Table of Contents


​Page 1 - About Women Of Color Self-Care Retreats

Page 2 - What’s Included

Page 3 - Retreat Itinerary

Page 4 - Frequently Asked Questions

Page 5 - Airport/ Transportation Directions
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Page 6 - Packing List

​Page 7- Booking Your Retreat

Women of Color Self-Care Retreats are an exclusive intimate setting where 3-7 women  are personally hosted at a time in a beautiful jungle home. Rather than a retreat center, we stay in a big, beautiful jungle house where we will share meals at our communal table and snuggle on the sofa after a sweet day at the beach. You can expect gentle yoga practices, nourishing plant-based meals, group sharing, and peace with self on the tropical beaches in the Caribbean. There will be plenty of leisure time, during this time you can explore the beautiful Caribbean of Costa Rica or take some well needed rest time.​


Self-care is prioritizing yourself first. It is listening to your mind, body and spirit. It’s taking care of yourself on a daily basis. Self-care is vital for women of color because Black women are too often taught to put everyone else’s needs before their own. As women, we tend to be nurturers and supporters by nature, but this nurturing and supporting of everyone else's welfare, can leave us feeling burnt out.

The intimate self-care retreat is a chance to unwind from the burn out that you may experience from everyday life. Sometimes we just need a reset button, without any distractions just to connect back with ourselves, in order to restore and rejuvenate. It’s the perfect opportunity to take some well deserved quiet time.




​​What's Inlcuded

​RESTORE & REJUVENATE
Lodging
​Women of Color Healing Retreats is an exclusive intimate setting in a beautiful jungle home. Rather than a retreat center, we stay in a big beautiful jungle house where we will share meals at our communal table and snuggle on the sofa after a sweet day at the beach. You can expect gentle yoga practices, nourishing plant-based meals, group sharing, adventures and peace with self on the tropical beaches in the Caribbean. There will be plenty of leisure time, during this time you can explore the Caribbean of Costa Rica or take some well needed rest time. All rooms are shared. This is a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. We discourage anyone from attending that seeks to consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes/tobacco or party during their time here.


Daily Breakfast: Vegan Breakfast
This is for anyone who is currently a vegan and for those interested in exploring a plant-based lifestyle. Delicious vegan meals made with local organic fruits and vegetables will be provided. We provide the opportunity to explore alkaline, plant based and vegan life styles. Also offered: pure coconut ​juice, herbal teas, juices, superfoods and smoothies to ​nourish, balance and heal.


Daily Lunch
Delicious plant-based lunch, on some days we will have lunch on the beach!


Daily Dinner
Fill your belly with delicious vegan and holistic meals to nurture the mind, body, and spirit with our delicious ​family dinners.


We also provide snacks throughout the retreat. All meals made with quality and organic ingredients, made with love.



​​Bike
You will receive a bicycle to explore the area in your free time.

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​Yin Yoga
Every morning the group will take a guided gentle and healing yin yoga class at the jungle house surrounded by the sounds of nature. Yoga is a holistic practice that connects our mind, body and spirit. Yoga works with the nervous system, so its not just spiritually but scientifically heals. With a consistent practice, yoga has been know to cure depression, anxiety and other chronic illness. Its an ancient practice and a form of healing.​ The retreat will also center on navigating through the chakras. Our teachings will move you from the root to the crown by focusing on yoga  and meditation, to open and nourish each of the body’s sacred centers.If you are not familiar with the importance of the chakras and elements, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn.


Meditation
With a group of like minded women, you will explore self enlightenment, gratitude and inner peace.


Silent Time
There will be several periods of silent time during the retreat. This is a meditative retreat so we practice calmness and allowing ourselves to tune within.


Medicinal Plant/Chocolate Tour
Enjoy a medicinal plant tour led by a local medicine man. You will visit a local medicinal plant garden to learn about the indigenous natural treatments and healing powers of the plants, trees, roofs, barks etc. You will also engage in the ancestral organic process here in Costa Rica. You will sample up tp 5 different chocolate flavors. You will attend a small lecture, led by a local indigenous family, on medicinal plants and their use.


