Set against the backdrop of the Dominican Republic’s stunning coastline, this immersive retreat is designed to help you step away from daily demands, and begin the year feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired.
Our days will blend yoga, meditation, breathwork, mindfulness practices, nourishing meals, meaningful conversation, and time in nature. Together, we’ll create space to move, rest, reflect, and reconnect, with ourselves, with others, and with the simple joy of being present.
There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the beach, explore the local area, swim in the ocean, read in a hammock, or simply do nothing at all.
Whether you’re seeking clarity for the year ahead, deeper connection, renewed energy, or a warm and peaceful escape from winter, this retreat offers an opportunity to reset, and return home feeling nourished in body, mind, and spirit.

Absolutely amazing (again). Great choice of location, wonderful yoga (accompanied by sea sounds), a generous and fun group, and outstanding organization and caretaking by Argentina (and Sara). I hope my memories of all the different shades of blue and swimming in warm Caribbean water will get me through the rest of this winter..."
CLAUDIA

"This was an awesome experience. Our yoga instructor was professional and supportive. The lodgings were gorgeous with a wonderful staff. In addition we were a group of diverse travelers from different parts of the world who came together for the yoga experience and fun!!!"
DENISE

"A very fun and well-organized yoga retreat with lots of fun activities to do. The yoga environment was very refreshing and relaxing. We got the perfect amount of free time plus time for yoga and excursions."
ALEF
Morning Yoga: You’ll start each day with an energizing and mindful yoga practice designed to awaken your body and calm your mind. Through breath-centered movement, thoughtful sequencing, and grounding postures, you’ll create space, build awareness, and set the tone for the day ahead.
Evening Yoga: As the sun begins to set, we’ll slow things down with restorative and Yin yoga, Yoga Nidra, meditation, and other calming practices designed to quiet the mind, release tension, and prepare the body for deep, restful sleep.
Yoga Immersion: This retreat offers more than daily yoga classes. Throughout the week, we’ll explore yoga as a complete practice through workshops, breathwork, meditation, philosophy discussions, and mindful movement. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice or simply reconnect with yourself, you’ll leave with tools you can continue using long after the retreat ends.
Leisure Time: This retreat is intentionally designed with plenty of unstructured time. Lounge by the pool, relax on the beach, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea, enjoy a massage, read beneath the palms, kayak along the coastline, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply embrace the joy of doing nothing.
Nourishing Meals: Savor delicious, freshly prepared meals inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local ingredients to nourish your body while complementing your yoga practice and supporting your overall well-being.
Oceanfront Accommodations: Your home for the week is a comfortable oceanfront retreat in the peaceful beach town of Las Galeras. Each room features a private balcony with ocean views, hammock and rocking chairs, creating the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, journal, or simply relax to the sound of the sea. You’ll also have access to the swimming pool, tropical gardens, and the beautiful beaches just steps away.
Nestled on the eastern tip of the Samaná Peninsula, Las Galeras is one of the Dominican Republic’s hidden gems. This laid-back beach town is known for its secluded beaches, lush tropical landscapes, authentic local culture, and incredible natural beauty.
During your stay, you’ll experience some of the region’s highlights through included group excursions. Nearby, you’ll find Playa Rincón, often recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, along with mangrove forests, waterfalls, and miles of unspoiled coastline.
While several excursions are included in the retreat, we highly encourage you to extend your stay before or after the retreat to explore even more of this extraordinary region.
Our home for the week is a charming oceanfront boutique hotel in the peaceful beach town of Las Galeras. Surrounded by tropical gardens and breathtaking ocean views, it’s the perfect setting to relax, recharge, and fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.
Although the hotel feels private and secluded, it’s just a short walk or bike ride from local shops and restaurants.
Amenities include a private beach, outdoor swimming pool, optional spa services, a cocktail bar, and complimentary use of kayaks, bicycles, and snorkeling equipment








Two unforgettable group excursions are included in your retreat experience.
Our full-day excursion takes us to Los Haitises National Park, where we’ll explore mangrove forests, bird sanctuaries, ancient caves with Taíno pictographs and petroglyphs, and enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch while experiencing the natural beauty and culture of the region.
Our second excursion is a half-day boat adventure to Playa Rincón, often recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Along the way, we’ll enjoy freshly caught fish prepared by local cooks for lunch and spend time swimming, relaxing, and taking in the breathtaking Caribbean scenery.
During your free time, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities for adventure or relaxation. Walk the scenic trail to nearby Playa La Playita, borrow complimentary kayaks or snorkeling equipment from the hotel, paddle to the small island just offshore, or simply unwind by the beach or pool at your own pace.



