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Tools to feel & heal your body & mind
Join this journey of self-healing! Explore your body and mind through the practices of Yin Yoga, Thai Massage, Soundhealing and Ayurveda.
We give show you how to connect with your body, how to really feel it and how to heal it. And THE BEST: We give you the tools to take this knowledge home with you and continue this journey of self-healing.
Tools to heal & feel your body & mind
Join this journey of self-healing! Explore your body and mind through the practices of Yin Yoga, Thai Massage, Soundhealing and Ayurveda.
We give show you how to connect with your body, how to really feel it and how to heal it. And THE BEST: We give you the tools to take this knowledge home with you and continue this journey of self-healing.
Hosted by guest teacher & massage therapist Francisco & founder & head teacher Anna
For this retreat we teamed up with Yin Yoga, Ayurveda and Thai Massage master Francisco, who we had the honor to get to know in our time in Sri Lanka. Ever since then we are absolutely blown away by his talent, his intuition and his way of passing on his experience and knowledge.
Together with head teacher Anna, the two will bring you towards (re-)discovering your body as well as your mind through receiving and studying practices within the realm of the Yin energy.
Guest teacher & massage therapist Francisco
For this retreat we teamed up with Yin Yoga, Ayurveda and Thai Massage master Francisco, who we had the honor to get to know in our time in Sri Lanka. Ever since then we are absolutely blown away by his talent, his intuition and his way of passing on his experience and knowledge.
Together with head teacher Anna, the two will bring you towards (re-)discovering your body as well as your mind through receiving and studying practices within the realm of the Yin energy.
Yin Yoga, Ayurvedic & Thai Massage
The main focus in this retreat will be on the PRACTICE of Yin Yoga and Eastern healing modalities, such as Ayurvedic and Thai Massage.
The 2nd focus of the retreat is LEARNING the basics of Thai and Ayurvedic therapy in workshop settings,where you will explore your body’s nervous system through the art of touch. You will understand how your nerves, through Marma and reflexology therapy, are connected to your digestion, organs, and overall emotions. You will experience the healing properties of Ayurveda and the power of touch through receiving and through practicing together in pairs.
All for you to take this knowledge and these tools home with you.
Yin Yoga, Ayurvedic & Thai Massage
The main focus in this retreat will be on the PRACTICE of Yin Yoga and Eastern healing modalities, such as Ayurvedic and Thai Massage.
The 2nd focus of the retreat is LEARNING the basics of Thai and Ayurvedic therapy in workshop settings, where you will explore your body’s nervous system through the art of touch. You will understand how your nerves, through Marma and reflexology therapy, are connected to your digestion, organs, and overall emotions. You will experience the healing properties of Ayurveda and the power of touch through receiving and through practicing together in pairs.
All for you to take this knowledge and these tools home with you.
An exploration through sound
Energy is all around and within. That is why we want to help you to get to know and heal yourself on a physical, mental, but also on an energy level. Throughout the retreat we will explore this concept through Soundhealing.
Soundhealing, as the name tells, focuses on cleaning and healing your energy through the vibration of sounds that are absorbed by your body. A beautiful way to receive and heal.
An exploration through sound
Energy is all around and within. That is why we want to help you to get to know and heal yourself on a physical, mental, but also on an energy level. Throughout the retreat we will explore this concept through Soundhealing.
Soundhealing, as the name tells, focuses on cleaning and healing your energy through the vibration of sounds that are absorbed by your body. A beautiful way to receive and heal.
Healing with Ayurveda & the right food
What we eat becomes part of our body. Therefore it is almost shocking how little the western world pays attention to food.
Ayurveda practices healing through food and massage. Everything we consume becomes part of our body and part of us, whether it is food, oils on our skin, the air we breath, the sounds and vibes around us, etc.
On this retreat we will learn about the right use of food and receive nourishing Ecuadorian meals to test and experience the teachings also through our eating habits.
Healing with Ayurveda & the right food
What we eat becomes part of our body. Therefore it is almost shocking how little the western world pays attention to food.
Ayurveda practices healing through food and massage. Everything we consume becomes part of our body and part of us, whether it is food, oils on our skin, the air we breath, the sounds and vibes around us, etc.
On this retreat we will learn about the right use of food and receive nourishing Ecuadorian meals to test and experience the teachings also through our eating habits.
Visit Ecuador & a unique meditation center
The retreat takes place at our brand new retreat center, perched on a rainforest-covered hill surrounded by nature in all directions. Start the mornings with practice in the beautiful bamboo shala overlooking the ocean and the rainforest. During the day you can enjoy several outdoor spots to relax in your own space. And in the evenings, enjoy panoramic views of the sunset.
