EMBODIED
AFRICA
Yoga Retreat on Safari
March 29th - April 4th 2026
in the epic landscapes of The Greater Kruger South Africa
TAKE THE SACRED JOURNEY FROM YOUR HEAD TO YOUR HEART
YOGA ON SAFARI
IN THE HEALING LANDS OF MOTHER AFRICA!
Join us for this once in a lifetime experience, a Yoga Retreat like no other!
A yoga retreat deep in the heart of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, where we will go on epic Safari Game drives EVERY DAY! An unforgettable opportunity to meet up close with Leopards, Zebra, Giraffes, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, & even Lions!
Nourish your body with deeply healing daily yoga journeys on a stunning outdoor yoga deck overlooking the floodplains where African wildlife meander on by, including giraffe, zebra & elephants! Paired with a live DJ playing soulful African inspired rhythms & healing frequencies.
Nourish your soul exploring indigenous African culture with drum & song ceremonies, Ancient Purification Rituals & personal sessions with a traditional African healer.
Nourish your spirit learning of Ancient Kingdoms & Bantu cosmology, & taking daily educational nature walks on ancient land, discovering sacred relationship with earth & nature from an African lens.
Join us on this epic & entirely unique yoga experience
Immersed in the heartbeat of the motherland!
Are you Ready to Come to your Senses ?!
The Venue
Our Retreat is held in the incredible Sashwa Retreat Centre, where guests can fully immerse in the transformative power of the wilderness that spans over 2 million hectares!
Wildlife roams freely across the landscape – creating an untamed, deeply enriching safari experience. Including safari game drives & hikes in the Kruger each & EVERY DAY of the retreat! Where you can experience the unforgettable opportunity of meeting the big 5 up close!
Sashwa is a 100% Non Profit Retreat Centre that exists purely to support something greater :
Koru Camp : 100% of Sashwa’s profits are dedicated to Koru Camp, their on-reserve education project devoted to uplifting the previously disadvantaged through educational and empowerment programs.
Introducing local children to the wild through hands-on time in nature, providing free immersive nature experiences, conservation education, and teaching sustainable living skills, they begin their journey as future conservationists. Dedicated to preserving precious ecosystems & inspiring them to become positive change-makers in their own lives and the natural world..
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Sashwa does, and all of their operations are designed to serve the land, the community, and the wildlife.
CONSERVATION : Protecting and preserving the biodiversity of the Greater Kruger National Park region.
COMMUNITY : Empowering local communities through education, employment, and upliftment initiatives
SUSTAINABILITY : Integrating truly sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations for a harmonious relationship with nature.
The Retreat Space includes :
An epic outdoor yoga deck for our daily practice, that looks directly out over the daily flow of wildlife meandering on by on the floodplain below.
Incomparable Wildlife viewing from any of the relaxation areas throughout the lodge, witnessing Giraffe, Zebra & even the local Lion pride in their natural habitat.
Cool off & relax in the stunning salt water pool as Elephants stroll on by
Detoxify & Rejuvenate in the state-of-the-art infrared sauna with an outdoor waterfall shower
Revitalise in the gym & restore in the spa @ The Sashwa Wholeness Center , that offers a plethora of deeply nourishing treatments for body mind & soul.
Stoke your inspiration in the creative arts studio, filled with diverse art supplies to ignite your imagination
All the while enjoying deliciously curated organic cuisine, fresh from garden to table, grown in the Permaculture Gardens right on the property!
Programme Overview
‘We are so excited to invite you on this potent & entirely unique journey immersing in Ancient African Culture & Wilderness’
The retreat will take place in the phenomenal Greater Kruger of Southern Africa. Where we will have the incredible opportunity to go on Safari Game Drives every day with Leopards, Zebra, Giraffes, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Buffalo & even Lions !
We will be practicing yoga together in the mornings & evenings and visiting panoramic locations such as stunning river canyons & ancient waterfalls.
