Surrender to Paradise: Yoga Retreat in Palawan, Philippines

with James Tennant

December 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

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Plan your escape from the frigid temperatures of winter. Carve time out for self-care. Experience a rich and exquisite culture. Immerse yourself in a week of yoga in a supported environment. Leave your everyday life behind and relax in what some consider quintessential paradise, Palawan, Philippines.

Palawan is a northwest island along the South China Sea. Much of the island remains traditional and rural. Palawan is famous for its white sandy beaches, clear water, abundant wildlife, gorgeous limestone geography, and some of the best diving you’ll find anywhere.

Find all the elements you’ll need to unwind and rejuvenate with opportunities to explore one of the most spectacular locations in the world.

“… incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines. The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development.”

– The National Geographic

Itinerary

Arrive Sunday, December 26, 2021
Check in
Group Dinner and Orientation Sunday, December 26

Daily Yoga Classes
Each morning you’ll be guided through an invigorating asana class which will include breath-enhanced movement, traditional postures, and some nontraditional exercises. Every class will be designed with the group in mind, satisfying the desire to discover and release unnecessary tension in the body, explore boundaries, and facilitate vitality. Breathing techniques, concentration and meditation will be integrated into each class.

Each student will be met where they are that day. Modifications and variations will be offered. Yoga props are available, but it is encouraged to bring your own mat if possible.

Class Schedule

Sunday-Tuesday
7am-9am

Wednesday
8am-9am
4pm-5pm Sunset Yoga

Thursday-Friday
7am-9am

Saturday
7am-8am

Communal Meals

There will be a light service of tea, coffee, hard boiled eggs, bread, and spread before practice each morning. This meal along with a breakfast buffet and dinner is included in the initial cost of the retreat.

Lunch will be provided on the days you participate in the excursions Sunday or Tuesday. Otherwise lunch and any alcoholic beverages will be charged to your room. Please be prepared to spend approximately $8-10 per day for lunch.

Day of arrival
Saturday
Dinner and Orientation

Morning
Sunday-Saturday
Tea, Coffee, light fare
6:30am

Breakfast
9-10am

Afternoon
Sunday-Friday
The Birdnest Cafe will open for lunch and snacks from 11am-4pm. Lunch is not included, however will be provided on excursions. Group day excursions are planned for Sunday and Tuesday.

Evening
Sunday-Friday
Dinner
6pm-7pm

Please Note: A special New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration is planned and is included.

Closing Circle/Class
Saturday, January 1, 2022

Departure
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Check out

Full disclosure: This retreat may not be for everyone. We will be supporting The Birdhouse El Nido in keeping their carbon footprint low and maintaining the pristine surrounding area as best they can. Please look over the website thoroughly and register knowing the following:

  • Accommodations are rustic. These are suite tents. There is no air conditioning. Beds will have mosquito nets and you will be exposed to the outdoors more than a usual hotel or villa.

  • Each tent has a private bathroom, but if you’re looking for a long hot shower every morning, this is not the place for you. Keep in mind, the low temperature this time of year is 75F.

  • WiFi is very spotty. Do not expect to be fully connected during your stay here. This retreat is for those who are truly looking to unplug.

Excursions

Optional Group Excursions (TBA) 11am-5pm Sunday and Tuesday. Not included in initial cost.

Pricing
6 days, 7 nights

Single Occupancy ( 1 queen bed. Only 2 available)
$1808

Double Occupancy (1 queen bed. Only 2 available)
$1200

Triple Occupancy (1 queen bed and 2 single beds)
$1050

Quadruple Occupancy (1 queen bed and 2 single beds)
$940

Due to the limited accommodations available, space is limited to 12 people.

  • $500 reserves your space. Non-refundable after May 1, 2021.

  • 75% of balance due June 15, 2021. Non-refundable.

  • Remaining balance due October 1, 2021. Non-refundable.

Getting There

Due to this retreat being scheduled around the holidays, airfare can fluctuate greatly. It’s encouraged to research deal sites as soon as possible to get the best deal and to purchase your ticket before June 1. Ticket prices to the Philippines seem to increase exponentially for trips around Christmas and New Years once the summer begins. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way.

The most common way to get to El Nido, Palawan, is by taking a plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa, and then taking a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. It will take you a day, but it’s the cheapest way to go. Another good option is to take a direct flight from Manila to El Nido.

You may also want to look at other routes other than through Manila if you are spending time elsewhere around the island before the retreat. There are direct flights to Puerto Princesa and El Nido from many other cities.

Climate
Average temperature December-January
87F High 75F Low

Rainfall
Dry Season
Less than 7 days of rainfall

Vaccine Recommendations
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/philippines/

You can contact James at jamestennant@tejasyogachicago.com with any questions and/or to submit a deposit.