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April 22-30, 2026
Part One - The Rainforest Valley The Banks Resort Cayo District, Belize
Part Two- The Beach Peninsula Umaya Resort and Adventures Maya Beach, Belize Discover Belize. Rediscover yourself.
YogaVacays retreats are designed to be safe, mindful, and accessible — especially for those of us 50 and up. You’ll deepen your practice, feel renewed, and nourished, and hopefully develop a love of yoga for life! We choose destinations that blend nature, culture, and comfort as well as that special something. Expect yoga, relaxation, adventure, and meaningful local experiences woven throughout your stay. Enjoy plentiful dining options and generous private spaces — no shared bedrooms or bathrooms. Come with a partner, a friend, or solo. You’ll be welcomed into a fun, supportive group where real connections form naturally.
YOGA AND MORE Blissful Belize Yoga Retreat includes curated yoga sessions in several inspiring locations. Beachfront sunrise yoga sessions will serve to awake and invigorate you for the day. Longer yoga sessions will explore a variety of poses working on basic strength and flexibility to deepen your personal practice. Afternoon and evening yoga sessions will incorporate more restorative poses. Short but sweet meditations and breathwork will be incorporated to enhance mindfulness and rejuvenation.
Yoga participants should be in good physical health and have prior yoga experience (with at least six months of prior practice). We also welcome non-yoga friends who would like to join us in this journey.
You will see plenty of free time built into the agenda for exploration and relaxation. Optional activities include coastal and rainforest adventures, and cultural discovery.
Scroll down for Optional Activities at each of the resorts. AMAZING STAYS AT BEAUTIFUL RESORTS
The Banks Resort Rated 10.0 Exceptional on Expedia!
This stunning new resort in the Cayo District will take you "to the jungle" in complete luxury! Rooms at The Banks include a private courtyard with plunge pool, king sixed bed, and a modern kitchen, living and dining area. You will also have in-room filtered water, air conditioning, wireless internet, Smart TV, and comfortable private bedroom(s) with ensuite bathroom.
Besides the private plunge pool just outside your suite there is sparkling resort pool adjacent to a beautiful riverfront restaurant and bar. E-bikes are available for use around the property, as well as excursions and activities for your free time. At The Stables at Sleeping Giant, we will have the opportunity for a relaxed horseback ride through the adjacent land, including pastures, jungles and creeks.
Luxury awaits you at The Banks!
Umaya Resort and Adventures Rated 9.0 Wonderful on Expedia!
Beachfront rooms at Umaya Resort and Adventures include a furnished balcony with awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean Sea, air-conditioning, in-room filtered water, full kitchen, living and dining area, wireless internet, Smart TV, and comfortable private bedroom(s) each with an ensuite bathroom. Best of all, you are steps from the sea!
Amenities at Umaya include a spacious beachfront pool with swim-up bar, suitable for lap swimming. Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, pool towels and bicycles are available for use at no cost to guests. Several excursions and activities are also available for your free time.
The resort provides free shuttle transport from Placencia airport as well as scheduled daily shuttle service to/from the nearby vibrant and charming Placencia Village. Or you can rent a golf cart ! Pickleball and bowling are just down the road.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Eight nights of luxury lodging, eight yoga sessions, seven Belizean-inspired breakfasts and seven group dinners are included in the package rate. Travel between resorts is included in the package pricing. Alcoholic beverages and travel expenses to and from the retreat are not included. WHY YOGAVACAYS? We focus on yoga that is safe and mindful, adaptable for various experience levels, and highly beneficial especially for those of us 50 and up. You will enrich your yoga practice and your life!
Come with a friend or come alone and make friends. Either way, you will be supported and enriched by a fun and caring group of like-minded individuals. Comfort is queen. Rooms are large, well-appointed and comfortable. (No bedroom or bathroom sharing!) Both of the resorts and the areas we visit are unique and special places.
Spectacular, heartwarming Belize will awaken your soul and the experience you have here will remain in your memory long after you depart!
Shared suites have separate bedroom and bathrooms. Includes listed meals, transportation between resorts and to group outings.
Includes listed meals, transportation between resorts and to group outings.
Includes listed meals, transportation between resorts and to group outings.
If you prefer to skip the yoga sessions, you’ll receive a $200 credit to use toward optional activities at Umaya Resort and Adventures.
Belize is on Mountain Time zone so no time is wasted with jet lag! There are plenty of international flight options with connections through SeaTac, LAX, Houston, or Dallas.
Once you have your flights, send me your itinerary. You can rent a car or I can help you arrange a shuttle . For the more adventurous types, on the return trip you can take a commuter flight from Placencia (PLJ) to BZE via Tropic or Maya Air - a short 30-minute flight that is beautiful and memorable.
It is strongly recommended to purchase Travel Insurance to ensure that you have medical coverage as well as trip interruption protection.