And we will have the profound privilege of exploring Indigenous African Culture daily & directly with : Gogo Khanya, an ordained Sangoma ( Traditional African Healer ) :
Guided Ancient Purification Rituals
Guided African drum & song ceremonies
Daily Enlightening Talks in the sacred teachings of Ntu consciousness and Bantu cosmology.
Personal Divination Readings
All of this paired with deeply healing yoga journeys, where you will be invited out of your head & into your body in a daily practice on the healing soil of Africa. Designed to nourish your nervous system, ignite your spirit & feed your soul!
And each yoga journey will be paired with soundscapes curated by Tulani Ngxoweni ( Tulzy ), who will be dj-ing live! Marinating our daily practices with soulful african inspired rhythms & healing frequencies.Re-connect, Re-member, Re-Empower !
Join us on this unique yoga experience to nourish your body, ignite your spirit & feed your soul!
Daily Schedule
Daily Schedule :
DAY 1 :
9-10.00am - Student Arrival
10.00am - Arrival Refreshments & Opening Ceremony
10.30am - Opening Circle w Tina, Tulani & Gogo Khanya
12.30pm - Tour of the Grounds
1.30am - Nourishing Garden to Table Lunch
2.30pm - Check into Rooms
3.30pm - Grounding Nervous System Flow Class w Tina & Tulani
4:30pm - Safari Game Drive : Afternoon into Sunset
6.30pm - Sundowners at Wildlife Viewing Lookout
7:30PM - Dinner Under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8:30PM - Fire Gathering Talk w Khanya Bantu Cosmology
DAY 2 :
7:00am - Herbal Tea & Guided Morning Meditation
7.30am - Morning Yoga Practice with Tina & Tulani
8.30am - Light Breakfast
9.00am- Guided Wilderness Walk
11.00am - Nourishing Garden to Table Brunch
12.00pm - Free Time / Integration : Optional Activities: Salt Water Pool, Sauna, Gym, Spa Massages etc
2.30pm - Body Literacy Workshop w Tina
3:30pm - Afternoon Tea
4:00pm - Safari Game Drive : Afternoon into Sunset
6.30pm - Sundowners at Wildlife Viewing Lookout
7:30pm - Dinner Under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8:30pm - Fire Gathering Talk w/ Khanya : Sacred Relationship w Nature
DAY 3 :
7:00am - Herbal Tea & Guided Morning Meditation
7.30am - Morning Yoga Practice with Tina & Tulani
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am- Morning Safari Game Drive
12.00pm - Nourishing Garden to Table Lunch
1.00pm - Free Time / Integration : Optional Activities: Salt Water Pool, Sauna, Gym, Spa Massages etc
3:00pm - Nervous System Restore Workshop w/ Tina
4.30pm - Afternoon Tea
5:00pm - Guided Wilderness Walk
6.30pm - Sundowners at Wildlife Viewing Lookout
7:30pm - Dinner Under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8:30pm - Evening Nervous System Rewire Practice under the Stars w Tina & Tulani
DAY 4 :
7:00am - Herbal Tea & Guided Morning Meditation
7.30am - Morning Yoga Practice with Tina & Tulani
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am - Bus Trip to Blyde River Canyon
11.30am - Blyde River Canyon Cruise
1.00pm - Picnic Lunch
2.00pm - Waterfall Ceremony w/ Gogo Khanya @ Blyde River Canyon
5.00pm - Bus Trip Home
7.30pm - Dinner under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8.30pm - Fire GatheringTalk w Gogo Khanya : Traditional African Ceremony
DAY 5 :
7:00am - Herbal Tea & Guided Morning Meditation
7.30am - Morning Yoga Practice with Tina & Tulani
8.30am - Light Breakfast
9.00am- Guided Wilderness Walk
11.00am - Nourishing Garden to Table Brunch
12.00pm - Free Time / Integration : Optional Activities: Salt Water Pool, Sauna, Gym, Spa Massages etc
2.30pm - Workshop w Tina & Simone : Embodying Mindfulness & Compassion - Social, Ethical & Emotional Learning
3:30pm - Afternoon Tea
4:00pm - Safari Game Drive Afternoon into Sunset
6.30pm - Sundowners at Wildlife Viewing Lookout
7:30pm - Dinner Under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8:30pm - Ecstatic Dance under the Stars w/ Tulani
DAY 6 :
7:00am - Herbal Tea & Guided Morning Meditation
7.30am - Morning Yoga Practice with Tina & Tulani
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am- Morning Safari Game Drive
12.00pm - Nourishing Garden to Table Lunch
1.00pm - Free Time / Integration : Optional Activities: Salt Water Pool, Sauna, Gym, Spa Massages etc
3:00pm - Workshop w Gogo Khanya : The Importance of Ancestory
4.30pm - Afternoon Tea
5:00pm - Guided Wilderness Walk
6.30pm - Sundowners at Wildlife Viewing Lookout
7:30pm - Dinner Under the Stars Communal Evening Meal
8:30pm - Closing Ceremony w African Song & Dance Circle
DAY 7 :
8.30am Nourishing Final Communal Breakfast
10.00am Departure
** Schedule is subject to changes
Embodiment Practices
Embodiment Practices :
Interoceptive Yoga :
We need to FEEL to HEAL.
