Dates:
18-27 December, 2024
Duration:
10 days
Package Cost:
from €1340 pp
Zanzibar Retreat: Christmas of Joy and Connection!
THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
This December, we’re celebrating Christmas differently—in a place filled with warmth and joy!
Zanzibar invites us to connect deeply and embrace a journey rooted in love and generosity. Staying at a local school, we’ll have the chance to support the village community while experiencing the profound beauty of simplicity and the genuine joy of shared moments.
This journey is much more than a travel experience – it’s an opportunity to:
- Support the local school with educational supplies, bringing smiles and hope to the children.
- Connect with the children and women of the community, participating in activities that inspire and empower.
- Learn from the locals what true happiness and self-sufficiency mean, far from the pressures of modern life.
- Share experiences through genuine interactions and stories.
- Immerse ourselves in the magic of nature and the tranquility of the landscape, finding time for self-reflection and discovering new aspects of ourselves through giving.
Where We’ll Stay
As the school will be closed for the holidays, it becomes our private retreat space, offering us the peace and freedom to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. Away from the typical hotel stay, we’ll find ourselves in the heart of the community, experiencing a more authentic side of Zanzibar.
Living in this setting connects us closely with the people and their daily lives, making our journey deeply meaningful and personal. Through our activities and workshops with the village’s children and women, we find a deeper purpose, experiencing a way of life rooted in authenticity and connection.
At this retreat, you will have the chance to:
- Unwind and nurture yourself.
- Rediscover your playful, inner child.
- Feel deep joy and authentic connection with others and the world around you.
- Reevaluate what truly matters in your life and make space for what brings you fulfillment.
- Tap into your inner strength and restore balance within.
- Cultivate gratitude and strengthen your relationship with yourself and life’s journey.
- Soak in the beauty of nature and find inner calm.
- Do something just for you.
- Let go, laugh, and simply enjoy the moment.
- Dance barefoot in the sand, feeling free and alive!
Our days will be filled with meditation, movement, dance, gratitude, and sharing. Spiritual practices and emotional cleansing techniques will bring us closer to our authentic selves, strengthen our connection with our inner child, and deepen our bond with others and the natural world.
Through the simplicity of life and genuine interaction with the locals, we will rediscover the joy of existence and what is truly important to us. The everyday lives of the people of Zanzibar teach us how to live self-sufficiently and appreciate the present moment, far from the hectic pace of modern life.
Retreat Facilitator: Spiros Marinos, 4D Dream Coach® and co-founder of Dreamers’ Way.
Pack your suitcase with flexibility, adaptability, and the willingness to let go!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 10 Enchanting Days in Zanzibar
- Retreat: Enjoy a transformational retreat featuring meditations, movement, dance, gratitude, and sharing.
- Stone Town Exploration: Wander through the historic alleys of Stone Town, immersing yourself in its rich heritage.
- Prison Island Excursion: Discover the intriguing history and stunning scenery of Prison Island.
- Organic Farm Tour: Visit a local organic farm to experience the spices and enjoy a traditional lunch.
- Blue Safari: Embark on a sea excursion to a sanbank in Indian Ocean, featuring snorkeling, swimming, and a beach barbecue.
- Jozani Forest Visit: Explore the Jozani Forest, home to the endemic Red Colobus monkeys and a diverse mangrove ecosystem.
- Visit the famous Rock Restaurant, renowned for its stunning location and unique ambiance.
- Sunset Boat Ride: Enjoy a serene sunset sailing on traditional wooden dhaw.
- Cultural Immersion: Gain authentic insights into the culture and daily life of Zanzibar’s local people.
TRIP INFORMATION
1st DAY: ARRIVAL IN ZANZIBAR
Arrival / Check in at the hotel.
Welcome & Gratitude Meditation
We will begin our retreat with a gratitude meditation, to help us connect and open our hearts.
Karibu Zanzibar!
2nd DAY: STONE TOWN, PRISON ISLAND
Heart Meditation
Let’s center ourselves in the heart, cultivating love and connection.
Stone Town: The Soul of Zanzibar
Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar, is a city made for wandering through its narrow streets, gazing around, and stimulating your senses!
We wander through its maze-like alleys, admiring the stunning architecture—a captivating blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences. We observe and photograph the beauty of intricately carved doors, pass by places of worship, and immerse ourselves in the city’s lively sounds and rich aromas.