Schedule subject to slight modifications
Arrive at The Banks
Welcome Dinner at The Banks
Breakfast at The Banks
Mid-morning Yoga at the Creekside Yoga Deck
Afternoon free for Optional Activities
Dinner at Sleeping Giant Resort
Awakening Yoga at the Creekside Yoga Deck. Breakfast at The Banks
Rest of the day free for Optional Activities
Group Dinner TBD
Breakfast at The Banks
Day free for Optional Activities
Sunset Yoga
Dinner at The Banks
Brunch at The Banks
Travel to Umaya along the beautiful Hummingbird Highway
Schedule subject to slight modifications
Check-in
Afternoon Free
Beachside Welcome Dinner
Sunrise Yoga (Beach Palapa)
Breakfast at Umaya
Midmorning Yoga (Event Room)
Lunch on your own Afternoon Free - enjoy the beach or an optional afternoon activity
Dinner on your own
Sunrise Yoga (Beach Palapa) Breakfast at Umaya
Placencia Village (lunch on your own)
Placencia Yacht Club for afternoon Yoga and Sunset Dinner
Breakfast at Umaya
Free Day Optional Activities
Sunset Yoga (Lagoon Dock)
Dinner at Umaya
Departures from Placencia or Belize City
I moved from Canada to Oregon as a teen, graduated from Oregon Health & Sciences University, and spent my career in laboratory diagnostics development and sales. Travel became part of my rhythm — from the Western U.S. to national meetings and award trips, I was always on the move. However, my body suffered for it and in my retirement, I am committed to wellness and travel for pleasure! Yoga entered my life after an auto accident in 1996, and it’s been a source of healing, balance, and clarity ever since. I’m a true believer in its ability to support both body and mind. I am pursuing my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Alignment Based Yoga in order to safely support others in their wellness journeys. When I first visited Belize in 2019, I fell completely in love — with the people, the culture, the nature, the energy. I’ve returned many times, and now, in retirement, I’m living my dream of hosting yoga retreats in the places that inspire me most. Bringing together my love of people, planning, yoga, and travel feels like the perfect next chapter. Creating meaningful, joyful retreat experiences is something that lights me up. I can’t wait to welcome you to Belize and share this beautiful journey with you.
We will take advantage of beautiful locations at or near both resorts
Deepen your practice beside a gentle stream in the rainforest.
As the sun rises, listen to the waves and birdsong as you awaken your body and spirit.
Cool breezes, lapping waves and a gentle sunset make for a calming yoga session.
An afternoon yoga followed by relaxation in the sea and a sunset dinner in this magical location.
Placencia Village sits at the tip of the peninsula and is famous for having the world’s smallest main street — The Sidewalk. It’s lined with colorful shops, cafés, and restaurants full of that unmistakable Caribbean vibe. It’s the perfect place to wander, explore, and pick up your souvenirs. After lunch at your leisure in the village, we’ll meet at the point and take a short launch out to the Placencia Yacht Club — a magical over‑the‑water hideaway. We’ll enjoy an uplifting yoga session, then relax in the calm turquoise waters at the edge of the peninsula. Here we will enjoy a sunset dinner. This is one of the best sunset spots in Placencia, often with a sailboat framing the view. After sunset, we’ll take the launch back to the point and meet the Umaya shuttle for our return to the resort.
Email: colleen.westphal@frontier.com Mobile Phone: (971)485-3603 Whats App: +(971)485-3603
Please contact me to book your room and your optional tours or ask any questions about the retreat. I will provide additional information to participants upon registration and will hold a video call as the retreat date approaches.
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Explore Monkey River by boat and see beautiful trees and vegetation along the river, as well as iguanas, tropical birds, and crocodiles. Stop for a hike where your guide will point out medicinal plants and other wildlife including the namesake Howler Monkeys- who make an eerie call that you will not soon forget!
Have lunch in Monkey River Village, then return via the mangrove estuaries to seek manatees in the turquoise water.
$147.00 US pp (4 person min.)
All-day
Did you know that Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world? The colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life along the Belize Barrier Reef inspire an appreciation for the marine conservation efforts in Belize.
Enjoy a boat ride out to one of the many cayes along the Belize Barrier Reef. Here you will get an intimate look at different species of marine life like parrotfish, trumpetfish, lobsters and many more. You might spot stingrays gliding over the sandy bottoms, or nurse sharks resting under coral overhangs.
A nice lunch and all the needed gear is included in this full-day adventure.
$171.50 US pp (4 person min.)
All-day
Travel north off the peninsula for a half-day adventure. Get your adrenaline pumping as you zip through the rainforest canopy. After getting fitted with a harness and safety equipment, you will hike for short distance then soar through the canopy in a thrilling zipline ride. There are nine zip-lines in total offering dramatic birds-eye views - an invigorating experience!