Interoceptive Yoga is the birthplace of embodiment & takes us on the sacred journey from our heads to our bodies where profound healing & revelation takes form.
We will practice 2 forms of Interoceptive Yoga together on the Retreat :
1. AfroSoul YogaFlow - an Embodiment Journey of Yang to Yin, where SlowFlow Yoga nourishes our bodies & spirits, Yin Yoga soothes us with mindfulness & Yoga Nidra drops us into deep rejuvenation & repair, all marinated in Soulful Afro Inspired Beats with our Live DJ - Tulzy
2. Nervous System Flow - A deeply nourishing slow flow yoga practice paired with breath, brain training & neuro-resilience tools to tone our vagus nerve & soothe, ground & reset our nervous systems. Marinated with D.J Tulzy's rich soundscape of spacious healing frequencies Live.
Our practice will not only create the space for us to connect with & release the built up tension held in our bodies, refreshing & revitalising the system, but also serves to invoke access to the deep wisdom & inherent knowing that lies within each & every one of us, within the intelligence of our embodied presence .
Nervous System Rewire :
An essential component to Embodiment is cultivating the capacity for authentic embodied relaxation & nervous system regulation.
This practice is designed to empower students with tools to regulate their bodies stress responses by rebuilding a robust & adaptable nervous system.
A collection of breath & brain training self regulation practices to soothe & ground our nervous systems & restore vagal tone & equilibrium. Rebuilding our inner resilience & capacity to effectively metabolise & bounce back with ease after stress .
Yin Yoga :
In Yin Yoga we explore long held therapeutic asanas that generate the flow of chi through the fascia & the energy channels of the bodymind.
Releasing deep layers of contraction held in the connective tissue & influencing the 12 main meridians that feed into all of our primary organs.
We invite suppleness & flexibility into the physical body & restore harmony & balance to the mental & emotional bodies.
Whilst cultivating Mindfulness; the art of neither withdrawing from nor identifying with whatever arises, physically, psychologically & emotionally.
Thus allowing deep release on all level of our beings & inviting integration of Body, Mind & Spirit.
Accommodation
SASHWA RIVER OF STARS
Imagine a place where wellness, wildlife, and the wilderness converge. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to ensure a personalised and unforgettable experience.
Sashwa River of Stars sits in a pristine wilderness, where barefoot luxury meets connection to the land. The lodge blends indoor elegance with open-air living, surrounded by nature paths, hideaways, and decks for reflection and stillness. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every detail from solar power and eco-conscious amenities to our on-site permaculture garden and low-impact design.