The heart of Stone Town is its market. Darajani Market is a sensory feast, with the intoxicating aroma of spices filling the air. You’ll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish on display. Small shops offer colorful local fabrics and clothing. Vendors greet you warmly, showcasing their goods, as bargaining remains a cherished tradition.
Other interesting places are the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, House of Wonders, Slave Market/Monument, Freddie Mercury’s House, and various places of worship.
We set sail in a fishing boat to Prison Island, a small island once used as a quarantine station for travelers heading to Zanzibar. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for giant sea turtles, among the few of their kind.
No Dimension Meditation
A meditation that blends movement and stillness, focusing on achieving balance.
As the day fades along the Indian Ocean coast, the fiery red reflections paint the waves. We sit at the port watching the fishing boats sway, while local boys race across the sand, chasing a ball. As night falls, the city lights flicker on, and the music of an orchestra plays softly from a transistor radio.
3rd DAY: SPICE TOUR, KIZIMKAZI
Zanzibar was once one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Today, we will visit an organic farm with a rich variety of plants. We touch, smell, and taste different spices and herbs used in cooking, cosmetic creation, and traditional medicine.
OSHO Humaniversity Sacred Earth Meditation
We connect body and soul with the Earth, feeling its vibrant energy.
We’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors and sample a wide range of tropical fruits. Next, we head to Kizimkazi, where the school that will become our “home” for the coming days is located.
OSHO Nadabrahma Meditation
A meditative practice of sound and vibration that promotes inner peace.
DAY 4: IMMERSING IN VILLAGE LIFE
OSHO Dance Meditation
A meditation through dance, allowing energy to flow and express itself freely.
Today is dedicated to immersing ourselves in village life and connecting with the locals. Children, full of laughter and curiosity, gather around us as we play and share joyful moments together. The women welcome us into their homes and invite us into their daily lives: we talk about their traditions, customs, and way of life, and we cook together, discovering the flavors of the local cuisine. It’s a true experience of the community’s warmth and heartfelt hospitality.
Systemic Representation with Our Joy
A creative process that helps us understand the dynamics of joy in our lives.
5th DAY: JOZANI FOREST, PINGUE - THE ROCK RESTAURANT, SUNSET SAILING
OSHO Kundalini Meditation
We release tension and rejuvenate our energy.
Exploring Jozani Forest: We walk through Jozani Forest, following the rare Red Colobus monkeys. We observe their feeding habits, grooming behaviors, and how they leap from branch to branch. We also learn about the animals and various plants that inhabit this forest.
The landscape is a mosaic of mangrove trees, tropical and coral forests, as well as underground waters and saline swamps.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. The forest is home to the Red Colobus monkeys, a species endemic to Zanzibar. Today, they are classified as endangered due to a declining population and are under protection.
After our tour of Jozani Forest, we head to Pingue to visit the Rock Restaurant, a famous restaurant situated on a rock in the sea! Depending on the tide, you can either walk to it or reach it by boat. We’ll enjoy lunch at a seaside Italian restaurant.
Next, we’ll set sail on a traditional wooden dhow to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. We’ll bask in the golden-red hues of the sunset, fully immersing ourselves in this magical moment. The sound of the sea awakens our senses while bringing tranquility and peace.
Meditation for Connecting with Our Purpose
A meditation that helps us align with the purpose of our lives.
DAY 6: COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & FREE TIME FOR EXPLORATION
OSHO Nataraj Meditation
A meditation that blends movement and inner expression.
Activities with the village children and women, followed by free time for exploration or relaxation.
Circle of Forgiveness and Release
A process of forgiving and releasing the emotions that hold us back.
DAY 7: BEACH RELAXATION & BBQ UNDER THE STARS
Morning Meditation
A serene morning practice for awareness and tranquility.
Today, we spend a full day on the beach, surrounded by mesmerizing, exotic beauty—a true feast for the senses. Vivid colors, soothing sounds, and tropical scents draw us in. Barefoot on the soft, velvety sand, we wander, swim in the turquoise waters, and bask in the warmth of the African sun. It’s a day of pure relaxation and connection with nature.
