I had the opportunity on my first retreat experience back in 2008, to India to do some soul searching with the guidance and support of like minded others. I came back and started to change the direction of my life. It was through taking the time to work on self discovery, and having deep conversations with people like myself, at the same stage of life that I was in, that helped me transform my life. 

On another retreat I went on to Italy, I was in full fitness mode. I was brand new to road biking and I jumped into an experience which required me to push myself to new limits, this time with the guidance and support of expert cyclists to help me. 

I came back with new knowledge of how to fit cycling into my life and fitness plan in a doable way. I learned how to improve women’s fitness over 50.  I also was the group’s yoga teacher and led practices in yin yoga, guided meditation and relaxation after the rides. 

Then I went to Greece. Yes, we practiced some yoga (this was a yoga retreat), but mostly we learned from each other. We had a wonderful teacher who made it easy for us to relax and enjoy the country, all while taking the time also to renew some yoga practices and learn some new ones. .  It was a great escape and get-away for solo women travelers.  I didn’t know anyone except the group leader prior to the retreat!  Solo trips for women are sometimes a bit scary, but it was worth it.  

 I came back from that retreat with new knowledge and experience that I used in my work as a yoga teacher and therapist. 

So I began hosting yoga adventure retreats myself with Yoga Club back in 2010. We went to local nature areas, Crowder’s Mountain, Greenville, Asheville, Tybee Island.

 These retreats were targeted to all ages, men and women.  We focused on having fun, learning a little about yoga, having a few adventures and relaxing..

We practiced and I taught all types of yoga, restorative yoga, vinyasa yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Guided Meditation and Breathwork (pranyama).  We were more about the yoga education on these retreats and it was great,  but I knew there was more to be gained by the participants, because I had experienced that transformation myself.  I wanted to lead retreats that allowed connection and growth for women, because when I went to India, that was what made that retreat stand out as one of the best yoga retreat vacations I had been on.   

I also attended two retreats to Bali Indonesia!  The first experience was an exploration of various types of yoga, and we were able to explore the local culture of the island.  I traveled with a good friend and met many amazing people at the retreat, many of whom I still keep in contact with.  They came from all over the world, Australia,  Europe, the US to retreat together.  On this retreat we did a service project by visiting Bali Children’s Project.  We taught them yoga and brought them supplies.  Giving Back was a new addition to my retreat experience and DEFINITELY something I received much joy from doing.  

In 2017 I retreated again to Bali to SoulShine Bali with Michael Franti for a Yoga and Music Retreat. 
That is where I came up with the inspiration for the name my retreats.. SoulSister Retreats.  Michael Franti and his wife hosted the retreat with Gina Caputo as the yoga leader.  We had a purpose which was to Reset our Lives.  I was so inspired from my retreat there that I came back and booked a mission trip to Haiti to provide physical therapy to children in a medical clinic… talk about changing your life! ‘ But enough about my experiences.. let’s talk about the experience I am planning for YOU! 

As I was contemplating my own “stuckness” during the pandemic, I realized I was ready to offer a deeper experience for women, through a retreat AND I wanted it to be in one of my favorite places, the Virgin Islands.

 I had visited the Virgin Islands with my life partner the year before, and fell in love with them. I now have a network of family and local support on the islands, so that would make the process more seamless.  That is where SoulSister Women Retreat was born! 

 Women are many times are looking to have a fun girls trip, a holiday, but when they go on a retreat, they usually come away with a transformation. Some come looking for it… and are ready to take that deep dive the minute they arrive.  But one thing that always happens, they return to their lives saying things such as:

 “I didn’t plan on having a transformation, but I did.”

 “How I fit in with my family and friends is now different, I feel more like myself, more confident, more clear and ready to live my best life”. 

 ‘Wow, a retreat feeds every part of me.  I came to just enjoy a nice holiday, and I left with so much more. ..it was life changing.”

 “I am not really a yoga practitioner, so I never considered a “yoga” retreat.  But it was so much more than practicing yoga poses, it was practicing a new life perspective.  I am now hooked.” 

This retreat is a true Get Away Escape and Retreat!  I decided to include an option to bring your partner/boyfriend/significant other as well!

  This is a retreat in the Virgin Islands.   So you don’t have to travel to a third world country or across the world which saves a lot on logistics and airfare costs. In this retreat we will have the opportunity to move through a process together of exploring  the Caribbean, while also exploring ourselves and who we want to be in the second chapter of our lives.  We will enjoy wellness, nutrition for a healthy body, fitness and yoga practices such as yin yoga, restorative yoga, guided meditation, and some more robust vinyasa yoga if you like! 

In this retreat we will have the opportunity to move through a process together of exploring the history and culture of  the Caribbean, while also exploring ourselves and who we want to be in this next chapter.  

My goal is for you to enjoy exploring the Virgin Islands, relaxing on the beach, sailing the blue seas, enjoying delicious, plant based holistic food but also leaving with a reset and a plan for when you return home of living a healthier, more vital and full life.   

I will be hosting this retreat with my life partner, Renaldo Turnbull.  He is a native of the island and he and his family are assisting me to ensure you get a real local’s taste of life in the VI’s.  No touristy stuff for us.  Just down home, authentic experiences. 

Plus if any men on the trip feel like there is too much estrogen flowing… trust me, he will help them even it out with lots of  options for them as well. 

So now you know my why… it’s also to support your WHY to come for a transformation.  That is why I am here to answer any questions you may have!  Just email me at fityogatherapy@gmail.com!