Yoga Retreat with Sylvia De Marco

November 6 – 12, 2024

Join the yoga retreat of the year led by Sylvia De Marco!

Last year’s retreat was a big success and also a big lesson for Sylvia. She understood the importance of creating a space, not just to practice & learn yoga but also to indulge in self care, in community & have a really fun time. As adults we forget often how much medicine there is in joy and laughter.

This retreat is filled with fun, sweaty & exciting morning + afternoon yoga sessions, delicious Ayurvedic ketogenic meals, visits to pristine beaches, the transformational Janzu Water Therapy, Embodiment practices & Shamanic rituals all in the magical island of Vieques, PR!

Come experience the beauty of synching your breath with a group of 30 individuals all moving as one in a yoga sequence you have never experienced before to the melodies of Shamanic live music!

· All Packages Include ·

• Lodging of your choice
• Yoga Pamphlet Created by Sylvia with full sequence & step by step poses
• Opening Fire Ceremony
• Morning Yoga Classes
• Live Music for Savasana & Final Hero Sequence
• Daily Afternoon Workshops
• 1 Embodiment Practice with Kano
• 1 Sacred Medicine Ceremony
• 1 Integration Circle
• 1 Janzu Water Therapy
• Daily Ayurvedic Ketogenic Meals
• Dinacharya Kit
• Daily Beach Rides
• Airport/Ferry Pick Up & Drop Off

· Not Included in Package Price ·

• Flights to/from Vieques
• Ferry Tickets to/from Vieques
• Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
• Add-on Spa Services

Yoga Sequence with Sylvia + Final Performance Piece

Last year I created a fiery yoga sequence which we practiced and learned throughout the retreat.

As I have continued to share the practice during the year, a new sequence has emerged. It includes a very grounding Hanuman sequence to open and strengthen the hips. The Scandassana Animal Flow has been developing too and a very Poetic Balancing sequence has arisen- I can’t wait to share!

There are new mobility drills which I have been integrating with a Kriya essence that will build intelligence in hip movements and allow more range of motion in the hip and shoulder joints. Hip mobility creates systematic freedom of the body, which at the same time opens a lot of clarity and space in the mind.

We will also strengthen the core with exercises beyond your regular sit-ups and ab-work. This practice entails smarter combinations of movements that create stronger day-to-day activities in your life.

Among the many physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga, there is the aspect of moving in synchronicity with others, synching our breath together and aligning our energies collectively.

Our bodies, their dimensions and measurements are perfectly put together by our creator. As we move into yoga asanas we create shapes, we reorganize our bodies, heal and also ground. We learn and connect with our bodies, organs and breathing patterns.  When we start curating a flow in which we move from one asana to the other, we start paying attention to how we transition. As we weave our practice together, we create sacred geometry by moving and drawing energetic lines. Together with breath and intentions, these energetic lines can be visualized as the beautiful shapes that build the energetic grid that unites us all. It is with this intention that I have carefully tailored a sequence which, in the course of 7 days, we will learn together. By the last day we can all practice without me directing you, and instead coming together with the intention to weave a beautiful pattern of sacred geometry as we practice in a mandala shape, supported by the powerful medicinal music by Kano Mai.

This year we are collaborating with Vicky Cooley who will bring her wisdom with adjustments during some practices through an Adjustment Workshop.

– Sylvia De Marco

Practices Led by Kano Mai

Last year, my partner, Kano, brought his powerful medicine into the mix. One of them was the incredible Sacred Ceremony to close the retreat, and also a really powerful embodiment practice. For this upcoming retreat we have created an amazing program together that goes hand-in-hand with yoga, Kundalini fundamentals and Shamanic exercises that will bring us fully into our bodies. These practices will fuel your life force as well as expand your consciousness.

The practices led by Kano will include:

• Opening Fire Ceremony along with group dynamics to connect us to each other

• The “God form”  breathwork embodiment practice

• 1 Sacred Ceremony

Practices are put together with amazing music, shakti shakes to get out of our minds and into our bodies, breath work and visualizations. They are a whole journey! Within these practices we explore the spaces in our subconscious, we meet our God form, we engage with our guides- we play in new spaces. This all unleashes stagnant energies and blockages that allows new space in our bodies & minds to grow and expand.  This allows us to welcome a new way to live and think.

The Sacred Ceremony, that will take place towards the end of the retreat to seal our efforts, brings the group together with our individual intentions and also with a collective intention which we will create during our retreat. Kano Mai will be guiding us and holding space for us in this special and powerful journey. Whether you are drinking the beverage or not, the ceremony space is the medicine itself which is composed by the music and medicine chants, the set up, and the sacred space that is created with integrity and intention by the Curandero and the group. There will be a ceremonial bed for each participant to journey.

