Adventure to Azores with Caroline and Checka
WHEN: September 29* - October 5, 2018
(*overnight flight from Boston departs on September 28)

WOW. Looking for a yoga getaway that's exciting and rejuvenating, otherworldly but easy to reach? We have the perfect spot to share! Quinta Minuvida Orchard Lodge is a beautiful retreat center on São Miguel Island, the largest of the stunning volcanic Azores islands located in the North Atlantic, 900 miles west of Portugal and about 3,000 miles due east of Richmond, VA. The Azores are a hidden gem where the beauty of nature and warmth of the people embrace you at every turn. 

Caroline and Checka were honored to bring the first full group of yogis to Quinta Minuvida in early 2017, and we were all smitten with our amazing and knowledgeable hosts Rimi and João, the thoughtful touches that make the Quinta a home away from home, the scrumptious fresh local food, and of course the uniquely stunning beauty of the island. Quinta Minuvida has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the yoga and travel world, and we are thrilled to be returning for this prime week in late Azorian summer!

And one of the best parts about this trip?? The affordable direct flights from Boston - you'll be in paradise in under six hours!

This will be a magical journey. Rimi and João describe the Azores as "unexpected...sometimes you think you are sitting on the lush volcanic cliffs of Hawaii. Sometimes it seems you just descended on the Irish countryside. Our white-washed towns could be at home in Tuscany. It's Europe meets the tropics." 

Yogis traveling from Boston will leave on Friday night (SEPTEMBER 28) and arrive at Minuvida for a nap followed by lunch on Saturday. Our six-night, seven-day retreat will be chock full of yoga classes with Caroline and Checka (two practices on most days). Also included in your retreat price are two excursions to some of the most beautiful corners of the island, one of which will be curated and guided by Rimi and João themselves - SUCH an amazing experience, we guarantee! Hiking and hot spring soaking will be featured. You will also have several free afternoons for additional excursions if you choose - canyoning, waterfall hiking, and surfing to name a few options. And of course there will be time to just chill. Take a swim in the Quinta's pool, relax in the hammock or rest in your Orchard Lodge suite - each one gorgeous and unique. Enjoy views of mountains, ocean and orchards from Minuvida's observatory tower, and eat bananas and guavas right from the tree. Take a walk or bike ride to the sea and soak in the waves, where the ocean temps will will be at their warmest of the whole year!

All meals (three per day) are included in your retreat price aside from two lunches, in order to give you a chance to explore the many local options where you can choose something delicious for about 10 euros. The food in the Azores is amazing, from the incredible cooking at Quinta Minuvida, to our beautiful excursion day lunches from Maria Picnic, to three dinners out at select restaurants nearby. 

Transportation is INCLUDED for: *airport transfers, two full-group excursions, and three dinners out.

(*Airport transfers are included for those traveling on the recommended Azores Airlines flight between Boston and Ponta Delgada - or those with similar arrival and departure times. If you have a different schedule, we can help you to arrange taxi service to and from the airport for about 30 euros each way).

We would love to hear any of your questions if you are interested in joining us - we are SO excited about this! After you register, we will be in touch to advise you on when to purchase your flight via Azores Airlines -  https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en/home.

Please visit the retreat center's web site, http://www.minuvida.com, for a wealth of info about all that awaits you in this special place. This is an experience that will enrich you with beautiful memories and friendships to cherish long beyond the flight home. Adventure, here we come!

COST:

Space is limited to 16 yogis and prices are as follows:

• SHARED SUITE (with Private Bath): $1675 through June 30/ $1825 after
  (3-4 people in separate beds or 2 people in double bed*(space limited please inquire)
   
• PRIVATE SUITE (Private Room and Bath) - $2175 through June 30/$2325 after

Additional costs are limited to: air travel, optional excursions (~$65 per excursion), taxis to optional excursions, trips into town.

We would love to hear any of your questions if you are interested in joining us - we are SO excited about this! After you register, Caroline and Checka will be in touch to advise you on when to purchase your flight (via https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en/home only).

Please visit the retreat center's web site, http://www.minuvida.com, for a wealth of info about all that awaits you in this special place. Adventure, here we come!

