DOMINICA JUNGLE ISLAND RETREAT
DOMINICA WELLNESS RETREAT
INDULGE & REJUVENATE IN THIS NATURAL PARADISE
Trip Highlights
Stay in a boutique eco-lodge surrounded by lush rainforest
Feast on nourishing meals straight from nature
Daily wellness including a spa treatment, hot springs & yoga
Medicinal herb workshop & Caribbean cooking class
Immerse in Dominican culture, history and its people
Dominica may just be the Caribbean's best-kept secret with its lush waterfalls, pristine waters, and native plants and medicinal herbs. Dubbed the “Nature Island,” this jurassic-looking tropical island is teeming with mountainous peaks covered in greens of all shades and surrounded by the bluest of blues. Combine this with yoga and wellness and you have a retreat that is sure to reset and restore. Our experience takes you to an incredible boutique eco-lodge that will rejuvenate your mind & spirit while pampering your senses. You’ll have daily yoga offerings as well as gourmet meals - mostly from the onsite permaculture farm - while soaking in your lush rainforest surroundings. Each day you’ll also have the opportunity for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, swimming and canyoning. An unbelievably revitalizing experience awaits when you escape to this under-visited slice of natural heaven with us!
Book our 8-day Dominica group trip or select Dominica Custom Dates year round for a 6-day retreat on your own. Starting at $2995. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
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STARTING AT $3595
April 5-12, 2025 with Allie Reilly
8-day Dominica retreat with an experienced retreat leader
6-12 people
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STARTING AT $2995
Fully planned & booked 6-day Dominica retreat
Yoga, wellness & outdoor activity options
No minimum
TRIP INCLUsions
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Boutique eco-lodge stay with individual cabins
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ALL ITINERARIES:
Airport transfer to/from Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM)
GROUP TRIP:
All in country transportation between destinations and activities in private vehicles
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Daily yoga with teacher experienced in all levels
Visit to Soufriere village & surrounding hot springs
Snorkeling at Champagne Beach
Caribbean cooking class
Agricultural Heritage Tour learning about Dominican plants and herbs
Dominican Medicinal Herbs and Teas Experience
Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking in Scotts Head Marine Reserve
Perdu temps rainforest hike + visit to Fresh Water Lake & Titou Gorge
One 30-minute Spa Treatment
Story session with community leader
Access to private trails on the lodge’s property, an incredible infinity pool, whirlpool, luscious spa treatments & more!
Optional Boiling Lakes hike (challenging!)
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Daily breakfast buffet, lunches and gourmet dinners all included
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Engagement session with our community partner + donation to their organization
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
Dedicated Traverse host throughout trip
Small group experience, max 16 people
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Extra nights
Additional spa treatments
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International airfare
Alcohol, unless specified
Tips to your local guide, Traverse host, drivers, etc.
Required travel insurance
Testimonials
DAILY ITINERARY
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Arrive to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) at anytime (formerly Melville Hall airport). Transportation will be provided from the airport to your luxe lodgings perched atop a jungle-clad hill with expansive views over Dominica’s southwest coast. Enjoy the scenic 1 hour 20 minute drive as you travel across untouched jungle peaks.
Upon arrival to our retreat accommodations, take the afternoon to relax and reset in your lush surroundings complete with a stunning infinity pool, gardens galore, and beautiful views in every direction.
In the early evening we'll gather together for our first group yoga class, followed by a delicious Welcome Dinner full of the island’s fresh, organic ingredients and Caribbean flavors.
Meals: D
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Awaken to the day with a rejuvenating morning yoga session and a satiating breakfast. Afterwards, we’ll take a Heritage Tour around the property and learn about the fascinating history of the land and discover a wide variety of local ground provisions, tropical fruits (papaya, mango, guava, etc.) readily available on the property.
You’ll have some free time after lunch to enjoy the expansive tropical gardens, take a dip in the breathtaking infinity pool, opt for an indulgent spa treatment or curl up with a good book in one of the many cozy lounge areas with incredible ocean views.
In the late afternoon we’ll gather as a group to enjoy the Retreat Center Story, as told by owner Sam. This engaging discussion includes the history and philosophy of eco-tourism on the property and throughout Dominica, along with the many challenges and triumphs from inception in 1997 to the present. As the sun sets we’ll have a relaxing yoga class to wind down from the day's adventures before settling in to another freshly-prepared dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
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For the next few days you’ll enjoy your morning and evening yoga and have lots of time for explorations throughout the day! All of the activities below are included options for you to choose from. Your Retreat Leader will work with you to determine who wants to do which excursions, which will be planned according to weather and group size.