Zip Lining
You will be picked up to head to the zip lining tour. You will go on a hike with a naturalist guide through the jungles of Costa Rica. You will be able to experience zip lining across one of the most beautiful jungles in the world.


Group Discussions
Through group discussions , the women will explore self-care, spirituality, the healing benefits of yoga + meditation and they will be supported in a sacred space to discuss the ways systemic racism affects them in their lives. All group discussions take place through shared and open dialogue, group conversations are not intended to be workshops.


Women's Circle
Journey into a women's circle to share whatever you feel.


​Journal Sessions
The women will explore self-reflection through intentional journal topics.


Hike and Waterfall
We will venture off on a beautiful hike to the beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica.


​Coffee Scrub
Enjoy a coffee scrub by the beach where the natural blend will detoxify exfoliate and improve the blood circulation in your beautiful skin. This holistic and meditative experience brings us back to ourselves and to nature.


​Itinerary for Women of Color
​Self-Care Retreats


​​Day 1
​​3:00pm
Check in. unwind + unpack

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meet & Greet

7:00pm
Welcome Candlelit Dinner
Day 2
​7:00am
Wake up to the fresh Caribbean air. You may hear the amazing sound of howler monkeys in the jungle. Enjoy some delicious spiritual awakening yoga. Open your hips and heart, make love to your body with your breath in our healing meditation and gentle yin yoga practice.


9:00am
Eat a healthy and DELICIOUS breakfast at our family table while we discuss the importance of self-care for black women. Share your own personal self-care journey and your intentions.


11:30am
Ride your bicycle down the one jungle road, like a local, to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Slather your body in a delicious chocolate scrub, rinse off in the ocean, read a book and eat a picnic lunch while bathing in the sunshine.


3:00pm
Relax time at the jungle home.
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7:00pm
Come home for a candlelit dinner and space to share whatever you feel, we'll also discuss spirituality during dinner.


9:00pm
Journal session

10:00pm
Go to bed early relaxed and exhausted in the most delicious way.

​Day 3
​7:00 am
Wake up with gratitude. Move your body with mindfulness in this rejuvenating yin yoga class. to connect with self. Give your body and mind a rest with the benefits of meditation and gentle yin yoga.


8:00am
Medicinal plant tour led by a local medicine man. Delicious plant based breakfast will be packed for you. You will visit a local medicinal plant garden to learn about the indigenous natural treatments and healing powers of the plants, trees, roots, leafs, barks etc. You will also engage in the ancestral organic process here in Costa Rica. You will sample up to 5 different chocolate flavors. You will attend a small lecture on medicinal plants and their use by a local indigenous family.


12:30pm
A mini hike through the rainforest which will lead you to the waterfall. You will observe the tropical flora and have the opportunity to see red frogs and maybe other inhabitants while you relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural waterfall. There we will set up a picnic lunch and settle in to relax and take in the sights, sounds and majestic beauty of the waterfalls


4:00pm
Relax time at the jungle home


7:00pm
Come home to a Candle Lit Dinner, in a supportive environment we will discuss how systemic racism affects us in our daily lives.


9:00pm
Enjoy the sweet surrender of connecting with your breath and immerse yourself in a deep meditation followed by a women's circle.


10:00pm
Go to bed early, at peace and relaxed.
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​Day 4
​
7:30am
Wake up and eat a nourishing and delicious breakfast.


8:00am
Head to Zip Lining! You will go on a 4 hour zip lining tour where you will also be able to go on a guided hike with a naturalist.


2pm
Eat a delicious lunch at our sacred meal table.


3pm
Relax time at the jungle home.


7:00pm
Candlelit Dinner. Gather around the family table and share favorite poems and essays written by black women.


9:00pm
Journey into a restorative and rejuvenating yin yoga class and guided meditation followed by delicious herbal tea.
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10:00pm
Go to bed early feeling restored.
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Day 5

7:00am
Wake-up feeling rejuvenated. Enjoy a deep, mindful meditation and soft restoring yin yoga to ease the mind and send love to the heart, followed by a journal session.


