A Wealth of Culture
Itinerary
Day 1:
Escape
to Paradise
Welcome to paradise! The Belizean sun embraces you with open arms as you step off the plane and away from stress. As you exit the airport, our private transport will greet you and get you situated to enjoy the scenic drive to our accommodations in Hopkins. When you arrive your host, Meenasha, will welcome you a smile, warm embrace, and fresh fruit before helping you settle into your room. After getting to know each other a bit, we head to nearby Maya Center Village for our first activity.
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Our hosts at Maya Center are Mrs. Aurora and Mr. Ernesto, who will share with us a sacred cleansing ceremony passed down from their Maya ancestors. This is your opportunity to fully release any stresses you might have brought with your from home, and set intentions for our time together during the retreat. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Mayan dishes together and an opportunity to connect. Unwind from the day and exchange stories with the other Queens on the retreat as well as our hosts.
Finally, it’s time to head back to Harada Inn where Meenasha will lead you through a relaxing Yoga Nidra practice. You'll head to bed feeling revitalized, refreshed and ready to continue this transformative adventure.
Your first morning in Belize invites you to embrace the luxury of prioritizing your spirit with a serene breathwork and meditation practice, set to the gentle sounds of the Caribbean landscape. Enjoy Ayurvedic tea as you dedicate time to journal and reflect on the journey that led you here.
After breakfast, our group will be transported to Che'il Maya Chocolate where Mr. Julio and his team give you a tour of their cacao farm, sharing their traditional chocolate making methods, passed down for generations. Following your cacao experience, Mrs. Heliadora welcomes you into her kitchen to give you an unforgettable cooking lesson, teaching you how to make Mayan caldo with fresh local ingredients.
This hands-on experience teaches you how the Maya make the most of what nature offers to nourish their bodies as well as their soul. After lunch with our new friends, we'll take a short walk back to Nuuk Che'il Cottages. Mrs. Aurora will then guide you through the garden, sharing the wisdom inherited from her ancestors and all of the healing properties available in nature. Using your newfound knowledge, Mrs. Aurora will walk you through how to make your very own herbal medicine using ingredients from the garden.
Afterwards, you'll have a chance to shop the myriad of items Mrs. Aurora creates to heal body and mind in her shop. Want to do some more shopping? To conclude our day in Maya Center, you'll pass by the village gift shop, run by the Maya Centre Women's Group. Later, to prepare for a restorative night’s rest, we'll enjoy another relaxing yoga practice.
Day 2:
Explore life in Maya Centre
Day 3:
Step into Garifuna Heritage
Buiti binafi (That's 'Good Morning! in Garfina) As the sun paints the sky in hues of dawn, center yourself with our breathwork and meditation practice before journaling as you enjoy your immunity-boosting tea. Enjoy time with self as you prepare for the day ahead. Today, our adventure leads to Kalipuna Island on the northern end of Hopkins for you to learn about another prominent culture of the area - Garifuna.
Breakfast is a full-body experience as you are welcomed at Semeti Giffiti by the sound of drumming and waves crashing. Ms. D will whip up a traditional breakfast to introduce you - and your stomach - to the Garifuna people. Finishing breakfast, let the music move you as new friends offer a short dancing lesson that will come in handy later! Bask in the enchantment of the shoreline, or dip your feet in the Caribbean Sea before continuing to the day’s main event - Palmento Grove at Kalipuna Island.
Ms. Uwahnie is excited to greet you as you approach the shoreline and invites you to step into the life of the Garifuna people. This is a full day of cultural immersion, where you'll learn the history, culture and traditions of the Garinagu. The experience begins by changing into traditional dress, then feel the rhythm move you during your drumming lesson, pick your own coconut for a refreshing drink, hear the history of the Garifuna from Mr. Eugene, explore their healing herb garden and finally, prepare a traditional meal from scratch. Now that your belly and heart are full, it’s time to fill your spirit.
Ms. Uwahnie will then guide you on a meditative kayak tour of the lagoon at sunset. Connect to nature and listen as our local host shares about the importance of water for her, and the Garifuna people as a whole. Your day at Palmento Grove concludes with a healing Sea Bath, a sacred cleansing tradition. After your day at Palmento Grove, you’ll be able to grab dinner in the village, then join your host for Golden Milk as you share your favorite moments from the retreat thus far.
Day four of our adventure invites you to prioritize rest, sleeping in if you so choose. Once you wake up, Meenasha invites you to join her for an energizing yoga class to get your day started. After working up an appetite, head into the village for breakfast with the group.
Now that one hunger has been satisfied, it's time to satisfy your hunger for adventure. You're now free to explore Hopkins village…what will you do…Rent a bike and tour the village? Grab a book and read on the beach? Jump into the sea for a swim? The choice is yours! Of course, Meenasha will be available to support and guide your last full day in Belize.
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Reconvene with the group for a special closing dinner by one of the best chefs in the village. Before packing your bags, you’re invited to participate in a Gratitude Circle, the perfect culmination to your time in Belize. Take advantage of the power of gratitude, appreciating the experiences that led you to this moment.
Day 4:
Relax &
Reflect
Day 5:
Sunrise
Farewell
Indulge in one of the greatest sunrises you’ll ever see with a peaceful meditation on your last morning in Hopkins. Sip one last cup of Ayurvedic tea as you spend time with your journal.
Savor the flavors of Belize during your final breakfast with the group, reflecting on the enriching journey shared, memories made and new friends in Belize and beyond. As you prepare your baggage, carry with you the energy of renewal you gained throughout the retreat.
Enjoy the scenery as you make your way back to Belize International Airport. You'll be leaving Belize with a new appreciation of culture, tradition, heritage and spirituality. Each moment of the retreat has been a step towards connecting to Belize - and yourself.
As you board your flight home, the essence of Hopkins, Maya Center, and all of Belize remains with you, supporting you as you continue on your individual journey towards healing and transformation.