Join instructors Suzanna Spring and Katerina Fragkou and travel to an estate on the fertile slopes of an ancient and extinct volcano in the heart of the Galápagos Archipelago, South America. A place where time seems to stand still, the Galápagos Islands–named for their giant tortoises–are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the last natural paradise places on Earth. Home to some of the most diverse and rarest plants and animals in the world, Galápagos inspired Charles Darwin's book On the Origin of Species. More than 20% of the marine species in Galápagos are found nowhere else on earth.
Immerse yourself in twice daily vinyasa and yin classes–indoor and outdoor practices–pranayama, and regular meditation group practice, at a unique sustainable estate and yoga retreat center on twelve acres of forest, coffee plantation, and nature trails where giant tortoises roam. The estate is designed to not to disrupt the migration routes of giant tortoises, and is a natural habitat for native birds, insects and plants.
We'll savor three daily gourmet meals, and enjoy panoramic views to the Galápagos National Park, Galápagos Marine Reserve, and outlying islands. Experience the islands during a time of year when the water is warm, and relax on beautiful black and white sand beaches or snorkel among tropical fish, the unique Galápagos penguins, and sea turtles. Sea life is abundant and active during March, making this a wonderful month for snorkeling in Galápagos.
There will be time during the day to explore the estate and its coffee plantation, plus plenty of opportunities for day boat trips to snorkel and kayak, visit other islands, to journal, have a massage, or simply relax. On a clear night, gaze up into the brilliant Milky Way and count the stars in the southern hemisphere
““The Galápagos is a playground for explorers, where curiosity knows no limits””
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
• 7 nights of beautiful accommodations in your choice of rooms or a private suite.
• Healthy and delicious locally-sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options are provided upon request
• Twice daily yoga, meditation and pranayama classes at the onsite yoga studio, including all yoga props. (Please feel free to bring your own mat if you usually travel with one; mats are provided.)
• Highland Tour with a naturalist guide to visit the cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, meet wild tortoises, and tour the Charles Darwin Research Station.
• Kayaking trip to the white sands and turquoise waters of Tortuga Bay, where you'll see marine iguanas, birds including the famous blue-footed booby, and swim with sea lion pups and sea turtles.
• Wireless service
• Transfers to and from Baltra Airport to the retreat center on the first and last days of the retreat
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Optional activities
Extra expenses that might occur
DEPOSIT:
For Double or Triple Occupancy:
$850 Deposit to reserve your space.
For Single Occupancy:
$1000 Deposit to reserve your space.
You may pay in full, or pay your deposit and the balance in three additional installments.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All rooms offer AC and ceiling fans, WIFI, cleaning service, hair dryer, private baths, swimming pool towels, hammock, balconies and/or terraces. Double rooms, a Triple Room, a Private Suite and a Single room are available.
EXCLUSIVE ROOMS
Ocean View and Sky rooms are on the upper levels of the hotel and the new Finch wing. They feature wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, private balcony, en-suite shower room and walk-through wardrobe. Windows offer panoramic views to the north, south, east and west.The ground floor Om Suite opens out to the pool.
Ocean View Room 1 SOLD OUT
Top floor of Main Hotel, includes private balcony and hammock, with far-reaching views over the property and the national park, to the southern coastline of the island.
One Queen bed and one Single bed.
$3726 per person Double occupancy
Sky View Room 9 SOLD OUT
Top floor of new Finch wing, includes wraparound balcony overlooking the property, with panoramic sea views in all directions including the southern coastline.
One King bed and one Single bed.
$3726 per person Double occupancy
Poolside Om Suite 10 SOLD OUT
Located on the ground floor next to the pool and between the two main hotel buildings, Om Suite is a very private accommodation that also includes views to the gardens.
Ground level, King bed
$3726 per person Double occupancy
DELUXE ROOMS
These south-facing rooms in the new Finch Wing have access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, queen-sized bed and a large twin, plus en-suite shower room. Windows offer views to the south, east and west.
Sunset View Room 7 SOLD OUT
Main level of new Finch wing, balcony overlooking the property
One Queen & one Single bed
$3586 per person Double occupancy
Sunrise View Room 8 SOLD OUT
Main level of new Finch wing, balcony overlooking the property
One Queen & one Single bed
$3586 per person Double occupancy
SUPERIOR ROOMS
These rooms have lovely views to the gardens and access to a private terrace via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, with one queen bed and/or two twin beds, plus en-suite shower rooms.
Forest View Room 2 SOLD OUT
Main level, with private balcony with hammock.
Beautiful south-facing views over the property.
One Queen & one Single bed
$3446 per person Double occupancy
Garden View Room 5
Ground level, opens to the garden where you can often spot giant tortoises grazing.
Two Single Beds.
$3446 per person Double occupancy
Tortoise Pond Room 6
Ground level, this large room opens to the garden, with a short stroll on the trails to the tortoise pond and the yoga studio.
Three Single beds or one Queen and one Single.