Down the road lies the peaceful surf village of Ayampe, where expats from all over the world come together with locals to enjoy a tranquil way of living next to the ocean and the jungle. Ecuador is a unique country that offers beach, jungle, mountains, cities, diverse animal life and a rich culture. Come and explore!
Visit Ecuador & live in a little paradise
The retreat takes place at our brand new retreat center, perched on a rainforest-covered hill surrounded by nature in all directions. Start the mornings with practice in the beautiful bamboo shala overlooking the ocean and the rainforest. During the day you can enjoy several outdoor spots to relax in your own space. And in the evenings, enjoy panoramic views of the sunset.
Down the road lies the peaceful surf village of Ayampe, where expats from all over the world come together with locals to enjoy a tranquil way of living next to the ocean and the jungle. Ecuador is a unique country that offers beach, jungle, mountains, cities, diverse animal life and a rich culture. Come and explore!
Included
Stay
Practice & Theory
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Opening Ceremony
Begin the retreat in a communal way with intention.
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Meditations in the mornings
We will welcome the mornings in silence with a meditation practice.
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Guided Movement and Breathwork
After Meditation we lead you through Mindful Movement and Breathwork to prepare the body and mind for the following practices of the day.
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Yin Yoga Sessions
Every day includes a Yin Yoga session to help you explore the body, mind and energy through movement and a journey through the Chakras.
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Thai Massage Workshop
Everyday will include a Thai Massage Workshop led by Francisco where you will learn the basics of Thai Massage.
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Soundhealing and Mantra Singing
Sound healing session to compliment the practices and connect you deeper with the understanding of vibrations and energy, as well as some Mantra singing incorporated into various practices.
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Self-Healing Tools
During this retreat we will teach you various techniques for healing you body and mind. This retreat is designed for you to take these tools home with you, in order to practice yourself and be able to use them for self-healing, whenever you need.
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Closing Ceremony with Cacao
Close and integrate the retreat on Sunday April 21st with a ceremony of Cacao, Soundhealing, Singing and Dancing to integrate all the work of the retreat. (Note: This event will be open to a few selected people from town to join, share and connect in a bigger community setting.)
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Equipment
All necessary equipment for the practices will be provided by the center.
Schedule
Teachers
Francisco the Healer
Francisco is a world traveler and passionate about massage therapy, yoga, meditation, plants, and natural remedies to heal the body. He spent several years in Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka to learn about Eastern Medicine, Yoga, and Meditation, and was certified in Ayurvedic Massage, Nutrition, Chi Nei Tsang, as well as Thai Massage.
He specializes in Thai Yoga Massage, Ayurvedic massage, Restorative Yoga, and Sound Healing and has taught and worked in Latin America, Asia, and the USA. Francisco shares his wealth of holistic knowledge internationally wherever he travels.
Currently he is based in L.A. and is excited to travel to Ecuador, to rediscover this beautiful country, work with a community of like-minded people and pass on his knowledge within the Feel & Heal Retreat.
Francisco is a world traveler and passionate about massage therapy, yoga, meditation, plants, and natural remedies to heal the body. He spent several years in Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka to learn about Eastern Medicine, Yoga, and Meditation, and was certified in Ayurvedic Massage, Nutrition, Chi Nei Tsang, as well as Thai Massage.
He specializes in Thai Yoga Massage, Ayurvedic massage, Restorative Yoga, and Sound Healing and has taught and worked in Latin America, Asia, and the USA. Francisco shares his wealth of holistic knowledge internationally wherever he travels.
Currently he is based in L.A. and is excited to travel to Ecuador, to rediscover this beautiful country, work with a community of like-minded people and pass on his knowledge within the Feel & Heal Retreat.
Anna the Mindfulness Teacher
Anna is one of founders and head teachers of The BELL Center. Before settling in Ecuador 4 years ago she was teaching Yoga and Meditation for over 6 years all over the world. Now she is excited to share her practices in this beautiful country that is so full of connection to nature, to energy and to one another.
Anna is specialized in teaching Mindfulness Meditation as well as a conscious approach to all types of movements, whether it be on land or in the water. Her mission is to (re-)connect people with their bodies and minds in order to understand themselves better, to heal and to live life more presently and happily.
The practice of Yin Yoga has been with her since many years. Feeling a deep connection with this calming, receiving energy within herself, the practice became a big part of her life, as student and teacher. Anna loves to include Bhakti Yoga & Mantra singing into her teachings, and is also a teacher of Astrology, which is part of her unique way of connecting with people.
