want to do & be their best. Keri’s classes are fun, challenging, and are sure to make you sweat.
Dan Mandell
Dan is the co-owner of emPOWERyoga. Dan is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and a CrossFit coach. With over 20 Years of experience designing fitness programs, Dan specializes in modifying strength programs for people of all abilities and those with injuries that limit performance. You can expect challenging & fun fitness classes that encourage camaraderie amongst participants.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
7-nights in luxury accommodations
Daily Continental Breakfast
Daily Brunch
5 Dinners
Transfers to and from the dinners out
Daily yoga classes
Daily fitness classes
Sound Healing Experience
Paddle Boarding Adventure
Guided Hiking Tour
Guiding E-Bike Tour
Pasta Making Class
Free use of Spa facilities (sauna, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness center)
Free use of yoga equipment (mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets)
Surprise Gift
YOGA CLASSES:
Each yoga class will be customized for active recovery. Classes will be taught for all levels. Keri will provide modifications for beginning yogis and also opportunities for advanced practitioners to grow their practice. Even if you have never practiced yoga, you will find these sessions energizing and empowering!
FITNESS CLASSES:
Each workout will be fun and easily accessible for all fitness levels.
EXCURSIONS & TOURS:
You will have your afternoons and evenings to spend as you wish! Lounge at the pool, walk into town, head to the beach, taste wine, pick olives, make pizza... your options are endless!
TRAVEL:
Le Marche does not have an airport, but can be accessed through the following airports:
Ancona Airport – 40 minute drive
Pescara Airport – 1 hour 35 minute drive
Rimini Airport -1 hour 30 minute drive
Bologna Airport – 2 hour 30 minute drive
Rome Airport – 3 hour drive
OPTIONAL TRANSFER ADD ON- INFO & PRICING COMING SOON
Transfers to and from the Villa are not included.
We will be offering group and private transfers from Ancona Airport, which has convenient daily flights to and from both London, England and Munich, Germany.
We are also finalizing details for a pre-retreat stay in Munich or London with transfers to give you more options to explore Europe.
Please note: There are direct flights to London and Munich from Newark, Philly, and JFK.
RETREAT RATES:
Price Includes:
7 nights lodging at OLIVITO ESTATES, daily continental breakfast, brunch daily, 5 dinners, transfers to the 2 dinners out, yoga classes, fitness classes, Guided Island Hiking Tour, Guided E Bike Tour, Paddle Boarding, Pasta Making Class, Unlimited Internet access, & taxes and fees.
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare, transfers to and from the airport, additional nights in a hotel, alcoholic or specialty beverages, other activities, two off site meals, & tourist tax.
REGISTRATION:
PLEASE NOTE: All rooms are double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with someone of the same gender.
PAST RETREAT GUEST PRICING: SAVE $250
Double Occupancy
$3450 pp
EARLY BIRD SAVE $200
Double Occupancy
$3500 pp
STANDARD PRICING:
(Rates valid after 8/1/23)
Double Occupancy
$3700 pp
OPTIONAL TRANSFER ADD ON:
Email us of info and to arrange.
BOOKING:
You can sign up with a $250 non-refundable deposit or by paying in full via VENMO.
*NOTE- You can use a CC on Venmo!
50% is due by 11/1/23
Remaining balance is due 2/1/24
**Must Pay In Full for the Optional Transfer Add On on 11/1/23 when the 50% balance is due.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To sign up for this retreat, a non-refundable and non-transferable US $250 deposit is required. Your deposit is applied toward your retreat rate. Fifty percent is due on November 1, 2023. The remaining balance is due February 1, 2024. Payment plan available upon request. ALL payments are non-refundable. Therefore, Trip Insurance is REQUIRED. You can purchase trip insurance through Travel Insured, World Nomads, or the company of your choice. Purchase your trip insurance at the time of deposit. Please note that if you do not buy trip insurance and cannot attend for ANY reason, you will forfeit the cost of your trip.
Early Bird Prices apply when your deposit is received before August 1, 2023. Standard Retreat Prices apply when your deposit is received after August 1, 2023.
If you’re a past guest of one of our retreats, enjoy $250 off any time.
Find Full Terms and Conditions HERE.
ONCE YOU REGISTER:
Join our Retreat Travel FB group for all up to the minute information and trip details!
After booking, please complete the trip registration form HERE!
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Keri at keri@empoweryoganj.com