– Sylvia De Marco

· Janzu Aquatic Therapy ·

In this movement retreat, water dance can’t be left behind! We are including a 1 hour session to each participant, along with open slots for add-on sessions if you wish to continue exploring this therapy. Our facilitators are experts in the field that will take care of you the entire time. We know the combination of this treatment along with Shamanic rituals is a potent medicine!

We also have additional services for purchase now at registration for the duration of your stay. We also will be offering laundry services and have a stocked boutique for you to discover! Check out our wellness center menu by clicking here.

Our Center & The Island

Nestled on a hillside with refreshing cross-ventilation, our center offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush vegetation and the soothing melodies of native Coqui frogs. Situated atop one of the island’s highest vantage points, we enjoy breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets. This island boasts minimal light pollution— creating an ideal setting for stargazing. On clear nights, even the Milky Way graces our skies— adding to the awe-inspiring experience.

Spanning three acres, Finca Victoria encompasses a variety of architectural structures seamlessly integrated into the lush vegetation. The land is teeming with fertility— showcasing an array of tropical plants, fruit-bearing trees, blossoms, and cacti.

Vieques— a unique island embraced by the Caribbean Sea— boasts abundant vegetation, year-round warmth, and a surreal landscape accentuated by a population of 2,000 free-roaming horses. This special enclave is a part of Puerto Rico, and is accessible via the ferry or swift “island-hopper” planes.

Communal Areas

The Pavilion & Pool

The heart of the hotel is our exclusive Pavilion. It is a large open structure overlooking trees and our sweet water pool. Here you will find numerous lounging areas and a work space with excellent WiFi. Complimentary homemade teas and coffee are available 24/7. The Pavilion opens to our sweet water pool and its zen tanning areas surrounded by tropical flowers, palm trees, and other lush, native vegetation. Your host can be found here, and is available to assist you from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Boutique Shop

The boutique store is located in the hotel’s central structure. It carries fine jewelry from local designers such as Mic Urban. We have a beautiful section of unique clothing and accessories sourced in Puerto Rico, as well as in other parts of the world, by Sylvia De Marco. These include kaftans, summer clothing, our own Finca Victoria tees, and so much more!

A part of our store has been dedicated to outsourcing artisans that create wonderful natural products such as cold-pressed soaps, skincare lines, reef-safe sunblock, scrubs, and a variety of floral, smoking blends.

Our Gardens

Perched amidst the central mountains of the island, Finca Victoria enjoys a more tropical climate and cooler temperatures than other parts of the island. Within this mini ecosystem, a variety of indigenous and fruit-bearing trees, tropical blooms, and charming inhabitants— like the coqui frogs— thrive.

In addition, you’ll find our herb gardens which serve as the source of ingredients for our teas, culinary creations, and spa’s herbal treatments. We extend a warm invitation to our guests to embark on journeys through these enchanting gardens that grace every corner of our property.

Beaches in Vieques

The beaches of Vieques offer an exquisite blend of natural beauty and tranquility. With powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, each beach has its own unique charm. From the bioluminescent wonder of Mosquito Bay, to the secluded coves surrounded by lush foliage, Vieques’ beaches promise a serene escape. Whether you seek vibrant snorkeling spots, peaceful sunbathing havens, or the chance to witness the island’s wild horses against a coastal backdrop, Vieques’ beaches invite you to immerse yourself in their captivating allure.

The Maloka

The Maloka— with its stunning ocean view— is our newest structure. This area is dedicated to our daily yoga practice and serves as a gathering place. It also holds a profound spiritual significance as the sacred space where we conduct our most cherished ceremonies. Within its sheltering walls, we gather to honor ancient traditions, celebrate milestones, and connect with the deeper rhythms of existence. The Maloka’s ambiance— coupled with its panoramic view of the ocean— enhances the sense of reverence and connection during these transformative moments.

Ayurvedic Ketogenic Meals

This diet is not to be confused with the mainstream keto diet which tends to be loaded with meat and fat. The name keto comes from the process of ketosis. Ketosis is when we are not ingesting high quantities of carbs & our metabolism switches to ketosis. Ketosis is when the body uses fat for energy rather than carbs. The process of ketosis is very restorative as the body starts using the body fat for energy. Ketosis resets the glandular system, restores energy levels and will lean up the body. Just like on the last retreat, I have created a healthy and supportive menu.  Bringing the nourishment and power of Ayurvedic principles but with low carbs and no sugar. I  will be including eggs, fish and white meats in this event, but there will be vegan options available. We will be consuming a lot of fresh veggies, salads, delicious coconut stews packed with aromatic spices, veggie lasagnas, tacos, frittatas, and a lot more.I have been studying this system for a while and I have created some really mind blowing dishes that will support us in our vigorous retreat and sure thing you will go back home stronger and sculpted!