The Santosha Life is proud to partner
with Mhai Yoga to bring you
Flow & Explore, a Yoga Retreat in Cuba
Unfortunately, Mhai Yoga is no longer running retreats. We wish our Cuban partners well and hope to see them soon.
with Mhai Yoga to bring you
Flow & Explore, a Yoga Retreat in Cuba
Unfortunately, Mhai Yoga is no longer running retreats. We wish our Cuban partners well and hope to see them soon.
Designed for the wellness, adventure and sun seeker, this retreat features yoga flows and philosophy, healthy, detoxifying food, a dose of adventure, and some well-deserved pampering in the beautiful beachside villas of Boca Ciega, just minutes from the historic and fascinating city of Havana, Cuba.
Suitable for all yoga levels, expect to move your body, slow down your mind, catch a few rays, immerse yourself in Cuban culture and recharge your batteries!
Suitable for all yoga levels, expect to move your body, slow down your mind, catch a few rays, immerse yourself in Cuban culture and recharge your batteries!
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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The retreat
As the sun rises, enjoy a morning meditation on the beach, or have a lie in. It’s your vacation and your call!
We’ll meet for a vinyasa flow yoga class at 7:30 each morning where you'll be accompanied by those beautiful sea breezes.
The flow yoga taught by Kathy Parsons, is a creative sequence of poses designed to connect body, mind, and spirit through strengthening, lengthening and opening. The classes are set to inspiring music and incorporate an aromatherapy savasana massage. The classes are suitable for all levels of yogi’s. The second yoga class (usually in the late afternoon or evening) will be more restorative in nature or focused on alignment and yoga philosophy and will be led by the talented Cuban yogi, Eduardo Pimmentel.
There are three organic, healthy meals served each day prepared by our amazing Cuban chef and his team with food sourced from the nearby organic farm and from the onsite garden.
There are two planned excursions, one into Havana (including lunch at a renowned traditional paladar!) and one to world famous Viñales Valley. We also have workshops and more! But not to worry, there is also plenty of free time to get a well-deserved massage, relax by the ocean or explore more of Havana (only a 15 minute drive away).
We’ll meet for a vinyasa flow yoga class at 7:30 each morning where you'll be accompanied by those beautiful sea breezes.
The flow yoga taught by Kathy Parsons, is a creative sequence of poses designed to connect body, mind, and spirit through strengthening, lengthening and opening. The classes are set to inspiring music and incorporate an aromatherapy savasana massage. The classes are suitable for all levels of yogi’s. The second yoga class (usually in the late afternoon or evening) will be more restorative in nature or focused on alignment and yoga philosophy and will be led by the talented Cuban yogi, Eduardo Pimmentel.
There are three organic, healthy meals served each day prepared by our amazing Cuban chef and his team with food sourced from the nearby organic farm and from the onsite garden.
There are two planned excursions, one into Havana (including lunch at a renowned traditional paladar!) and one to world famous Viñales Valley. We also have workshops and more! But not to worry, there is also plenty of free time to get a well-deserved massage, relax by the ocean or explore more of Havana (only a 15 minute drive away).
THE VIñales Experience
After breakfast on Wednesday morning, we'll be on our way to the stunning Viñales Valley! After about 2 and a half hour journey, we'll arrive in the charming town and get settled in our respective casa's. Then we'll make our way to a local farm to have an amazing lunch, followed by a horseback ride through valley. We'll have the opportunity to learn about the local coffee and tobacco industry and sample the goods.
After some free time to explore, we'll meet on the rooftop of a casa for a sunset yoga session and then make our way out for a dinner in town.
The next morning, we'll meet bright and early to hike up the mountain to enjoy the sunrise while practicing yoga (hard to describe this experience!). We'll have breakfast at our casa's, some more free time, then a lunch at a restaurant on an organic, self-sustaining farm in the heart of the valley.
You can rest on the way back to Mhai Yoga, and arrive just in time for dinner (and maybe dancing out for the super energized!).
After some free time to explore, we'll meet on the rooftop of a casa for a sunset yoga session and then make our way out for a dinner in town.
The next morning, we'll meet bright and early to hike up the mountain to enjoy the sunrise while practicing yoga (hard to describe this experience!). We'll have breakfast at our casa's, some more free time, then a lunch at a restaurant on an organic, self-sustaining farm in the heart of the valley.
You can rest on the way back to Mhai Yoga, and arrive just in time for dinner (and maybe dancing out for the super energized!).
Your hosts
Kathy Parsons
For more than a decade, certified Yoga teacher (RYT-200), Kathy, has been on dozens of health retreats around the world. She professes herself as a "retreat addict" (and a type-A in recovery) and is now dedicated to providing the ultimate energizing and balanced yoga, fitness and retreat experience for others. This will mark her 26th time hosting an international retreat and 12th time with Mhai Yoga in Cuba!
Her specialty is vinyasa flow, and her classes incorporate creative movements that strengthen and lengthen the body while staying connected to the breath. She also teaches BreathWork, moving meditation, yin yoga and mindfulness. Classes are tailored to the students with as much personalized attention as possible, including gentle hands-on adjustments and assists, inspirational music and a scented savasana massage.