REGISTER:

($500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, with remainder of payment due July 1)

1. Pay By Check (preferred). Email to reserve spot and then mail check to: The Yoga Tree, 90 Washington St. Haverhill, MA 01830

2. Pay by Credit Card Here: 

Savor the last days of summer on Block Island! This is one of our most popular retreats of the year, and for good reason. If you are searching for a unique yoga weekend getaway in one of New England’s sweetest spots, look no further! Block Island is a stunning island 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, easily accessible by ferry. A leader in conservation, it is chock full of nature and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Visitors can venture out on a gorgeous hike or bike ride (bring your own or rent a bike or moped on island), bask in sun and stillness on one of the many pristine beaches, or peruse the downtown shops and eateries. Taxis are also readily available if you would like to explore the island’s further reaches. The mellow pace and warm hospitality of Block Island will embrace you the moment you arrive, and you will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Be prepared to want to come back again and again!

SCHEDULE
The retreat will begin on Sunday, September 9th. Our first yoga class will be held at St. Andrew’s Parish Center at 3:30 pm, after which will reconvene for a group welcome dinner at a yummy local spot. Non-practicing friends or partners are most welcome to join us for dinner! On Monday, we will practice at 7:30 am and then gather for a delicious and hearty brunch buffet included in your stay with Block Island Resorts. The day is yours to fill with whatever your heart desires. We will reconvene for 4:30 pm practice and you can choose from many appealing downtown options for dinner on your own or with a group. We will awake to our last 7:30 am practice and brunch on Tuesday before making our way home.

ACCOMMODATIONS
We are partnering with Block Island Resorts for accommodations; all of their lovely cottages are within walking distance of the downtown, our yoga space, and the 1661 Inn where everyone will check in and gather for brunch on Monday and Tuesday. You are responsible for booking your own accommodations, and rooms are first come first served. Rates range from $125 to $175/night plus tax. The Guest House has rooms with shared bathrooms for $125/night. Dewey Cottage, Dodge House and Anchor House all have rooms with private bathrooms for either $150/night or $175/night. Dewey Cottage is a slightly longer walk (about 1/2 mile) from our yoga and brunch space than the other cottages. (You could always splurge on a room at the 1661 Inn itself, or one of the brand new Mitchell or Nicholas Ball Cottages, but these will not be in the quoted price range). There are only a few rooms with two beds so we suggest reserving right away if that is a priority! You can also bring a sleeping bag or air mattress but be sure to reserve a room that is big enough to accommodate it. Check-in is at 2:00 pm but the 1661 Inn will hold your bags for you should you arrive earlier. It is best to check out all of the properties here, and then call 800-626-4773 to make your reservation. They are super friendly and will answer any questions you have!

FERRY
September is still a popular time to travel to Block Island, so it’s best to book your spot ahead of time. We suggest the traditional or high-speed ferry from Point Judith. You can find all general info, including additional fees to bring a bicycle or a car (which is NOT required) here: http://www.blockislandferry.com/. Additionally, here is the direct link to book a different day round trip passenger ticket: https://ticketing.blockislandferry.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=1&C=4.

Notes: 1) Cars are allowed only on the traditional, not high-speed, ferry. 2) Be sure to arrive on the island in time to check in at the 1661 Inn, settle into your cottage, maybe grab a bite to eat, and walk to our 3:30 class. Most folks have taken the 9:00 or 11:00 am ferry in past years.

PARKING
There are several overnight parking lots near the ferry in Point Judith; cost will be around $10/day to leave your car there.

YOU WANT TO COME! NOW WHAT?:

1) Make your two-night lodging reservation with Block Island Resorts.
2) Make your ferry reservation arriving Sunday 9/9 and departing Tuesday 9/11.
3) *Click here to pay retreat fee ($240 by June 30; $285 after), which includes Sunday night welcome dinner.
4) *If applicable, click here to pay $40 welcome dinner fee for friend or partner traveling with you to Block Island.

*Personal checks accepted as well; please email info@yogawayretreats.com to arrange.