DECEMBER 28TH 2024 - JANUARY 6TH 2025
Join us in the heart of the majestic Patagonia, Argentina, for a retreat that promises to rejuvenate and transform your being.
Before we delve deeper, let's reflect on your current state:
- Do you feel caught in the whirlwind of daily life, craving a pause?
- Are you battling internal disarray, feeling directionless or fragmented?
- Have you lost touch with your physical essence, living detached from your corporeal being?
- Is there an inner call for renewal, seeking harmony of mind, body, and spirit?
- Do you desire a deeper connection with your inner self and meaningful interactions with others?
- Are you yearning to be enveloped by the pristine wilderness, dedicating time to your personal growth and health?
Are you ready to join us on an unforgettable journey?
EXPLORE
Join us for a once in a lifetime Adventure Retreat amongst the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia! Embark on a 10 day journey of discovery as we traverse through the stunning regions of Argentina and Chile, immersing ourselves in thrilling activities and serene natural beauty.
IMMERSE
We are fortunate to have one of North America’s best breathwork and ice bath instructors Kevin Connelly joining us on the Retreat. Kevin will guide us through several cold plunge sessions and present workshops to share the science backed benefits of cold water immersion.
PADDLE
Discover the pristine waters of Patagonia by boat as we traverse the crystal clear lakes to reach Chile, and opt to embark on rafting, kayaking or packrafting excursions to get an up-close experience of the unspoilt glacier fed rivers. Other optional activities include mountain biking and horseriding.
Connect with nature, nourish your body and reconnect with your soul
This ten-day, nine-night retreat in Patagonia offers an extraordinary journey into the wild, enabling you to rejuvenate your body and soul while reconnecting deeply with your true self. Set against the backdrop of Patagonia’s awe-inspiring landscapes, the retreat features a carefully curated program of activities designed to enrich your overall wellness. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation call today to discover if the Patagonia Retreat aligns with your path to revitalized health.
Guided Treks
Yoga and Sound Bath
Breathwork & Ice Baths
Argentinian Tango Lesson
10 Day Patagonia Itinerary: Day 1-5
Over ten days of an action-packed program, we will experience the best of what Patagonia has to offer, focusing on the beautiful Lake Region. We will meet in the gorgeous lake town of Bariloche in Argentina, famed for its Swiss-style chocolate and its postcard setting.
We will then head to our Lodge, where we will stay for the first five nights. From our base, we will do a full day trek to see La Laguna del Glaciar, as well as two other shorter hikes including a New Years Day hike to arrive at an icy swimming spot at the top!
Enjoy optional activities including kayaking, rafting, horseriding, or you can stay at the awesome lodge and go swimming at the private beach of the river located below, or hang out in the jacuzzi or the sauna. And we can even organise a group tango lesson!
Each day there will be opportunities for cold water immersion as well as Breathwork sessions plus informative workshops about cold water therapy with guest facilitator Kevin Connelly.
For New Years Eve, we will be treated to a traditional Argentinian BBQ feast using responsibly sourced ingredients from local farms.
The accommodation at the Lodge will be on a twin share basis, and our transportation will be by private vehicle and boat. All our meals will be home-cooked on site and will be healthy and satisfying. Dietary needs can be catered to.
10 Day Itinerary: Day 6-10
On Day 6, we travel to our base in Chile, in our private vehicle as well as several lake crossings by boat. The journey itself is spectacular, with snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes to see en route. The border crossings will be a fun experience too, as they are only accessible by boat.
From our accommodation base where we will stay for the next 3 nights, you can explore the local natural surroundings, and swim in the river.
We'll be doing a full day guided hike as well as another day for optional excursions such as packrafting or white water rafting.
We’ll be delving deeper into the science of cold therapy with Kevin as well as daily plunging in the glacier-fed river. And we’ll have the opportunity to stretch our muscles with a yoga class in the log cabin overlooking the turquoise river.
The accommodation at Puelo Libre Hostel will be Single or Double Share (non ensuite). All our meals will be home-cooked and served onsite, and we can gather around the loungeroom with a wood-fired stove to share our experiences.