8:00am
​Indulge in a delicious farewell breakfast, while discussing the tremendous benefits of practicing meditation and yoga in your daily life. Make a commitment to prioritize yourself through self-care.


10:30am
Check out time

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Frequently Asked Questions



​ 1. How do I get to Women of Color Self-Care Retreats?
 Women of Color Self-Care Retreats takes place in a beautiful jungle home in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Flight, Shuttle Service & Travel Arrangements is not included. All guest are required to purchase travel insurance when booking their flight.
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2. Do I have to be vegan to attend this retreat, do you have any recommendations on exploring veganism throughout the retreat?
You do not need to be vegan to attend the retreat! This is a space to try something new or to continue your self care journey. 3-4 weeks  (or longer) prior to your arrival, all participants should begin eliminating meat, dairy, processed junk food from their everyday and should begin implementing more plant-based meals into your every day life. Meat and dairy are the leading causes of disease within black communities so we want to encourage a plant-based lifestyle. Eliminating meat and dairy prior to attending the retreat will make your experience more beneficial and enriched . ”Eating plant-based helps cleanses the physical body of impurities accumulated from poor dietary habits. It also reduces stimulation to the digestive organs and liberates energy. A feeling of lightness affects the mind; this improves concentration and aids meditation. We each know that when we have eaten a heavy meal it becomes harder to concentrate. During this time you will detox from alcohol, eating dead food (processed and synthetic), eating dead animals, eating too much or too little, chemicals in food and prolonged exposure to air pollution. A period of fasting from these things facilitates the body in throwing off toxins, and frees up energy".  Our plant-based meals are absolutely delicious, we also can provide raw and fruitarian selections upon request. Request must be made at least 2 weeks before the retreat. Animal by products will not be allowed, no exceptions this includes leathers, skins,..etc.


3. Is my deposit deductible from the total retreat fee?
Yes! Once you place down your deposit to reserve your space, you will receive an invoice to begin making payments on your trip until the balance is paid in full or you may pay in full. Credit Cards, Debit Cards are accepted through stripe and Bank Transfers are accepted for all payments. Tax is not included. Guest will also have access to our guest customer service agent, who will assist you with any questions you have.


4.​ What about my hair, I know that we will have the chance to go to the ocean, what should I do ?
We understand this question as our hair is so sacred and important! We recommend wearing your hair natural or getting a protective  hair style such as braids, twist etc. This is a retreat where we get our hair wet and connect back with nature and ourselves!


5. How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend bringing $350 or more for spending, you may also want to purchase souvenirs in Costa Rica.


6. How do I get around in Costa Rica during my free time at the retreat?
A bicycle will be provided for each guest to explore the area in their free time. Taxis are approx $5-$10 to get around Puerto Viejo.
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7. How old are the women that attend?
Women of all ages are welcome!


8. Who can attend a Women of Color Self- Care Retreat?
Women of Color Self-Care Retreats is a space dedicated to black women and black women who identify as women of color or human.



9.​ Do you have quiet time during the retreat?
Absolutely! Generally speaking, the Women of Color Self-Care Retreat is a meditative space in a jungle home, throughout the retreat we have silent hour or time, where guest tune into their own energy to self-reflect without outside distractions. All rooms are shared. We discourage anyone from attending that seeks to consume alcohol or party during their time here.


10. Is medicinal plant use allowed?
While we may not ceremonially practice plant medicine, all herbal remedies are welcomed, however tobacco is not permitted.


11. Do I need to know how to ride a bicycle to go on the retreat?
You do not need to know how to ride a bike to attend. If you are unable to ride a bike, be sure to send us an email at least 2 weeks prior to the retreat.


12. Do I need experience in yoga or meditation?
Of course not!


13. What can I expect at Women of Color Self-Care Retreats?
You can expect meditative mornings, delicious nourishing meals, quality time on the beaches in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. Women of Color Self-Care Retreats exclusively host 3-5 women at a time so expect a warm intimate setting and well deserved rest and leisure time.


