OVERVIEW
Discover the Galapagos via Semilla Verde’s intimate and lush 12 acre private retreat where endemic Giant Tortoises roam freely and walking paths abound. This once in a lifetime trip is land based to allow for a daily yoga practice and maximum exploration. Trips to the must-do Galapagos sites such a Bartolomé and South Plazas are included as well as kayaking on secluded bays and an on-site certified Galapagos Naturalist.
Swim with sea lions and sharks, spot Galapagos penguins and flamingos, marine iguanas and Blue Footed Boobies; this one of a kind UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the perfect melding of yoga and an unblemished example of a wild and natural world.
Accommodation Options:
Each guest room has its own unique touches. Some rooms look out over the canopy and some face the Tortoise Pond. All rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and amenities.
Triples and quads can also be accommodated. Please contact The Travel Yogi for special rates.
ITINERARY
This amazing Galapagos experience includes all of the nature excursions listed (under Included) as well the expertise of a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide. Please note that weather does play a part in some of the excursions; yogi flexibility is always appreciated.
Ocean of Love Retreat 2013 - Ashley Turner
July 27 - Aug 3, 2013
Let the majesty and grandeur of the Galapagos inspire your heart to blast wide open. This land of infinite potential is a reminder of our divine origin and a direct link back to the heart of yoga. Ashley brings the best of yoga, spirituality and modern psychology, blending mystical and practical tools to help you evolve into the most loving version of yourself.
Each invigorating class is woven with myth, magic and the golden threads of the "Hridaya Sutra" or "Heart Sutra". Build healthier relationship and communication skills amidst the world's most glorious backdrop. A once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Revitalizing Vinyasa & Yin Yoga Retreat 2013 - Julie Rader
Oct 12-19, 2013
Refill your cup with the healing essence of the Galapagos islands. Each day will include yoga and an enchanting adventure on the islands. You will re-energize and restore with Vinyasa flow and Yin Yoga daily. During this magical week you will swim/snorkel, kayak, frolic on private beaches, star gaze, befriend the local tortoises and much more. Join Julie for the trip of a lifetime!
Great Galapagos Getaway & Retreat 2013 - Jenniferlyn Chiemingo
Oct 19-26, 2013
Join JL on the Yoga Adventure of a lifetime! Head to the exotic and grand Galapagos to
personally experience a connection with nature and your best self. You’ll enjoy powerful flowing yoga in the mornings, luxurious restorative yoga in the evenings and animal adventures in-between. We’ll stay on an intimate and lush 12 acre private yoga retreat and soak up this is a once in a lifetime dream-trip-that-you-cannot-miss.
Sample Day For All Retreat Weeks:
6.00 - Sunrise Yoga Session
7.30 - Full Group Breakfast
8.30 - Day trip to South Plazas Island with Galapagos Naturalist Guide
16.00 - Return and Unwind
17.00 - Sunset Yoga
19.00 - Dinner
20.00 - Evening Fire Circle
Spa treatments are also available via Chi Spa Galapagos.
INCLUDED
What's Included:
- Accommodation on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
- Yoga most days (at teacher's discretion on cruising adventure days)
- Three meals a day
- Naturalist accompanied visit to the Charles Darwin Station
- Naturalist accompanied day trips to Bartolomé, South Plazas and North Seymour Islands
- Snorkeling and swimming on all day excursions
- Two dinners in Puerto Ayora
- Naturalist accompanied Highland Tour (pit craters, lava tunnels and cloud forest and wild tortoises)
- Sunrise Yoga/meditation on the beach followed by a beach breakfast
- Kayaking on Tortuga Bay
- 12 acres of private walking paths to explore (wild Giant Tortoises roam the property)
- Evening fire pit and unlimited southern hemisphere star gazing
- Transfers to and from the airport (on arrival and departure days only)
What's Not Included:
- Flights to Baltra, Ecuador (GPS)
- $10US SICGAL inspection and migration card
- $100US Galapagos National Park entrance fee (cash only)
- Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
TEACHERS
Elevating personal growth as a lifestyle, Ashley Turner, M.A, MFTI is a Yoga-Meditation Teacher and Mind-Body Psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Monica.
