DRIFT Escape I Yoga Retreats
ESCAPE with us // Making it easy for you to escape from the hustle and bustle. Just pack your bags and we'll take care of you. Connection, renewal, exploration of our destination and meeting new people. Meals, day trips and local transportation are included. When you want time for you, DRIFT ESCAPE got you!
Koh Samui, Thailand // Tranquility & Culture
Connect.Renew.Explore: Where mindfulness and serenity meet cultural immersion. SOLD OUT!
February 15 - 22, 2025// 8 days, 7 nights of relaxation and adventure
Escaping to a wellness spot, Samahita Retreat in the south of Koh Samui, a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand. Samahita Retreat is surrounded by towering coconut trees in a quiet, spacious area, with incredible sunrises and sunsets that play with the colors of the water, sand, and tropical fauna. The beach is non-touristy and virtually undisturbed, creating a beautiful, peaceful setting for you to enjoy your Thailand stay. This side of the island is protected by a natural reef. This is an all-inclusive retreat with excursions/activities included.
An all-inclusive get-away with 3 meals a day, gluten free and vegan options (some dietary needs may be accommodated as long as ingredients are available).
Yoga twice daily complimenting the activities and the theme of the retreat, all levels.
Yoga workshop.
Within a few steps to the beach where you can bask in the sun, paddle board, kayak, or walk along a 2.5 mile stretch of peaceful and quiet beach.
Relaxation at the pool if that’s more your jam.
3 guided activities included.
Why Koh Samui?
Koh Samui, an enchanting island in the Gulf of Thailand, is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and serene ambiance, making it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating yoga retreat. Here's why Koh Samui stands out as a perfect place for a yoga retreat:
Natural Beauty: Koh Samui's picturesque scenery, with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and verdant jungles, provides a stunning backdrop for yoga practice. The island's natural beauty fosters a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, enhancing the overall retreat experience.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Koh Samui exudes a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. The soothing sounds of the ocean and the gentle rustling of palm trees create an environment conducive to meditation, mindfulness, and deep relaxation.
Cultural Richness: The island's rich cultural heritage, evident in its temples, festivals, and local traditions, adds a unique dimension to the yoga retreat experience. Participants have the opportunity to explore and connect with the local culture, enhancing the overall sense of well-rounded enrichment.
Yoga Instructors:
Resident Instructor, DRIFT Yoga // Nancy Lea
Nancy is the person behind Nancy Lea Yoga who holds an ISHTA + Meditation Masters, (500 Hr E-RYT) and is a full time yoga instructor in Seattle. Nancy teaches weekly classes in-studio and leads private & corporate yoga classes, Yoga Education Program and retreats along with the founder & owner of DRIFT. Nancy has been teaching since 2012 and has also led several retreats internationally and locally. Nancy is known for her Slow Flow, Vinyasa, Hatha, Sound Bath , Yin, Meditation and Restorative classes. This will be Nancy’s 3rd retreat with DRIFT.
Founder/Owner // Vivian
Vivian completed all of her yoga trainings through Yoga Medicine with Tiffany Cruikshank, (200 Hr E-RYT) focusing on the tissue health and challenging the mind and body making movement as a daily dose of wellness. She has also trained with Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers on Fascial Web and with Love Your Brain Yoga for traumatic brain injury. Currently, Vivian teaches group and private classes, and workshops at the studio, as well as leading community and corporate event classes in Seattle. This will be Vivian’s 5th retreat since DRIFT opened in 2020.
What’s included
Daily yoga classes, meditation on some days/nights, myofascial release on some days/nights.
3 meals daily. Vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options. Alcohol not included.
Linens and beddings.
Use of the premise: swimming pool, beach, kayaks, paddle boards
Transportation to/from the airport
Private group activities: visit to an elephant sanctuary, waterfall hike, temple visit, cultural dinner
Yoga mats and props for retreat use.
Swag and photos of the trip.
What’s not included
Airfare.
Specific toiletries, dietary needs.
Extra or specific snacks, drinks, alcohol.
Travel insurance.
Please review our Terms & Conditions for attending one of our retreats.
Off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico // Nourish & Restore
Connect.Renew.Explore
SOLD OUT!
