Being In

Belize

HOPKINS, BELIZE | DECEMBER 9 – 16, 2023

MEDITATION RETREAT  |  DEC 9 – 16, 2023  |  THE MINDFUL CENTER

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL  |  Want to Join the Waitlist?

Send us an Email |  michelle@themindfulcenter.com

Join Michelle DuVal, MA, director of The Mindful Center for an incredible week long immersive meditation retreat focused on relaxation, well being, and developing greater insight into our lives, our struggles, and how we begin to live more fully, with less stress and greater ease… all while staying on one of the most
incredible beaches in the world in
 Hopkins, Belize

Hopkins is surrounded by the Maya Mountains, Cockscomb Range and the Caribbean Sea. Hiking, observing wildlife and enjoying water sports like diving, snorkeling, sailing and kayaking are all in close proximity to Hopkins Village.  And though the city of Hopkins only has about 1000 inhabitants,
it’s considered the friendliest village in all of Belize.

The retreat itself will consist of daily teachings and practice with Michelle, all designed to first meet us where we are as we leave our normal lives and enter this truly magical space, and then go deeper, allowing insight into areas of our mind and lives that is almost impossible to access during our busy day-to-day experience.

This will not be a silent retreat, although there will be times of silent meditation.

Michelle teaches insight meditation practices by first enabling students to create a safe refuge for themselves within 3 basic elements: 1. The retreat space itself. 2. The group. 3. Their own meditation. Once this is established, a process of ever deepening inquiry allows us to gain insight into our lives like never before.  We practice seeing our lives more clearly, where we’re getting hung up, and what the pathways forward might be, with the ultimate ‘goal’ being a deeper connection to peace and freedom that we can take back home with us, in our hearts and minds.

As insight deepens, we develop greater equanimity in the face of change, and wisdom and compassion increasingly become the guiding principles of our lives.

See below for the complete schedule for the retreat.

To reserve your space, you will choose your accommodation from those listed below. as well as  single, double, or triple occupancy. Based on your preferences/ occupancy, we will send you a final balance amount which will be due to fully reserve your spot at the retreat. 
Please note that all prices include the retreat + all breakfasts.

Also: the video below was filmed at the same hotel as this retreat. 
Michelle and her students loved this place so much, she booked it again for 2023!

Accomodations

The lodge at jaguar reef

This beachfront resort is an untouched paradise offering relaxation, sunny skies, panoramic views of the ocean, and it’s just minutes away from the Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins.  This is the second retreat Michelle has hosted at Jaguar Reef. 
It’s literally phenomenal.

Deluxe Suites

SOLD OUT

These room are centrally located on the property, are incredibly spacious, and have outdoor private plunge pools for fun and relaxation any time.  If looking to share, these suites have one king bed and one queen sofa bed in a shared space,
per the picture to the left. Includes all breakfasts + retreat.

Seafront Suites

SOLD OUT

Thoughtfully designed, the Seafront Suites boast unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea. Ideal for couples, these units provide 1,200 sq. ft. of space, in-room & outdoor sitting areas, vaulted ceilings, enclosed patios, and outdoor personal plunge pools.
Includes all breakfasts + retreat.

Beachfront Cottages

SOLD OUT

These beautiful cottages come with a king-size bed and spacious full bathroom with double sink. The cottages are located directly on the beach and feature vaulted ceilings, a private porch, and ensuite bathrooms with outdoor showers. A few seconds is all it takes to get from bed to sea. Includes all breakfasts + retreat.

2 Bedroom Suites

SOLD OUT

2-4 person occupancy.  Upper suites have high vaulted ceilings and spacious balconies overlooking the pool and beautiful beach. Lower suites have spacious patio areas and are just steps to our pool and beach. Both bedrooms offer the option of a queen bed in the master bedroom and a queen bed in the second bedroom or 2 twins.
Includes all breakfasts + retreat.

Beachfront Spa Rooms

SOLD OUT

These rooms are located about 60 feet from the beach and offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. The rooms feature a king size bed with and a twin trundle daybed. They are between 650 – 800 square feet interior with 250-300 square feet veranda with three-piece bath, tumbled marble tile, hand- painted sink, private bathroom and spacious shower. Includes all breakfasts + retreat.

What's Included

BEING IN BELIZE RETREAT  |  DEC 9 – 16, 2023  |  THE MINDFUL CENTER

Email the retreat leader Michelle DuVal directly with any questions at michelle@themindfulcente.com

What’s Included

  • 7 nights accommodations
  • Buffet style breakfasts 
  • All retreat activities
  • First day arrival dinner
  • Final group celebration dinner

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Belize City
  • Price of one way/ round trip shuttle from Belize City (BZE) to hotel 
  • Meals excluding breakfast, which is included
  • Spa and massage services
  • Any additional excursions and activities

Travel Info

BEING IN BELIZE RETREAT  |  DEC 9-16, 2023  |  THE MINDFUL CENTER

International Travel can be stressful.  We’re here to make things as easy and supported as possible.  Many of our retreat participants are folks traveling alone…Michelle can do a lot to help people find others along the journey, as well as make catching shuttles and airport to hotel transport as stress-free as possible.

Our retreat will be hosted by Jaguar Reef, which is located in Hopkins, Belize. 

Please plan your flights to arrive and depart from Belize City (BZE)
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
We will collect your flight details and group you together to share private shuttles
for the drive from the airport in Belize City to Jaguar Reef. 
The drive is approximately 2 hours.

