Elemental Wisdom Retreat
Dominican Republic | March 1-8, 2026
Registration Closed
Thanks for your interest in our retreat! Registration for the 2026 retreat is now closed. If you are interested in joining us on a future trip, please send us a message and we can keep you posted when details are available!
8 days, 7 nights
March 1-8, 2026
Villa Serena
Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
Sliding scale pricing
Starting at $2900 per person
Adventure Overview
This retreat is a sacred getaway for you to connect with the beauty of nature – both around you and within you.
You are beautiful. You are full of light. You are love.
These beliefs guide our inner exploration. While our journey takes us away from what we call home (where we live), we are really creating space in our lives to come back home to ourselves.
Our destination is just outside the remote town of Las Galeras, on the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. Villa Serena provides a beautiful, quaint environment for our adventures. You’ll find nourishing cuisine, a yoga shala overlooking the ocean, and plenty of cozy spaces to relax and reflect. The relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for this transformative trip.
Each day, you’ll experience an intentional connection with one (or more!) of the natural elements – earth, water, fire, and air. We’ll guide you through mindful movement practices, reflective experiences, and cultural activities designed to help you explore both the beauty of the natural world in the tropics and your inner beauty and strength. We’ll look at the characteristics of each element to see how they can apply to our lives:
- Grounding and stability of earth
- Softness and adaptability of water
- Light and transformation of fire
- Freedom and movement of air
Just as the elements each have their own unique qualities, you’ll explore different facets of your own life and personality – letting the wisdom from nature reflect back to you important messages about your inner world.
Our goal is to provide both healthy challenges and solid support on every step of your journey of inner discovery. You can expect to both give and receive encouragement from your fellow travelers, sharing your own wisdom and authenticity with one another as you tap into deeper parts of yourself. We’ve designed the schedule to include a healthy balance of activities and free time, so you can customize your experience to be exactly what you need – helping you reset and emerge from this retreat ready to thrive.
We are passionate about yoga, wellness, and spirituality. We each bring our unique gifts and interests to this retreat – ranging from myofascial release (MFR) and aerial yoga to singing and creating sand art on the beach! We love holding space for others to discover, explore, and celebrate their authentic self in the safety of a supportive community. Self-reflection and self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and we know this retreat will support you wherever you are along your path. We can’t wait to embark on this adventure with you!
What to expect
Each day, you can expect:
- 3 meals made with love
- 2 yoga classes
- Journal prompts
- Ritual practice
- Sharing circle
All (except the meals!) are intentionally designed to help you connect with the qualities of the natural elements. We’ll also travel to Los Haitises national park and work with a local artist to create our own jewelry using larimar (a stone found only in the DR). If you would like to extend your stay, you’re welcome to add on extra days at Villa Serena or join us for some sightseeing in Santo Domingo. (Arrangement and payment for these are not included in retreat price.)
On this journey you will find:
- Increased connection with your inner self
- Appreciation of natural beauty
- The right pace of life for you
- Supportive community
- Genuine and authentic guides
Sliding Scale Pricing
Pillar
Double room: $2900
Single room: $3700
Foundation
Double room: $3100
Single room: $3900
Pay It
Forward
Double room: $3300
Single room: $4100
The Pillar price is for those who struggle to meet basic needs. Paying for this retreat would be a significant hardship.
The Foundation price is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this retreat may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship.
The Pay-It-Forward price is a few bucks above the actual cost of the retreat. The extra money goes toward supporting scholarships as well as future free and low-cost retreats. This is an opportunity to not only experience this retreat, but also support your fellow community members.
About the sliding scale
The price for your retreat is based on a sliding scale system. We hope to make this retreat as financially accessible to as many people as possible. With this in mind we carefully crafted a sliding scale pricing system that allows us to keep the individual expense for the retreat low while allowing for Pay-It-Forward supporters to help subsidize the attendance of the Pillar supporters, and allow the retreat creators to be compensated for their work. Our pricing system was inspired by the work of Alexis J. Cunningfolk. Some text was taken directly from her blog with her consent. Learn more about Alexis’s system, The Green Bottle Method, and help determine which price option best suits you.
Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of teachers and creators, like Kelsey & Angie, who have families to support and rent to pay. Additionally, when we are paid fairly, we are able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.
Custom payment plans are available.
Pricing Includes
- 8 days and 7 nights at Hotel Villa Serena
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at the hotel
- Transportation from airport to Villa Serena at the beginning and end of the retreat
- All yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions
- All day excursion to Los Haitises National Park (transportation and entry fees)
- Larimar bracelet making experience
- Wifi at the hotel
- Bikes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment
Pricing Excludes
- International flights in and out of Santo Domingo (SDQ)
- Additional meals outside of the hotel
- Additional excursions, activities, & travel
- Beverages (other than water, tea, coffee)
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel
Fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and get ready to adventure in the Dominican Republic!
Arrive at the airport no later than 3:30 PM Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). Transportation to Villa Serena leaves from the airport at 4:00 PM. (The drive from SDQ to Villa Serena will take about 3 hours. We recommend buying snacks at the airport or making sure to bring enough for the commute.)