May 25 - 30, 2024 // 6 days, 5 nights of relaxation and adventure
Join us at Xinalani, pronounced "she-nah-lah-knee,” a wellness spot 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco. Set on the mountains off of the Pacific Coast only be accessed by boat. The accommodations have palm-thatched roofs, some rooms with AC and 4 walls while the others have 3 walls and an open air with mountain and ocean views. Xinalani is a unique destination where you can fully rest, relax, have some adventures, and experience nature in a more luxurious way to CONNECT.RENEW.EXPLORE for 6 days and 5 nights.
An all-inclusive get-away with 3 meals a day, gluten free and vegan options (some dietary needs may be accommodated as long as ingredients are available).
Yoga twice daily complimenting the activities and the theme of the retreat, CONNECT.RENEW.EXPLORE, all levels.
Within a few steps to the beach where you can bask in the sun, snorkel, kayak.
Relaxation at the pool if that’s more your jam or enjoy the Japanese sauna.
3 guided activities included.
What Xinalani means: seeds in nahuatl words. To Xinalani - “…Plant the seeds of change!”
A note that Xinalani rooms and facilities are accessed by a beautiful wooden stairs in the entire property. Some of the yoga studios are at the top of 176 steps, but to get there is an experience with nature around and sounds of the birds in the background.
Why Jalisco, Mexico?
Today, Jalisco is a land of peace with its beautiful landscape. The name "Jalisco" is believed to be derived from the Nahuatl words (a group of people native to the south of Mexico) "xalli" (sand, gravel) and "ixtli," which means "face," or by extension, plane. So “Jalisco” would literally mean “sandy face.” The setting of Xinalani is perfect for what Jalisco is described and to really experience it all, this is your invitation to come. No better place to be to disconnect from the work week and recharge.
Please note, if you are traveling alone and need someone to share a room with, we will best match you with another guest making sure that both of you will be comfortable. We will also ask your permission to share your email and phone # so that you can connect prior to the trip.
Yoga Instructors:
Resident Instructor, DRIFT Yoga // Sarah Hyde
Sarah has been with DRIFT since opening and holds 200 Hr and YACEP Yoga Certifications known for her hatha, vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga, meditation and sound baths classes. Sarah is based in Seattle where she is a full time Yoga and Meditation Teacher. At DRIFT, Sarah teaches 3 weekly classes: Vinyasa + Yoga Nidra and Hatha and leads our Sound Bath special event workshops seasonally. Sarah also leads her own yoga and meditation retreats and workshops through the year. When Sarah is not in the yoga room, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog and spending time with friends.
Founder/Owner // Vivian
Vivian completed all of her yoga trainings through Yoga Medicine with Tiffany Cruikshank, (200 Hr E-RYT) focusing on the tissue health and challenging the mind and body making movement as a daily dose of wellness. She has also trained with Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers on Fascial Web and with Love Your Brain Yoga for traumatic brain injury. Currently, Vivian teaches group and private classes, and workshops at the studio, as well as leading community and corporate event classes in Seattle. This will be Vivian’t 4th retreat since DRIFT opened in 2020.
What’s included
Daily yoga classes, a private Sound Bath, meditation on some days/nights, myofascial release on some days/nights.
3 meals daily. *With vegan and gluten-free options. Alcohol not included.
Linens and beddings.
Use of the premise: swimming pool, Japanese sauna, beach, kayaks, snorkeling gear.
Transportation to/from the airport, to/from Xinalani.
Private group activities: Temazcal, Cacao Ceremony, Hike to Playa Colomitos
Guides and shamans for the 3 activities.
Dinner at the beach on the last evening.
Yoga mats, props and myofascial release balls for retreat use.
Swag and photos of the trip.
What’s not included
Airfare.
Specific toiletries, dietary needs.
Extra or specific snacks, drinks, alcohol.
Travel insurance.
PAST RETREATS
Iceland - Yoga.Adventure.Experience
March 17 - 22, 2024 // Yoga with us in the Nordic island with its most beautiful, dramatic and unspoiled nature around. We’ll start our adventure in the city of Reykjavik, then head to the South Coast for the white waves crashing behind black sand beaches, the mountains, glaciers and glacial lagoons. 6 days and 5 nights to experience it all.
Join us on this once in a lifetime Yoga.Adventure.Experience where the all-levels yoga classes will be led by our Lead Instructor, Nancy Lea, assisted by DRIFT founder/owner Vivian. We have included 3 day trips to experience and see the beauty of this Nordic island. You will also have some time for you to be on your own to explore should you choose. Or, you are welcome to enjoy the surroundings of our home base and take a soak in the geothermal hot tub, read and have a super relaxing time for you.