Soufriere & Hot Springs: Join your host for a wander around the nearby fishing village of Soufriere and its tucked away natural hot springs. In pre-Columbian times, “sulphuric springs” were a place of mythic geography for the Amerindians and Soufriere was an important meeting place for the Kalinagos from the Caribbean islands. The small village of about 850 inhabitants is home of many Jungle Bay’s staff and is fun to explore. Visit the 18th century Catholic church, which was built of volcanic stone, the ruins of the L. Rose Lime factory where the limes from the property were transported to (our retreat center used to be a lime plantation in the first years of the twentieth century).
Dominican Medicinal Herbs and Teas demonstration to learn about the ancient herbal remedies of the island’s traditional peoples. The fragrant herbs you will encounter during this presentation are grown right in the gardens of our eco-lodge. You can even make your own tea blends during this interactive ‘wellness experience for the senses’ where you get to see, touch, smell, and taste!
Snorkeling & Kayaking at Scotts Head Marine Reserve. If you’d like to you can partake in a morning kayaking tour including a short lesson in kayaking, before heading into the Caribbean Sea and enjoy paddling and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Soufriere / Scotts Head Marine Reserve.
Hiking at Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Following that you can add-on a morning activity that brings you to the peninsula and peak of Scotts Head — dividing the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic — and walk up to the Scotts Head peak. Enjoy the spectacular view of pristine waters, Scotts Head Village, Soufriere and Dominica.
Snorkeling at Champagne Beach. This unique area is part of the protected Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Underground geothermal activity seeps through the ocean floor and is cooled by sea waves, rising in lines of bubbles creating a memorable snorkeling experience. As you’re immersed by thousands of tiny bubbles, you can also see fan coral, turtles and a variety of tropical fish.
Perdu Temps Hike. Retrace the footsteps of Dominica’s “maroons” (run-away slaves). This hike is part of the historic Perdu Temps trail and takes about one and a half hours each way through secondary forest, mainly flat terrain and some river crossings. It gets steep and narrow as you approach the end and opens up to an area often described as “Paradise” or “The Garden of Eden”! You are invited to pick fresh tropical fruits from the trees. Explore Pump’s bio diversified farm with a huge variety of exotic fruits and vegetables. Tour the “Medical Garden” with a wide assortment of healing plants/natural herbal remedies. Pump and his family warmly welcome you to their home, due to the close relationship they have with our retreat center owner.
Boiling Lake Hike. Those who love a challenging hike will be thrilled to explore Dominica’s famous "World Wonder" and UNESCO World Heritage Site — the mysterious Boiling Lake & Valley of Desolation. Trek this world-class trail as it traverses several climatic zones with giant fern trees and a cloud forest. Stops along the route include the mysterious Valley of Desolation, a soak in hot water pools, and a sulphur mud facial. The athletic hike is approximately 3 hours each way, up and down fairly steep hills (proceed with caution if afraid of heights).
Fresh Water Lake & Titou Gorge. Both sites are located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Fresh Water Lake is one of two lakes formed by volcanic craters. The loop around the Fresh Water Lake takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Enjoy the views of volcanic peaks all around and the often-misty setting. Proceed with extra care; the trail is quite steep in some areas and can be slippery. After the hike, take a short drive to Laudat and a 5-minute walk to Titou Gorge. A short swim through a series of natural "rooms and ponds" formed by high cliff walls canopied by interlaced trees leading to a hidden waterfall. Part of the second “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie was filmed here, when captain Jack and his crew were trying to escape from the tribe and fell into this gorge.
Meals: B, L, D daily
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Enjoy activities of your choice this morning, and this afternoon join for our Caribbean cooking class. You’ll learn how to prepare local Caribbean cuisine full of organic vegetables, seasonal fruit, unique spices, eggs, fish, and more. Ingredients sourced directly from the property will most certainly be included in the recipes! With your culinary skills enhanced, you’ll head into evening yoga and another delicious dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
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Today we get to meet our Community Partner, a fund dedicated to uplifting the local community by supporting proven projects that champion indigenous populations, literacy, disabled persons, education, entrepreneurs, clean water accessibility, conservation efforts and more. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and learn about Dominica’s history and present-day aspirations through understanding important community values and challenges.
In the evening, we’ll have a sunset “Bush Rum” experience! Enjoying a stunning sunset while “liming” at Weefee’s ‘container’ bar on Soufriere Beach. “Liming” is Caribbean slang meaning “hanging around with friends, enjoying the scene, playing a game, having a drink.” Join us as we introduce you to our traditional Dominoes game which is typically a loud, fun, and playful activity, accompanied by plenty of laughs and local music. A fabulous way to say farewell to your island home away from home!
Meals: B, L, D
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Depart any tim from Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM). Morning yoga and breakfast are available to you, after which your airport transportation will be arranged according to your flight time. If you’d like to add on more days to saturate yourself in this paradise, we can happily arrange extended days and activities - just ask!
