| The hustle and bustle of modern life are enough to | | | | to target specific spiritual priorities. For instance, the |
| make anyone long for a little relaxation every now | | | | Mind, Body, and Spirit sailing retreat in the Grenadine |
| and then. Add a touch of divine inspiration, a dash of | | | | islands offers guidance and coaching to listen to your |
| introspection, and an ample dose of healthy living and | | | | inner needs. Participants can help sail the boat from |
| you've got a spiritual retreat. While spiritual retreats | | | | island to island, or just relax and let the crew handle |
| can be found all over the world, the tranquil beauty | | | | it. An on-board chef prepares all meals, making use of |
| of the Caribbean provides an ideal backdrop for | | | | fresh, local ingredients. |
| those in search of rest and rejuvenation. | | | | Zen and the Art of Sailing introduces attendees to |
| Yoga retreats take place throughout the Caribbean. | | | | Hinduism and Buddhism. The retreat discusses |
| Most retreats last about a week and typically include | | | | differences between Eastern and Western religions |
| numerous yoga sessions, meditation, vegetarian and | | | | and teaches newcomers how to meditate. They then |
| other healthy cuisine, and time to relax. Massage may | | | | apply Zen principles to sailing, making it an ideal |
| be offered as well, and there's always time for | | | | excursion for people who are more hands-on. |
| excursions to nearby attractions. For instance, Maya | | | | For a more metaphysical experience, try the annual |
| Tulum in the Yucatan peninsula offers a number of | | | | Sea Angel Cruise and Inner Wellness Conference. This |
| side trips, such as snorkeling in the reefs, a tour of | | | | week-long cruise through the Caribbean offers |
| the Tulum ruins, and a full day exploring the Sian | | | | workshops on a myriad of topics such as Reiki, |
| Kaan biosphere preserve. Some retreats may include | | | | communicating with animals, astrology, healing with |
| in-depth discussions on the spiritual basis of yoga, | | | | crystals and gemstones, working with angels, |
| while others may offer guidance on resolving | | | | communicating with the dead, and Shamanic |
| troublesome issues. In any case, yoga retreats focus | | | | journeying. |
| on enhancing the well-being of both body and spirit. | | | | If communing with nature brings you bliss, you may |
| Maho Bay Camps in the U.S. Virgin Islands host | | | | enjoy Swimming with Dolphins in Bimini (the Bahamas). |
| several retreats annually, each led by different | | | | In addition to swimming with wild dolphins in the |
| groups. One of these is the Omega Institute, with | | | | ocean, this retreat includes other interesting activities. |
| design-it-yourself retreats available through the winter | | | | Travelers visit sacred sites, including the ruins of a |
| months. A number of teachers in various subjects | | | | reputed Atlantean temple. A dip in The Healing Hole's |
| can be found at each retreat, and guests pursue the | | | | renowned waters imbued with lithium soothes |
| discipline in which they're most interested. Recent | | | | bathers. |
| workshops include QiGong, watercolor painting, | | | | Because spiritual retreats in the Caribbean are often |
| remote viewing (the ability to psychically see other | | | | special events limited to specific dates, people |
| places), world dance, and mindfulness. | | | | interested in signing up should do their research early. |
| Those who find more inspiration on the sea than on | | | | With a little advance planning, your next trip could be |
| land may wish to try a sailing retreat or spiritual | | | | truly heavenly. |
| cruise. A few companies offer sailing retreats meant | | | | |