Why we chose to go in the spring // The spring equinox brings increased solar activity and an excellent chance of seeing aurora displays. March is one of the best months for Northern Lights, when the day and night are more balanced with the sun setting much later after 6 p.m. The temperature is a bit warmer than the normal winter - that depends how you translate “warmer,” highs of 38 deg F. It will be magical, so dress warm and start the change of the season with us.
Exploring beyond Reykjavik // We wanted to make sure that we truly experience the beauty of Iceland wherever our adventure is. We’ll be staying at Hotel Borg in the city center upon arrival and spend 2 nights to absorb the Viking history, the city’s architecture and surrounding mountain views. Hotel Borg is known for its elegant facade to the Art Deco interiors. It’s a perfect setting for what the city has to offer. They say, “A stay at Hotel Borg is a stay to remember.”
On our 3rd day we’ll be traveling to the South Coast where we will be staying at Hotel Katla, our home base for the South Coast adventure. This area is known for its white waves crashing behind black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, glaciers, waterfalls and more.
Hotel Katla is a modern retreat hotel with rustic charm surrounded by the dramatic landscape of Iceland. After a day of adventure and exploring, feel free to soak in the geothermal hot tubs and sauna before or after the yoga sessions.
Yoga Sessions // All classes will be all levels offered daily varying from vinyasa to slow flow with meditation and breath work. We will have a theme for the week to give a deeper connection with the mind and body through the practice to Yoga, meditation and breath. Because this is going to be an intimate small group retreat, every student will get the attention from the instructors to help deepen their practice. All classes will be held indoors.
Resident Instructor, DRIFT Yoga // Nancy Lea
Nancy is the person behind Nancy Lea Yoga who holds an ISHTA + Meditation Masters, (500 Hr E-RYT) and is a full time yoga instructor in Seattle. Nancy is teaches weekly classes in-studio and leads private & corporate yoga classes, Yoga Education Program and retreats along with the founder & owner of DRIFT. Nancy has been teaching since 2005 and has also led several retreats internationally and locally. Nancy is known for her Slow Flow, Vinyasa, Hatha, Sound Bath , Yin, Meditation and Restorative classes. This will be Nancy’s 2nd retreat with DRIFT.
Founder/Owner // Vivian
Vivian completed all of her yoga trainings through Yoga Medicine with Tiffany Cruikshank, (200 Hr E-RYT) focusing on the tissue health and challenging the mind and body making movement as a daily dose of wellness. She has also trained with Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers on Fascial Web and with Love Your Brain Yoga for traumatic brain injury. Currently, Vivian teaches group and private classes, and workshops at the studio, as well as leading community and corporate event classes in Seattle. This will be Vivian’t 3rd retreat since DRIFT opened in 2020.
Istria, Croatia: 5 Days into the 5 Elements
June 18 - 23, 2023 // 6 days and 5 nights with accommodation in our own private villa surrounded by untouched nature in the middle of Istria. Daily yoga and meditation, 3 day trips, great food, with v-gf-df options available prepared by our private chef on site, a cooking class and relaxation with a 60-minute massage included! It’s a perfect get-away to disconnect from work and give yourself time just for you and/or with your friends. An intimate retreat for 10 - 14 people hosted by Vivian and Gea.
Lead instructors and hosts:
Vivian, Founder and owner of DRIFT Yoga + Juice Bar Seattle
Vivian completed all of her yoga trainings through Yoga Medicine with Tiffany Cruikshank, (200 Hr E-RYT) focusing on the tissue health and challenging the mind and body making movement as a daily dose of wellness. She has also trained with Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers on Fascial Web and with Love Your Brain Yoga for traumatic brain injury. Currently, Vivian teaches group and private classes, and workshops at the studio, as well as leading community and corporate event classes in Seattle.
Gea, A London based yoga instructor
Gea is an experienced Yoga and Prenatal teacher (E-RYT500, RPYT) instructor offering the heart centered yoga practice rich with creative sequencing, functional alignment & skillfully weaved yoga philosophy. Currently, Gea leads her own group yoga teacher trainings and retreats across Europe. Gea lives in London with her husband and a growing little boy.