Welcome dinner and your first taste of delicious, locally sourced Dominican fare.
Opening circle – get your room keys and a quick orientation to Villa Serena
Roll-it-out MFR and aerial yoga class
Day 2: Grounding
Wake up ready to stretch it out with gentle, introductory aerial yoga
Breakfast
Welcome circle – Get to know us and your fellow retreatants. Familiarize yourself with the schedule and offerings. Receive your specially crafted journal and itinerary.
Lunch
Walking meditation to La Playita
Grounding yoga experience in the yoga shala
Evening circle
Dinner
Day 3: Earth
Morning gentle aerial and yoga nidra session
Breakfast
Create mandalas at La Playita
Lunch
Evening wind down yoga
Evening circle
Dinner
Full moon meditation
Day 4: Water
Breakfast
Excursion to Los Haitises National Park (including lunch)
Evening circle
Dinner
Evening yoga
Day 5: Fire
Embrace the sunshine during morning yoga
Breakfast
Free time to relax and explore
Lunch
Free time
Evening yoga
Evening circle
Dinner
Explore the transformative aspects of fire during a beachside fire ceremony
Day 6: Air
Fly through the air at the morning aerial yoga session
Breakfast
Free time
Lunch
Free time
Evening yoga
Evening circle
Dinner
Day 7: Balance
Morning yoga
Breakfast
Larimar bracelet workshop – Learn about the beautiful mineral larimar, its origins, unique qualities and importance to the Dominican Republic. Create your own bracelet or necklace with intention. Check out Petraki, the workshop facilitator.
Lunch
Free time
Evening yoga
Closing ceremony
Dinner
Day 8: Travel
Morning yoga
Breakfast
Drive to Santo Domingo – Say goodbye to Villa Serena and prepare to return home.
Lunch is provided on our journey
Fly home – You’ll arrive at the airport around 1:00 PM. When scheduling your return flight, please allow enough time to make it through security before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Optional Add-on
Exploration of Santo Domingo
If you would like to extend your stay, we invite you to accompany us to dinner and an exploration of Santo Domingo. We will arrange housing and dinner accommodations for Sunday night. You are responsible for your departure from Santo Domingo thereafter.
Additional Excursions + Activities
You may add additional excursions or activities to your trip at your own cost. We will put you in contact with a Villa Serena facilitator to set these options up for you or you can book the excursion/activity once you arrive at the hotel.
Here are some activities you may like to consider adding on:
- Massage
- Dream Beach Tour
- 7 Beach Hike
- El Limon Waterfall
- Whale Watching
- Zipline in Samaná
For more information on these and other available tours, check out Villa Serena’s hotel directory. Tour descriptions start on page 24.
Accommodations
Villa Serena is an oceanfront boutique hotel located on the northern coast of the Samaná Peninsula. The tranquility, harmony, and elegance you will find at Villa Serena invites you to relax and unwind.
Facilities
- All rooms with ocean view
- Massage, manicure, and pedicure (Schedule upon arrival – not included in retreat cost.)
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Yoga shala and all necessary equipment
- Tour and activity organization
- Spacious restaurant with terrace and outdoor bar
- Environmentally friendly
Highlights
- Boutique hotel with a private beach
- Guided daily yoga and meditation
- Meals prepared with fresh, local, organic ingredients
- Vegetarian, vegan, and raw vegan menu with gluten-free options
- Bikes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment free of charge
Meet Your Hosts
Kelsey
Hi there! My name is Kelsey – mucho gusto (nice to meet you)! I’m honored to serve as one of your leaders on this retreat.
I have been traveling around Latin America since I was in college. As a Spanish major, I really enjoyed studying the language and culture of our Latina neighbors. When I started visiting Central America and experienced this all firsthand, I fell in love – with the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, the deliciousness of the food, the beauty of the language, and the magnificence of the tropical environment.
When my life plans shifted after college, I began to explore yoga as a way to support my mental and physical health. My teacher invited me to join the teacher training, and I was hooked! I love the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, and the joy and sense of peace I feel after a practice. I began teaching and haven’t looked back! As a lifelong learner, I’ve sought out continued trainings and am certified to teach meditation, hatha, restorative, vinyasa, and yin yoga in aerial, chair, and children’s yoga formats. Each style allows me to explore movement and self-awareness in a new way, and I’m so grateful to have learned and be able to share them all.
I have a liberal artsy mind – I love integrating different ideas, subjects, and experiences. Bringing together my love for yoga and wellness with my love for travel and Latina culture makes my heart sing! I’ve helped lead groups on retreat in Portugal and Canada so far, and am very much looking forward to traveling to the DR with you for this next adventure.
Angie
Greetings! This is Angie, the founder of Moon In Scorpio, and one of the co-hosts for this retreat. I started my yoga journey in 2016 and, nearly 10 years in, I am so excited to offer another retreat opportunity. This is my first international retreat experience and I am so grateful that Kelsey is the collaborator. Learn more about our journey together in the Retreat Collaboration section below.
