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Belize
HOPKINS, BELIZE | DECEMBER 9 – 16, 2023
MEDITATION RETREAT Â |Â Â DEC 9 – 16, 2023Â |Â THE MINDFUL CENTER
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.Â
Please note that all prices include the retreat + all breakfasts.
Also: the video below was filmed at the same hotel as this retreat.Â
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.Â
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
$1340 – $1585pp depending on occupancy
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 Â |Â Â DEC 9 – 16, 2023Â |Â 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 breakfastsÂ
- 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 hotelÂ
- Meals excluding breakfast, which is included
- Spa and massage services
- Any additional excursions and activities
Travel Info
BEING IN BELIZE RETREAT Â |Â DEC 9-16, 2023Â |Â 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.Â
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.Â
The drive is approximately 2 hours.
The retreat ends with breakfast on Sunday 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. Â
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. Â
Daily Schedule
BELIZE RETREAT SCHEDULEÂ Â |Â Â DEC 9-16, 2023Â |Â THE MINDFUL CENTER
Saturday, Dec. 9Â
This day is primarily focused on arriving and settling in to our
stunning, on-the-beach hotel. Â
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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