$3244 per person Triple occupancy
SINGLE ROOM
This room has access to a private terrace via sliding glass doors to the south, en-suite shower room. Windows offer views to the south, east and west.
Tortoise Pond Room 3 SOLD OUT
Single room. Main level. This room is above Tortoise Pond room 6, and faces out to the garden, with a short stroll on the trails to the tortoise pond and the yoga studio.
King bed.
$4836 per person Single occupancy
Retreat Payment is payable to Dragonfly Yoga online via credit card, or by mailing a check.
You can pay in full or reserve your double or triple occupancy space with an $850 deposit, or your single occupancy space with $1000 deposit.
After the deposit, the balance will be paid in three balance payments (October 15th, 2024, November 15th, 2024, January 15th, 2025).
Checks can be made payable to Dragonfly Yoga
and mailed to:
Suzanna Spring
PO Box 552
Livermore, CA 94550
OR
XPLOREFIT LLC
1499 Quintana Ter
Pleasanton Ca 94588
Any questions?
Email katerina@xplorefit.com or info@dragonflyyogaandwellness.com
FAQs and Cancellation Policy Information:
• How many spots are available for the retreat? There are rooms for 18 guests, plus two instructors.
• If I'm going on this trip solo, can I share with someone else in a Double or Triple room, or do I need to do a single room only? We will make an effort to pair you with someone. If we are unable to find someone to share the room, you can pay an additional to upgrade your reservation to a Single or Double.
• Which airport is everyone flying in/out of?
The best airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador.
(We do not recommend Guayaquil Airport.)
An overnight stay in Quito is recommended, and then a morning flight to Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz Island. Our host will meet us at Baltra Airport to provide our transfers to Semilla Verde.
PLEASE NOTE:
Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page.
All travelers to Galapagos are required to pay a $20USD Migration Card fee and a $200US Galapagos National Park fee in CASH. The Migration card fee is paid at the mainland Ecuador airport in Quito, and serves to control migration/tourism to the islands. The $200USD fee is required upon landing at Baltra Airport, for entry onto the islands, and is paid directly to the National Park Authority.
• Should I have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is always a good idea when traveling, and insurance that includes a helicopter medical evacuation is important when traveling to remote areas. World Nomads (world nomads.com) is one option; there are many companies from which to choose.
GeoBlue provides travel insurance with helicopter evacuation.
• Are classes starting on and ending on March 8th and 15th? The retreat dates are March 8th-15th, and the retreat begins the evening of the 8th, and ends the morning of the 15th.
• Will we be only at the retreat center, or has anything been discussed about going out to explore the nearby area? Our itinerary includes a tour of the Highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Station, and kayaking in Tortuga Bay. Semilla Verde also offers several highly recommended optional day trips including North Seymour Island, Bartolome Island, and Santa Fe Island.
• If for some reason I would have to cancel, would I be able to get any money refunded?
Cancellations before November 1st, 2024:Payments are refunded minus your deposit. If we can fill your spot, payments are refunded minus a $400 processing fee.
Cancellations between November 1st and December 1st, 2024: We can refund 1/3 of the amount that was paid prior to December 1st.
Cancellations after December 1st, 2024:
No payment will be refunded, but we can offer a $300 credit toward a future retreat.
YOUR HOSTS AND TEACHERS
KATERINA FRAGKOU
Katerina, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is the visionary founder and dedicated retreat curator of XPLOREFIT Retreats. While residing thousands of miles away, her heart and inspiration remain deeply connected to the picturesque landscapes of Greece, her homeland. As a passionate world traveler and explorer, Katerina brings a wealth of experience and cultural insight to her retreats, which span breathtaking locations around the globe. Her expertise in curating and organizing these retreats offers participants immersive experiences that delve deep into local cultures, traditions, and natural beauty.
With a deep commitment to empowering others, and especially women, Katerina strives to create retreats that inspire personal growth, fostering a sense of community and belonging that lingers long after the journey ends.
SUZANNA SPRING
“Yoga is a dance of strength and grace, one that unexpectedly brings the mind in tune with the heart.” –Suzanna Spring
Owner of Dragonfly Yoga + Wellness studio and a practitioner of yoga for more than twenty years, Suzanna Spring is a Yoga Alliance 500-hour E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider). Suzanna has studied both Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga traditions. She holds a certification in Prana Vinyasa yoga from Shiva Rea’s Samudra School, as well as training in Neelakantha Meditation and teaching certification for Yin yoga. Suzanna has taught at many yoga studios in the East Bay and worked with military veterans in the Polytrauma Unit of VA-PAHCS and in the Veterans Center at Las Positas College, teaching yoga asana and meditation. Suzanna is also Co-Director and teacher trainer for Dragonfly Yoga Teacher Training Programs. A skilled meditation instructor and a strong believer in the body’s innate ability to heal, she offers challenge and strength in her vinyasa classes and a meditative, breath-centered practice in her yin classes.
Suzanna leads yoga retreats nationally and internationally, and since 2012 has taken groups of students to Bali, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Scotland, and to Greece.