14. Do I need to know how to swim to participate?
You do not need to know how to swim to participate.


15. Is my retreat refundable?
WOCHR , PHR and its subsidiary WOCHR Retreats, Experiences and Events are non-refundable. We strongly suggest that clients purchase travel insurance for any cancelation reason. Refer to Booking Terms and Conditions for more information. We offer one-time transfers - please see terms and conditions for additional details. Clients will be responsible for the price differential if purchasing a more expensive product. There are no refunds if transferring to a less expensive product. To transfer an experience please reach out to participants@womenofcolorhealingretreats.com


16.What's it like in Costa Rica?
Life in the jungle is unpredictable. The weather changes at the drop of a hat.  Google never provides the accurate weather for Costa Rica, its typically sunny throughout the day, and sometimes it may rain at night. Cleaning ants may decide to sweep through your living room floor or a cockroach decides to land on your fruit. Costa Rica is not known for being particularly efficient in any processes.  Lines move slow. People might operate on “beach time” and be late or you feel they are unreliable. Itinerary may be subject to change. We are in a different country so we ask that you leave any united states expectations at home, and be open to a new experience!


17.​ Is this retreat for me?
It is if :
You are interested in trying a healthier way of living.
You enjoy trying new experiences.
You have a go with the flow attitude.
​Come to cocoon yourself.
You are ready to unplug from your phone and be present.

It is not if: 
You are looking to party.
You are looking to drink. We abstain from alcohol and partying throughout the retreat. This abstinence will be in effect whether guests are in the retreat, or are enjoying some well needed personal time. When practicing self-love and healing the vessel should always be clean. Alcohol and wellness don't mix, in fact it is the complete opposite of self-care. Normally in black culture it is traditional to involve alcohol in everything but we have shifted the culture for the positive by providing black women an opportunity to be free of things that do not serve them during their journey with us. Our goal for the alcohol cleanse, is to keep the vibrations high so that you may have a meditative and restorative experience. 
You are not open to trying a completely new experience. ~Must show up with an open mind and heart.~
You will need to smoke cigarettes/tobacco on a daily basis.
You are not good at responding to emails timely. All guest are required to reply to emails within 48 hours.

​​IMPORTANT: Note that Women Of Color Healing Retreats is NOT personal therapy or a detoxification program from recreational or pharmaceutical drugs.

Most of our faculty members are not trained psychiatrist and do not carry clinical backgrounds in PTSD, addiction or other mental health concerns. If you have a history of PTSD, addiction or other mental health concerns,  it is important that you arrive to our program in a stable state with the intention of using the retreat for self regulation, personal healing & spiritual growth.  

During the retreat, you will spend a lot of time in silence, in nature, in meditation and with the gentle practice of yin yoga. You will go on adventures and eat healing plant-based food and you will be able to be completely open in this space of sisterhood. You will be invited to lean on these tools to support your healing and internal process. All of the metaphysical and holistic tools practiced throughout the retreat have been scientifically proven to heal. Too often do black women over look the tools that our ancestors and nature have given us, this is a way to get back! If you are seeking personal or clinical therapy then this retreat is not for you.
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​Additional Info:
After you have booked the self-care retreat, a skype call will be set up within 7 days. A Skype call  will be set up with each guest individually as a formal meet and greet prior to your arrival. Your final retreat itinerary will be sent 1 week before your arrival. Skype can be downloaded here

Note: itinerary may be subject to change
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Airport/
Transportation
​Directions
*dates are different depending on when your private retreat takes place*


Here is an example of transportation directions.​ Guests are expected to arrive in Costa Rica 1 day before the retreat starts. Once your spot is reserved we will send you directions with the dates you are attending.

