Bequia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines – The scent of cocoa wafted through the air as a group of women gathered on the tranquil shores of Bequia for the opening of the inaugural Free Spirit Wellbeing Retreat. Far more than just a getaway, the retreat was designed as a sanctuary of self-discovery, inviting participants to embrace vulnerability, reflect deeply, and forge connections with themselves and others.
Guided by wellness practitioner Rae-Dawne John, the retreat began with a powerful cocoa tea ceremony that set the tone for the four-day experience. Local cocoa, revered for its deep cultural and healing properties, was more than a beverage—it was a ritual that allowed participants to release emotional burdens and expand their heart space. John, founder of Free Spirit Yoga, described the tea as “medicine,” meant to open hearts and minds to growth, vulnerability, and emotional healing.
“This ceremony allows us to examine our relationships with love, with others, and most importantly, with ourselves,” John explained, encouraging each participant to sip the cocoa tea with intention and mindfulness. Journals were kept nearby to capture personal reflections, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
The retreat, held in April against the lush backdrop of Bequia, offered a holistic wellness experience, designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. “In the Caribbean, we need more spaces where people can heal,” John said, explaining her inspiration for hosting the retreat. “Here on Bequia, we have the perfect setting—beautiful beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and a community that is naturally healing.”
For many attendees, the retreat marked a break from the vibrant, bustling energy they had come to associate with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a stunning archipelago of 32 islands. Instead, the focus was on stillness, introspection, and connection. Bequia, known as “The Island of the Clouds,” provided an idyllic environment for these moments of serenity.
Over the course of four days, ten women participated in daily sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the verdant landscapes, which grounded them in the present moment. Activities included a culinary workshop celebrating local ingredients, beachside meditation, a nature hike, and a sunset cruise—all aimed at promoting healing and fostering community.
For John, the retreat was an opportunity to expand on her philosophy of wellness, which integrates yoga as a practice for the mind, body, and spirit. “Yoga is more than just the physical,” she explained. “It’s a healing modality that taps into all aspects of our humanity.”
Shanika Layne, a retreat participant, shared how Bequia offered the perfect environment for this type of experience. “Bequia is like no other place. You get the authentic Caribbean vibe without it being too commercialized. Even as someone from Saint Vincent, coming here feels like a retreat—a place to get away from the hustle and recharge.”
Kayla Harley, who traveled from Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of slowing down. “Being here on Bequia has been an opportunity to recharge and spend time with incredible women. It feels like a community, not just a retreat. The energy here is calm, serene, and grounded.”
The island’s natural beauty also played a significant role in the experience. Harley noted that wellness for her is “medicine,” and that the setting allowed her to connect directly with nature. “I feel fed by the earth,” she said, describing how she picked fresh fruits like sugar apples and soursop directly from the land.
The retreat’s emphasis on mindfulness and self-care extended beyond yoga and meditation, with John striving to create a space where people could reconnect with themselves and the natural world. “We have the perfect setting here on Bequia,” she said, referring to the island’s healing environment. “It’s a place where people can disconnect from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves.”
The Free Spirit Wellbeing Retreat is part of a larger movement across the Caribbean, where wellness practitioners like John are fostering spaces for healing and personal growth. John’s commitment to creating safe, supportive environments was reflected in her holistic approach to wellness. “I wanted my participants to leave feeling equipped with tools to navigate life and with the sense that they’re part of a supportive community,” she explained.
The retreat provided not only a restorative escape but also practical tools for integrating mindfulness into daily life. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with the spiritual and natural aspects of the Caribbean that often go unnoticed amid the region’s busy tourist hubs.
Reflecting on the experience, John’s words resonated: “Healing is a human right.” The retreat provided a rare opportunity for participants to embrace this right, fully immersing themselves in the island’s restorative energy and leaving with a renewed sense of balance and connection.
The next Free Spirit Wellbeing Retreat will take place in May at Young Island Resort, promising another immersive journey into the heart of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. As John continues her work, she remains focused on expanding the wellness movement in the Caribbean, with an emphasis on authentic, community-based healing.
For those seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the natural world, Bequia remains a powerful sanctuary—a place where wellness, community, and personal transformation converge.
You Might Be Interested In
