Run + Flow Yoga Retreat

Barbados is a vibrant island rich in art, history, nightlife, and incredibly kind and welcoming people. The natural beauty takes it to the next level with miles of pristine beaches, rolling hills and underwater worlds - perfect for snorkeling! With unbeatable views and majestic sunsets, Barbados paints a perfect backdrop for yoga, which is at the core of this special retreat. We'll practice each day while also taking part in exciting local activities, tasting traditional dishes (and beer) and simply relaxing on the beach.

Plus, we're thrilled to join the annual Run Barbados festival, where runners and spectators can enjoy different events and entertainment leading up to the marathon. Our retreat guests are invited to join the national 5K walk/run or 10K run alongside active enthusiasts from around the world!

The fitness:
The fitness focus on the retreat is yoga, and our instructor will lead a variety of classes that balance higher intensity / power yoga with restorative and stretching classes based around our itinerary and other activities each day. In addition, guests who want to work on their running will have an option to go for a trail run guided by professional coach George Griffith, as well as participate in the Run Barbados 5K or 10K.

By combining the stretching, core strength and flexibility of yoga with the cardio and endurance of running, we aim to offer something for everyone when it comes to working out on this trip!

The retreat:
Working out is only half the fun on this Barbados adventure. We'll visit a quieter side of the island for a beautiful hike or trail run (the choice is yours!), sail on a catamaran for a perfect sunset, snorkel over shipwrecks, and visit the famous Oistin's Fish Fry for an evening of food and local energy! Plus, our resort is on the beach so there is always time to sit back and relax.

What's included

5 days / 4 nights accommodations at a beachfront resort
Daily yoga practice ranging from high intensity to restorative
Running class with drills and support for all levels
Entry into the Run Barbados 5K walk, 5K run, or 10K run
Guided hike or trail run to see an untouched side of Barbados
Breakfast included to fuel you each day
Welcome dinner and farewell dinners included
Catamaran sail with snorkeling over shipwrecks, delicious lunch and open bar
Visit to Oistin's Fish Fry for dinner and nightlife
Free time to relax and reflect on the beach
Welcome Wellness Goody Bag

Itinerary

Thursday, December 6:

Welcome to Barbados! Arrive at the BGI airport and take a provided shuttle to the resort. (Participants will be given a time frame upon registration to arrive to take advantage of the shuttle service). We'll get settled at the hotel and meet for friendly introductions before jumping into our first class, a sunset yoga practice, waking up our bodies from the day of travel. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant where we'll get to know each other and enjoy some fresh Bajan cuisine.

Friday, December 7:

Wake up to an ocean breeze and breakfast at your leisure before departing for a moderate hike or trail run in the mountains (depending on your level and interest). Special guest George Griffith will lead a short class focusing on mobility and running technique before breaking into groups for the hike or trail run where we'll explore the woods, the beach, and dozens of local flora and fauna. After the hike, we'll cool down with cold drinks and fresh fruit, and then we'll stretch out with a yoga class. After lunch, we'll head back to the hotel for a free afternoon to relax. And in the evening, we'll visit Oistin's Fish Fry, the popular fish market and festival with food and dancing!

Saturday, December 8:

This morning we will have a yoga practice overlooking the ocean followed by a light breakfast at the hotel. The day is then free to enjoy the beach and sunshine, walk around town and have a nice lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take part in the annual Run Barbados festivities with a 5K walk or run or 10K run (optional, but included!). Tonight is a free night to enjoy more of the Run Barbados activities, go to St. Lawrence Gap for dinner and drinks or stay at the hotel for a good night's sleep.

Sunday, December 9:

We'll wake up to a beach yoga practice and breakfast at the resort and then a free morning to soak up the sun or the sites. It is the perfect time to sign up for additional excursions or activities or just chill out and relax. We can also watch as the annual marathon takes place to cheer on the runners! As the heat of the day begins to subside, we'll depart for an exciting catamaran cruise! We'll snorkel over shipwrecks, enjoy delicious fresh food, indulge in an open bar, and witness unparalleled views of sunset. A final group dinner will call an end to the memorable day.

Monday, December 10:

This morning, we'll go for an optional run in the neighborhood and have our final yoga practice. We'll dine for breakfast, pack up our things, and enjoy our last moments on the beach before taking a shuttle to the airport and heading home refreshed and feeling stronger than ever!

*Itinerary subject to change

The Accommodations

The Savannah Beach Hotel is a four-star hotel located on the pristine South Coast of Barbados, one of the most picturesque areas of the island. This restored 19th century Plantation House once predominantly featured brick construction and elegant cast-iron balconies. Now, Savannah has beautifully appointed rooms, in a completely unique, contemporary-meets-tropical colonial design. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and feature supremely comfortable beds and seating areas. The rooms also feature large TVs, hair dryers, tea or coffee making facilities, ironing boards & irons, security safes and free internet access. All of the bathrooms have a modern, minimalist finish. The hotel features two swimming pools, a full-service spa, a game room, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.

Plantation Rooms: based in the historic main plantation house with antique mahogany furniture, traditional wooden floors, sitting area and king size bed.

Deluxe Courtyard Rooms: king rooms offer views of the gardens and a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea and main pool. An additional single bed may be added.

Deluxe Pool Rooms: views of the gardens and pools from a private balcony, and select "Pool Access" rooms have direct access onto the pool deck from a private stairway.

Meet your Coach

Kayla Mantegazza is a Boston-based yoga teacher with a heart of gold, buns of steel, and laugh like Danny DeVito. She is the author of the blog, “Yoganna Love This."

Kayla completed her 500hr YTT with the intention of empowering people from all walks of life to make wellbeing their priority. She provides a safe haven to access boutique-quality classes on a ramen noodle budget, with dignity and ease.

When Kayla isn't practicing yoga, she gets an endorphin high by lifting weights, hiking, and secretly learning the choreography to any music video Beyonce released in the early 2000s. More than strength or flexibility, Kayla says the most valuable skills a yogi can possess are resilience and a sense of humor because she is a firm believer that the most effective way to conquer the fear of falling in an arm balance is by living through a face plant.

Her teaching style is an energetic Vinyasa flow that typically incorporates bursts of high-intensity cardio intervals and resistance training using bodyweight, bands, and blocks.

Kayla joins Team Ketanga as a Coach after participating in a Ketanga retreat as a guest and being inspired by the experience and camaraderie!