Yoga, Meditation, Hiking, Healthy Cuisine, Periods of Silence, Intimate Group Size
8th Annual
ALOHA SPIRIT YOGA & WELLNESS RETREAT
Yoga & Meditation | Hiking & Cuisine | Periods of Noble Silence
CAPTAIN COOK, BIG ISLAND
Dec. 9-14, 2023
This yoga and meditation wellness retreat is an invitation to immerse ourselves in the healing spirit of Aloha, be inspired by the natural beauty and return to the sacredness of who we are when distractions drop away.
Highlights:
This will be a highly personalized, semi-private retreat with an intimate group size. All activities and yoga practices will be optional.
“Aloha” means “presence of breath” or “breath of life.” The ancient Hawaiians likened the ability to live the spirit of Aloha with attaining spiritual enlightenment. It’s even written into the Hawaiian Statutes: “All citizens and government officials of Hawai`i are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law….‘Aloha Spirit’ is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others... in the contemplation and presence of the life force....”
RETREAT LOCATION IN CAPTAIN COOK & KEALAKEKUA BAY
Kealakekua Bay, with its vibrant coral reefs and crystalline waters, is one of Hawaii's best kept secrets for snorkeling and kayaking. Located only 17 miles south of Kailua-Kona, it is also known for its historical significance as the first European landing site in Hawaii, in 1779, as well as the site of interactions between the two cultures and untimely death of English Explorer, Captain James Cook.
From Palemano Point to Cook Point, Kealakekua Bay is the largest natural bay on the Big Island. Its waters were designated a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969 due to its abundance and diversity of marine life.
Kealakekua Bay, the site of the Captain Cook monument, is not accessible by car. But it is possible to hike there, which we will do on one or more days of our retreat. For non-hikers, it's also possible to arrive at Kealakekua Bay by boat or kayak.
Our home during the retreat will be a beautiful and unique 5-bedroom "pole house" with stunning views and ocean breezes nestled just above Kealakekua Bay ("Pathway of the Gods") in a quiet, peaceful, private setting surrounded by beautiful green jungle foliage within Captain Cook. At this slightly higher elevation we'll enjoy a comfortable climate and sweeping 180+ degree views from throughout the home and wrap around lanais of the ocean and coastline, Mauna Loa and Kealakekua Bay, as well as breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.
Each evening will be a special occasion to dine together in this magical home with spectacular views as the sun sets over the Pacific.
There are a variety of tropical fruits and flora grown on the property such as bananas, papayas, lemons, avocados, breadfruit, macadamia, coffee and mangos, all of which we'll be free to pick and enjoy.
This beautiful treehouse-like, three-story home and nature retreat is located just minutes from an array of activities including hiking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, seasonal whale watching, swimming with dolphins and beaches like Hookena, Manini, Keei and Kealakekua Bay.
The home was built in 1988 by a physicist and his wife. As a former sailor, he and his wife had traveled to many parts of the world before chosing this spot to build their dream home where they would eventually retire. Being a physicist he was intrigued by the simplicity and structural durability of a pole house. Supported by nine thirty foot tall cedar poles imported from Washington state, this house, unlike traditionally constructed homes, has a more open floor plan allowing for more glass. The main living level perimeter is nearly all glass/view lending a sense of openness to the beautiful surroundings and sweeping views. All the structural and finish components of the house were hand-crafted on site. The property is a one acre private parcel located in the McCoy Plantation subdivision, once a coffee plantation. Much of the property is still rich with coffee plants and, at certain times of the year, the air is thick with the sweet scent of the blossom.
A car rental (or shared car rental) is recommended. For light sleepers, ear plugs are recommended due to the natural nightime sounds of the surrounding jungle.
There's one room left for the 4-night pre-retreat "add-on" in Volcanoes National Park (Dec. 4-9) where we'll be hiking daily in the park, in addition to daily yoga and meditation.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
Master Bedroom (with king bed + private ensuite bathroom + private lanai)
Double Occupancy: $2635/person
Three Smaller Bedrooms (queen bed + lanai + shared bath):
Single-Occupancy: $2635
Double-Occupancy (couple only): $2095/person
Included: Accommodations, all meals, daily yoga/meditation/breath-work
Not included: Airport and other transfers, excursions, massage and spa treatments, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, tips. A car rental or shared rental is recommended but not required.
A non-refundable $450 deposit will hold your space. Subsequent payments are also non-refundable unless we're able to fill the space. Payment schedule: 50% of the remaining balance due 3 months prior to the start of the retreat; final payment due 2 months prior to the start of the retreat.
To register, or for questions, please email Christy at christybrownyoga@gmail.com.
YOGA & HIKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Optional Add-On: Dec. 5-9
Please email Christy for details
PHOTOS FROM PAST RETREATS
See photos from some of Christy's past retreats here (scroll to bottom and click on "recent online newsletters"): https://www.christybrownyoga.com/about