Anna is one of founders and head teachers of The BELL Center. Before settling in Ecuador 4 years ago she was teaching Yoga and Meditation for over 6 years all over the world. Now she is excited to share her practices in this beautiful country that is so full of connection to nature, to energy and to one another.
Anna is specialized in teaching Mindfulness Meditation as well as a conscious approach to all types of movements, whether it be on land or in the water. Her mission is to (re-)connect people with their bodies and minds in order to understand themselves better, to heal and to live life more presently and happily.
The practice of Yin Yoga has been with her since many years. Feeling a deep connection with this calming, receiving energy within herself, the practice became a big part of her life, as student and teacher. Anna loves to include Bhakti Yoga & Mantra singing into her teachings, and is also a teacher of Astrology, which is part of her unique way of connecting with people.
Accommodation
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a rainforest overlooking the ocean?
Well now you can! And in style too!
The BELL Center is located near the cozy coastal town of Ayampe, Ecuador and offers an exceptionally unique environment for a retreat.
Our brand new structure is designed to blend into the sights, sounds, and smells of nature all around, where you can wake up and be surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest-covered mountains.
For this retreat, you’ll be sharing your living space with the other retreat participants. However, everyone will have their own bed, as well as space for privacy & to store belongings.
NOTE: Staying at The BELL Center is optional. If you prefer to stay somewhere else in town, we will organize Shuttles to take you too and from the retreat space in the mornings and evenings. ➜ See further down ‘Looking for a private room’.
Looking for a private room?
For this retreat we offer the option to rent a private room in the town of AYAMPE (costs not included in the retreat price) and shuttle you at the beginning and end of the day from and to town (5min drive away).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner and all practice and workshops will be held at The BELL Center. During the day breaks you are welcome to hang out in the various outdoor spaces and hammocks at the center or taxi to your accommodation (not included in retreat price, taxi to town approx. $3).
PLEASE NOTE: The community vibe and group evolvement is a big and important part of this retreat. That is why we ask you to participate in all the practices, events and meals during the retreat, and to please be on time if you are staying in town.
Please contact us for this option and we will help organize your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retreat price & 5 days & nights at The BELL Center and all retreat practices included:
- $1.249 for 1 person
- $2.449 for 2 people (booking together)
For this retreat you have to option to stay in a private room in town. Contact us if you want to explore and/or book that option. The price for the private room will be charged separately by the accommodation in town (price on request).
Retreat price without accommodation at The BELL Center:
- $999 for 1 person
- $1.999 for 2 people (booking together)
Deposits are non-refundable.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start of the retreat.
NOTE: Transaction fees will not be refunded!
For this retreat you have to option to stay in a private room in town. Contact us if you want to explore and/or book that option. The price for the private room will be charged separately by the accommodation in town (price on request). The price for the retreat activities and all meals, excluding the stay in the dorm rooms is:
- $1.049 for 1 person
- $2.009 for 2 people
Yes.
If you want to arrive before the retreat or extend your stay after, you are welcome to. Please contact us beforehand and we will discuss the accommodation options with you.
No experience is required! Just an open mind and a willingness to learn, explore and experience new teachings and practices.
Every retreat is a wildly different journey, so it’s also great if you already have experience with meditation, yoga, ayurveda and or soundhealing.
At the end of the retreat, you’ll be given many additional resources to help you continue the practice if you should choose to do so.
Yin Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga. Yoga in general is the practice of influencing, guiding and using the breath and body to heal the mind.
In Yin Yoga we work with less postures, than in a classic Yoga class. The postures are mainly restorative and are held for up to 5 minutes. The practice works with stillness and slowly finding depth in the posture through the breath and through observations of the mind.
It is a gentle yet not always easy practice, that will lead you to understand your body and mind in a new way.
Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life.
Ayurveda works through the body. It addresses the right use of food and massage to regulate the body and mind.
The practice of Yoga is deeply linked to the practice of Ayurveda.
We will practice silence in the morning and start the day with a meditation in the bamboo shala overlooking the rain forest. Following we will do a mindful movement and breathwork practice to get the energy moving for the day. After we will enjoy breakfast and break the silence.
After breakfast we will start the workshop part of the day, where we will learn about the practices of Yin Yoga and Thai Massage, practice massage in a workshop setting and explore the theories surrounding these topics.
We will enjoy a delicious lunch together and then there will be a few hours to rest and integrate on your own.
