Black-led wellness retreats are empowering healing and health for black men and women. As discussed in a Vice article, health disparities for black people in the United States continue for asthma, arthritis, aggressive breast cancer, kidney disease, heart failure, maternal mortality, lung disease, chemical exposures, and overall life expectancy. For this reason, black men and women can benefit from holistic practices, such as yoga and meditation, and supportive spaces.
Yoga and meditation have been shown to improve cardio and circulatory health, reduce stress, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, boost the immune system, build strength, increase flexibility, and much more. Even so, an environment in which you can be your authentic self is also needed for optimal health. When people of shared experiences gather in a supportive space, there is an opportunity for solace and unguarded healing.
Below are black-led wellness retreats (listed in order of occurrence) that may be able to support your wellness journey. This list is not exhaustive. It includes some of the retreats submitted via form or this Instagram Post.
Note: This blog post was published before the onset of the global pandemic. The occurrence of the some events may be affected. Please do your research before making plans to attend.
Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness Retreat
Event Guide: Jo-Jo Jackson
When: April 3 – 5, 2020
Where: Ashland City, TN
Description: A retreat including freshly prepared ayurvedic meals, practice daily yoga and guided meditation, a mini ayurvedic consultation, wellness workshops, and a special self-care package to continue your journey of everyday wellness when you’re at home.
Sisters Who Meditate 2020 Retreat
Event Guide: Sherrell Moore-Tucker
When: April 3 – 5, 2020
Where: Marriottsville, MD
Description: This spiritual retreat is for women of faith who are ready to explore the depths of God’s love and grace through Christian meditation practices from a Hebraic perspective.
This quiet retreat is designed to support those who observe lent or those who would like to pause and allow time for self-reflection and examination.
Whole. A mini Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat For Academics of Color
Event Guide: Tiffany Johnson
When: April 4, 2020
Where: Atlanta, GA
Description: In this mini-retreat, we will explore how slowing down, tapping into the sensations of our body and breath, our heart and mind – can support our work in the classroom, in late night study and writing sessions, and in the communities we hold near and dear to us. By slowing down, we reject the often unspoken yet profound narrative that we must work for worthiness, and we affirm that we are already whole. That we – and whatever work we do – has been whole all along, regardless of the outcome.
Channeling Nefertari: The Divine Goddess Retreat
Event Guide: Sarah Wesley
When: April 6-11, 2020
Where: Red Sea, Egypt
Description: So often as women, we become inundated with the needs of others, the pressures of society (ageism, misogyny, body shaming, comparisons and more), lack of self-worth or self-esteem and an overall disconnection to our true, divine feminine essence. It is time that we as women reclaim the power that we hold as divine creators in this universe. Women are intuitive, instinctual, sacred beings who carry innate divine balance. We are super-beings. And there is so much more to discover about ourselves once we get into alignment with the highest version of our divine feminine. What better place to activate our deepest, often suppressed feminine power than in the land of Nefertiti, Queen Hatshepsut (the first female Pharaoh), Cleopatra and of course, Nefertari? Egypt is a magical place that retains the memory of those that walked upon this land before us. It is a land of wonder, mysticism, splendor and unparalleled connection to the elements of nature, the cosmos and the realms beyond.
Living The Dream!
Event Guide: Stacy Patrice
When: April 13 –19, 2020
Where: Sacred Valley, Peru
Description: This retreat merges scenic beauty, sacred ceremony, transformative ritual and otherworldly adventure to awaken consciousness with environment-specific yogic practices, locally inspired creative expressionism, spiritual excursion to ancient sites and dreaming integration to get lucid. Enjoy the stimulation and inspired rest inside the culture of Peru, with me as your distinguished guide.
10-day Ashtanga retreat in Nepal
Event Guides: Petri Räisänen and Wambui Njuguna-Räisänen
When: April 19 – 28, 2020
Where: Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pharping, Nepal
Description: The 10-day retreat combines the powerful practice of Ashtanga Yoga with a unique setting. This is complemented with technique discussions, pranayama, healing techniques, chanting, meditation with the monks, Dharma philosophy, visits/hikes to pilgrimage points nearby, and time for quiet contemplation and joyful connection with like-minded others.
Antigua Retreat
Event Guide: Sophia Holly and Deanna Green
When: May 3 – 9, 2020
Where: Antigua
Description: Yoga. Camping. The Beach. A retreat with these three activities (and so much more) to create the ultimate retreat. Join Sophia Holly and Deanna Green for a luxurious, retreat experience like no other. For seven days, get carried away with nature. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Antigua coastline and through daily yoga practices discover a renewed sense of self.
Self Love Retreat
Event Guide: Donna Noble
When: May 8 – 10, 2020
Where: Oxenhoath Road, Hadlow
Description: The retreat is a body positive retreat. EveryBODY is welcome! Each guest will have the opportunity to practice at their own level making this weekend suitable for all levels.
