Highlights

• Relax in your waterbed inside your thatched-roof eco bungalow, nestled in the jungle tree-tops, overlooking the ocean

• Snorkel or dive with the manta rays and pristine coral reefs, abounding in reef fish and marine life

• Participate in a traditional sakau ceremony during your visit to a local village

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The Island of Pohnpei

If you are like most people, you have never heard of the remote paradise island of Pohnpei. But if you have ever dreamed of an exotic, lush island with friendly people, amazing marine life, and deep history, this is it. Pohnpei is joyfully off the tourist track, and a true gem.

Pohnpei is the largest and highest of the islands of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is the second wettest place on earth, which results in magnificent waterfalls and awe-inspiring foliage. Pohnpei is also known for its marine biodiversity, manta ray aggregation sites, and healthy coral reefs. More recently, Pohnpei has been recognized for its world-class surfing waves.

Perhaps Pohnpei is most famous for Nan Madol, the “Venice of the Pacific,” a ruined city offshore Pohnpei that is connected by canals. Nan Madol was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until about AD 1500, and historians still struggle to understand how these ancient peoples constructed a city out of enormous stone logs.

Traditional village life is still intact in Pohnpei. We will have the rare opportunity to visit a local village and to partake in a traditional sakau (intoxicating drink made from pepper plant) ceremony and enjoy some locally grown and prepared specialties such as cassava.

The Village Resort

We will stay in a tree-top resort lost in time. Perched in the jungle, each thatched eco-bungalow has a view of the water and of the lush foliage and flowers. Two queen-sized waterbeds await you inside the bungalow, draped with beautiful white netting (more for looks than for bugs). Each bungalow has a nice bathroom with plenty of hot water. Walk down the jungle trail to the Long House, the open-air thatched building that houses one of the most sought-after restaurants in the Pacific islands, and a beautiful ocean-view covered deck for our yoga practice. Walk the ”plank” to the meditation hale, where you feel like you are floating over jungle and ocean, and cool breezes will surely relax you. The entire resort is quiet, peaceful, and dreamlike. A three minute path takes you down to a small, private beach.

Itinerary

Menu

Includes

• 8 days, 7 nights accommodation in thatched roof eco-bungalows, perched high in the jungle overlooking the ocean
• 3 gourmet meals per day made from fresh, island cuisine featuring local seafood
• 14 Yoga Classes taught by expert, certified instructors
• Nan Madol Kayak Tour with Local Guide
• 6 Waterfalls Hike with Local Guide
• Traditional Village Visit and Sakau Ceremony

Dates

June 15-21, 2010

Check back for more dates in Fall 2010.

Cost

Ocean View Bungalow with 2 Queen Waterbeds                   $2700

Based on double occupancy. Single supplement $400. Triple occupancy possible, please inquire.

What to bring

You won't need much... always pack light for island travel with Barefoot Yoga Retreats!
Remember casual and comfortable

You will need:

• Yoga Mat (we suggest a lightweight travel mat)
• Yoga Clothes
• Swimwear and Beachwear
• Sunscreen, hats, long-sleeves for sun protection
• Swimming Clothes and Boat Clothes (be prepared for both wet and sunny rides!)
• Casual clothes*
• Waterproof hiking sandals or shoes
• Tropical-weight rain gear optional, but recommended
• Personal toiletries and medications**

* To respect the local culture, all females must wear clothes that cover their thighs and knees when outside of the resort, and we recommend that you dress this way inside the resort as well. Lightweight long skirts are a comfortable option, and beautiful locally-made skirts can be purchased in town.

**Due to the remoteness of Pohnpei, for your comfort please bring any hard to find items from home, including adequate medicine prescriptions.

You won’t need:

• Towels (bath or beach) or business clothes!
• Any worries!

How to get to Pohnpei

• Continental Micronesia services Pohnpei (airport code PNI) and the rest of the Federated States of Micronesia. They offer a discounted “Circle Micronesia” fare to see all five of the islands, departing from Honolulu (Island Hopper Westbound), Guam (Island Hopper Eastbound), or select West Coast cities.  We highly recommend the Island Hopper if you have the time.
• The most direct route from the mainland US is to fly to Honolulu, and then take the Island Hopper westbound to Pohnpei, with three scenic stops between Honolulu and Pohnpei. Flights leave Honolulu on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and due to crossing the International Date Line, arrive in Pohnpei on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Alternatively, you can fly to Guam and then take the Island Hopper eastbound, with one stop between Guam and Pohnpei.
• Once you arrive in Pohnpei, we will provide transportation to the resort. We also provide transportation back to the airport on departure day. You will not need a rental car. Taxis to town are $8 per person, roundtrip.

Note: Airfare not included

Attractions

• Nan Madol, often called the Venice of the Pacific, is an ancient city of perplexing ruins
• Ant Atoll, seven miles by boat, you will romanticize about being a cast away
• Excellent scuba and snorkeling
• Authentic local culture

click on an image below to enlarge