Explore and Expand Retreats

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Explore and Expand Retreats Curated bucket-list retreat experiences designed to delight + challenge intrepid travelers. We are not your average yoga retreat!

Imagine waking up in your luxurious king suite to panoramic views of the Douro Valley: sunrise peeking over the hillside...
17/03/2025

Imagine waking up in your luxurious king suite to panoramic views of the Douro Valley: sunrise peeking over the hillsides, multi-generational vineyards, terraced up and down the hills, a serene river that stretches as far as you can see. Breakfast awaits, followed by a leisurely yoga practice and meditation. Lunch is at a special vineyard, where you sample Portuguese wines and learn the history of traditional Portuguese winemaking. Later, you take a nap by our villa's pool before joining the group for a dinner of local specialties, prepared by our private chef. After a dip in the hottub under the stars, you sink into bed for sweet dreams of another beautiful day ahead. ✨️

This is the life of you, on our Picturesque Portugal retreat. We have handpicked and carefully curated the best of the best experiences for YOU: culture, cuisine, nature elements, and of course, movement and meditation…all this with attention paid to our environmental and social impacts on our host country and her people

Registration is now open for this September 2025 experience!

🌿 Ready to Explore New Landscapes—Inner & Outer? 🌍Imagine waking up to golden sunrises, stretching into the day with yog...
14/03/2025

🌿 Ready to Explore New Landscapes—Inner & Outer? 🌍

Imagine waking up to golden sunrises, stretching into the day with yoga, sipping wine at local vineyards, and wandering through grounds untouched by the usual tourist crowds.

✨ Our Explore & Expand Portugal Retreat is officially LIVE & OPEN for booking! ✨

This is your invitation to step into a journey of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful adventure. A trip designed for seekers of beauty, connection, great food, amazing wine, lovers of slow, soulful travel.

🔹 Daily yoga & somatic practices
🔹 Private wine tastings & farm-to-table feasts
🔹 A breathtaking hike through rolling vineyards
🔹 Time to relax, explore, and savor Portugal’s magic
And much more!

🏡 Our boutique retreat blends relaxation, exploration, and connection—all set against Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley.

Spaces are limited—are you in? 🍷✨

📍 Click the link in bio and claim your spot!.... we're already half sold out!

✨ LOSE YOURSELF IN MOROCCO, FIND YOUR MAGIC 🌙 Some places don’t just change your location—they change you. Picture this:...
21/02/2025

✨ LOSE YOURSELF IN MOROCCO, FIND YOUR MAGIC 🌙

Some places don’t just change your location—they change you.

Picture this:

🏜️ Wandering through seaside villages, where the ocean whispers ancient stories
🍊 Sipping mint tea in a hidden riad, soaking in the beauty of intricate tiles and lantern-lit courtyards
🌅 Watching the sun melt into the horizon, wrapped in the warmth of adventure and new friendships
🔥 Tapping into your wildest dreams in a land where history, artistry, and mystery collide

This is more than a trip. It’s a call to explore, expand, and embrace all of you.

📍 Morocco | May 10-17, 2025
🔗 Details on the website

Tag a fellow explorer who needs this adventure! ⬇️

✨ Wanderlust Dilemma! ✨ If you could teleport right now, where would you go? 🛫💭🏝 Beach Retreat or 🏔 Mountain Escape🍷 Win...
18/02/2025

✨ Wanderlust Dilemma! ✨ If you could teleport right now, where would you go? 🛫💭

🏝 Beach Retreat or 🏔 Mountain Escape
🍷 Wine Tasting or ☕ Local Coffee Culture
🧘‍♀️ Morning Yoga with a View or 🚶‍♂️ Sunset Stroll through a Historic Town
🛍 Boutique Shopping or 🎨 Art & Culture Tour
🌿 Deep Nature Immersion or 🏙 Vibrant City Adventure

Drop your picks in the comments! ⬇️ We love hearing what kind of travel magic calls to you. 🌍✨

There’s something special about traveling in a small group—just the right mix of adventure, connection, and all the free...
14/02/2025

There’s something special about traveling in a small group—just the right mix of adventure, connection, and all the freedom to be yourself. ✨

You get to explore new places with like-minded souls, sharing meals, laughter, and those "wow" moments that only travel can bring. But there’s also space—space to wander off, follow your own curiosity, and move at your own rhythm.

Small group travel with us, , also allows space for you to use time choosing your own adventure (we even offer guides with suggestions and resources for use of free time!) while being part of something bigger. It’s the perfect balance of personal freedom and shared joy.