​​Like​ ​most​ ​countries​ ​once​ ​you​ ​arrive​ ​by​ ​plane​ ​you​ ​will​ ​travel​ ​to​ ​your​ ​desired destination ​ ​From​ ​San​ ​Jose,​ ​guests​ ​will​ ​travel​ ​to​ ​the​ ​beautiful​ ​and​ ​lush​ ​forests​ ​of Puerto​ ​Viejo​ ​de​ ​Talamanca​ ​via​ ​shuttle​ ​bus.​ ​Please​ ​be​ ​sure​ ​to​ ​follow​ ​these​ ​directions so​ ​that​ ​your​ ​trip​ ​may​ ​run​ ​smoothly.​ ​And​ ​remember​ ​to​ ​enjoy​ ​yourself!

Women Of Color Self-Care Retreats is​ ​located​ ​in​ ​Puerto​ ​Viejo​ ​de​ ​Talamanca,​ ​Costa​ ​Rica! You​ ​will​ ​take​ ​a​ ​shuttle​ ​bus​ ​from​ ​San​ ​Jose​ ​to​ ​Puerto​ ​Viejo​ ​de​ ​Talamanca.​ ​The​ ​shuttle​ ​bus ride​ ​is​ ​4-6​ ​hours,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​provides​ ​limited​ ​wifi. ​

Arrival

Arrival Information

Arrival Option 1
​Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) on Sunday December 15, 2019 and arrive in SJO by 11:30am the latest. After arriving at SJO, guests will take a shuttle bus to their lodge for an overnight stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Guests will stay at their designated lodge overnight. On the next day, Monday December 16, 2019 guest will take a taxi ( $7-$10) to the jungle home. Check in at the retreat begins at 3pm for the welcome orientation.


​Arrival Option 2
Arrive in SJO on December 15 by 3:00pm the latest, take a taxi (approx $35) from the airport to the MEPE bus station that goes to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca. The but is ($10) it is similar to a greyhound bus with air conditioning and it makes a stop for food. The last bus leaving is at 6pm. Once you arrive in Puerto Viejo, you will take a taxi to your hotel in Puerto Viejo. On the next day, Monday December 16, 2019 guest will take a taxi ( $7-$10) to the jungle home. Check in at the retreat begins at 3pm for the welcome orientation.


Arrival Option 3
Arrive in SJO on December 15 by 12:00pm the latest, take a taxi from the SJO airport to Sansa airport where you would take a flight to Limon. Once you arrive in Limon, you will take a 45 minute taxi to Puerto Viejo.  Guest who would prefer to fly from San Jose instead of taking the bus,  have the option of taking a plane with Fly Sansa from San Jose, Costa Rica to Limon Costa Rica. The plane ride from San Jose to Limon is approx 1 hour. Once you arrive in Limon, you will take a 45 minute taxi ($50) to the lodge or hotel of your choice in Puerto Viejo on Sunday December 15. On the next day, Monday December 16, 2019 guest will take a taxi ( $7-$10) to the jungle home. Check in at the retreat begins at 3pm for the welcome orientation.


​Arrival Option 4
Arrive in SJO on December 15 at anytime, take a taxi from SJO airport to a hotel in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Check into the hotel for one night. On December 16 you will take the first shuttle bus of the morning to bring you from your hotel in Alajuela, Costa Rica to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca. Check in at the retreat begins at 3pm for the welcome orientation.


Arrival Option 5
Arrive in SJO on December 15 at anytime, take a taxi from SJO airport to a hotel in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Check into the hotel for one night. On December 16 you will take a taxi from your hotel at 6am in Alajuela to the Mepe Bus Terminal going to Puerto Viejo, De Talamanca. The but is ($10) it is similar to a greyhound bus with air conditioning and it makes a stop for food.You will take the bus to Puerto Viejo, De Talamanca. Check in at the retreat begins at 3pm for the welcome orientation.

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​Departure

Departure Information

Depart Option 1
Women of Color Healing Retreats ends on Friday December 20, 2019  10:30am.  Guest will take the shuttle bus from Puerto Viejo to Alajuela and will check into a hotel or lodge in Alajuela Costa Rica for an over night stay on December 20. Guest will fly home on Saturday December 21, 2019.  Be sure your travel arrangements allow you to stay for the entire duration of the retreat. 


