This retreat is designed for a broad spectrum of participants:  yoga students (new and experienced), yoga teachers, and any individual who wishes to incorporate stress management practices in their life. 

Yoga Instructors: earn a Yoga Alliance CE approved 25 hour Yoga for Stress Management certifcation that allows you to teach Yoga for Stress Management.

Participants:  Learn to use the practices of Yoga for Stress Management for your own personal healing journey.  You do not need to be a yoga teacher to attend this retreat; it is designed for all. 

The retreat provides an overview and understanding of what stess is, how it affects us, how to use yoga as part of the healing process, and how to incorporate components of yoga for stress management into your life or classes. We will also cover the benefits of yoga for students who are experiencing everyday or chronic stress. We will focus all of our practices on healing and regulating ourselves from current stress, past stress, and creating resources for future stress. 

USE DISCOUNT CODE "EARLYBIRD" AT CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE $200 OFF UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2023.

During the day, wake up with morning breath work, meditation and healing yoga in the yoga hall, cooled by ocean breezes.  Yoga is followed by a scrumptious, plant-based breakfast featuring local exotic fruits.  Then dive into experiential workshops that teach you how to bring stress managment into your life.  Later, there is time to soak in the salt water pool or explore white sand beaches, peaceful harbors and rocky shorelines; go hiking (in many different ecosystems), snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing or kayaking.  Enjoy a delicious lunch, visit colorful local festivals, historical and ecological tours and much more.  Return to a gentle, therapeutic yoga class for stress managment in the afternoon to unwind from a day of relaxing, Caribbean style.

In the evening we gather in the oceanview gallery porch for dining on a sumptuous gourmet 100% plant-based dinner prepared from local organic produce while the sun sets beautifully behind the water.  Then enjoy our evening program or additional evening activities such as therapeutic yoga, dancing, star gazing, or free time.

Denise Hyble, LMFT, RYT200, ESMTT

Denise’s approach as a yoga teacher is to help people feel connected to their body, quiet their minds, stimulate a healthy nervous system, and release tension in the body caused by stress, anxiety, or trauma.  Denise teaches gentle, mindful yoga. She sees yoga as a means of listening to the truths of our bodies rather than only the “shoulds” of our brains.  Her teaching technique uses a combination of gentle asanas, breathwork, meditation, and somatic yoga.


Denise is also a gestalt psychotherapist in private practice specializing in trauma and PTSD work. Healing from trauma has been her focus and her passion both on the yoga mat and in the therapist’s chair.   She is trained in Yoga to Transform Trauma, TRE (Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises),  Essential Somatics, Neurogenic Yoga, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gestalt Physical Process, Restorative Yoga and Embodied Life.  Denise also created and teaches an online series on Yoga for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.

Having raised two adult sons, she now lives in Bloomington with her husband, dog, and two cats. In her spare time Denise can be found gardening or knitting. 

Matece Skow, CMT, E-RYT500

Matece Skow, Founder of Nourishing Heart Yoga, has been fostering compassionate growth and healing for students and clients for the past 24 years. She facilitates safe and nurturing environments for the transformation of body and heart through the practices of yoga, breathwork, meditation, essential oils, hands-on healing, and massage.

Matece directs and teaches the Nourishing Heart Yoga 200 Hour and 300 Advanced Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs.  By design, she works with small groups, so as to develop close relationships with students and trainees. She devotes her attention and energy to meeting students where they are, helping each individual experience yoga in their own way, according to their own understanding and capability.

An avid traveler, Matece has led numerous international and domestic retreats and trainings.  Through her travels and online yoga classes, she has had the pleasure of sharing yoga with people all over the globe.  Returning to the midwest from northern California where she taught and studied yoga in the Silicon Valley for 8 years,  she currently enjoys the adventure of being more rooted in her town of Bloomington, Indiana, with her husband, young son, two cats and a dog.

We will offer a few included adventures during the week in which you will be welcome to participate: 

Snorkel lesson

Guided snorkel along Frederiksted Pier

Guided nighttime snorkel along Fredreiksted Pier

Swimming and sunning at Rainbow Beach

Shopping/dining trip to Christiansted that includes a yoga class and an organic fruit smoothie at the local’s yoga studio

Guided snorkel of the Coral Restoration Project in Butler Bay

Basketweaving class and/or a vegan cooking class 

Historical walking tour of Butler Estate

All this adventure will flow beautifully with our daily program. 

You can expect a wonderful flow to your days.  There will be opportunities to practice yoga and meditation at least once daily, with a spacious balance of personal time to truly relax, let the teachings sink in, and enjoy the island pace of life.

This location was chosen for the retreat specifically because it is on the quiet side of the island, away from distractions and tourists.  If you are hoping for a week of reconnecting with yourself, with the ocean, with spirit, then this retreat is for you.  If you are hoping to learn the invaluable healing techniques of yoga for stress management either for your own personal healing journey or to share with others, then this retreat is for you.  The emphasis will be on slowing down, resting, and rejuvenating the body, mind, and heart while enjoying the serenity of the pristine natural ocean environment.

We will focus all of our practices on healing and regulating ourselves from stress.

Throughout the week you can expect to practice yoga that is gentle, beginner-friendly, contemplative, and easeful.  No prior yoga experience is necessary.  If you have been practicing for a while, you will enjoy the slow pace of the classes that allow for tremendous depth and exploration in the postures. 

The breath work and meditation practices are accessible and straightforward.  The focus will be on depth and cultivating a mindful presence through open and loving awareness.  Journaling and writing will also be woven throughout the week as well.  

Savor three organic, vegan, plant-based gourmet catered meals daily:

•A Full Breakfast; fresh exotic, local fruits; coffee & tea; fresh squeezed juices and smoothies; and baked goods

•A Tropical lunch daily all prepared from fresh local produce.

•A Two Course dinner each evening with dessert.

All food is vegan. 

We can accommodate allergies & sensitivities, please make sure to list them when you sign up.

Feather Leaf Inn is a short 30 minutes drive from Henry E Rohlnson Airport (STX). 

American Airlines is the main carrier to St. Croix, though you can find flights on other carriers.

Roundtrip transfers from the airport are included at no additional charge.

Transportation on arrival and departure day will be made according to the flight schedule of our participants. We will do our best to keep your wait at the airport to a minimum!

All prices listed are per person.

•If you are traveling with friends, please write in the comments section of your checkout, whom you would like to room with.

•If you are traveling alone, we are happy to pair you in shared accommodations.

USE DISCOUNT CODE "EARLYBIRD" UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2023 TO GET $200 OFF!