$183.75 US pp (4 person min)
Afternoon
Visit the small village of Maya Center to learn about the traditional Mayan chocolate making process. There you will be met by a traditional Mayan family and a master chocolate maker who will lead a two-hour tour which includes a trip to the cacao farm. There you will have the opportunity to taste the cacao bean and see a variety of wild birds, flora and fauna. You will learn the Mayan method of dark chocolate production and have the privilege of making and eating your own chocolate!
$147.00 US pp (4 person min.)
Afternoon
After a scenic drive you will visit, walk and climb the remarkable Xunantunich (Stone Maiden) Mayan archaeological site. Located near the Guatemalan border, the site is reached by means of a hand cranked ferry to cross the Macal River. The site sits high atop a limestone ridge, with breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the tallest structure on the site, El Castillo.
After this immersive experience, relax while enjoying lunch at a popular cafe in San Ignacio before returning to The Banks.
$140.88 US per person (4+ people)
8:30 am- 3:00 pm
Includes transportation, guide and lunch.
What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than through food?
Engage your senses as you meet a direct descendant of the ancient Maya and take part in a hands-on journey exploring the roots of their traditional cuisine. Every culture has its staple starch—for the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures, it’s corn.
Roll up your sleeves and master the art of tortilla-making—from crafting the perfect masa (dough) to shaping and cooking it on a traditional comal (flat griddle) over the fire hearth.
You’ll prepare a staple dish and then sit down to enjoy it, paired with a cup of locally sourced cacao.
$91.88 US per person (2-6 people)
9:30 am- 1:00 pm
There is something about a connection with a horse, and beautiful natural setting that calms the human spirit. Nestled at the foot of the Maya Mountains, surrounded by lush jungle, and a short drive from your suite at The Banks, are the Stables at Sleeping Giant.
Resting on hundreds of acres of unspoiled rainforest, take in the Sleeping Giant from a unique vantage point on horseback. Perched on a hill, The Stables are your starting point for connection with nature.
From the moment you mount, exploring the surrounding lands on horseback is an unforgettable way to let the natural tropical world take center stage.
Your wrangler will tailor the ride to your comfort level, matching you with the ideal horse for the path ahead. These horses know the jungle trails and creek crossings by heart, ensuring a relaxing ride.
Horseback riding experience. Two hours, offered between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.
$67.38 USD per person. (2-5 people)
Take a short jungle hike before descending into caverns once considered sacred by the Maya. Float along an underground river as your guide reveals a world of shimmering stalactites, echoing chambers, and ancient ritual sites. After emerging from the caves, cool off with a refreshing plunge into St. Herman’s Blue Hole. Lean back, relax, and take in the lush rainforest canopy as you float in the deep, tranquil blue waters.
50% deposit due upon booking.
Balance due March 20th
Zelle, check or cash. Please reach out to Colleen via Contact Page. Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellation of reservations or portions of reservations must be received in writing (which I will pass along to the resort)
50% refund (less $100 processing fee) for cancellations received by March 20
No refunds for no-shows or cancellations after March 20.
Note - if you have made reservations with the resort for additional days before or after the retreat the same policy will apply, but you will need to notify the resort of your cancellation.
Thank you!
Had a great time - made new friends, explored new areas, tried new foods, and came back energized and rejuvenated.
Amazing balance of stay-in, explore, meet 'n greet, and relax by the pool. The Mayan chocolate experience and the trip to the Xunantunich ruins were both epic.
Garret Romaine, Discover Belize Participant (Sept 2025)
YogaVacays met my expectations. I was totally happy with all the yoga classes and the instructor. I'm not great at yoga, but I loved Lisa's classes ... every single one of them! We had an assortment of attendees from the south and the north. It was a great mix. I really enjoyed the entire experience!
Discover Belize Participant (Sept 2025)
This was my first time traveling solo and I admittedly was kind of nervous! Colleen was a wonderful coordinator and all of us met on a Zoom call before the trip. The shuttle to Umaya Resort was there was waiting for us when we landed in Belize! We were all tired from the flights and the shuttle stopped at a great place for lunch on the drive to the resort.
Every aspect of my vacation was well planned out and I was able to pick excursions ahead of time. I did not think I would make it to early morning yoga, but I was able to most days.
Yoga twice a day was very healing. The yoga instructor was excellent, and I never felt like I would injure myself!
The staff at Umaya was excellent. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated by the end of my stay and sort of did not want to go home. I would highly recommend YogaVacays!
Valerie Purdy, Discover Belize Participant (Sept 2025)
The major languages spoken in Belize include English Spanish and Kriol. Mayan languages are also spoken in certain areas.
English is the official language, taught in schools, so it's easy to enjoy a conversation with a Belizean. You will hear at lot of Kriol which sounds like very fast and abbreviated form of English that all Belizeans (with various native languages) use to communicate with each other.
Each US dollar is worth 2 Belizean dollars. Businesses will accept the US dollar and generally provide change in Belize dollars. There is no need to go to the bank for Belize money before travelling! But be sure to have some cash on you to support the local businesspeople!
