About the Trip
From the vibrant streets of Havana to the sweeping green valleys of western Cuba, this retreat blends culture, cuisine, nature, and movement for a truly unforgettable Caribbean experience. Spend five nights in a charming seaside villa in Havana, where mornings begin with rooftop yoga as the city comes to life. Your days will be filled with rich local flavor—exploring Havana’s art scene, dancing salsa with Cuban pros, hearing live Latin music, and savoring authentic Caribbean cuisine. Midweek, we’ll head to Viñales, a region known for its lush beauty and world-famous tobacco farms. Stay in charming countryside accommodations and ride horseback through the valley for a deeper connection to Cuba’s natural landscape. Each day includes 2 yoga and fitness classes designed to energize and ground you. Whether you’re flowing on the rooftop, wandering historic streets, or relaxing in a seaside casa, this journey offers the perfect blend of mindfulness and exploration. There’s so much included in this retreat—don’t miss the full ‘What’s Included’ list!
Hosts
Melissa Joy Schoeller - Lead teacher
Melissa Joy Schoeller has led 70+ retreats around the world. She founded Ritual Union after winding down another very successful retreat business and is also the owner of Hola Yoga MN - an award winning Minnesota based yoga studio. Melissa was inspired to start RU after seeing how travel gave people the opportunity to open themselves, and yoga and wellness elevated a vacation into a transformative experience to appreciate the beauty within all things from a centered and grounded perspective.
Highlights
Horseback Riding + Hike in Western Cuba
Explore the incredible landscape of Viñales in Western Cuba by horse or hiking. The area is home to a scenic valleys, friendly tobacco farmers, and rustic all organic cuisine.
Learn To Salsa Dance!
Learn and move your body at the epicenter of salsa music and dance. Interact with Cuban pros who teach the fundamentals and the latest Havana steps.
Cocktail Making Class
Take a cocktail class and discover Cuba’s rich history through mixology. Learn from a master Cuban bartender and craft classics the Mojito and Daiquiri while you take in the music and atmosphere of Havana.
Tropicana Cabaret
Experience the Tropicana Cabaret, a stage spectacle in Havana since 1939 that inspired Las Vegas and continues to present dazzling music and dance revues.
Experience Old Havana
Walk cobbled streets, sip in cafes, and discover Cuba’s new entrepreneurs in Old Havana. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Old Havana overflows with history and architectural wonders.
Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance, Music, and Culture
Hear vibrant music and see amazing dances that are crucial to Cuban culture but are rarely heard off the island.
Beach Day
Just 20 minutes east of Havana are the Playas del Este- idyllic beaches with white sand and aquablue Caribbean waters. Find you happy place and soak in the surf and sun.
Museums and Art
Havana boasts an exceptional art scene from street art to high level museums. Guided or independent tours will be available throughout our time in this amazing city.
Caribbean Cuisine
Cuba’s produce crops are all organic. Whether at trendy restaurants in Havana or in rustic Viñales we will enjoy dishes of fresh healthy food throughout our Caribbean trip.
Sunset Vintage Covertible Ride
The cars of the 1940s and 50s still roll through the streets in Havana and beyond. Take in a Cuban sunset in style in a vintage convertible.
Live Music
Live music pulses at cafes, parks, and nightclubs through the city all day and into the evening. From classical string trios to fiery Latin jazz and of course salsa, Havana continues to be one of the great music cities of the world.
What's Included
What's Included
Ground transportation for group activities
· Cuban tourist visa and required customs form
· 8-day / 7-night trip
· Lodging in seaside mansions in Havana and villa in Viñales
· Meals (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners) including visits to exceptional restaurants.
· Salsa dance lessons with Cuban pros
· Visits to museums, historic architecture, and cultural sites in Old Havana
· Horseback riding through valleys of Viñales
· Private studio visits with renowned Cuban artists
· Classic convertible ride through Havana at sunset
· Live music and dance performances including access to open rehearsals
· Visits with Cuban farmers, creatives, and local yogis
· Visit to famous Tropicana Cabaret
What's Not Included
· Round-trip air travel
· Optional massage and spa services
· Tips for lodging staff and guides
· Alcoholic beverages
· Excursions or activities outside of the scheduled options
· Travel insurance
Gallery
Trip Tips
Getting There
Fly into Havana José Martí international Airport (HAV). Air tickets are not sold through travel sites such as Kayak and Expedia but can be purchased directly from the airline websites. American Airlines offers the most extensive travel options to Cuba. Other U.S. based carriers that fly to Cuba are Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, and Jet Blue. It is about 30 minutes via taxi from the airport our seaside lodging. All registered travelers will be provided the required tourist visa and custom form. Travel to Cuba is legal for Americans under the visa category ‘Support For The Cuban People’.
Reserve Your Spot
Space is limited! Secure your spot with a 15% deposit and pay the remainder of the retreat in full by 60 days before when the retreat begins, or sign up for a monthly payment plan which requires a $500 deposit to secure your spot.