Each suite offers a private retreat into comfort and calm, with:
•Extra-length bed
•En-suite bathroom with rainshower
•Air-conditioning & ceiling fan
•Organic hospitality station & Himalayan salt lamp
•Yoga mat & meditation cushion
•Charging station & hairdryer
•Outdoor relaxation deck
•Bespoke bathroom amenities
•Laundry service
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Eagle Suite : This incredible spacious suite is for those looking for something extra special! Perched directly on the riverbank, it offers unparalleled views both up and down the river and floodplain. The ultimate retreat space for romantics,it promises decadent pampering with a luxury freestanding bath with stunning views. And the comfort of soft cotton bath robes and luxurious bathroom amenities, including a separate rain shower and a unique round bathroom.
Luxury Private Suites
Butterfly&Owl Suites: These stunning spacious suites are nestled in a garden rich with birdlife. Experience your own African-inspired retreat space, where high thatched ceilings and opulent bathrooms with antique mirrors blend with earthy rugs, woven textures, and vibrant artworks creating a feeling of spaciousness, luxury and comfort.
Luxury Twin Suites
Sunbird & Lioness Suites : Nestled along the riverbank, the luxury twin suites offer a cozy retreat sanctuary with front-row views of a magnificent Fever Tree and the flowing river beyond.
Standard Private Suites
Bee Eater Garden Suite: Bee Eater Suite seamlessly blends its botanical theme with the surrounding environment, nestled at the back of the garden, where lush plants and vibrant birds abound.
Rockfig Garden Suite: Nestled at the foot of a rocky koppie beneath a canopy of shady trees, this Suite offers a tranquil retreat overlooking a wildlife pathway leading to the river.
Dung Beetle & Aardvark Garden Suites: Dung Beetle and Aardvark Suites each offer an organically rounded bedroom that opens onto a peaceful wooden deck, set in a lush garden. The calming sounds of flowing water and birdsong create a serene escape.
Standard Twin Suite
Carmine Garden Suite: Tucked away in its own private garden, Carmine Suite offers a gentle and comforting sanctuary. A hammock, perfectly positioned for lazy afternoons, invites you to relax and unwind to the soothing sounds of birdsong.
Facilitators
Tina Nance
Retreat Fascillitator, E- RYT 500 Yoga & Embodiment Teacher Trainer
Tina Nance has been practicing Yoga for over 25 years and teaching Embodiment, Yoga, Somatic Inquiry & Women’s Work around the globe since 2001, in classes, workshops, retreats and yoga teacher trainings.
Tina is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect directly and experientially with their body-mind and Spirit via the Embodied Arts.
Tina is the founder of HELD : School of Embodied Self Integration & the somatic practice of Embodied Unwinding.
HELD runs 100hr Yoga Teacher Trainings in Yoga Therapy, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga & Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Trauma Integration, Embodied Mindfulness & Embodied Feminine Arts.
Tina’s work centres within the understanding that many of the contractions of the body-mind are a manifestation of identifying with thoughts and behaviours that are misaligned with the truth of who we are.
All of Tina’s embodiment based programmes focus on consciously unravelling these holding patterns within our body-mind's, in a myriad of ways, with guided transformative loving awareness. In cultivating the art of heart-centred embodied listening : deep presence, curiosity, directed awareness, compassionate holding and conscious breath, embodying the integration of body, mind and spirit.
Tina is a long time resident yoga teacher & teacher trainer at The Yoga Barn in Bali, Indonesia, teaching regular Classes, Workshops & 6x 100hr HELD Embodied Arts Teacher Trainings & a 500hour HELD Advanced Yoga Teacher Training programme.
500hr E- RYT, Dip Ki Yoga Therapy, Dip Health Sciences, Dip Shiatsu, Dip Remedial Massage, Dip Vibrational Medicine.
Instagram : www.instagram.com/tinanance_held/
Youtube : www.youtube.com/@HELD.tinanance
Website : www.held.tinanance.com
Tulani Ngxoweni
Our very own D.J. for AfroSoul YogaFlow, Nervous System Flow & Yin Yoga Sessions.
Tulani (Tulzy) born in his homeland South Africa, moved to London in 2001, bought his first set of turntables & began fusing eclectic African inspired beats of soul, funk, jazz, disco, latin & house to create his own unique style.