Because the best journeys aren’t just about where you go—they’re about how you feel along the way. ❤️

Where’s your next adventure taking you?

📸:

Added to the reasons to hike with a multi-purpose scarf... you can fashion a puppy papoose. 🐶In our most recent podcast ...
12/02/2025

Added to the reasons to hike with a multi-purpose scarf... you can fashion a puppy papoose. 🐶

In our most recent podcast we share the story of how we met "Al", short for Algarve, a lost pup we met on a trail in Portugal and how he helped further inform our business goals for 2025. ✨️

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself in new ways. Stepping into unfamiliar landscapes shakes loose the habits and assumptions we carry daily. Suddenly, what truly matters becomes clear: the values that guide us, the connections we crave, the way we want to show up in the world.

Whether it’s navigating unexpected animal rescues with strangers turned friends or the buzz of a foreign market, travel holds up a mirror. What do you see when the noise falls away?

Want to know why Oaxaca’s is getting all the buzz as one of the must-travel destinations in 2025? Join us for a curated ...
03/02/2025

Want to know why Oaxaca’s is getting all the buzz as one of the must-travel destinations in 2025? Join us for a curated small group travel experience and find out! We love Oaxaca for it’s vibrant art, rich customs and traditions, and of course, because Oaxaca is one of the best food and drink destinations on the planet! We have handpicked and carefully curated the best of the best experiences for YOU: culture, cuisine, history, nature elements, and of course, movement and meditation…all this with attention paid to our environmental and social impacts on this beautiful land and her people.


Oaxaca: A Cultural Tapestry Woven in Tradition ✨Oaxaca isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. A living, breathing celebr...
31/01/2025

Oaxaca: A Cultural Tapestry Woven in Tradition ✨

Oaxaca isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. A living, breathing celebration of heritage, artistry, and deep ancestral wisdom. 🌎 From the vibrant colors of handwoven Zapotec textiles to the hauntingly beautiful rhythms of traditional music, every street, market, and mezcal toast tells a story.

✨ Walk through the ancient ruins of Monte Albán and Mitla, where whispers of the past still echo.
✨ Get lost in the sights and scents of local markets, a sensory overload of spices, pottery, and local magic.
✨ Feel the energy of a temazcal ceremony, connecting you to the earth and your own transformation.

Whether you come for the art, the rituals, or the spirit of resilience in every corner, Oaxaca invites you to not just visit—but to become part of its story. 💫

📍 What’s the most culturally enriching place you’ve ever traveled to? Tell us in the comments! 👇

you consider yourself a foodie, Oaxaca City should be at the very top of your travel list. Known as the culinary heart o...
29/01/2025

you consider yourself a foodie, Oaxaca City should be at the very top of your travel list. Known as the culinary heart of Mexico, Oaxaca is a feast for the senses, where every dish tells a story of tradition, history, and regional pride. From vibrant markets bursting with local flavors to high-end restaurants reimagining ancestral recipes, Oaxaca offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience that reflects the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Why Oaxaca is THE Ultimate Food Destination:

1. Home of the Seven Moles – Oaxaca is famous for its rich, complex moles, including the iconic mole negro, a symphony of chocolate, chiles, and over 30 ingredients.

2. Unmatched Street Food Culture – Whether it’s a crispy tlayuda, a warm memela, or a triangular tetela, Oaxaca’s street food is both delicious and deeply tied to Indigenous cooking traditions.

3. The Magic of Corn & Chocolate – From hand-formed tortillas to the ancient frothy tejate drink, Oaxaca celebrates the sacred ingredients of maize and cacao like no other place.

4. The Mezcal Capital of the World – Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal, Mexico’s smoky, artisanal agave spirit, best enjoyed at a local mezcalería or straight from a family-run palenque.

5. Fresh, Local, and Sustainable – Oaxacan cuisine is rooted in farm-to-table practices, with markets overflowing with heirloom vegetables, chilies, and native herbs used in everyday cooking.

6. A Fusion of Tradition & Innovation – While street vendors carry on centuries-old recipes, Oaxaca’s top chefs, like those at Casa Oaxaca and Criollo, are reinventing classic dishes in exciting new ways.

7. An Immersive Culinary Experience – Beyond eating, you can join a cooking class, visit traditional Sunday markets like Tlacolula, or witness ancient techniques like caldo de piedra (stone soup) made before your eyes.

