‘Seven Souls’ – 7 night traditional Filipino spirituality, yoga + meditation retreat on paradise island, Palawan

Location icon
Dryft Darocotan Island, Darocotan Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Users icon
Up to 18 in group
Date
June 23 - 30, 2024

Retreat Highlights

  • Experience deeply healing, traditional Filipino spiritual practices
  • A soulful exploration of harmony, wholeness and self-discovery
  • Daily sunrise & sunset yoga sessions with meditation & pranayama
  • Nurturing environment for personal growth and connections
  • Nourishing moments of silence + stillness
  • 1 x Filipino Cultural Activities Day
  • 1 x Complimentary Traditional Filipino Massage: Nurture your body and enhance your well-being
  • Range of unique, eco-lux accommodations: Find comfort and serenity in sustainable spaces
  • Remote paradise island location with private beach: Immerse yourself in nature's tranquility
  • Experienced yoga teachers: Inspiring your journey of self-discovery

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Awaken Your Spirit, Embrace Your Purpose
Connect | Cleanse | Celebrate
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner connection with the Seven Souls Retreat. Led by our experienced DRYFT yoga teachers and the renowned traditional Filipino spiritual healer and mediator, Batara Gat Bayat, this highly unique retreat combines the ancient practices of yoga and Filipino spirituality. Through a harmonious blend of yoga, meditation, and sacred practices, we invite you to delve into the depths of your being, exploring the interplay between body, mind, and spirit.

 
Program
During this enlightening retreat, each day begins with invigorating morning yoga classes led by our skilled DRYFT yoga teachers. Dive into the fluid movements and embrace the harmony of body and breath as you awaken your spirit.

In the afternoons, we embark on a soul-nurturing journey led by Batara. For the first three days, immerse yourself in the transformative ‘Hayahay’ meditation workshops. Soundtracked with traditional flute and percussion, these unique meditations guide you through a profound body awareness practice centered around the seven major "kaluluwa" (souls) and the corresponding body parts they relate to – head, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Experience the power of this ancient Filipino practice as you reconnect with your innermost self on a deep, soulful level.

Silence becomes your companion during our retreat, with dedicated periods of reflection from after dinner or the evening activity until after breakfast the following morning. Allow the stillness to envelop you, providing a sacred space for inner contemplation and self-discovery.

Discover more about the Filipino way of life and culture with an immersive cultural activities day midweek. More than just a cultural tour, you will be taken off-the-beaten-track for a mini flora/fauna trek, learn how to make coconut milk, climb a coconut tree and try local crafts, dances and games - all in celebration of the Philippines and its people.

Experience the profound ritual of the cleansing 'Panaboy-taboy' ceremony on Thursday, where we come together to release what no longer serves us and invite in fresh energies and intentions. Allow the transformative power of this ancient practice to envelop you as Batara expertly sweeps away all negativities and unwanted influences, purifying the space and restoring balance within yourself. This sacred practice is a gateway to renewed clarity, positivity, and profound transformation.

Finally, our retreat concludes with a joyous celebratory ‘Sayaw ng Diwa’ (Dance of the Soul) ceremony, a vibrant expression of gratitude and empowerment. Throughout Batara's uniquely special sessions, his traditional Filipino flute and percussions will resonate, infusing the space with captivating melodies, while the aroma of traditional Filipino incense fills the air, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

 
Private reading with Batara
As an additional offering included within this week experience, Batara is available for you to have a personal 1-to-1 ‘Gabaybayin’ session. Through traditional Filipino scripts similar to runes, he will divine personalized messages meant for you, providing you with insightful guidance and support on your unique journey.

 
This is no ordinary retreat...
...this is an extraordinary passage to the depths of your spirit – a sacred pilgrimage to rediscover the essence of who you truly are. Reconnect with your body, awaken your spirit, and embrace your purpose as you explore the profound synergy between yoga and Filipino spirituality. Allow the sacred wisdom of the ancient practices to illuminate your path and unlock the boundless potential within you.