Meals: B
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Arrive to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) at anytime. Transportation will be provided from the airport to your luxe lodgings perched atop a jungle-clad hill with expansive views over Dominica’s southwest coast. Enjoy the scenic drive as you traverse across lush jungle peaks. Upon arrival to your accommodations, take the afternoon to relax and reset in your peaceful surroundings complete with a stunning infinity pool, gardens galore, and beautiful views in every direction.
Meals: D
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Enjoy a hearty breakfast and embark on a day of explorations or relaxation. Perhaps you’d like to head out on a whale-watching tour this afternoon? Dominica is the only country in the world where nearly 200 resident sperm whales live year-round, making your chances of seeing them in all their glory incredibly high. In the afternoon you may want to choose a 30-minute spa treatment (included) to reset your body and ease into a relaxed state of mind.
Meals: B, L, D
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Perhaps today is the day to awaken with a rejuvenating morning yoga session (included) before your satiating breakfast. Depending on the day of week, you’ll have your choice of included activities each day like a Caribbean cooking class, a guided nature walk with river swimming & beach visit, or a Dominican plant and herb demonstration. Another unique opportunity is a friendly open table discussion and story session with the owner of your eco-resort who has led the community and tourism of Dominica in many ways. Learn about the inspiration, history and challenges of development on Dominica and the mindful intentions put into each decision along the way.
Meals: B, L, D
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Following your breakfast today you can choose from a plethora of exciting add-on activities at your disposal. Each day you can choose from excursions like full-day guided hikes to waterfalls or boiling lakes, boat trips with snorkeling or scuba diving and guided outings to nearby towns & markets. For the truly adventurous, be sure to opt for a unique bucket-list adventure: canyoning through some of the most spectacular gorges in the world! Jump into hidden pools with crystal clear water beneath the rain forest and descend into deep canyons carved from thousands of years of rainfall. Whether hiking through lush jungle or rappelling halfway down a rock to drop in the water below, your day of canyoning is sure to be filled with the sound of cheers for every natural obstacle tackled! All are welcome — no experience is required for this epic excursion.
Meals: B, L, D
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As always, this morning after your breakfast you may choose from a variety of options. If relaxing down time is the name of the game for you, this day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a slow day to soak in your peaceful surroundings. Poolside lounging and a good book await! Those who love a challenging hike will be thrilled to explore Dominica’s famous "World Wonder" and UNESCO World Heritage Site — the mysterious Boiling Lake & Valley of Desolation. Along the way you’ll visit Titou Gorge and can soak in hot water pools and even have a sulphur mud facial.
After another day filled with the activities you picked just for yourself, perhaps you’d like to join another soothing evening yoga session before enjoying a final dinner, once again packed with fresh flavors of culinary creativity.
Meals: B, L, D
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You may depart from Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) at any time this day. Morning breakfast is available to you, after which your airport transportation will be arranged according to your flight time. If you’d like to add on more days to saturate yourself in this paradise, we can happily arrange extended days and activities - just ask!
Meals: B, L, D
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You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.
$3595 per person - double occupancy
+ $995 'My own room' option (subject to availability)
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Prices are based on double occupancy. For groups of odd numbers (3, 5, etc.) please add a “my own room” option for one guest.
$2995 per Person - double occupancy
+$795 'My own room' option
High Season Surcharge: December 15-January 5 starting at +$150 per person
FAQS
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Flights to Dominica land at Douglas Charles Airport (DOM). You can often find direct flights on American Airlines from Miami (MIA) or their codeshare airline Silver Air travels Miami (MIA) to San Juan Puerto Rico (SJU) then DOM.
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The menus always include some vegan and vegetarian choices rotating everyday to provide a wide selection of tasty garden to table cuisine throughout your stay. The local chefs also cater to visitors who eat gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions. You can let us know your needs in advance and our chefs will prepare for your arrival with many delicious options to choose from.
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The hikes range from light to moderately challenging as you take in the stunning views of this tropical rainforest island. We have knowledgeable guides to help you along the way if needed with the occasional river crossing, maneuvering hilly paths and sometimes slippery terrain. You will want to pack sneakers or trail shoes with good grips that can get wet. We will provide you with a full packing list for the trip.
About Your RETREAT LEADER:
Allie Reilly began her study of Yoga a decade ago while living and traveling through Central America. Years of learning the arts of Ayurvedic tradition and daily practice of Hatha & Ashtanga at a center in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica grounded Allie’s passion in holistic transformation and the healing properties of a consistent Yoga practice. Since 2015, she has worked and taught Yoga internationally gaining her YYT 200hr and heavily integrates breathwork practices in her teaching series to complement physical movement with the fundamentals of mediation and mind-body connection. Allie hosts holistic retreats on the beautiful island of Dominica, where she also teaches the sport of freediving as a professional instructor and athlete. Through her platform, Samudra Flow, Allie organizes annual Yoga + Freediving retreats in the Caribbean, Maldives and Indonesia.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified.
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.