Why I Chose the Most Expensive Yoga Retreat Venue I’ve Ever Booked

I took a big leap last month; I booked a yoga retreat venue that is, well… to put it simply, expensive. It’s way bigger, high-end, and more extravagant than anywhere I’ve ever hosted – which makes sense, really. It’s on a small, sparkling island in the Caribbean.

I spent weeks going back and forth, asking myself questions like, “Are you sure you want to do this?” and, “Do you really think you’re ready for a commitment this big?” Self-doubt always seems to creep in when I’m about to level up and try something new. 

But you know what they say: no risk, no reward. We’re going to Finca Victoria. And here’s why. 

The Owner

I met Sylvia, the owner of Finca Victoria, at a yoga retreat with Matt Giordano in the south of Spain. She’s one of those playful, wonderful people that just seems to shine a little brighter. Matt had hosted a retreat at Finca Victoria the year prior, so many of the other guests at the Spain retreat were singing their praises of Sylvia and her space:

“The rooms are so nice, it felt like I had my own little escape in the jungle.” 

“Don’t miss the spa. It’s life-giving.” 

“Wait until you see the yoga platform, there’s no better place to practice.” 

“I can’t wait to go back!” 

As you might imagine, I was intrigued; I’m always looking for new venues, and Finca Victoria already had a stamp of approval – both from Matt, and his students. The more I learned about Sylvia and her space, the more I wanted to go. 

Sylvia had a love affair with Finca Victoria long before she owned it. Her story is one part courage, one part destiny, and when you read it, you’ll realize that her path was always meant to lead back to the finca. 

When the property was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, Sylvia spearheaded a slow, soulful rebuild, turning storm-stripped soil into a 14-unit Ayurvedic wellness hotel rooted in regeneration and community. Needless to say, she’s a powerhouse. 

Sylvia is what makes this place special. 

Her knowledge, love, and care have created something out of a fairy tale. 

The Bioluminescent Bay

There are only five bioluminescent bays in the world, and one of them is in Vieques, just a short drive from Finca Victoria. Not only that, but the Vieques Bio Bay is considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, with up to 160,000 dinoflagellates per liter of water. 

What are dinoflagellates (aka Pyrodinium bahamense), you might ask? 

They’re what make the bay glow! 

When you agitate the water, a biochemical reaction in these single-celled organisms makes them light up. You can even see the outlines of fish as they swim through the water. 

Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience, right? Worth. Every. Penny. 

My husband, Marty, was a bioluminescent kayak guide in the Cayman Islands for over three years. He’s assisting on this retreat so he can answer all of your burning questions about bioluminescence (and to provide you with a few fantastic mobility workshops, too).

The Space

Call me silly, but I’m a sucker for the finer things in life. And Finca Victoria is fine. Want your very own luxury treehouse? No problem. A bougie airstream with a king bed and a spacious patio? We’ve got you. A sweet-water pool, lounge pavilion, and Ayurvedic spa? Yes please. 

Finca Victoria blends nature and comfort to give you lovingly conceptualized, mindfully designed lodging that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. These rooms aren’t just somewhere you rest your head at night, they’re part of the experience. 

Tucked high in the canopy of the Puerto Rican jungle, the open-air yoga shala feels like something out of a dream. Mornings begin with the soft glow of sunrise spilling through the trees as you flow through your sun salutations. And in the evenings, the gentle chorus of Coqui frogs serenades your yin practice – nature’s soundtrack to put you at ease. 

Oh – and did I tell you that I rented the entire space, just for us?

The Invitation

I’ve never chosen a retreat venue like this before, because I’ve never found one that felt like this. The jungle. The sea. The soul-level serenity. It’s not cheap, but that’s because it’s exceptional. And while this retreat might be more of a challenge for me to fill, it’s worth the risk. 

So here’s your invitation, because I can’t do this alone: 

If I want to make this happen – to facilitate an unforgettable experience at an extraordinary venue – I need 15 people to say yes by September 30th. If we get there, it’s on. If we don’t, everyone gets their money back – no guilt, no fear, no pressure.

This is your invitation. To be a co-creator, and to help make something incredible happen. 

Are you in?

Let’s make this happen. Together.