Schedule

ARRIVAL DAY
Arrival / Check-in / Welcome – from 2pm
Yoga Class – PM
Sunset on the beach
Dinner


TYPICAL DAY
Intention setting
AM Yoga Class
Breakfast / Silence ends
Free Time - beach, massage, private ‘Gabaybayin’ readings, etc.
(Lunch / Snacks available to purchase, if required)
Free Time – snorkelling, kayak, SUP, hammock time, etc.
PM workshop - guided spiritual meditations, ceremonies, rituals
Sunset on the beach
Dinner
Silence (on some evenings)


CULTURAL ACTIVITIES DAY
Breakfast
Philippines Experience Day – includes lunch
Sunset on the beach
Dinner
Evening Yin / Yoga Nidra


DEPARTURE DAY
Yoga Class – AM
Breakfast
Check-out / Hugs & Goodbyes
Shuttle boat & taxi to El Nido town @ 11am
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon DRYFT, Dryft Darocotan Island, Darocotan Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Directions

Arrival by airplane:
The best way to reach Dryft is to fly to Manila airport and then take a second smaller flight to El Nido (Lio) Airport.
FREE SHUTTLE TRANSFER:
We provide a free shuttle service that leaves from TownSquare, El Nido at 13:00.
Your return free shuttle service leaves Dryft at 11:00 to return to El Nido town.
The shuttle takes about 45 minutes by car/van, followed by a 15-minute boat ride.

Private airport transfer:
Private transfer from/to the airport or El Nido town at alternative times can be arranged for an additional cost.

Accommodation

Glamping does not get better than this! We have a range of completely unique and luxuriously quirky accommodations for you to make your home during your yoga holiday. Artistically constructed from locally sourced, natural materials, all rooms feature stunning ocean views, comfortable queen-sized beds, private balconies, and all the amenities you need to feel at home. Choose from: - One-of-a-kind Lux Tipi - Iconic Hive huts - Bijou bamboo Kubos - Datu huts The Lux Tipi has its own private bathroom, while the Hives and Kubos have shared bathrooms. All rooms are situated ON the beach, so look forward to being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves gently lapping at the shore!

Lux Tipi - unique, deluxe w/ ensuite

Accommodation
Our deluxe accommodation – a stay in the Lux Tipi is truly unparalleled! Indulge yourself with the ultimate island luxury – this room offers a glamping experience really unlike any other (if you can even still call it glamping!). Equipped with a queen-sized bed, private terrace, quirky furnishings and with its own private bathroom, this room is the ultimate treat to yourself. All DRYFT rooms are ON the beach – be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves gently lapping at the shore, and wake up with the birds of paradise.

Hive

Accommodation
The individual, unique Hives showcase the masterful DRYFT architectural artistry – spacious, cool and comfortable - with awe-inspiring views of the ocean from creatively crafted bamboo decks. Curl up in ridiculously comfy queen sized beds, cool down with electric fans and soak up that view of the swaying palm trees on our private beach. Bathrooms are shared. All DRYFT rooms are ON the beach – be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves gently lapping at the shore, and wake up with the birds of paradise.

Puno Hut (formerly Datu)

Accommodation
Harmoniously blending nature-inspired design with sustainable luxury, our Datu huts are the latest addition to the camp. With walls coated in beeswax and a quirky roof made of our own, island-engineered, ‘coco-fibre’, these huts exude natural elegance and an inviting atmosphere. Perfect for solo travellers or couples. All DRYFT rooms are ON the beach – be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves gently lapping at the shore, and wake up with the birds of paradise.

Kubo

Accommodation
DRYFT’s twisted take on the traditional Filipino bamboo hut. Perfectly sized for one person or a couple, with comfy queen bed, electric fan and the white sands of the beach as your front garden! Bathrooms are shared. All DRYFT rooms are ON the beach – be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves gently lapping at the shore, and wake up with the birds of paradise.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
At DRYFT, we are not just another hotel or eco-glamping retreat. Since 2018, we have embodied the tribal essence of the Philippines islands while using recycled fishing nets and other treasure trash with a creative and sustainable edge. Our unique architectural artistry can be seen in the 'mothership' restaurant, hives, bamboo huts, tipi and new Yoga Shala (under construction) that make up our paradise on Darocotan Island.

Meals

Menu Types

Serving a unique blend of local and Southeast Asian delicacies with a dash of island flavor, our talented Filipino chefs prepare a select menu of locally sourced food that changes daily.

What's Included

  • Morning yoga classes with guided meditations and pranayama
  • Afternoon traditional Filipino spiritual practices, ceremonies & rituals
  • x1 1-to-1 ‘Gabaybayin’ intuitive spiritual reading with Batara
  • x1 traditional Filipino massage (60 mins)
  • x1 Filipino Cultural Activity Day
  • Yoga mats, blocks, blankets, straps & bolsters
  • Delicious Breakfasts & Dinners
  • Herbal tea/coffee/filtered water
  • Accommodation
  • Free return shuttle transfer from El Nido town
  • Plenty of free time to dryft into relaxed, island yoga life!
  • Snorkelling equipment

What's Not Included

  • Flights and visa (if required)
  • Lunch / snacks
  • Bar drinks
  • Private tuition
  • Extra massage treatments
  • Optional extra workshops
  • Optional extra excursions
  • Personal, private cleansing or healing ritual with Batara

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