A little more about me – I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago to help manage my anxiety. I found great solace in the hour I spent practicing hot power yoga. I started my teaching journey in 2017. I predominantly taught hot power yoga and then moved my focus into more restorative, hatha and mindful movement practices. I continue to grow my craft by planning retreats, taking an abundance of training, and teaching lots of yoga. Right now I am learning more about Yoga & Politics and Yoga Nidra. I hope to integrate what I’ve learned into this retreat and my future teaching opportunities.
When I am not teaching or learning about yoga, I am an Asphalt Laborer. I pave the roads that help you get to your destination. Most people are very shocked that my every day job is so laborious. It is a bit of a juxtaposition between my winter yoga months and the intense asphalt months. I credit my yoga background for helping me to physically and mentally make it through the vigorous work season. Being mindful of your movement and what your body is telling you isn’t just for when you are in a yoga class or on a retreat. Taking that awareness into your everyday life is the real gift. I am grateful for my yoga background every time I set foot on the pavement and when I arrive home safe, and uninjured because I listened to my body. It is my hope that my teaching style is a reminder that yoga doesn’t end after savasana. I also hope that the next time you enter a construction zone you first slow down, and then give a little bit of thanks to the people out there helping to provide you with a smooth ride through life.
Thanks for your interest in this retreat. I am so excited to explore the Dominican Republic with you!
Retreat Collaboration
Kelsey and Angie started dreaming about this retreat 2 years ago. They crossed paths numerous times throughout life and have a long shared history of working together. They first met in grade school and both went to Marian University. While at college they collaborated in student government and mentorship. After college they were reunited through their shared love of yoga. They both feel strongly about helping people slow down amidst the busyness of life and connect with their deeper self. This shared philosophy was the perfect jumping off point for retreat planning. Leading a retreat together is the perfect blend of their passions and gifts.
When not planning retreats, Kelsey and Angie work closely together to develop yoga teaching content and educational opportunities. In the future, they plan to host continuing education opportunities for yoga practitioners and introductory training for those interested in becoming yoga instructors. They meet regularly to chat about yoga and life. They hope to host many more international and domestic retreats and explore the world together.
Payment Policy
A non-refundable $500 down payment is due at the time of registration. An invoice request will be sent to you for the remaining cost of the retreat. The cost of your flight is not included in the retreat cost.
The remainder of your payment is due no later than January 31, 2026. Check your email for registration confirmation and the invoice request. If you need to change your accommodations or housing preferences before the start of the retreat please reach out to us via phone or email.
Cancellation Policy
If it is necessary to cancel a registration for a retreat, please provide as much advance notice as possible so we can offer the available space to another retreatant. Registration fees cannot be transferred to another retreat. The $500 deposit upon registration is not included in the refund amounts listed below.
Refund amounts:
- Prior to December 15, 2026 – Refund of the total retreat cost
- January 15 to February 15, 2026 – Refund of 50% of the total retreat cost
- After February 15, 2026 – None of the retreat cost will be refunded
- No refund will be given if a retreatant leaves early or arrives late
Out of consideration for others on the waiting list, please make a commitment to attend the entire retreat.
If you have questions or would like further assistance with registration, contact us at (920) 539-9335 or email mooninscorpioyoga@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport do I need to fly into?
Please schedule your flights in and out of Santo Domingo (SDQ) on the first and final day of the adventure. There are time restrictions for the single transfer on Day 1 and Day 8. If you plan to stay longer than the 8 days, travel accommodations are your sole responsibility. Please refer to your booking confirmation for information on flights and flight scheduling.
Can my dietary restrictions/requests be accommodated?
Yes, most dietary requests can be accommodated. Vegetarian, vegan and raw vegan menu with gluten-free options are available.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is always strongly recommended. Please make sure you have a policy purchased before departure and, ideally, once you book.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
You do not need to bring your own mat or yoga supplies. If you have a favorite item you can’t do yoga without please bring it along! Blankets, mats, blocks and straps are available for use in the yoga shala.
Do I have to participate in all of the events on the itinerary?
All of the planned events are purely optional. You can attend as much or as little of the sessions as you desire.
Can I add additional excursions to my trip?
Yes! If you would like to add on an excursion you may set it up once you arrive at Villa Serena. If you are anxious to plan beforehand we can get you in touch with a staff member and they can help you to plan your additional adventures. Check out the hotel directory for more detailed information on excursion options.
Do I need to be an experienced yoga practitioner to attend this retreat?
Nope! Kelsey and Angie designed this retreat for people on all levels of the yoga experience spectrum. Each class will have variations that work with your comfort level.
Will there be wifi?
Yes, Villa Serena provides free wifi to its guests.
After I book and pay the deposit, can I make payments on my yoga retreat?
Yes! During the booking process you have the option to select Payment Plan. Once you’re booked you’ll receive an email with important logistical information, a link to your invoice, and payment plan information. If you find you need to add a payment plan after booking, reach out to us and we can make it happen. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes. Each room has air-conditioning and a direct ocean view.
Lead with Light 