Joyful Shift Retreat
in Roatan, Bay Islands
practice and play in paradise
February 20–26, 2027
You know that feeling when the plane touches down somewhere warm and your shoulders drop about three inches? This week starts there.
Seven days on a quiet corner of a Caribbean island with twelve guests, looking at the habits that keep you stuck, with curiosity, practical tools, real science, and a lot of laughter.
Mornings begin with gentle movement by the water. Late afternoons, we work out why past attempts at change faded and build a plan that fits your life. The rest of the day is yours: snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world, kayak, read in a hammock, or watch a spotted eagle ray glide under your bungalow before breakfast.
One habit. Chosen well, it can set a dozen others in motion. You’ll go home rested, with your keystone habit picked, a plan to keep it going, and my support while you do.
This Retreat Is For You If…
✓ You’ve tried to build new or healthier habits before but they didn’t stick
✓ You know what you “should” do but can’t seem to make it last
✓ You want tools that still work on a busy Tuesday back home
✓ You’d like a reset that feels joyful
✓ You’d love a week in paradise that gives you something lasting to take home
✓ Your partner wants to come for the ocean and you want both. Everyone’s welcome
The Rhythm of Your Days
Mornings
Gentle movement on the yoga deck overlooking the water or in the lodge—yoga, Pilates, stretching, breathwork adapted to all levels. Then a family-style breakfast with fresh tropical fruit, local coffee, and nowhere to rush to.
Midday
This is yours. Swim or paddle board right off the dock. Kayak to world-class snorkeling. Read in a hammock. Walk the 22 acres of gardens and creek paths. Get a beachside massage. Bake in the sun. Lunch appears around 12 or 1.
Late Afternoon
Our habit formation workshop is the heart of the week. It’s interactive, personal, and often funny. You’ll learn why willpower runs out, what helps change stick, and build your own plan grounded in behavior science. Together we’ll find your keystone habit, the one small change most likely to make everything else easier, and build your plan around it.
Evenings
Cocktail hour and dinner together—fresh local seafood, farm-to-table produce, beer, wine, and spirits all included. After that, it’s whatever calls to you. Some nights we throw a dance party. Other nights you’ll find yourself sitting on the dock, mesmerized by the stars or watching an octopus glide past in the dark water below.
Your Island Day
One day we leave the resort by boat, winding through the mangroves of Roatan’s secluded east end. On the other side: Pigeon Caye. A tiny island with white sand, pristine reef, and nothing else.
Snorkel over the reef. Float in water so clear it barely looks real. Eat a picnic lunch on the boat. Follow that up with a snorkel at a wreck!
It's the kind of day you’ll describe to people for years. Bring your waterproof camera!
Come With Your People
Some of my favorite retreat moments happen when friends travel together: Spotting the rainbow parrot in the canopy, giggling while learning new dance steps, sharing cocktails on the yoga deck while chatting about the beautiful day.
If you’re thinking about bringing a group of four or more, I offer a group rate. Reach out and let’s talk about making it happen.
Where You’ll Stay
A boat-access-only eco-resort on the secluded east side of Roatan. Overwater bungalows painted in Caribbean colors, native hardwood floors, hand-carved doors, a hammock on your back deck, and the sea lapping right beneath you.
Twenty-two acres of landscaped grounds. Freshwater creeks. Banana groves. Terracotta paths. No light pollution, so the stars alone are worth the trip.
Everything is taken care of.
Your Guide
I’ve taught movement for 40 years and led international retreats for ten. This one is personal.
For years I saw that the hardest part of class was getting to class, even though my students loved being there. I wanted to understand why, so I became a Certified Behavioral Change Specialist. Add late-diagnosed ADHD, a back injury I was told would need surgery, and digestive issues no one could explain, and I’ve learned firsthand that lasting change comes from understanding how you work and building from there.
This week gives you the tools I wish I’d had years ago.
Featured expert in
Samira Shuruk has been featured as an expert in Woman’s Day, CNN Health, Prevention Magazine Online and Travel + Leisure Asia, and is a contributing writer to the LA Times Studios.
Guest Testimonials
“I’ve learned that I have to start much smaller than I realized. But in doing so, for the first time in a long time, I’m making it stick!”
— Sally, Habit Workshop
“Affirmations have always felt forced and awkward to me. But you have helped me change my scripts that I tell myself. Wow! Just wow.”
— AH, Habit Workshop and meditation classes
“I feel like I’m on an amazing field trip for adults! I needed this much playfulness in my life and you’ve helped me reconnect with my joy.”
— Tracy
"Wanted to let you know that I’ve been able to stick with my new habit and it’s getting easier and easier. You did such a great job! Thank you."
Suzanne, Joyful Shift Retreat
After You Leave
You’ll go home with a personal keystone habit plan built from your own patterns, your own life, and what you noticed during the week. Then we stay in touch, with check-ins at 14, 30, 60 and 90 days for support, tips and questions.
The real work happens at home, and you won’t be doing it alone.
The Investment
7 days, all-inclusive. Every meal, every drink, every class, every workshop, every kayak, every sunset. $800 reserves your space. Payment plans available.