Tulzy has since played throughout South Africa & Europe with D.J. Residency’s in Mallorca, Ibiza, London & Berlin.
Tulzy currently lives & plays in Bali, Indonesia where he runs his infamous Afro inspired weekly event AFRITUDE !
Tulzy is passionate about creating unique spaces of Afro -Inclusivity where all people can feel safe to connect, celebrate together & express themselves, no matter their ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or social status. Everyone is invited to dance, to embrace and celebrate the soul of African inspired rhythms, to come together & lose themselves in the spirit and sensuality of the sound.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/afritude_official/
: www.instagram.com/tulzy_music/
Mixcloud : www.mixcloud.com/Tulzy_Music/
Tiisetso Ntuthuko Makhubedu
(Gogo Khanyakude) a Queer Two-Spirited soul & the custodian of the sacred Sangoma lineage.
Rooted in the ancient and vibrant practice of ubungoma, Gogo Khanya’s work is a living, somatic tradition passed down through generations, anchored in oral histories and guided by the profound principles of Ubuntu—the philosophy of shared humanity and interconnection. This is a lineage that honors Isintu, the deep well of indigenous wisdom that nurtures and sustains the earth and its people.
As a Mindfulness Coach, trained at the University of Stellenbosch and Imisa, and a certified RYT500 Yoga Teacher, Gogo Khanya’s journey is a deeply spiritual one, where the body becomes the vessel for transformation and healing.
Called to advocate for the ethical archiving & promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gogo Khanya’s stands as a thought leader in the movement of embodied decolonization. With a fierce commitment to co-creating inclusive, just societies, Gogo Khanya uses their voice to challenge the way we name, frame, and structure our world, recognizing that how we think and speak about concepts, ideologies, and systems shapes the future of our shared existence.
Through Ukudloza Indigenous Knowledge Consultancy, Gogo Khanya offers transformative insights and practical solutions for individuals, organizations, communities, NGOs, government bodies, institutions of higher learning, and wellness spaces. The consultancy is dedicated to finding innovative ways to address contemporary challenges by re-engaging with indigenous practices and wisdom in both local and global contexts.
From rural villages and townships across South Africa to urban centers, and stretching to Europe, North America, Asia, and South America, Gogo Khanya’s work reaches the hearts and minds of those seeking healing, knowledge, and unity in a fractured world. This is the work of an ancient soul walking in the present, bridging the old and new to create a more sustainable, equitable future for all beings.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gogo_khanyakude/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gogo_khanyakude
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@gogokhanyakude2657
FAQs
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Getting to Sashwa
24°04'39.3"S 31°05'33.1"E
KAPAMA GAME RESERVE, THORNYBUSH, OLIFANTS RIVER
BY AIR :
Daily flights from Cape Town International and OR Tambo (Johannesburg) arrive at Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport, just 1h15 from the lodge.
We recommend Flysafair, Airlink and CemAir as local carriers.BY SELF-DRIVE :
From Johannesburg: ±5–6 hours to Hoedspruit, then an additional 1.5 hours to reach the lodge. Detailed directions available upon request.
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An airport transfer can be arranged from & to Hoedspruit Airport directly with Sashwa Retreat Centre, if booked in advance (at an additional cost).
1- 2 persons : R1500 ( $85usd)
3-5 persons : R1750 ( $100usd)
6-12 persons : R2500 ( $145usd)
*Note: please confirm this rate upon reservation as subject to change. Prices quoted are one way.
Sashwa’s driver will greet you with a welcome board and refreshment, and your journey includes wildlife viewing as you pass through the Greater Kruger entrance gate.
To book your airport transfer reach out to Sashwa Retreat Centre directly at :
( Ph) +27 74 587 8353
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To see if your passport requires a tourist visa for South Africa, please check :
https://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/zimbabwe/pdf/who-need-visas.pdf
Otherwise a Short term Visitor Visa will be required & is valid up to 90 days.
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When booking it is required that all retreat participants take out travel insurance to cover cancellation or medical care. Please bring your insurance certificate with you to the retreat.