The retreat ends with breakfast on Saturday December 16.
We can schedule your return shuttles based on your return flight times.

We’re happy to answer any travel questions you have.
Email Michelle directly at michelle@themindfulcenter.com

FAQ's

Yes! All breakfasts will be buffet style, with an assortment of hot and cold options.  For other meals, our hotel has a beautiful restaurant right on the beach, and there are all sorts of restaurants and cafes throughout the village of Hopkins.  There are also grocery stores close by as well.

Yes! American dollars are widely accepted throughout Belize.  The exchange rate is US $1 = 2 BZD.

Check in is 3pm.  Check out is 11am.  

It is not. You must drink bottled or filtered water.  Our hotel provides filtered water for all their guests, available at all times.

This hotel has no meditation or yoga supplies on hand. We recommend for everyone to bring a yoga mat, so that we can host some of our sessions right on the beach.  If you wish to bring along a travel meditation cushion as well, even better!

Yes!  Free wifi is available in all the rooms, and most cell phones plans have coverage in Belize.

You sure can!  Michelle always brings her twin 10 year old boys, and you are welcome to bring your children as well.  Please note that during the time of our retreat sessions, children are not allowed to be with the group, so arrangements would have to be made for them during those times if they are unable to be left unattended. The hotel does offer babysitting services for $15 an hour.  You would book this directly with the hotel.

OH MY GOSH YES!  One of the best parts of this particular hotel is that it is RIGHT ON THE BEACH.  The water is warm, and you can walk for quite a distance out into the water before it becomes deep, and the waves are incredibly gentle. The hotel also leaves kayaks and paddle boards along the beach for their guests to use at any time, free of charge.  

Daily Schedule

BELIZE RETREAT SCHEDULE  |  DEC 9-16, 2023  |  THE MINDFUL CENTER

Saturday, Dec. 9 

This day is primarily focused on arriving and settling in to our
stunning, on-the-beach hotel.  

6:30 – 7:30pm
DINNER
Our first meal together! A time for meeting the group, connecting with Michelle,
and beginning to relax into the slow, healthy, natural vibe of our retreat.

8 – 8:45pm
GUIDED MEDITATION
Optional first meditation on the beach
We know many of you might be tired from travel, so please note this is optional.

Sunday, Dec. 10 AND Monday Dec. 11

7-8am
MORNING MEDITATION

8:30 – 9:30AM BREAKFAST

10-12:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

12:30-1 FREE TIME

1-2 LUNCH

2-5 FREE TIME

5-6:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

6:30 – 7:30 DINNER

8-9PM EVENING MEDITATION

Tuesday, Dec. 12

7-8am
MORNING MEDITATION

8:30 – 9:30AM BREAKFAST

9:30 – 10AM FREE TIME

10-12:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

12:30-1 FREE TIME

1-2 LUNCH

2-6:30 FREE TIME/ EXCURSIONS/ HIKING/ SPA/ MASSAGE/ EXPLORE

6:30 – 7:30 DINNER

8-9PM EVENING MEDITATION

Wednesday, Dec. 13

7-8am
MORNING MEDITATION

8:30 – 9:30AM BREAKFAST

10-12:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

12:30-1 FREE TIME

1-2 LUNCH

2-5 FREE TIME

5-6:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

6:30 – 7:30 DINNER

8-9PM EVENING MEDITATION

Thursday, Dec. 14

7-8am
MORNING MEDITATION

8:30 – 9:30AM BREAKFAST

9:30 – 10AM FREE TIME

10-12:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

12:30-1 FREE TIME

1-2 LUNCH

2-6:30 FREE TIME/ EXCURSIONS/ HIKING/ SPA/ MASSAGE/ EXPLORE

6:30 – 7:30 DINNER

8-9PM EVENING MEDITATION

Friday, Dec. 15

7-8am
MORNING MEDITATION

8:30 – 9:30AM BREAKFAST

10-12:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

12:30-1 FREE TIME

1-2 LUNCH

2-5 FREE TIME

5-6:30 TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

6:30 – 7:30 DINNER

8-9PM EVENING MEDITATION

Saturday, Dec. 16

The retreat ends with breakfast on Saturday, December 16th.
The return shuttles will depart based on your flight departure times.

Begin Booking Here

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©2021 by The Mindful Center.

STRESS
REDUCTION
Settling the Mind on the Breath Meditation

Breathing can be an immediate tool for calming the central nervous system. This short meditation can be done anytime, anywhere you want to take things down a notch and ease your stress.

I hope so much it helps,

Michelle
BEGIN NOW
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SLEEP ISSUES
Middle of the Night Meditation

The next best thing to sleep is rest. If you can use this meditation to help you move into a state of rest, you are at least now moving in a good direction. So don't be discouraged if it doesn't put you right to sleep. Use it to put you to rest, and then see what happens.

I hope so much this helps,

Michelle
BEGIN NOW
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WORKPLACE
STRESS
Focusing the Mind Meditation

If you Google what the top ten most successful people do on a daily basis, more than half say they meditate.

When our mind gets scattered, it's hard to be efficient and effective. Try this short practice to interrupt any overwhelm and refocus the mind.

Hope it helps!

Michelle
BEGIN NOW
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LEARN HOW
TO MEDITATE
BODY SCAN

One of the most important practices
toward developing mindfulness, this
meditation increases our ability to
use the mind to relax the body.
START NOW
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