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AWAKENING THE HEART
yoga & nature retreat
Santa Marta, Colombia
November 1-7, 2025
Join us at the edge of the world where snow-capped peaks give rise to wild rivers and lush jungles that feeds into the Caribbean Sea.
This sacred region is one of the most ecologically rich on the planet, home to countless species of flora and fauna found nowhere else, and protected by the Indigenous Kogi, Wiwa, and Arhuaco peoples, ancestral stewards of balance and spiritual harmony. These guardians of the land offer their wisdom to those called to enter this magical territory.
This jewel of Colombia is revered as the "Heart of the World", this sacred retreat is a return to the inner-altar
of the heart.
Our practices will be heart-focused guided by the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s Four Immeasurables of the Heart: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Together, we'll enrich these qualities of the heart through community, connection and intention. Fostered by the external wisdom of the land, "The Heart of the World", we'll turn inwards tending to our own hearts, finding healing that is both personal and collective.
Rhythm of Retreat
Each day is complemented by meditations and transformative practices, focusing on community, intention, and the exploration of the indigenous Kogi culture and wisdom. We will have the opportunity to engage in traditional ceremonies, deepening our connection to the sacred land and its rich spiritual lineage.
Sunrise will be spent in Noble Silence and meditation to cultivate inner harmony of body and mind, allowing for introspection with the vibrant jungle turquoise waters as our altar. Each morning will also be followed by a dynamic and invigorating vinyasa practice for your own embodied experience.
Evenings will be reserved for integrative and contemplative practices of Yin, Restorative and Yoga Nidra, along with the opportunity to deepen and cultivate community through energetic engagements and interpersonal healing. Evening sessions will be held in a ceremonial setting dedicated to connection, inner healing and restoration. These practices are the essence of transformation and awakening.
Home for the Week
Gitana del Mar Beach Retreat is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Colombia, South America. The resort lies at the foothills of the impressive and magical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest Coastal Mountain Range. This area is referred to as the Heart of the world, not only because of it’s geographical location, but more importantly because every single ecosystem exists and thrives in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It is here in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada, nestled under the shade of majestic coconut palms is a place where you can disconnect from the hectic world and appreciate the simpler things in life. Find harmony with mother earth as she offers up the sun, empty virgin beaches, fresh salt air and unforgettable panoramic seascapes. Gitana del Mar is a relaxing world where time moves slowly and you can reflect and appreciate all that life and nature have to give. Escape for a while to life by the sea. Feel the raw energy of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Discover peace on empty, white sand beaches. Rise with the sun over the Caribbean and fall asleep counting falling stars in the Milky Way.
"This is no ordinary retreat or vacation. It's an adventure, a place for community, a space to be, a cultural immersion, a playful delight, a delicious feast, and an awe inspiring journey that you will never forget."
Kat
This retreat will honor the lunar aspects of retreat life, emphasizing the healing virtue of water and energetic based practices for restoration of body and mind. As we bow to the lush landscape of "The Heart of the World" on retreat, we'll tend to the healing of our own inner-hearts through lunar practices of Yin, Restorative & Yoga Nidra.
In the serenity of the jungle, we'll have to opportunity to reset and reconnect. In balance, we'll salute the sun and wakeful surroundings through enlivening morning vinyasa practices, hiking, adventure & exploration, along with basking on the Caribbean shores. In our sacred time together, we'll commune under the potent full moon.
Your Retreat Experience Includes:
- 7 days & 6 nights stay in the open-air, beach front jungle bungalows
- daily yoga & meditation with Ashlyn with panoramic seascapes
- 3 gourmet meals a day made with local ingredients together for a coastal themed, fusion-style menu with Colombian, Latin and Asian flavors.
- spiritual Kogi Ceremony: Led by a Kogi Mamo (spiritual leader), a sacred cleansing of energy, body, mind & soul, and offering to the land.
- day trip to the Teiku community, and indigenous Kogi village to learn about their way of life, culture, and more.
- day hike in Tayrona National Park to pristine beaches
- Seva Project: give-back day to local school students
- access to private, untouched beach on the shores of the Caribbean Sea
- filtered water, tea & coffee
and MORE!
Investment
Price is per person and includes accommodations, meals, and
activies listed above
*payment plans available*
-discounts cannot be combined-
Please note all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, please keep that in mind as you are booking. For more info, please visit Ashlyn Bugbee's policies page.
Private Suite - Single Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Large Eco-Chic Bungalow Inspired by sacred geometry and surrounding nature.
Private Suite for One Person
Getting to Colombia
Which airport should I fly into?
Simon Bolivar International Airport - Santa Marta, Colombia (SMR)
When should I arrive/depart?
Please book your flight to arrive before 11 AM on 11/1 and to depart after 4pm on 11/7
Shuttle:
The shuttle to the retreat center will pick you up from the SMR Airport on 11/1. Please have Colombia Pesos (COP) available to pay the driver. We will arrange shuttle times with an estimated cost once receiving your flight info.
Whats Not Included:
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport Shuttle Costs
- Spa Services
- Gratuities for staff & excursions guides
- Additional Activies
- Offsite Excursions & Dining
- Snacks, Smoothies & Juice