Simply put, Oaxaca is a place where food isn’t just sustenance—it’s culture, community, and an art form. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate with pan de yema in a mercado, indulging in a slow-cooked barbacoa taco, or raising a glass of mezcal under the stars, every bite and sip tells a story of Oaxaca’s soul.

you consider yourself a foodie, Oaxaca City should be at the very top of your travel list. Known as the culinary heart o...
29/01/2025

you consider yourself a foodie, Oaxaca City should be at the very top of your travel list. Known as the culinary heart of Mexico, Oaxaca is a feast for the senses, where every dish tells a story of tradition, history, and regional pride. From vibrant markets bursting with local flavors to high-end restaurants reimagining ancestral recipes, Oaxaca offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience that reflects the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Why Oaxaca is THE Ultimate Food Destination:

1. Home of the Seven Moles – Oaxaca is famous for its rich, complex moles, including the iconic mole negro, a symphony of chocolate, chiles, and over 30 ingredients.

2. Unmatched Street Food Culture – Whether it’s a crispy tlayuda, a warm memela, or a triangular tetela, Oaxaca’s street food is both delicious and deeply tied to Indigenous cooking traditions.

3. The Magic of Corn & Chocolate – From hand-formed tortillas to the ancient frothy tejate drink, Oaxaca celebrates the sacred ingredients of maize and cacao like no other place.

4. The Mezcal Capital of the World – Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal, Mexico’s smoky, artisanal agave spirit, best enjoyed at a local mezcalería or straight from a family-run palenque.

5. Fresh, Local, and Sustainable – Oaxacan cuisine is rooted in farm-to-table practices, with markets overflowing with heirloom vegetables, chilies, and native herbs used in everyday cooking.

6. A Fusion of Tradition & Innovation – While street vendors carry on centuries-old recipes, Oaxaca’s top chefs, like those at Casa Oaxaca and Criollo, are reinventing classic dishes in exciting new ways.

7. An Immersive Culinary Experience – Beyond eating, you can join a cooking class, visit traditional Sunday markets like Tlacolula, or witness ancient techniques like caldo de piedra (stone soup) made before your eyes.

Simply put, Oaxaca is a place where food isn’t just sustenance—it’s culture, community, and an art form. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate with pan de yema in a mercado, indulging in a slow-cooked barbacoa taco, or raising a glass of mezcal under the stars, every bite and sip tells a story of Oaxaca’s soul.

Have y'all seen the new site?Tell us what you think!
28/01/2025

Have y'all seen the new site?

Tell us what you think!

Rooting down and feeling grounded is often the key to fully experiencing life’s journey, much like travel itself. It’s a...
23/01/2025

Rooting down and feeling grounded is often the key to fully experiencing life’s journey, much like travel itself. It’s about planting your feet firmly in the present moment while still keeping an eye on the horizon, always aware of the adventures yet to come. In travel, as in life, the balance is crucial: you must be rooted in your surroundings to truly appreciate them, to feel their depth and meaning, but also gaze forward, eager for what lies ahead. The horizon represents not just distant places, but the endless possibilities that await when we allow ourselves to grow, explore, and stay open to the unknown. By grounding ourselves, we find stability—yet by looking ahead, we remind ourselves that the journey is ongoing, and there’s always more to discover. Travel, in this sense, becomes not just a physical movement, but an ever-evolving process of becoming.

We're grounded in deep appreciation for all of you and your willingness to gaze forward with us into future travel adventures!

Our July 2025 Explore & Expand Retreats trip to Oaxaca is filling up fast! This vibrant destination is stealing hearts—a...
12/12/2024

Our July 2025 Explore & Expand Retreats trip to Oaxaca is filling up fast! This vibrant destination is stealing hearts—and spots are going quickly!

If you’ve been dreaming of colorful markets, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine (hello, mole and mezcal 🍹), this is your sign to join us.

✨ Why Oaxaca? ✨
We just posted a new blog on our website diving into what makes Oaxaca the ultimate travel location for 2025. From its breathtaking landscapes to its deep cultural heritage, we’re sharing why this magical spot is perfect for exploration and personal growth.

🌍 Head to our website to read the blog now and secure your spot!

Imagine this: a journey curated with care, where every detail is designed for your comfort and joy. You’re not one of hu...
06/12/2024

Imagine this: a journey curated with care, where every detail is designed for your comfort and joy. You’re not one of hundreds crammed onto a tour bus, and you don’t have to navigate unfamiliar terrain solo. Instead, you’re part of an intimate group, sharing unique experiences while maintaining space to explore on your own. That’s the magic of small, boutique group travel—and here’s why it’s the ultimate way to explore the world:

●Personalized Experiences
Small groups mean big opportunities for tailored adventures. Whether it’s a private wine tasting at a family vineyard, a secluded yoga session overlooking the ocean, or a hike off the beaten path, boutique travel ensures your trip feels custom-made.