Later in the afternoon we come together to continue the workshop and tap deeper into the knowledge of the teachers while practicing and experience yourself.
The day will close with a dinner together, watching the sunset and then ending on a Yin Yoga practice to prepare you for a deep and nourishing sleep
We will be practicing Mindfulness meditation and a few different forms of light and mindful movement in the mornings, connecting ourselves with breath and body. Further we will practice Yin Yoga and Thai Massage to explore the body and mind.
Additional practices to be experienced will be Soundhealing, Ayurveda and Mantra Singing.
It means we will start the day without electronics, without speaking, writing, music etc. You will stay within your own energy and focus on the morning practice and surroundings.
This is for you to (re-)connect with yourself, detox from technology and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of Ecuador
We will lift the silence after breakfast.
No.
Mind altering substances have their uses, but this retreat is a chance to experience and observe our consciousness in it’s most raw form. And any substance that alters your mind (even slightly) can interfere with this process.
If you are a regular drinker or smoker, we recommend following a program to slowly reduce your intake prior to the retreat, so as to not experience any withdrawal symptoms during your time abstaining in silence.
Yes!
During the breaks you have the opportunity to book a massage appointment with Francisco or Anna.
We recommend to fly into Guayaquil airport, which is about 3 hours away from Ayampe. (See ‘How to I get here’ for more info.) NOTE: Guayaquil has been known for safety hazards, which is why we recommend to arrive during the day or arrange transport straight to your accommodation in Guayaquil, if you are spending the night there. We will arrange transport for the participants to the center, but travel is not recommended during the night, which is why you might have to spent the night in Guayaquil.)
The closest airport to Ayampe is Manta, which is only 2 hours away. This is a smaller airport and only covers a few international airports. However, you can get an inland flight here from Quito or Guayaquil.
The 3rd option is to fly into Quito, the Capital of Ecuador. Please note though that this airport is over 9 hours away from Ayampe and you have to organiye your own transport from there. (Connecting flight to Manta is recommended.)
No.
Transport is not included in the price. However, for safety reasons, we will organize a pick up from the airport in Guayaquil for the retreat participants. This will be an additional charge of max. $90 (if cars are split most likely to be much less).
If you are staying in town during the retreat we will offer a shuttle from town to the center every morning and back in the evening.
You be surprised how simple it is to get around Ecuador.
Modern, air conditioned bus routes allow you to access most of the country in an affordable and relatively easy way.
Follow the detailed instructions below to get to The BELL Center:
If coming from outside of Ecuador, fly into Guayaquil International Airport (GYE).
OPTION #1: BUS ($7)
From the GYE airport, walk or take a short taxi to the Terminal Terrestre, then find the Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular ticket office and purchase a ticket to Olon. These buses are comfortable and spacious, and run approximately every hour.
From Olon, you can take a taxi (for $15) or any bus heading north to the town of Ayampe (for less than $2). This takes around 30 minutes.
OPTION #2: TAXI ($100)
From the GYE airport, hire a private taxi to take you the entire way from Guayaquil to Ayampe.
When you reach Ayampe, give us a call and we’ll come pick you up!
If you’d like to find your way to the center yourself, simply navigate here using Google Maps.
No problem! All the meals will be healthy, delicious, and vegetarian. But if you have other dietary requirements, just let us know after you book by contacting us.
We’d recommend bringing the following:
- Cash in USD for travel (there are no ATMs in Ayampe)
- Clothing for tropical weather (the days are quite warm in April, during the nights it usually cools down a bit)
- One set of warm clothing (it can occasionally get cold, but unlikely at that time)
- Light long sleeves and pants for bug protection (We have a mosquito net shielded shala, however, sunrise and sunset are mosquito hours and it is recommended to cover yourself with light clothing or mosquito spray.)
- Rain coat
- Mosquito spray (You can buy natural mosquito spray at the center – made by head teacher Anna.)
- Sunscreen
- (Optional) Meditation/yoga equipment
- We will have meditation cushions and yoga mats available for use
Ecuador has been in the international news the last weeks for conflicts und unrest.
The BELL Center is located in a remote location, where we are quite shielded from the happenings in the country. We feel safe and protected here and will do our best to make you feel the same.
We will organize an airport transfer from Guayaquil to make sure you arrive at the center safe and sound.
General safety measures for traveling are always recommended, this includes:
- Not traveling at night.
- Arranging transport beforehand or using a safe taxi transport service.
- Do not travel with excessive valuables.