The Power of Possibility: A Women’s Glamping Retreat
Event Guide: Dr. Stephanie Epps
When: May 15 –17, 2020
Where: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Description: Do you desire to make a change in your life or career? Have you been thinking of pursuing your passion but don’t know how? Are you called to walk in your purpose, but fear causes you to pause? Are you ready to let go of fear and step into possibility? If you answered yes to any of these questions, The Power of Possibility is where you need to be. Shift your energy, commit to change, and step into possibility. This 3-day retreat is designed to ignite, empower, and transform your mind, body, and spirit. Experience yoga, meditation, and transformation alongside 10 other women. Meet 10 soul sisters from different places and with similar and different experiences. <br Choose to hold space with new friends who desire to live in abundance rather than lack. Become grounded and connected with women who are ready to do the work that lives in their heart. Your time is now. Say yes to your dreams, say yes to transformation, say yes to pursuing your passion and your purpose.
Yoga Nidra and The Power of Manifestation
Event Guide: Tracee Stanley
When: May 16 – 17, 2020
Where: Atlanta, GA
Description: Join Tracee Stanley in a 2-day workshop dedicated to Buddhi Shakti- cultivation of wisdom and understanding, Ananda Shakti – Energy of Joy and Passion and Sankalpa Shakti – Willpower and Determination.
Together you will explore and initiate an inner journey of awakening and commitment to your highest potential and deepest desires. The practices of yoga nidra, self-study, kriya meditation, breath-centric asana, and mantra are wisely sequenced to open the inner doors of perception, allowing you to identify obstacles to growth and accessing the power within.
Rose Wellness Yoga & Dance Retreat
Event Guide: Yoga Manzanillo
When: May 16 – 23, 2020
Where: Manzanillo, Mexico
Description: When we connect with divine feminine we experience a unique personal awakening. Deeping the depths of compassion, unconditional love, empathy, and authentic power. This is an intimate transformative journey in support of womb healing and personal empowerment. During the retreat, we will learn about Rose Mastery Teachings, womb healing, awakening your feminine creativity, Sensual Somatic Integration, and Yin Yoga Meditation. This experience is about supporting our journey as women in all the phases, forms, and seasons of our body and life by reclaiming, uncovering, rediscovering parts of ourselves and integrating them into an artistic expression, in the most beautiful and confident way.
Sacred Waters Herbal Retreat for Women of Color
Event Guide: Angelique Greer and Shana Nunnelly
When: May 22 – 24, 2020
Where: Dover, TN
Description: WATER heals and purifies. It quenches our bodies and revives our spirit. We subscribe to the truth that Water is divine and moves through us all. It is for this reason Sacred Waters Retreat holds space near Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls and Oceans. We Invoke the power of water to bring women together through emotion, ritual and connection to the divine feminine. We are moved to provide compassionate, and healing space where women can feel safe and nurtured. We offer sanctuary in nature, and encourage fun and exploration as we unite joyfully with our ancestry through sacred ritual. Some paths are best walked alone and some are walked in profound harmony with others. We want to celebrate your journey to reclaim the SACRED that lies within you.
Breath Space
Event Guide: Kelley Palmer
When: May 25 – 29, 2020
Where: Negril, Jamaica
Description: Join Kelley for an intimate time curated to honor the power of rest and joy, individually and collectively. We will step away from the spaces that hold stress, feelings of invisibility and lack of connection to fortify, see and affirm one another. This time is dedicated to centering rest and joy. We will cultivate connection through new experiences and adventures together away from the touristy areas of the beautiful island of Jamaica. This retreat is deeply connected to the intention to be in community, experience the richness of life, practice revolutionary self-care and reach new levels of personal liberation.
Gym Yoga + Soul Fest
Event Host: Briana Young-Roane of Gypsy Yoga Mama Brand
When: May 29 – 31, 2020
Where: Capon Bridge, West Virginia
Description: The festival aims to disconnect so we can all; Grow Better, Live Better, and ultimately Be better. G.Y.M Yoga & Soul Fest is being birthed to allow black and brown folks to sing, chant, dance, flex, floss, release, eat, enjoy, explore, and celebrate the culture of us. My aim is to help my people heal from the inside out. To move onto the next level ready, prepared and knowing that the support is real. So, the only question I ask you is: are you ready?
Align with your Divine
Event Guide: Dara Danielle
When: June 7 – 14, 2020
Where: Peru
Description: Join Dara Danielle on a week long trip as we dive into each chakra through movement, journaling, and workshops that will help you find balance and alignment with your divine higher self.