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A fully equipped indoor studio is a calm, climate-controlled haven ideal for yoga, meditation, and workshops. With premium rubber mats, bolsters, blocks, and eye pillows, it comfortably accommodates up to 20 students. A nurturing space for focused practice, regardless of weather.
You are welcome to bring a SARONG to lay over you in the evenings when we practice Yoga Nidra under the stars
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Included in your package is full cccess to the Infrared Sauna, Saltwater Pool , Gym & Creative Arts Studio.
Should you desire some extra pampering, at an additional cost you may choose from a wide selection of massages & spa treatments at the Wholeness Centre ( Reach out for Treatment Menu & Prices )
You will also have the unique opportunity to book a Private Divination Reading directly with our Sangoma ( Traditional African Healer ) Gogo Khanya at an additional cost if you choose.
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We suggest packing :
Light layers, sunhat, swimsuit, long sleeves for evenings
CLIMATE FOR THE GREEN SEASON (OCTOBER-APRIL)
Summer rains awaken the land — butterflies, birds, and newborn wildlife fill the lush, green bushveld.
•Temps: 18°C (night) to 40°C+ (day)
•Ideal for: Early game drives, afternoon swims, shaded siestas -
Walking shoes/Hiking Boots and sandals
Water bottle
Torch
Insect repellant/ Mosquito repellent (Limpopo is a low malaria risk area but check with doctor first)
Sunscreen
Hat & Sunglasses
P.s You will need to bring your own toiletries.
P.s.s. Ensure to take out some cash in case of emergencies, private sessions and tips/gratuity
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South Africa uses M and N plugs.
Please bring a universal plug adapter in case there isn’t one available
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Sim cards are available to purchase from local cell phone providers.
We suggest doing so at the airport or prior to the retreat.
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There is internet access in dedicated areas on Sashwa Retreat Grounds.
However we reccomend purchasing a local SIM card for broader use
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SASHWA OFFERS A DEEPLY IMMERSIVE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE ALL YEAR ROUND. EACH SEASON BRINGS ITS OWN MAGIC FOR A SOULFUL RETREAT.
THE GREEN SEASON (OCTOBER-APRIL)
Summer rains awaken the land — butterflies, birds, and newborn wildlife fill the lush, green bushveld.
•Temps: 18°C (night) to 40°C+ (day)
•Ideal for: Early game drives, afternoon swims, shaded siestas •Pack: Light layers, sunhat, swimsuit, long sleeves for evenings
Investment details
Retreat 29th March- 4th April 2026
Investment :
Private Suites: $3600 usd
Luxury Private Suites $3800 usd
Twin-Shared Suite: $3200 usd pp
Luxury Twin-Shared Suite $3400 usd pp
Deluxe Suite Couple/Twin $3500usd pp
Investment includes :
6 nights Accommodation
3 Wholesome, Garden to Table Meals per day from the permaculture farm
All-day access to Healthy Snacks, Herbal Teas, Warm Drinks & Painted Wolf Conservation Wines
Daily Safari Game Drives
Daily Guided Hikes in the Greater Kruger
Daily Yoga Classes with Tina & Tulani
Daily Guided Meditation Classes
All African Ceremonies, Drum & Song Journeys, & Purification Rituals
Wholeness facilities: Gym, Infra-red Sauna, Salt Water Pool
Creative Studio access (self-led use)
Curated Meditative & Contemplative Wildlife Watching Spaces for rest & reflection
Laundry service
Wi-Fi in designated areas
NOT INCLUDED:
Transport to & from the reserve
Holistic Spa Treatments
Personal Divination Readings with Traditional African Healer
Gratuities for the Sashwa team (optional)
Refund Policy :
Payment less a $500 deposit will be refunded in full 2 months ++ out from retreat commencement.
50% Payment (less $500 deposit) will be refunded 4 weeks out from the retreat.
No refund will be given if you cancel less than 4 weeks prior to retreat commencement.
Register
For all queries feel free to contact Tina directly at iam@tinanance.com