Let’s fall into the relaxed vibe the Jamaican people call “Irie”. “Irie” is a Jamaican slang term that originated in the Rastafari movement. It’s used to describe a feeling of peace, harmony, and positive vibes. When you’re “irie,” you’re feeling good, happy, and content with your life. In this retreat we’ll focus on slowing down, tuning in, and following the path of least resistance for the most gain.
The Yoga classes will be geared to a more gentle style, while being appropriate for all levels. We’ll flow through the asanas with a special attention to the feeling state of each movement and breath. This will be an “easy does it “ retreat to help you fall in love with your practice and your being once again. Then we’ll enjoy the beauty of the countryside, the bountiful healthy food offerings, the private beach and the beautiful river. This will be a special, rejuvenating experience.
Yoga Style: The Yoga is vinyasa based for the morning class, moving at a slow and mindful pace. The afternoon class will be restorative based. Meditations will be offered each morning to set your day with intention.
- 6 nights accommodations
- 3 meals per day (excluding alcoholic beverages) starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day
- Group Ground Transportation to/from Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to Retreat Center
- Karma Yoga Project
- Complimentary Rentals for SUP and/or Kayak
- Beach Bonfire Celebration (weather permitting)
- River and beach access
- Use of yoga room and facilities
- Daily yoga practices
- Personal retreat time (having time to nap, explore, walk, read, and just be)
Accommodations
Nestled on a 2000-acre historic property in the beautiful Jamaican countryside.
Surrounded by lush hills and valleys, a pristine river running through it, and the sun shining on the majestic landscape, this retreat location calls you to slow down, listen, and let go.
This retreat venue also includes a private section of the beach with a beach house that is 25 minutes from the venue for your ocean getaways during your stay. Here you will have a sense of Total Jamaica – the mountains and the sea. Complete fulfillment.
Whether you are practicing yoga, overlooking the endless mirage of lushness, eating the fresh local cuisine, hiking or horseback riding the trails, or learning pottery while overlooking the river, this Jamaican sanctuary is all about the full experience that can happen while on retreat.
Tracy Von Kaenel holds a Dance Performance degree from Northern Illinois University and was a professional dancer for 30 years. Tracy discovered Yoga as a way to extend her dancing life, and now has been teaching Yoga to adults and children for over 20 years. She received her Advanced Level II Yoga certification from Kriya Temple of Yoga in Chicago. She has continued her studies with Eric Schiffmann, Ana Forrest, Angela Farmer and Rodney Yee to name a few.
She is also one of the premier Chair Yoga for Seniors instructors. In addition, Tracy is one of the first people to offer Aerial Yoga to the city of Chicago. Her love of Aerial dance led her to this hybrid style.
She has been featured in Yoga Chicago Magazine with articles about both her adult classes and her children’s classes. Currently, Tracy is the proud owner of Yoga Experience in Chicago and also teaches at Galter Life Center. Formerly Tracy has also taught at Sweet Peas Studio, Presbyterian Homes, the Tai Chi Center of Chicago, Columbia College, and Indiana University. She has given lecture demonstrations and master classes throughout Chicagoland and Northern Indiana including Northeastern Illinois University, Roosevelt University and Indiana University, and Loyola Academy.
As a dancer, Tracy brings a unique understanding of the human body and its connection to the mind and spirit into all of her classes. Her teaching style is gentle yet bringing appropriate challenge to each student. Her goal is to bring greater body awareness, a deepening of one’s own spirit, and profound sense of relaxation to all her students.
Tracy’s philosophy is to teach the stillness and strength of Yoga with knowledge, warmth and a sense of humor.
Tracy is delighted to offer another amazing retreat through True Nature Travels.