Breathe, An Adventure & Wellness Retreat
Event Guide: Leisan Echols
When: June 8 – 12, 2020
Where: Guatapé, Colombia
Description: Let’s Breathe at a beautiful resort nestled away in the stunning, Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir—located approximately 80 kilometers east of Medellín, Colombia. The surrounding countryside and the reservoir’s wooded shoreline make this location an ideal destination for both wellness and adventure. Additionally, the neighboring Andean resort town of Guatapé, known for its colorful houses decorated with bas-reliefs, offers plenty of opportunities to feed your inner explorer.
Costa Rica Yoga Retreat
Event Guide: Crystal McCreary and Pilin Anice
When: June 13 – 20, 2020
Where: Costa Rica
Description: Join Crystal McCreary and Pilin Anice for an unforgettable seven-day journey toward belonging. The rich and healing practices of yoga and dance movement provide the perfect playground to explore our authentic selves and embrace our wholeness through the power of connection and community. While immersed in a vibrant subtropical paradise, we will move and breathe together with live drumming, to nurture our inner radiance and celebrate the universal elements that when integrated, support the liberation of us all.
A Solstice Chakra Reset
Event Guide: Empress & Sheena
When: June 16 – 21, 2020
Where: Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Description: The Solstice Chakra Reset is a 5-day Yoga + Meditation + Chakra Wellness + Self Care Retreat in Treasure Beach, Jamaica that also includes breathtaking excursions to nearby tourist attractions along the southern tip of the island!
“S” Off Your Chest Wellness Retreat: Antigua
Event Guide: Yes Baby I Like It Raw family
When: June 19 – 26, 2020
Where: Antigua
Description: Join the Yes Baby I Like It Raw family June 19-26, 2020 for a wellness retreat in Antigua. “S” Off Your Chest Wellness Retreat is dedicated to creating a space for individuals to disconnect and recharge their body, mind, and spirit. The “S” of your Chest movement challenges us to remove our superheroes cape and root ourselves in being whole. It asks us to nurture ourselves in the ways that we need so we can live healthy lives as well as have healthy relationships with our family, friends, and the environment. This 8 day 7 night intensive will be hosted at Wild Lotus Camp a luxury beach camp on the beautiful island of Antigua just steps away from the Caribbean Sea. We will be housed in sleek luxury tents right on the beach so they’re off-grid, lit by tiki torches and twinkling strings of solar fairy lights.
Machu Picchu Spoken Word Yoga Retreat
Event Guide: Christine Lewis
When: June 26 – July 5, 2020
Where: Sacred Valley of Peru
Description: Spoken Word Yoga with Christine Lewis infuses the physical practice of the Yoga asanas with a mental “Work-In” that purifies and reinvigorates the body and soul to offer You a uniquely spiritual experience that expands beyond the mat. Christine purposefully structures her Vinyasa and Raja Deep Stretch Yoga classes to be accessible for every Body in creating a balance of strength and flexibility while permitting students of all levels to practice together regardless of physical limitations or injuries.
Roots & Culture Tour
Event Guide: Kemetic Yogi
When: August 29 – September 8
Where: Ghana
Description: The Roots & Culture Tour is for socially conscious travelers looking for a culturally satisfying 10 day experience that focuses on holistic wellness, gaining a deeper knowledge of local African culture and being of service to the local community. The retreat involves 2-3 days of volunteering in the communities to which we travel. The retreat provides jobs for over 20 local people, in addition to over 10 businesses ranging from transportation, cultural artists, hospitality and service workers from Accra, Cape Coast, all the way to Cape Three Points on the southernmost tip of Ghana. Participants can expect to have a true African Yoga experience infused with some of the richest aspects of Ghanaian culture ranging from Cultural Festivals, Traditional dance, African drumming, Batik art (a traditional African art form that dates back centuries), as well as having access to natural hair care, traditional clothing made by local tailors and so much more!
Rastafari Way Wellness Retreat
Event Guide: Marsha ‘Maharri’ Lodge
When: August 3 – 10, 2020
Where: Jakes Hotel, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Description: This is an all-inclusive, eco-conscious yoga wellness retreat centered around the Rastafari way of life. The ultimate cultural and wellness experience in a 7-day retreat; yoga, wellness, food, art, culture, sustainable living, and spirituality all infused together creating a dynamic experience of what it means to live The Rastafari way. A livity that truly embodies sustainability and spirituality.
This retreat is for anyone who is willing to fully open up, shift energetic blocks, dive deep and go on a self-exploratory journey. You will be gently guided through ancient teachings and practices to connect with the Higher Self so that healing of body, mind, and soul can occur.
Yoga Retreat for Women of Color Go Within; Find Your Happiness
Event Guides: Maya Breuer, Kiesha Battles, Candace A. Jennings
When: August 14 – 16, 2020
Where: Stockbridge, MA
Description: Join Maya Breuer, Kiesha Battles, and others on a journey to happiness by going within and exploring the sacred aspects of the goddess Oshun.
