HeartComing Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • The HeartComing Retreat is a healing space designed for multi-generational people who identify as Black women over the age of 21.

    Thank you in advance for respecting this vision.

  • The HomeComing retreat has been designed as an intimate retreat experience for approximately 10 participants.

  • All international participants will fly into the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad. From Trinidad, you will take a shuttle flight.

    Shuttle flights to the A.N.R. International Airport on Tobago are scheduled to depart 10-12 times per day. Shuttle flights are inexpensive and take approximately 25 minutes.

    NOTE: We strongly encourage you to purchase your shuttle ticket at the same time you purchase your flight. Given the small size of the shuttles, they are often sold out on the day

    The village of Castara is approximately 45 minutes from the A.N.R Robinson Airport.

    In collaboration with Castara Caribbean Eco Lodges, we will help to coordinate airport pickup service for all guests who provide us with their flight information no later than Wednesday May 1, 2024.

    Transportation to and from the retreat site is include in the retreat fee when scheduled prior to May 1, 2024.

    When coordinated after that date, the cost for a taxi for up to four people is approximately $300tt each way. For groups of 8, Castara Caribbean Eco Lodges can offer a minibus, with a cost of approximately $100tt per person, each way.

  • Visas are not needed to visit Trinidad or Tobago.

    However, please ensure that your passport will not expire prior to 6 months after your date of departure from Tobago.

  • Any participant wishing to arrive before or depart after the HeartComing Retreat is welcome to do so pending availability at Castara Caribbean Eco Lodge.

    Castara may offer 30% discount on accommodation for any extra nights, depending upon availability. Extended stay pricing will not include additional services nor meals.

  • All meals will be served buffet-style. All meals will be primarily plant-based with some dairy products available.

    Options will be provided for participants needing meals that are:

    • Dairy-free

    • Gluten-free

    • Vegan

    For needs beyond those listed, we will work with you to make alternate arrangements.

    All rooms include a fully functioning kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, oven and necessary pots, pans and utensils.

    A grocery store visit can be scheduled upon initial travel to Castara Resort from the airport if desired.

    Please note that there are limited options in the small fishing village of Castara.

  • Unfortunately, due to the 'living in the landscape' design of Castara Caribbean Eco Lodges, this location is not ideally suited for those with mobility challenges.

    Most rooms can only be accessed via staircase.

    Additionally, there is a steep decline to reach the beach.

Pricing

  • Retreat pricing includes lodging, meals, yoga and scheduled group retreat activities:

    • Being With Horses

    • Island Blue Snorkel Tour led by instructors Judha & Leah

    • Transportation to and from the Tobago Airport when requested and travel information is provided prior to May 1, 2024.

  • Each participant is responsible for independently purchasing:

    • roundtrip airfare

    • travel insurance

    • alchoholic beverages

    • airport to retreat site transportation if travel information is provided after May 1, 2024.

  • We encourage all interested participants to pay in full to guarantee your place.

    There is also an option to pay in installments.

    A $500 USD deposit will reserve your spot and count toward the remaining balance.

    The second payment of 50% of your total wil be due on Friday March 8, 2024.

    The final payment of your full balance is due on Monday April 15, 2024.

  • Cancellations occurring prior to Friday March 29, 2024 are eligible for a 50% refund minus the $500 USD deposit.

    Cancellations occurring on or after April 1, 2024 are not eligible for a refund.

    Please note that refunds may take up to 7 business days to process.

  • The local currency is the TT (Trinidad/Tobago dollar). Many stores and vendors also accept US dollars.

    Upon your arrival, we encourage you to withdraw some funds in local TT currency at an ATM in the airport in Trinidad.

FYI

  • IMPORTANT:

    • Please be aware that you are solely responsible for continuing to follow the guidance of your mental health throughout participation in the retreat.

    • If you have a history of PTSD, addiction or other mental health concerns, it is important that you arrive to the retreat in a stable state with the intention of using the retreat for self reflection, personal healing and spiritual growth.

    • The HeartComing retreat is NOT personal therapy nor a detoxification program from recreational or pharmaceutical drugs.

  • Yes, there is complimentary wifi for all guests.

  • We encourage all retreat participants to bring at least the following items to support a easeful experience

    • Sunscreen

    • Hats

    • Insect repellant (we are visiting their home)

    • Earplugs if needed for the plane

    • Flashlight/ batteries

    • Comfortable clothing for yoga

    • Headphones if needed for the plane

    • A book to read (please bring a book on healing or transformation by a person of African descent to discuss with others)

    • Rain jacket or umbrella (just in case it rains at night etc.)

    • Flip flops & sandals

    • Watershoes with grips in order to walk on rocks in the water j

    • Journals & pens

    • You may want to bring a drawing pad, meditation coloring books, color pencils, etc.

“We come from many different lineages answering the call of our hearts to reclaim a sense of innate belonging.”

The HeartComing Retreat is for you, if you:

Identify as a black woman of African descent

Enjoy traveling as a means of deepening self

Have a go with the flow ethos.

Delight in experiences of Caribbean paradise.

Look forward to deep, deep rest and detaching from electronic devices.