Testimonials
“I have had the pleasure of participating in three exceptional retreats planned by Tracy Von Kaenel. The opportunity for renewal, relaxation and communing with nature and a nurturing Yoga community are just wonderful.” — Retreat Participant
“Tracy’s inspired yoga choreography and innate ability to build community among her yoga students is perhaps best experienced by going on retreat with her. Recent yoga retreats in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica have been magical, filled with invigorating yoga sessions (pool yoga, anyone?) and deeply-nourishing teachings.” — Retreat Participant
“I have been on 6 yoga retreats with Tracy Von Kaenel, some local and one in Puerto Rico and one in Costa Rica. Each retreat has been unique, inspiring and fun. It is always clear that Tracy has put a lot of thought into how she structures the retreats, so there is a good mixture of yoga, meditation/mindfulness instruction/encouragement, time outdoors to explore the surrounding areas, and time to share conversation, laughter and community. It is a privilege to have two daily yoga classes with Tracy on the retreat, where participants with many different levels of yoga experience all practice together. Yoga with an inspired teacher, a caring community of interesting and supportive yoginis, laughter, sunshine – what more can you ask for?” — Retreat Participant
“I look forward to Tracy’s retreats as a time to escape, do yoga with my favorite teacher, eat great food and most of all be with many wonderful women. It is a time of reflection, relaxation, exploration and yoga time. I love it!” — Yoga Student
“The first retreat I took with Tracy was life-changing as have been the many others I’ve enjoyed. She is an accomplished and compassionate teacher. The retreat expanded my knowledge of yoga to include more than just the asanas, I met and deepened my connection to other yogis on the retreat. And it was fun with plenty of time for adventure and relaxation.” — Retreat Participant
“I’ve been to half a dozen of Tracy von Kaenel’s retreats. She is an excellent instructor of yoga with a genuine passion for the deeper meaning of the work. I always feel revived physically, mentally and emotionally following a retreat under her tutelage. Her classes are designed with a knowledge of what the body needs in order to proceed to the next level. Both beginners and advanced students can gain from her expertise. I am always challenged and leave with a renewed sense of strength and peace.” — Retreat Participant
“Going to Tracy’s yoga retreat in Costa Rica was one of the best things I have ever done. She carefully planned every detail, kept us informed, and provided the most meaningful experience, bringing amazing women together for this yoga collective. Each yoga session was different from the last, challenging and personalized, and left me feeling great. She even added amazing evening programming that helped us all bond and tie things together for us. I am so appreciative for the experience and can’t wait to join her on the next retreat!” — Retreat Participant
The gift of this retreat center is it allows you to do what you feel you want to do. There is space to be quiet or high energy, space to wander in nature or soak in the river or pool. Read a book, stare into space all day, or get up and be so active that you are exhausted by the end of the day.
Some of the possible options include:
- Pottery
- Painting
- Stand-up paddleboard
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- River and Beach access
- Karma Yoga Service Project
- Spa Services
*Prices of some activities are not included in tuition (see What’s Included page for more info)
Please be sure to review Our Policies.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.
Getting There
You will be booking your flights for the Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Before booking tickets, please be sure you have received your official confirmation note that the retreat has met its minimums. There will be one group airport shuttle each way based on our flight window guidelines. Be sure your flights align with the provided flight windows if you wish to use the group shuttle. The drive time to the center is approximately 1 hours.
Travel Insurance
We cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Often for less than $150, you can purchase a travel insurance policy and be protected in the event that you need to make a change or need to be covered financially prior to or during your trip.
We have partnered with two insurance companies: Trawick International and CSA Travel Insurance (available for U.S. Residents only).
Read more about our insurance partners and their policies here. We encourage you to research the insurance company and policy that best meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have questions about traveling abroad? After you register, we will provide you with a Participant’s Package with helpful information. Also, be sure to check out our Participant FAQs. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us at info@truenaturetravels.com and let us know how we can help!
Shared Accommodations – $3695 USD
Single Accommodations – $4795 USD
A non-refundable $35 Payment Processing Fee will be added to the tuition rate upon registration.
If you select Deposit Payment, depending on when you registered, your remaining balance will be split into 1-3 payments and processed with your credit card on file on the dates indicated on your Confirmation Letter.
Follow this link to review our payment schedule policies.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.
Cancellation
- Initial deposits and the $35 registration fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- 50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before a retreat excluding the initial deposit and the $35 registration fee.
- 89 days prior to a retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Full tuition is refunded* if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $35 registration fee is not refundable.
- True Nature Travels is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
*Refundable amounts do not include applied credits.
If you wish to cancel your spot on a trip you must submit your cancellation by email to info@truenaturetravels.com.
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