On Day 9, we will travel back to Argentina via a combination of bus, boat, border crossings, and a delicious lunch at a settler’s cottage, and arrive back at the first lodge for our final evening of our trip.
On Day 10, we will do our final icy plunge, enjoy breakfast together then go by bus back to Bariloche where our Retreat will conclude. We can also arrange accommodation if you’d like to stay an extra night in Bariloche, or organise transport to Bariloche airport.
What's included?
- Nine nights accommodation - Enjoy 6 nights at a lodge in Argentina and 3 nights at a hostel in Chile, both providing comfortable and scenic stays.
- All transport throughout the trip, from Day 1 to Day 10 (from Bariloche), including border crossings.
- All meals - 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners. (Dietary needs catered for).
- New Years Eve BBQ Feast and Celebration - Ring in the New Year with a special barbecue feast and festive celebration.
- Guided treks - Explore the beauty of Patagonia with 2 full-day and 2 half-day guided treks.
- Daily guided Breathwork and ice bath sessions with expert instruction by Kevin Connelly.
- Workshops and group sessions - Engage in meaningful workshops and group activities designed to enhance your retreat experience.
- Yoga classes and Sound Bath - Participate in yoga sessions and experience the healing power of a sound bath.
- Argentinian Tango lesson - Learn the passionate steps of the traditional Argentine tango.
- Optional Extras (at additional cost): Rafting / Packrafting, Kayaking, Guided Mountain biking, Horseriding, On-site massages.
DATES, PRICING AND PAYMENT PLAN
This 10 day Retreat will start the afternoon of Saturday December 28th, 2024, and conclude the late morning of Monday January 6th, 2025. We have curated a carefully thought-out Retreat which is the perfect balance of outdoor adventure activities, quiet reflective time in nature, and challenges to enhance your personal self-development. The location of Patagonia is one of the world’s last remaining pristine regions, and we invite you to share the magic with us. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore this part of the world, with like-minded travellers, together with expert hosts and local outdoor activity guides. The total price for the ten days is USD $3,180. OR with our interest-free Payment Plan, it’s $530 per month x 6 months.
Your Hosts - Melanie & Kevin
This Retreat will be led by Melanie Sands and Kevin Connelly.
Melanie is the founder of Vida Sana Retreats and has been leading Wellness Retreats since 2014. She has a degree in Tourism Management and in International Studies in Spanish. Melanie is a Nutritionist and also currently completing her university studies in Naturopathic Medicine. She is also a former Overland Tour Leader, having led adventure tours throughout the South American continent including Patagonia. More recently, Melanie has been learning Breathwork in Kevin’s instructor training course.
Kevin is the owner of Reconnect Mexico, which runs ice bath sessions on the Caribbean beach town of Playa del Carmen, as well as Breathwork and Ice Instructor training courses. Also a former Tour Leader, Kevin has a love for facilitating unique experiences. Kevin discovered the power of breathwork and cold therapy after falling into a (and recovering from) deep depression. Kevin holds numerous breathwork certifications, is a wilderness first responder, and was one of the first students to work with best-selling author and breath expert James Nestor.
I'm a retreat newbie, will I be okay?
Yes! Many of our guests have never been on a retreat before. Each session can be tailored to suit beginner level, or to suit your individual requirements.
Our facilitator team is here to support you and guide you through each stage of your retreat journey.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, we offer the option of paying off your retreat in 3 or 4 equal payments, to spread the cost over several months. The final payment will be due 6 weeks before departure. If you would like to discuss an alternative payment arrangement, please get in touch with us.
I have special dietary requirements. Can you cater for this?
Yes absolutely; our kitchen team can create a nourishing menu that is suitable for your requirements.
What happens after I pay my deposit?
Once you book your place, we will send you an email with further information on what to expect, what to pack and how to prepare for the retreat to get the most out of your experience.
We are also happy to answer any questions you may have in the lead up to the retreat.
Can't make it to the Patagonia Retreat?
If the current retreat dates don't work for you, we invite you to get in touch and express your interest in future Vida Sana Retreats, including our international destinations. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon!
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