This sample itinerary is intended to give you a general idea of the retreat experience. The schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, staff availability, tides, sunrise and sunset times, and other local factors. Any adjustments will be made with the intention of creating the best possible experience for everyone.
Each room blends Victorian charm with Caribbean style, creating a cozy and inviting space to relax after a day of yoga and island adventures. Every room features a private balcony with direct ocean views, complete with a hammock and rocking chairs—the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind to the sound of the waves.
Additional amenities include air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, an in-room safe, a desk, and your choice of one king-size bed or two full-size beds.
Perfect for guests who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own space. Enjoy a private suite featuring a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, private balcony, and beautiful ocean views.
$3,199 $2,899
(Early Bird, Book by July 31, 2026)
Ideal for couples or two friends traveling together. Share a private suite with one king-size bed, an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, and beautiful ocean views. Price is per person.
$2,599 $2,299 per person.
(Early Bird, Book by July 31, 2026)
Perfect for two friends traveling together who prefer separate beds. Enjoy a private suite with two full-size beds, an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, and beautiful ocean views. Price is per person.
$2,599 $2,299 per person.
(Early Bird, Book by July 31, 2026)
This option pairs you with another retreat participant in a private suite with two full-size beds, an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, and beautiful ocean views. Roommate matching is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a roommate cannot be matched, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a private room (subject to availability). Price is per person.
$2,699 $2,399 per person.
(Early Bird, Book by July 31, 2026)
This retreat is non-refundable. Please book with confidence or purchase travel insurance to protect your investment if you need to cancel.
*** We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover your costs in case you need to cancel, either due to COVID-19 or any other reason.
“This was an awesome experience. Our yoga instructor was professional and supportive. The lodgings were gorgeous with a wonderful staff. In addition we were a group of diverse travelers from different parts of the world who came together for the yoga experience and fun!!!”
Absolutely amazing (again). Great choice of location, wonderful yoga (accompanied by sea sounds), a generous and fun group, and outstanding organization and caretaking by Argentina (and Sara). I hope my memories of all the different shades of blue and swimming in warm Caribbean water will get me through the rest of this winter…”
“This retreat exceeded my expectations! The resort and staff were wonderful, the views were incredible, the experience of yoga daily was well-balanced, healing and entirely what I needed. I highly recommend this trip with Argentina and Brenda to anyone!”
This trip was an incredible experience! The hosts, Argentina and Brenda, are knowledgeable, helpful, considerate and amazing teachers! The location is affordable, stunning, and immersive! Gitana Del Mar is an incredible retreat center, very accommodating to guests and connected to the community around them.This was my first retreat and I 100% enjoyed every moment of it! The experience is worth your time and investment!
I loved everything about the Spring Awakening Retreat in Panama with Brenda and Argentina—the varied, thoughtfully planned, and deep-digging yoga practices, the perfectly appointed Istmo Retreat Center, and most of all the sense of community instilled among the brilliant women on the retreat.
“The Spring Awakening Panama retreat was my first yoga retreat, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. The inclusive atmosphere, flexible schedule (lots of yoga, fun outings and activities, free time to rest, go to the beach, and relax), experience of a few different areas within Panama, and quickly-formed community of awesome yogis was an unforgettable experience. I loved the wide range of yoga classes (headstand workshop to vigorous flows, to yoga nidra and restorative), and the whole experience at Istmo retreat center was exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you, Brenda and Argentina, can’t wait for the next one!”
“I think that this retreat helped to deepen my personal relationship with yoga and I really appreciated that opportunity. I feel I was able to spend enough time by myself to relax and focus on my personal experience, while also getting to feel like I was surrounded by other wonderful yogis. I like the diversity of people who attended and that none were stereotypical yogis.”
Hey, I’m Argentina
I started practicing yoga and meditation when I was in high school. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and highly anxious due to the many changes that were happening in my life at the time.
I was a teenager back then, and yoga became my sanctuary. It changed the way I handled everything that was going on. It changed my life. I practiced at home because I was too anxious to go to a group class. And actually, when I practiced, I used to put up a sign on my bedroom door that said “do not disturb.” Geeky, I know. But that’s how serious I was. Now I’m a full-time instructor and coach with a mission to share this powerful, healing practice with as many people as I can.
Come join me!
Wait, you probably want to know about my qualifications and stuff. Right? So here you go.
I’m a 500-hour “Yoga Alliance-School” Certified teacher, and I’ve been teaching yoga and meditation for 7+ years. My “specialties” are breath-work, meditation, and Yoga Nidra to help students manage chronic anxiety and stress. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, and a Masters degree in Business Strategy and Leadership. Before I became a yoga teacher, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry where I helped manage clinical trials for new drug development.