Depart Option 2
Women of Color Healing Retreats ends on Friday December 20, 2019  10:30am.  Guest will take the public (greyhound similarity) bus to San Jose, Costa Rica. Your bus ticket can be purchased while you are in Costa Rica. The but is ($10) it is similar to a greyhound bus with air conditioning and it makes a stop for food. Once you arrive in San Jose, Costa you will take a taxi to your hotel in Alajuela Costa Rica on December 20. Guest will fly home on December 21. Be sure your travel arrangements allow you to stay for the entire duration of the retreat. 


​Departure Option 3
Women of Color Healing Retreats ends on Friday December 20, 2019  10:30am.  ​If you are taking a flight for your departure from Puerto Viejo to Alajuela, Costa Rica, you can arrange a shuttle bus to pick you up from Puerto Viejo to Limon Airport *Sansa Flights*. From there you will take a taxi to your hotel in Alajuela Costa Rica on December 20, and you will fly home on December 21.  Be sure your travel arrangements allow you to stay for the entire duration of the retreat. ​
Travel Tips

Below are some recommendations for traveling to and from Costa Rica. Please keep these tips in​ ​mind:
​
  •  Even though American dollars are accepted in Costa Rica, it is recommended that participants use colones as it is easier to find businesses and services that use local currency.
  • Once you’ve landed, you can purchase a sim card at the airport for your unlocked phone. This new phone card will automatically generate a Costa Rican telephone number. Please budget $7 for this service. (If you are unsure as to whether your phone is​ ​unlocked​ ​or​ ​not,​ ​please​ ​check​ ​with​ ​your​ ​cell​ ​provider​ ​before​ ​traveling.)
  • We do not recommend renting a car, rental cars are not allowed within the retreat.
  • Most hotels have a free or inexpensive shuttle from the hotel to the airport. 
  • The exit fee to leave Costa Rica is currently $28-30. Some airlines include the exit fee in the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​flight.​ ​Please​ ​confirm​ ​with​ ​your​ ​airline​ ​and​ ​plan​ ​accordingly.​
These directions are to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Should you decide to arrive or depart outside of the suggested time frame or to use different directions, we will be unable to assist you, and you are responsible for your own personal travel arrangements. 

We are elated to meet you!!

Packing List

​As you prepare to embrace the wonders of Costa Rica, here is a packing list that will make your trip not only magical, but also practically successful.

Packing list:
  1. (2) photo copies of your passport
  2. Bathing suit
  3. Beach towel
  4. dresses, skirts, shorts
  5. Journal
  6. Book to read (please  bring a book by a black person)
  7. Regular size book bag, medium to large purse or something where you can carry items in during your time with us.
  8. Rain jacket or umbrella ( just in case it rains at night etc)
  9. Undergarments
  10. Flip flops ( I recommend wearing inexpensive sandals)
  11. Smart phone and/or Camera for stunning photos / GO Pro
  12. Insect Repellent - Off Spray (Deep Woods) or a natural repellent of your choice
  13. Flashlight/ batteries
  14. Water bottle
  15. Crystals, incense, anything that makes you feel relaxed.
  16. Leggings, shorts, comfy clothing for yoga (be sure not to bring any clothing that has visible words on them, no exceptions)
  17. You may want to bring a drawing pad, pencils and colours (meditation coloring books recommended)!.
  18. Luggage Cover (in case of rain)
  19. Personal lock, if you want to lock anything up in your bag.
  20. 1 Extra sheet

Booking A Private Retreat

Total Cost of Women Of Color Self-Care Retreat
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Private Retreat Prices
Private Retreat 2 people $5,555 per person
Private Retreat 3 people $4,444 per person
Private Retreat 4-6 people $3333
Private Retreat 7 people $3,000 per person
The maximum people we accept is 7 people.
​(3% sales fee not included)

Deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve a private retreat.

Once you are ready to reserve your private retreat, send an email to participants@womenofcolorhealingretreats.com with the dates you are looking to request, and the amount of people you are reserving for, and you will receive a link to reserve your retreat.

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​We look forward
to meeting you!

Women of Color Self-Care Retreats