Double Occupancy
From $3595 per person
Overwater bungalow with one queen bed and one twin bed
Triple Occupancy
From $3095 per person
For groups of three traveling together
Single Occupancy
From $4595 per person
Your own bungalow, perfect for the solo traveler.
Limited to 12 guests.
Select your occupancy and reserve your place
Roatan Retreat FAQs
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The Joyful Shift Retreat Includes:
7 days/6 nights of interesting and lively adventures with beautiful eco-resort accommodation options
A pre-retreat online meeting in mid-January 2027, plus our guide booklet for travel and packing preparation and pre-retreat intention setting.
Airport transfers to/from Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB) on Feb 20 and 26.
Daily morning movement sessions focusing on core strength fundamentals, gentle stretching, and postural awareness
Four afternoon workshops on habit formation and lifestyle integration
Daily intention setting and reflection materials
Three nourishing meals daily, plus snacks
Beer, wine, and spirits are included!
90-day post-retreat support framework
Small group setting (maximum 12 participants)
All retreat materials and workshop handouts
Snorkeling 101 for those who want help feeling more comfortable in the water with a mask
Use of snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Wandering the 22 acres of beautifully landscaped property
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare
Travel insurance (with international travel you want to purchase genuine travel insurance, such as with Faye Travel Insurance. Credit card insurance is more of just an “add-on” service and does not provide the same level or ease of coverage.)
Add-on options such as scuba discovery, scuba diving (for certified individuals), fishing, and fly-fishing.
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Typical Day
Sunday - Thursday
(exception on our excursion day)7:15 - 8:15am Morning movement practice
8:30 - 9:30am Breakfast
9:30 - 12:30pm Free-time - Lounge, play, swim, snorkel, journal, bake in the sun, scuba…
12:30 -1:30pm Lunch
1:30 - 5:00pm Free-time - Read in a hammock, get a beach-side massage, enjoy a cold drink, stroll or hike, swim right off your bungalow or our beach, scuba, fly-fishing…
5:00 - 6:00pm Afternoon workshop developing your habit plans. This will include short guided meditation.
6:00 - 6:30pm Cocktail hour or rest before dinner
6:30 - 7:30pm Dinner
Evening: As you wish — post dinner chats, supportive conversations, reading, star gazing, night-time snorkel or dive trips!
Excursion — Private island and snorkeling day!7:15 - 8:15am morning movement practice
8:30 -9:30am BreakfastYou may choose a day of free-time and socializing, spa time, or join us on our beautiful snorkeling day. Roatan is known for its pristine snorkeling and diving and is located on the second largest barrier reef in the world. We will enjoy a boat tour through the mangroves of the secluded East End of the island. Once we make it past the end, we will see the small speck of land called Pigeon Caye. Here we will enjoy a white sand beach, pristine snorkeling on the reef surrounding the island, and a picnic lunch on the boat. A blissful day in paradise.
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We are staying at a boat-access-only eco-resort at the secluded Port Royal area of Roatan. Your accommodations are overwater bungalows painted in cheerful Caribbean colors. We are technically off-grid but have solar panels and generators for electricity.
Our comfortable rooms feature gorgeous native hardwood floors and furniture with hand-carved doors and details. There is no AC, but they are uniquely designed to capture the breeze and release heat.
We have Starlink WiFi, ensuite bathrooms, and a back deck with a hammock and lounge chair. Your rooms have outlets just like in the US.The grounds are beautifully manicured and feature a banana/plantain grove, terracotta-stoned paths, freshwater creeks, and more. Surrounded by parkland and very few houses, there is no light noise. The stars will mesmerize you!
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There are single, double, and triple occupancy options.
If you want to travel double occupancy but do not have a roommate in mind, please contact me before registering.
There is only one room available for triple occupancy, and that is only for people who already know each other.
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We will have a mix of Central American and American cuisine, with a focus on the abundant fresh local produce and seafood. Some of our produce will be from our own resort grounds, and the fish will all be freshly caught from local fishermen.
This retreat includes beer, wine, and spirits! (please drink responsibly.)All the typical food restrictions can be accommodated.
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Our eco-retreat center is accessible only by boat. Your airport transportation is included and includes a 45-60 minute car ride and a 15-minute boat ride. We will be coordinating our flight arrivals and departures from Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB)
Arrive: February 20, 2027
Depart: February 26, 2027 -
Yes. My retreats are always inclusive, and our resort welcomes everyone. Honduras is more conservative than much of the US, so away from the resort I suggest some discretion with public affection for all couples.
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Massage visits on-site
Scuba-diving
Scuba lessons
Fly-fishing
Local walks, hikes, and more!
These are all weather dependent.
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$800 reserves your place.
Payment plans are available.
Pricing starts at $3,095 per person for triple occupancy.
Single, double, and triple occupancy available.
See full pricing above. -
All activities are optional. Partners are welcome to enjoy the resort, beach, snorkeling, and meals while skipping any classes or workshops they’re not interested in. Several past guests have traveled with partners who came purely for playtime in paradise.
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Always! Joining one of my small group trips is a perfect option for solo travelers.
A note from Samira
Questions? Reply to any of my emails or reach me through the contact page.
With sunshine and stretches,
Samira