●Connection, Not Crowds
Large tours can feel impersonal, but with a smaller group, real connections blossom. You’ll share stories, laughter, and moments of awe with like-minded travelers while still enjoying room to breathe and reflect.

● Immersive Cultural Exploration
Smaller groups can slip into places big tours can’t—intimate bistros, hidden alleys, or artisanal markets. You’ll experience authentic local culture instead of the tourist traps, making every destination feel like a treasure discovered.

●Flexibility and Flow
Big tours run on strict schedules, but boutique travel embraces spontaneity. Want to linger over lunch in that charming piazza? Done. Prefer a sunrise hike instead of a late breakfast? Let’s make it happen.

●Sustainable and Ethical Travel
Smaller groups leave a lighter footprint, and boutique travel companies often partner with local businesses, ensuring your trip supports the community and environment you’re exploring.

●The Luxury of Feeling Cared For
With fewer travelers, your guides and hosts can truly focus on you. Need a special diet accommodated? Curious about an extra excursion? They’ve got you covered. Boutique travel isn’t just a trip—it’s an act of hospitality.

When you choose small, boutique group travel, you’re choosing a way to see the world that honors both your individuality and your desire for connection. It’s adventure elevated, exploration with intention, and travel at its finest.

Let's Explore & Expand together!

Why book with us?There are two of us. Ha! Seriously, though: when you book with us, you get a ton of support, encouragem...
22/11/2024

Why book with us?

There are two of us. Ha! Seriously, though: when you book with us, you get a ton of support, encouragement, and guidance both before and during our retreats. If one of us is temporarily unavailable, the other one of us has your back. You can count on us to take really good care of you, and even more importantly, to support you in taking great care of yourself while on retreat. Also, we’re longtime friends IRL, and we simply work really well together to serve you well.

We have a sh*t ton of training, experience, and specialized expertise. With a background in social work, Carrie has been teaching yoga since 2012, training yoga teachers since 2015, and coaching executives and leaders since 2016. With a background in leadership development, Kelly left corporate management in 2014. Since then, she has incorporated somatic bodywork, mindfulness, ceremony/ritual, and life transition coaching into her healing services. We create a strong container for you and offer practices during retreat that previous participants have described as “transformational.”

We’re fun. Seriously! Meet us and find out! One of our favorite quotes from a first-time participant: “At first, I was skeptical, but y’all are actually cool as hell.”

For more information about our company ethos, training and reasons to travel, please visit our website!

, nothing excites us more than crafting experiences that go beyond what you imagined. From the first sip of wine at a tu...
21/11/2024

, nothing excites us more than crafting experiences that go beyond what you imagined. From the first sip of wine at a tucked-away vineyard to the breathtaking views on a secret hike, we delight in those moments when your eyes light up with joy and surprise.

Our retreats are about more than travel—they're about creating unforgettable connections, exploring the unexpected, and expanding your horizons in ways that make your soul sing.

When you join us, it’s not just an itinerary—it’s a journey tailored with care, creativity, and a dash of magic. 💫 Seeing your expectations met and exceeded is the heartbeat of what we do.

Ready to be amazed? Let’s explore the world together and make your travel dreams even better than you imagined. 🌍✨



ChatGPT can make mistakes.

We realize you have many options for travel on this big, beautiful planet of ours, and we are excited when someone is co...
29/10/2024

We realize you have many options for travel on this big, beautiful planet of ours, and we are excited when someone is considering joining us for one of our bucket list adventures. So why us?

For starters, we’ve been in this game a while. We’ve been leading group retreats since 2012 and have been exploring the world long before then. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and believe we have found the sweet spot of painstakingly crafting locations and itineraries that will delight (and sometimes lovingly challenge!) our intrepid travelers.

We typically invest many months and sometimes years of detailed and tedious research before traveling to new locations, go there ourselves, develop relationships with individuals and vendors, before extending the invitation for you to join us. We do the “not fun” parts of travel research and planning, so you don’t have to. You simply get to say “yes!” to the retreat experiences that speak to you, and show up. We take care of the rest.

We love this work and the connections we make while doing it. Our longterm (24 years!) of friendship is: trust, support, and understanding, which allows a natural ease in how we hold space for our groups. We’re fun. Seriously! Meet us and find out! One of our favorite quotes from a first-time participant: “At first I was skeptical, but y’all are actually cool as hell.”

Check out the "Why Us?" tab of our website to learn more about our values, ethos and training, OR reach out! We'd love to meet you and chat about your travel options, share more about us, and what we bring to our .

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