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Yoga in Paradise

Good morning from beautiful Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!

zoetrypool

We arrived on Wednesday for our fourth annual Y2 Yoga retreat and our third trip to Zoetry Agua. This was the location of our very first retreat and we were also here for a friend’s wedding two years ago. It’s good to be back.

firstrpractice

We brought 23 yogis down here for a four night/five day trip. We do two practices each day, morning and night, and lots of hanging out and relaxing together. Our first practice of the trip was in the resort’s spa area.

coconuts

They are so accommodating and service-oriented here. I worked with the group manager to decide on practice locations and to talk about any needs we had for the practice. When she suggested fresh coconuts for everyone I was like, “well if you insist.” They were a very fun treat for our first practice!

beachanddrinks

We spent the afternoon on the beach hanging out with everyone. Our “Y2 Signature Skinny Margarita” has become quite a hit with our group and we will probably run the resort out of Juan Julio Blanco. 😉 It’s just the Juan Julio Blanco tequila, lime juice, agave and splash of club soda with a salted rim. So good and refreshing without the triple sec/sour mix.

beachfood

Lunch on the beach.

palapayoga

I led our evening practice on the “palapa” overlooking the ocean. It was so beautiful. The theme of the class was cultivating our gratitude practice. I challenged everyone to reach out to someone who allowed them to be here for this trip and thank them for the experience before they arrive home. For some that’s a husband or a parent who’s helping with the kids and for others it might be thanking themselves for signing up for a trip like this solo and giving themselves this gift.

savasana

(photo Wanda Koch)

I mean seriously, who wants to come with next year?

roomview

I’m writing this post from our patio as I watch the sun rise. It’s time to kick off another day! I am leading a HIIT/Boot Camp class at 8 a.m. before our morning practice. We are going to tabata! 🙂

Happy Friday and have a wonderful day!

Favorite tropical vacation location? 

Have you ever had fresh coconut water? Where? 

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (<– @jendecurtins) for more retreat pictures!

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