Press the enrollment button below, then follow the instructions to check out and pay a $300 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
We will contact you regarding the remaining balance to be paid in cash or with your preferred methos prior to the start of the retreat.
If you have any questions, please contact us!
“...it was a turning point in my life as
they really helped me to deepen my
meditation practice, live in the
present moment, and start building
the life that I always dreamed of.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“Anna and Kolin do a
great job making their
teachings accessible to
people of all levels."
- Zach R
USA
“They live what they preach.”
- Daniel B
Switzerland
“If you sign up...you can expect to
meet amazing people, feel deep
connection with nature, and water
the seeds of mindfulness that are
already within you.”
- Nate M
USA
“I’ve sat with a lot of meditation
teachers over the last decade, and
Kolin was one of the few who really
got what it meant to be a meditator
in the modern world.”
- Jackson B
USA
“Mindfulness is definitely
worth practicing,
especially with these
beautiful teachers.”
- Angelika P
Austria
“...without a doubt, it was one of the
most revolutionary workshops I have
attended, and I've done mindfulness
retreats with Buddhist monks and
even Jon Kabat-Zinn himself.”
- Billy L
USA
“The entire session was flawless and
flowed beautifully, evoking a truly
blissful state.”
- Tom B
Australia
“It was a transformative experience,
and I will definitely be back to
attend the next retreats at the
BELL Center!”
- Zach R
USA
“I couldn't have been more lucky in
crossing paths with them during this
special journey that we call life.”
- Enzo M
Italy
“Kolin and Anna always go above
and beyond what is expected to
make sure you have the best
possible experience.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“I implore any curious people to go
and meet them, take a class, and
feel something good for a change!”
- Franz B
USA
“...was definitely a turning point in
how I started to think about the
practice in a more relevant and
helpful way in my life.”
- Leo S
USA
“I learnt how to recognize, separate
and appreciate subtle feelings from
stronger ones.”
- Rohan S
India
“I only knew one person prior to
attending the retreat, however I left
with 10 lifelong connections along
with memories that will last a
lifetime.”
- Michael D
USA
“I was a bit skeptical of some
wellness trends, but one breathwork
session with them shows that it’s for
real.”
- Craig S
Germany
“...was super professional and made
me feel both safe & free to explore
my mind at the same time.”
- Alexia T
Argentina
“Very good guidance and
explanation, a modern approach
that is accessible to everyone.”
- Lien U
Belgium
“...it was a turning point in my life as they really helped me to deepen
my meditation practice, live in the present moment, and start building
the life that I always dreamed of.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“Anna and Kolin do a great job making their teachings accessible
to people of all levels."
- Zach R
USA
“They live what they preach.”
- Daniel B
Switzerland
“If you sign up for one of their events, you can expect to
meet amazing people, feel deep connection with nature, and
water the seeds of mindfulness that are already within you.”
- Nate M
USA
“I’ve sat with a lot of meditation teachers over the last decade,
and Kolin was one of the few who really got what it meant
to be a meditator in the modern world.”
- Jackson B
USA
“Mindfulness is definitely worth practicing,
especially with these beautiful teachers.”
- Angelika P
Austria
“...without a doubt, it was one of the most revolutionary workshops
I have ever attended, and I have done mindfulness retreats with
Buddhist monks and even Jon Kabat-Zinn himself.”
- Billy L
USA
“The entire session was flawless and flowed beautifully,
evoking a truly blissful state.”
- Tom B
Australia
“It was a transformative experience, and I will definitely
be back to attend the next retreats at the BELL Center!”
- Zach R
USA
“I couldn't have been more lucky in crossing paths with them during
this special journey that we call life.”
- Enzo M
Italy
“Kolin and Anna always go above and beyond what is expected to
make sure you have the best possible experience.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“I implore any curious people to go and meet them, take a class,
and feel something good for a change!”
- Franz B
USA
“...was definitely a turning point in how I started to think about
the practice in a more relevant and helpful way in my life.”
- Leo S
USA
“I learnt how to recognize, separate and appreciate
subtle feelings from stronger ones.”
- Rohan S
India
“I only knew one person prior to attending the retreat, however I left with
10 lifelong connections along with memories that will last a lifetime.”
- Michael D
USA
“I was a bit skeptical of some wellness trends, but
one breathwork session with them shows that it’s for real.”
- Craig S
Germany
“...was super professional and made me feel both
safe & free to explore my mind at the same time.”
- Alexia T
Argentina
“Very good guidance and explanation, a modern approach
that is accessible to everyone.”
- Lien U
Belgium