As night falls, we set up a beachside barbecue beneath a sky filled with stars, the gentle rhythm of the waves calming us. We savor local flavors, share stories and laughter around the fire, and close the day with a deep sense of connection—to this place, to each other, and to the journey we’re on together.
Dance on the Beach
A dancing session that expresses joy and freedom.
8th DAY: BLUE SAFARI
Christmas on a sandbank in the Indian Ocean!
Christmas finds us on an exotic island in the Indian Ocean, where time slips away with the tide. We board a traditional fishing boat and set sail. As we glide across the water, we might spot dolphins playfully dancing around us, gracefully slicing through the waves beside our boat.
OSHO Chakra Breathing Meditation
Activating the energy centers through breath, helping to release blocked energy.
We go snorkeling, enjoying the magnificent underwater world as we observe countless colorful fish and vibrant reefs. At noon, we grill fresh seafood on the beach, savoring a delightful meal.
Festive Dance
A dance in a circular formation, creating a sense of community and joy.
8th DAY: ΜΝΕΜΒΑ TOUR, PAJE
Today, we explore the marine ecosystem surrounding Mnemba Island, located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. This area is renowned for its coral reef and stunning azure waters, offering incredible underwater visibility and considered a paradise for snorkeling and diving.
Next, we head to Paje, a seaside oasis on the enchanting eastern coast of Zanzibar. Known for its endless white sands and shallow turquoise waters, Paje is perfect for relaxation, exploration, and water sports.
Here, at the Paje market, we’ll have the chance to experience local life and hospitality up close. Local artisans offer handmade jewelry, fabrics, and unique art pieces that reflect Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and traditions. It’s the perfect place to take home something authentic while supporting local creators.
As the sun begins to set, we gather on the beach at Paje for our Final Sharing. In this peaceful setting, we reflect on what we’ve gained from the retreat, the moments that inspired us, and the lessons we want to carry forward on our journey of joy and abundance.
Festive Dance and Farewell
After our reflections, we close our journey with a celebratory dance on the beach, under a star-filled sky and the soothing sound of waves. Filled with energy and positivity, we dance together, bidding farewell to this experience with open hearts and a commitment to keep the joy, connection, and freedom we’ve discovered alive.
10th DAY : FLIGHT BACK HOME
Price per person €1.340
Included:
- Accommodation (9 nights)
- Daily breakfast
- 4 meals
- Transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Activities, excursions, and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Retreat activities
- Retreat Facilitator
- Tour Leader
- Local guide
- Liability insurance
- Informational materials
Not Included:
- Visa
- Travel/health insurance (required)
- Airport transfers (we can arrange these for you)
- Personal expenses and what is not explicitly mentioned
- Drinks & meals not mentioned
- Οptional activities / transfers
- Tips
Dates: December 18-27, 2024
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Physical Condition: Suitable for all fitness levels
Important Notes:
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- Visa processing requires a minimum of ten (10) days. You can apply online on https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
- As of September 2021, Tanzania has implemented measures to address the issue of plastic bag pollution, enforcing a ban to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, especially in natural areas and wildlife habitats. The Tanzanian government imposes penalties for the production, importation, sale, and use of plastic bags. The country promotes various alternatives, such as reusable bags, paper bags, and bags made from biodegradable materials.
Note: The order of excursions may be subject to change without any excursions being omitted.
Spyros Marinos is a 4D Dream Coach® and co-founder of Dreamers’ Way.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University and spent 24 years as a manager, specializing in the motivation and empowerment of project teams. He was recognized for achieving both quantitative and qualitative excellence in the teams he led.
He pursued further studies in group communication at Panteion University and was trained in Systemic Psychotherapeutic Approaches.
Spyros has spent periods in India at the Osho Multiversity, where he learned techniques in mindfulness, well-being, and social meditation. He studied Counseling with a specialization in relationships and communication at Osho Humaniversity in the Netherlands.
He is a certified facilitator of PSYCH-K® (a system for belief change and emotional balance) and PER-K® (a system for workplace development).
Trained as a Business & Life Coach, Spyros studied under Professor Dr. Stefano D’Anna, founder of the European School of Economics, where he was taught the “Future Leaders for the World” program.
In 2014, he founded DreamsRaft and has since supported individuals and businesses in discovering their dreams and working towards them.
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Photos Copyright © Eleni Angelidou, CR Hope Foundation