“I encourage students to push themselves to their personal limits, while not taking themselves too seriously. Smiling and laugher is welcome!”
Kathy’s home base is in Toronto, and when she is not leading retreats in Cuba and around the world, she is teaching via Zoom through her virtual studio and working on her business The Santosha Life.
Her specialty is vinyasa flow, and her classes incorporate creative movements that strengthen and lengthen the body while staying connected to the breath. She also teaches BreathWork, moving meditation, yin yoga and mindfulness. Classes are tailored to the students with as much personalized attention as possible, including gentle hands-on adjustments and assists, inspirational music and a scented savasana massage.
“I encourage students to push themselves to their personal limits, while not taking themselves too seriously. Smiling and laugher is welcome!”
Kathy’s home base is in Toronto, and when she is not leading retreats in Cuba and around the world, she is teaching via Zoom through her virtual studio and working on her business The Santosha Life.
eduardo Pimental, Co-Founder Mhai Yoga and founder cuban yoga association
Yoga was not exported to Cuba, it was born out of one person’s passion for the practice. Nearly 40 years later, Cuba is due to be recognized as place of community, practice, and connectivity for yogis from all over the world.
Eduardo spent nearly 15 years in correspondence with B.K.S. Iyengar before finally meeting in India. Since then, he has led successful yoga festivals in Havana, and has facilitated the visits to Havana for yogis such as Krishna Kaur and Deepak Chopra.
He now owns a yoga studio in Havana, Vidya Yoga, where he holds weekly classes that are frequented by locals and visitors. Eduardo’s teacher training lasts two years, which means Cubans travel from across the country to be guided by him, only to return back to their homes to open up yoga studios, keeping the movement alive.
If you mention yoga in Cuba, it is most likely that Eduardo’s name is attached to it. Happiness, health, love, and compassion is a message Eduardo not only teaches, but lives every day.
Eduardo spent nearly 15 years in correspondence with B.K.S. Iyengar before finally meeting in India. Since then, he has led successful yoga festivals in Havana, and has facilitated the visits to Havana for yogis such as Krishna Kaur and Deepak Chopra.
He now owns a yoga studio in Havana, Vidya Yoga, where he holds weekly classes that are frequented by locals and visitors. Eduardo’s teacher training lasts two years, which means Cubans travel from across the country to be guided by him, only to return back to their homes to open up yoga studios, keeping the movement alive.
If you mention yoga in Cuba, it is most likely that Eduardo’s name is attached to it. Happiness, health, love, and compassion is a message Eduardo not only teaches, but lives every day.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
MHAI YOGA RETREAT VILLA, BOCA CIEGA
Located only 20 minutes away from the spectacular city of Havana, this beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal aquamarine waters. This beautifully secluded atmosphere is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenating your mind, body and soul.
These villas are situated just steps away from the beach. Take serenity on the outdoor terraces, perfect for reading or sunset meditation or chilling.
All rooms are spacious, comfortable, include air conditioning and en suite-bathroom. There are single, double or triple occupancy options.
Villas Include:
o Queen bed/single occupancy, Twin beds/Double occupancy
o Towels, linens and toiletries provided and changed (every two-three days)
o Common dining hall for all students
o Swimming pool
Getting There
The closest airports are Havana International Airport, 30 minutes away from the centre and Varadero International Airport, 1.5 hours away.
MHAI YOGA RETREAT VILLA, BOCA CIEGA
Located only 20 minutes away from the spectacular city of Havana, this beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal aquamarine waters. This beautifully secluded atmosphere is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenating your mind, body and soul.
These villas are situated just steps away from the beach. Take serenity on the outdoor terraces, perfect for reading or sunset meditation or chilling.
All rooms are spacious, comfortable, include air conditioning and en suite-bathroom. There are single, double or triple occupancy options.
Villas Include:
o Queen bed/single occupancy, Twin beds/Double occupancy
o Towels, linens and toiletries provided and changed (every two-three days)
o Common dining hall for all students
o Swimming pool
Getting There
The closest airports are Havana International Airport, 30 minutes away from the centre and Varadero International Airport, 1.5 hours away.
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pricing
All prices are per person, include tax and are in CAD
Double Room:
Single Room:
*Limited availability for single rooms.
Prices are per person in CAD, based on shared accommodation in a standard room. If you are travelling alone but are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a traveller of the same sex at no additional cost. If none are available, a single supplement of $300 will apply.
When you're ready to book, please contact our Travel Consultant (and please copy my on the initial email: kathy@thesantoshalife.com).
Cancellation Policy
Double Room:
Single Room:
*Limited availability for single rooms.
Prices are per person in CAD, based on shared accommodation in a standard room. If you are travelling alone but are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a traveller of the same sex at no additional cost. If none are available, a single supplement of $300 will apply.
When you're ready to book, please contact our Travel Consultant (and please copy my on the initial email: kathy@thesantoshalife.com).
Cancellation Policy