Healing Waters Retreat in Beautiful Brazil

January 27th-February 3rd, 2026

Join us in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for yoga, restoration in the sacred waters, tropical nature, vast ocean energy and healthy eating

All are welcome to join Onatah and her husband Ridan, a native of Brazil for a healing and restoring retreat. Live in front of the ocean in a beautiful beach town for a week. Immerse yourself and be held by the sacred salt waters. Practice daily yoga asana and meditation. Come be fed and nourished by tropical fruits, vegetables and Brazilian flavors. See some of the life and culture of Rio. Open to the cleansing that Iemanjá, Orixá and Being that is the ocean, can offer us. The sacred is within us and all around us and we hope you can encounter this more deeply in the presence and vibrancy of Brazil.

Testimonials

“It was one of the most exceptional and unforgettable experiences of my entire life. Every day was a new adventure, beginning with Onatah’s sublimely centering yoga class, Ridan’s deliciously nourishing breakfast spread, followed by a new outdoor excursion, usually an activity in the breathtaking natural splendor of Brazil’s beaches and mountains, but also trips into some of the charming towns outside of Rio to safely experience some of Brazil’s unique cultural phenomena and flavors…

What cannot be overstated is the value of being in the care of Ridan and Onatah themselves – they are incredibly intelligent and heart-centered people who you can truly rely on. The genuine care and attentiveness that they displayed for each retreat participant and their individual needs was palpable…. so I cannot recommend highly enough – if you are feeling called to experience adventure, healing, and connection, put your trust in a retreat with Onatah and Ridan” -Ben Mielbye

“It has been three months since our trip to Brazil and we are still feeling the afterglow of our wonderful adventure with Onatah and Ridan. The beauty of the Brazilian mountains and beaches, the spectacular city of Rio, the joyfulness of the Brazilian people, and a culture vibrating with music and dance were more than enough to make this a trip to be remembered. Add to that the love and care that Onatah and Ridan poured into every moment of our trip and it became a truly transformative experience. I am so grateful to have met this gifted young teacher and her delightful husband, both of whom exude a sense of open-hearted joy in whatever they do. Our beach house felt comfortable and peaceful, and was steps away from a beautiful, open stretch of beach with very few people. The food that Ridan prepared for us was healthy and delicious, and introduced me to many fruits and flavors that were new to me. Our yoga sessions were perfect for what my body seemed to need, and helped me feel restored and healed. I would absolutely do this trip again, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in mixing a little adventure with some healing, restorative yoga.” Scott Cornelius (and my wife, Sarah Briggs)

“The time with you in Brazil was transformative and healing. Onatah and Ridan, you brought us together with such love and a sense of responsibility to us.  This was evident from the get-go with your fetching us at the airport.  You had everything figured out.  From the coolers filled with lovingly cut fruit with our own individual containers to the meal prepared upon our arrival; all the behind the scenes arranging and planning; all the details involved; your attention to process; your sensitivity to needs; your caring for and interest - all accomplished with a natural ease and flow straight and pure from the heart.” Laura Pravitz

I can’t thank you both enough for such a wonderful retreat. Every day was fabulous, from the moment I woke up. I love what each of you brought to our time together. As well, I so appreciated how the two of you, as a couple, wrapped your arms around all of us and made it such a special experience.This retreat felt like being on vacation…with the added gift of practicing yoga daily. The small group size created a feeling of family, which I loved. The location and size of the house, gave a sense of coziness and spaciousness. I loved how we could eat meals together like a big family, and also “scatter” to the beach, our rooms, a private space when we needed more solitary time.The food was incredible! Plenty of healthy, tasty, beautifully presented meals everyday by Ridan. I felt so nourished and fully satisfied at every meal. My favorite excursion was the boat ride. It was special to see different areas and beaches, but truly, I loved our quiet beach best.Ridan was a wonderful guide, sharing places that he loves with all of us. It was very special to be a guest in his country. I loved our morning yoga classes, practicing under the covered patio area, listening to the waves and birdsong. Onatah’s teaching is so heartfelt. She shares her love for this planet, our Mother Earth, and her love for Brasil and the ocean. I would return again in a heartbeat…for 10 days next year!” Catherine Wilson

Program Details

Accommodations

We will be staying in a house right on the beach in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are single and shared rooms available. All rooms have a private bathroom and AC. The house has a pool and a sauna and views of the ocean from the second floor. Space is limited! Register soon to secure your spot.

Cost

The cost is $1,800-$2,300 depending on having a single or shared room. It includes everything (all food, travel, accommodations, etc) for the 8 days, but not flights. You will need to book and pay for your own flight. We will help you with booking and timing as needed.

Once you are with us in Brazil you will be very well cared for!

Payment plans are available.

Please pay a $500 to register and confirm your spot. Shortly after your deposit you will receive an email with all of the needed information and travel waiver. We will be honored to have you join us!

We have an optional 1 night add on if you’d like to stay at the beach house until February 4th. Email Onatah for more details.

What we will do

Each morning will begin with a yoga practice and a tropical breakfast. Some of the days will be spent at the beach house, with plenty of space to be at the ocean, absorb the beauty of the area, spend time in the beach town and surrounding nature and an evening yoga class.

One day we will take a trip to Arraial do Cabo, to take a boat ride and tour of the magnificent coast of the area.

We will take 1-2 trips to swim in the warm salt water of this huge lagoon near by, and walk along it’s sandy edge.

On February 2, there will be a local festival for Iemanjá, mother Ocean. This is special experience for some of the culture, life and reverence for the being and power of salt water. There is music and ceremony to see and participate in.

There are also several options and possibilities depending on what time and space allows for, including seeing Brazilian samba music, learning more about some of the spiritual practices of Brazil and seeing Rio de Janeiro City.

This trip includes a lot of flow and presence to the group, our collective needs and interests that come up with the beauty of who joins us each year.

Food

All meals will be provided. Most will be prepared at the beach house and we will also have some meals out. We will have vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options. We will have some traditional Brazilian food and meals and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of the area. Ridan is an amazing cook and his food and care is a very special part of this experience. Lots of new flavors and fresh foods of Brazil to look forward to!

Rio, Brazil is an amazing place. There are hundred of beaches, big green mountains with amazing views, tropical plants, warm sun and an open earthy environment. The proximity and integration with the ocean is a special experience and a big part of the culture. There is a healing energy present and alive in all water, especially the ocean. That is why we offer this retreat right at the beach. Water is so much of who we are and has a lot to teach and show to us. She helps us see ourselves in reflection. She shows us our depths, our fears, and relationship to the unknown. The ocean’s salt cleanses wounds. Her waves and sounds wash through our thoughts and minds. She teaches us about oneness and honoring the source of life. We welcome all who feel called to join us and immerse in the salt water and living presence of the sacred within you and around you in beautiful Brazil.

As a native of Rio, Ridan holds all safely and deeply in this beautiful land and culture, with a lot of enthusiasm to share the beauty of the area. Onatah, who also speaks the native language of Portuguese has fallen in love with this country and is called to share this special place with others.