The Ikigai Retreat — Colombia
About the Experience
Join us for an immersive and transformative experience at the School of Ikigai Rūh de Esperanza Retreat, designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Set in a serene and picturesque location, our retreat offers a unique blend of holistic wellness practices, cultural experiences, and personal growth opportunities.
The Land of Macondo &
The Ancient Realms of Magical Realism
If you don’t believe in Magic, then you haven’t been to Colombia! Gabriel García Márquez’s novel may have been fictional, but living there has changed our eyes forever. In my personal spiritual pilgrimage of 3 years, Colombia has been a monumental component in my healing. The real-life experiences you’ll have in Colombia will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul, reminiscing in your mind long after you leave.
The magic of Colombia lies in its ability to heal, as you connect with the wisdom of what is known as “The Heart of the World.” The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia is called the Heart Of The World, because of its uniquely complex ecosystems that balance the health of the entire earth.
Sacred Fact: Sierra Nevada is a geological feature older than the Andes, the largest coastal mountain in the world.
According to ancient beliefs, this area is known as the “Black Line,” a ring of interconnected sacred sites that weave, connect, and secure the standards for human life on Earth, maintaining balance and harmony. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, called the Heart of the World, has unique ecosystems that balance the health of the entire earth, a geological feature older than the Andes.
The Sierra Nevada is a reserve of the biosphere and a World Heritage Site, home to ecosystems that balance the natural environment and protect four indigenous communities (Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, Kankuano) responsible for maintaining the spiritual balance of Mother Earth. Their sacred task is to teach the divine laws to maintain harmony with nature. They are the guardians of the earth, our older siblings, the ones preserving the ancestral knowledge that is invaluable for humanity.
The magic of Colombia lies in its ability to heal, as you connect with the wisdom of what is known as “The Heart of the World.” The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia is called the Heart Of The World, because of its uniquely complex ecosystems that balance the health of the entire earth.
Sacred Fact: Sierra Nevada is a geological feature older than the Andes, the largest coastal mountain in the world.
According to ancient beliefs, this area is known as the “Black Line,” a ring of interconnected sacred sites that weave, connect, and secure the standards for human life on Earth, maintaining balance and harmony. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, called the Heart of the World, has unique ecosystems that balance the health of the entire earth, a geological feature older than the Andes.
The Sierra Nevada is a reserve of the biosphere and a World Heritage Site, home to ecosystems that balance the natural environment and protect four indigenous communities (Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, Kankuano) responsible for maintaining the spiritual balance of Mother Earth. Their sacred task is to teach the divine laws to maintain harmony with nature. They are the guardians of the earth, our older siblings, the ones preserving the ancestral knowledge that is invaluable for humanity.
Location
Tucked in the Heart of the World
Our chosen retreat sanctuary is a local gem, located 1 hour from the Santa Marta Airport. Here, the selvas and jaguars tell tales of a magic your eyes have never seen nor felt. Here we invite you to surrender for a deep dive into mindfulness and cultural immersion. The retreat center, SÄLVÎÄ Jungle Villas, embodies the Indigenous grounded way of slow living. It seamlessly integrates regenerative farming practices, offering a minimalist & eco-conscious lifestyle. And most importantly supporting and empowering the LOCAL economy.
What to Expect
Integration
Cultural Rituals
Participate in authentic Colombian ceremonies, Cacao Ceremony, understanding their significance and the role they play in the Sierra Nevada. This ancient ritual opens the heart and deepens your connection to yourself and others.
Integration
Exercise
Yoga and Meditation
Engage in daily movement and contemplation sessions designed to align your mind - body - spirit with the magic of the jungle and what it whispers.
Exercise
Writing Workshop
Explore the way of your pen as it weaves into the inner workings of self and being, allowing your emotions to transmute and release unsaid thoughts.
Local Excursions
Indigenous pueblos, the jaguar and the jingles. We will spend one day visiting a very sacred site in the region, Minca. You will get to explore waterfalls, receive an ancestral therapeutic chakra alignment massage at an additional cost and walk around to explore the cacao museum and have free time.
Flower Alter
A welcome ritual to surrender and connect. Collectively creating a safe container to share, to speak from the depths of your spirit and emerge lighter.
Ayurvedic Meals
Enjoy daily meals that are healthy, organic, and locally sourced, prepared with a focus on Ayurvedic principles. Our menu is designed to nourish your body with delicious and wholesome food. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.
Regenerative Farming
Learn about regenerative farming practices that not only sustain but also restore and enhance the environment. Engage in hands-on activities that connect you to the land and its natural cycles, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable living.
Costeño Social
Giving back to the land. As a way to thank the selva for holding us, providing a safe space and healing us, we come together to give thanks at this non-profit organization.
Plans
The Ikigai Retreat
Macondo
Join us for an immersive and transformative experience at the...
Accommodations
Relax in comfortable and peaceful lodging options that cater to your needs
Cabaña Passiflora
USD 90 – USD 300
Relax in comfortable and peaceful lodging options that cater to...
Your Path to Awakening
At the School of Ikigai, every moment is crafted to inspire growth, to celebrate originality and to evoke awakening. Un|pack • Surrender • Un|learn and join us at this restorative retreat in the heart of the world, in the depths of the jungles of Colombia.
We look forward to receiving you in our soul-invigorating retreat, walking away with the rich magic of the Selvas, ready to awaken your spirit guides of hope “esperanza,” into your daily practice.
We look forward to receiving you in our soul-invigorating retreat, walking away with the rich magic of the Selvas, ready to awaken your spirit guides of hope “esperanza,” into your daily practice.
What’s Included
● 3 nights eco-cabaña accommodation
● Daily organic Ayurvedic meals, snacks and beverages
● Daily yoga and meditation classes
● Holistic workshops and cultural experiences
● Airport transfer from Santa Marta Airport
● Access to the retreat center’s amenities, including the río and fogata.
● School of Ikigai Welcome kit and Gift
● Daily organic Ayurvedic meals, snacks and beverages
● Daily yoga and meditation classes
● Holistic workshops and cultural experiences
● Airport transfer from Santa Marta Airport
● Access to the retreat center’s amenities, including the río and fogata.
● School of Ikigai Welcome kit and Gift
What’s Not Included
● Flights to and from the retreat location
● Travel & Medical insurance
● Personal expenses
● Travel & Medical insurance
● Personal expenses
Booking and Additional Information
Spaces for the School of Ikigai retreats are limited to preserve the intimacy and depth of the experience. Secure yourself by booking early on. We also offer a flexible two-month payment plan. For more details please reach out to our team at schoolofikigai@gmail.com
About the School of Ikigai
The School of Ikigai is an eco-conscious sanctuary designed by alchemy through pillars of hope, faith and surrender. At the school we teach you lean in to go forward, by trusting your third heart, your “inner compass,” and ignite the flames of awareness to spark your unique path and purpose in life.