Oshun, the goddess of pleasure, fertility, beauty, and love, acts as the guiding deity on this retreat. Come spend a nourishing weekend bathing in self-love, conscious thought, creativity, health awareness, and the sacred feminine while practicing yoga, breathing techniques, dance, and meditation.
While Oshun may at times hide within, with the proper methods she can emerge and lead us toward joy unbound. Find your happiness and embrace the goddess Oshun!
Women of Color Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Event Guides: Daybreak Yoga and Rooted Blossoms
When: August 21 – 23, 2020
Where: Hope Springs Institute, Ohio
Description: The Collective is proud to share this annual event hosted by Daybreak Yoga and Rooted Blossoms. We personally invite and welcome you to bestow love and care upon and for yourself at the third annual retreat. Starting on Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, it will be an intimate time for and with self and others through breathwork, yoga, journaling, meditation, and other enriching activities. There will also be time for solitude and rest as desired.
The Unfolding
Event Guide: Danielle Lyles Barton
When: September 4 – 7 2020
Where: Tucson, Arizona
Description: Choose for yourself a truly imaginative, authentic and meaningful wellness experience so you may continue to heal, unfold to the Truest parts of ourselves, and learn tools for bringing more harmony into all areas of your life. In the words of warsan shire, “if we’re going to heal, let it be glorious.” Allow luxury to be part of your healing journey. Because: you deserve it, Sis. We as black women deserve to exist within and heal within beautiful spaces. experience state-of-the-art accommodations, first-class service, fresh and nourishing meals, and dynamic sisterhood sessions as you prioritize your healing. Experience nightly complimentary spa because you deserve it!
Starshine & Clay: A Place for Women of Color to Be
Event Guide: Octavia Raheem
When: September 18-20
Where: Nacoochee, GA
Description: “Our Fall 2020 Starshine & Clay Yoga Retreat For Women of Color is inspired by my childhood experiences going to Revival services in my hometown of Gainesville, Georgia and my direct experience of how the practices of yoga, yoga nidra, meditation, creativity, song, and sisterhood have {re}awakened my heart, spirit, and soul to the greater purpose of my life.” – Octavia Raheem
Trap Vinyasa™ Retreat
Event Guide: Abiola Akanni
When: September 21 – 26, 2020
Where: Kauai, Hawaii
Description: Trap Vinyasa™ is more than a practice, it’s a community committed to offering accessible yoga and healing to womxn of the culture.
The Trap Vinyasa™ Retreat is an intimate extension of our community. An immersive getaway designed to help you own the master in you while exploring self sensuality through slow living. We provide support to help you alchemize areas of trauma and begin to own the story you want to embody.
Back to Divinity: Kemetic Yoga & AfrikOlistik Retreat
Event Guides: Sylvia Desroses and Steven Rousseau
When: October 14 – 20, 2020
Where: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Embody Yoga Retreat 2020
Event Guide: Joanna Brooks
When: November 14 – 20, 2020
Where: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Description: Commit to your health and wellness with 7 days and 6 nights in the ever lovely Montego Bay, Jamaica. Each day wake up your mind and body with a powerful vinyasa flow practice. Spend your afternoons relaxing by the pool or sightseeing. End each night with a relaxing, sunset practice. Practices led by Joanna, retreat leader.
Systah Sits Presents: Wisdom + Water New Years Retreat in South Africa
Event Guide: Chris Johnson and Jylani Ma’at
When: December 26, 2020 – Jan 5, 2021
Where: Johannesburg + Cape Town, South Africa
Description: This retreat in South Africa is all and none of these. We offer daily wellness practices, including yoga + meditation, sound healing + discounted massages. We will attend critical tourist sites together, but we will do so with locals, not with tour companies who speak to you in scripts. We will offer two workshops, so learning, skill-building, and community-building is built in. Don’t worry, though! There will be no name tags or business attire required here. Still want to get a little funky? We got you. We’ve left some nights open for you to explore nightlife in your own way, whether it’s to party or chill. We’ve also included tickets to Afropunk, so you can live your best fashion + music life. Want to come with a partner? Perfect! Queen and King beds are available to share. Little ones will need to stay home, but mature teens may participate with a parent/guardian after signing the minor waiver.
See the total 40+ black-led wellness retreat listings here. Though many of these retreats listed above and on our website are not exclusive to self-identified people of color, there is still power in a space held and hosted by a person of color.
Perhaps, one of these offerings can help. Maximizing our health allows us to realize and reclaim our power so we can foster change individually, communally, and globally. Sometimes it’s hard to get away from the day-to-day grind to indulge in self-care without a planned getaway.
Note: Descriptions are from the event leader or the event website. We are not affiliated with any of these events. Research the events and attend at your own risk.
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