She is an ordained Priestess, motivational speaker, coach and author. As the Artist–in-Residence at Montage Laguna in Laguna Beach, CA and creator of several best-selling yoga dvds, Ashley is a passionate voice in the synthesis of ancient traditions and modern medicine. Her first book, Aroma Yoga: A Guide to Essential Oils + Yoga was published in Sept. 2011. For more information about Ashley, please visit her website.
Refill your cup with the healing essence of the Galapagos islands.
Julie first discovered meditation as a teenager as a tool to enhance her gymnastics performances. She continued to study the power of the mind body connection through college and graduate school. Julie uses yoga, visualization and yoga nidra to help professional athletes reach their highest potential. She works with professional volleyball players, soccer players, basketball players, and snowboarders.
After four years of yoga studio management, Julie decided to turn her focus back to teaching. Julie founded the Mukti Yoga Teacher Training School in 2004 and created unique 50-hour, 100-hour, and 150-hour modules. The modules allow trainees to customize the teacher training experience based on the path they would like their teaching career to take. Mukti Yoga encourages students to have their feet rooted on the ground and their head dreaming in the clouds.
JENNIFERLYN CHIEMINGO Oct 19-26, 2013
To energize, renew and free are words that describe Jenniferlyn’s (known to her 100s of students as “JL”) method of yoga practice. When you step away from JL’s Vinyasa class, you will always feel that you are entering into a better world. You will find her classes both challenging and spiritual.
In 2002, overcome by the power and benefits of yoga, JL decided to move her career from the newsroom to the yoga mat. After completing more than 200 hours of training, JL started her career guiding new moms through pre and postnatal yoga and helping cancer patients heal through yoga, meditation and pranayama.
Continuing her training with Shiva Rea in 2005 and 2007, JL embraced Vinyasa yoga. Through Vinyasa, she learned linking the breath with movement is powerful, energizing and cleansing. JL’s own Vinyasa style has evolved from amazing teachers like Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Ana Forrest and Dharma Mittra.
With more than 10 years of teaching JL has a devoted following in Seattle and through her writing. Connect with JL on Facebook, Twitter or via her website.
ANNIE CARPENTER Nov 2-9, 2013 **Sold Out**
Known as a “teachers’ teacher,” Annie’s yoga classes have evolved into an intelligent, organic SmartFLOW, marrying juicy movement with rigorous discipline.
Annie believes that practicing yoga provides “points of dharana” — gateways to inner stillness and compassion. Annie leads public classes, in-depth workshops and SmartFLOW teacher trainings (200 and 300/500) at Exhale Center for Sacred Movement in Venice, CA. She is the author of “RelaxDEEPLY”, a CD of restorative yoga, and “ Yoga for Total Back Care” a DVD produced by Yoga Journal, and is a contributing editor for Yoga Journal.
When practicing with Annie, expect intensity, honesty, laughter and love.
JENNIFER PASTILOFF Nov 23-30, 2013 **Sold Out**
Jennifer, a vinyasa flow teacher and poet, is the creator of “Manifestation Yoga”: Causing Breakthroughs In Your Life Through Your Asana Practice. She is also an ambassador of Lululemon Beverly Hills and Manduka.
In her classes, she combines her love of words and poetry, music, and the healing arts. Classes are challenging, yet completely personal. The MOST important part of Jen’s class is having a sense of humor. Her rule of “if you fall you must laugh” is strongly enforced (she will tickle you if you disobey).
Yoga helped Jennifer transform her life, and she invites you to do the same and have some fun whilst doing so! Her classes are strong and filled with arm balances, inversions and music. She leads workshops and retreats worldwide, including Yoga + Wine Retreats to Ojai and Tuscany, Italy, Mexico, Bali and Maui and writes for LA Yoga, Elephant Journal and MindBodyGreen.
She also teaches free yoga to kids with special needs, after being inspired by her nephew Blaise age 4, who has Prader Willi Syndrome & PDD-NOS.
FAQs
What airport do I fly into?
You will be traveling Baltra (GPS) in the Galapagos. Many flight schedules require an overnight in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations on hotels in Guayaquil.
Do I need a passport/visa?
US citizens will need a valid passport to visit Ecuador, but no visa is required at this time. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Ecuador reserves the right to refuse entry if passports expire before the 6 month mark.
Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.
What wildlife should I expect to see?
Animal sightings are never guaranteed, but then again, this is Galapagos. Expect to share dining space in town with marine iguanas and sea lions. Frigate birds, penguins, blue-footed boobies, sharks and pelicans should all be on your checklist. Giant tortoises roam freely in the highlands and will certainly be at Semilla Verde around the month of November and are always at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
What is the electrical currency/outlet in Ecuador?
Ecuador uses the same plug and currency as the US (110-120V). Some plugs will not accept the third 'grounding' pin so a back-up adapter is recommended.
Is there internet access on property?
Yes, Semilla Verde does have wifi on property that can be accessed in the rooms or communal spaces. Please note that the signal may occasionally drop and that email and Skype are possible but large files or pictures won't work.
Can I drink the water?
Fresh and filtered water is available in multiple locations and fresh water and juices will be available at meal times. The water out of the tap is not suitable to drink.
Do I need to bring my own mat, blocks, straps, etc?
Semilla Verde is fully stocked with Manduka mats and blocks and YogiToes straps. If you are attached to your mat and accessories, feel free to take them, but they are not necessary on this adventure.
Should I book any other activities/massages ahead of time?
This trip is fully itinerized leaving only minimal time unscheduled. There is so much to see on the islands so please plan on full days of adventure, animal sightings and beautiful star filled skies. We recommend that you schedule massages 24hrs in advance, but allow for a little quiet time for yourself or for strolling on the grounds. Listening to nature is almost more fun than seeing it!
What do I need to bring?
You will need a good sturdy pair of walking shoes as well as a pair of shoes that can go from water to land (i.e., Tevas or the like). The topography of the islands is varying and you'll want sturdy shoes for the time spent in the highlands. Bring your yoga clothes, casual wear, a swim suit and plenty of charge on your camera.
Do I need travel insurance?
This trip is a big investment of time, energy, imagination and funds. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance in the event that an unforeseen situation arises. You will also want to know that you are covered medically if a penguin bites off a finger (kidding!!).
What is the weather on the islands?
June to November is known as the garua season. Water temperatures are in the low 70*s and fog is typical in the mornings. Generally this cloud cover burns off (think 'June Gloom') and the sun is still warm. Rains are also typical during this time of year.
December to May is considered the 'warm' season with ocean temperatures in the high 70*s, hot day temperatures and little to no wind. Strong rain storms can blow in and out during this time of year.
Regardless of the time of year, the highland location of Semilla Verde offer fewer bugs, cooler temperatures and a quiet to the bustle of town.
BOOK NOW
Ocean of Love Galapagos Retreat with Ashley Turner July 27- Aug 3, 2013
Accommodation Options:
Garden View (downstairs): Sold Out
Plantation View (downstairs): $2995 **only 1 female roommate spot left**
Tortoise Pond (upstairs): $3195
Forest View (upstairs): $3295Ocean View (top floor): Sold Out
Revitalizing Vinyasa & Yin Yoga Galapagos with Julie Radar Oct 12-19, 2013
Accommodation Options:
Garden View (downstairs): $2995
Plantation View (downstairs): $2995
Tortoise Pond (upstairs): $3195
Forest View (upstairs): $3295
Ocean View (top floor): $3395
Great Galapagos Getaway & Retreat with JL Chiemingo Oct 19-26, 2013 **Sold Out**
Accommodation Options: Garden View (downstairs): Sold OutPlantation View (downstairs): Sold OutTortoise Pond (upstairs): Sold OutForest View (upstairs): Sold OutOcean View (top floor): Sold Out
Galapagos Yoga Retreat with Annie Carpenter Nov 2-9, 2013 **Sold Out**
Accommodation Options: Garden View (downstairs): Sold OutPlantation View (downstairs): Sold OutTortoise Pond (upstairs): Sold OutForest View (upstairs): Sold OutOcean View (top floor): Sold Out
Thanksgiving Manifestation Yoga® Retreat with Jen Pastiloff Nov 23-30, 2013 **Sold Out**
Accommodation Options: Garden View (downstairs): Sold OutPlantation View (downstairs): Sold OutTortoise Pond (upstairs): Sold OutForest View (upstairs): Sold OutOcean View (top floor): Sold Out
