El Retiro

Small groups, thoughtful space for change

Dominican Republic Las Terrenas paid

Las Terrenas is the setting for El Retiro’s small, founder-led gatherings, where plant-medicine work is paired with yoga, meditation, and time for preparation and integration. The retreats have run since 2015 and are capped at six guests, a scale that allows guides Alina and Nelson to give participants individual attention before, during, and after the gathering. Rather than a large resort campus, guests meet at a private tropical venue in the Parque area, with leafy surroundings and indoor and outdoor spaces for practice, ceremony, rest, and reflection. A pool and yoga studio add room to unwind or move between sessions, while guest rooms include air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The exact venue and schedule can differ by retreat, so confirm both when arranging your visit. El Retiro is a paid retreat, with listed prices starting at USD 350; dietary options include vegetarian, organic, and dairy-free.

Highlights

Retreats capped at six guests for individual attention
Preparation and integration support before, during, and after gatherings
A pool and yoga studio at the private tropical venue
Founder-led retreats running since 2015
Guides Alina and Nelson

Good for

small-group retreatsplant-medicine participantsyoga practitionersmeditation-curious travelersnature lovers

Setting

The retreat venue is in the Parque area of Las Terrenas, surrounded by tropical nature. Indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate practice, ceremony, rest, and integration, with a pool and yoga studio on site. The atmosphere is intimate and residential rather than resort-like.

The practice

El Retiro brings plant-medicine work together with yoga and meditation, with preparation and integration woven around the retreat experience. The specific practices and their sequence depend on the gathering rather than following a single fixed format. Groups are limited to six, and guides Alina and Nelson provide personal attention. Ask the center about preparation and whether a particular retreat is a suitable fit for you.

A typical day

Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm it with the center. Gatherings may include yoga, meditation, ceremony, and time for rest and integration, but there is no single timetable across all retreats.

Accommodation

Comfortable guest rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The exact venue can vary by retreat, so confirm the location and room arrangements before booking.

What to bring

Pack breathable clothing for yoga and meditation, plus a light layer for quieter indoor sessions. Las Terrenas averages 26.3°C; a compact rain layer is useful, particularly in the wetter months of April, May, and October.

Address 32000 Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

How to get there

The venue is in the Parque area of Las Terrenas, Samaná. You’ll receive its exact address and arrival instructions after registration is confirmed.

Nearest airport: Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) (21 km)

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) is approximately 21 km from the center. Transfers are not included, but the team can help arrange a trusted driver on request.

Nearest city: Samana

Languages

English

How to book

Contact the center to register; the exact venue address and arrival instructions are sent after registration is confirmed.

Pricing

Paid retreats start at USD 350. Confirm the price and what is included for your chosen dates.

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical

Best Months: Jan, Mar, Jul

Avoid: Apr, Oct, May

Las Terrenas stays warm year-round, with an annual average temperature of 26.3°C. July through September are typically warmest; January and March are among the driest months, while April, May, and October tend to be wetter.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What does a typical day at El Retiro look like?

The rhythm depends on the retreat. Yoga, meditation, ceremony, rest, and integration may feature; ask the center for the schedule for your dates.

Can beginners attend?

The small-group format includes personal attention before, during, and after the retreat. Ask Alina or Nelson about preparation and whether the specific gathering is right for you.

How do I find the venue and arrange arrival?

After registration is confirmed, guests receive the exact address and arrival instructions. Airport transfer is not included, though the team can help coordinate a trusted driver on request.

Can the center accommodate dietary preferences?

Vegetarian, organic, and dairy-free options are listed. Confirm which options and meals are included for your chosen retreat.

What language are the retreats conducted in?

Ask the center directly to confirm the instruction language for your retreat.