When people book a wellness retreat, they often hope to return home feeling rested. But what many don’t expect is to leave with something much deeper: a new perspective, healthier habits, meaningful connections, and practices that continue to support them long after the retreat ends.
At Zen Cabarete, we’re fortunate to welcome retreat leaders from around the world, each bringing their own unique vision and community. While every retreat is different, they all share one thing in common, a supportive environment where guests have the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience meaningful personal growth.
The stories below come from guests who attended one of the retreats hosted by Zach at Zen Cabarete. Their experiences are unique to that retreat, but they reflect the welcoming atmosphere, dedicated instructors, and beautiful setting that we strive to provide for every retreat group that stays with us.
For many people, one of the hardest parts of everyday life is simply finding space to pause.
Between work, responsibilities, constant notifications, and busy schedules, it’s easy to spend months, or even years, moving from one task to the next without checking in with ourselves.
For Martha, arriving at Zen Cabarete came without expectations. She had no idea what the week would bring. Looking back, she describes discovering “a diamond”, not only in the natural beauty of Kite Beach and the Dominican Republic, but also in the safe and welcoming environment created by the entire retreat team.
Throughout the week, each instructor contributed something unique to her experience. Zach’s Flow60 sessions introduced her to a completely new way of moving and connecting with her body. Andrea’s mobility classes helped her move with greater ease while bringing warmth and encouragement to every session. During a guided breathwork session, Magdalena created a space where Martha was able to release emotions she hadn’t even realized she had been carrying.
Unlike previous yoga classes where she often felt pressure to perform or achieve certain poses, practicing with Zuzana helped her experience yoga in a completely different way. Instead of striving for perfection, she found calmness, safety, and the opportunity to simply be present in her body.
For many guests, it’s this combination of supportive instructors, meaningful practices, and a welcoming community that makes a retreat so transformative.
One of the beautiful things about attending a retreat is the opportunity to explore practices you may never have tried before.
During Zach’s retreat, guests experienced a combination of Flow60, yoga, mobility classes, and guided breathwork, each offering a different way to reconnect with the body and mind.
For Martha, Flow60 was completely new. What began as an unfamiliar practice quickly became one of the highlights of her experience, and she left inspired to continue incorporating it into her daily life.
She also speaks about Andrea’s mobility classes, which helped her move more freely while bringing a sense of joy and encouragement to each session. Another memorable experience was a guided breathwork session led by retreat assistant Magdalena, which allowed Martha to release emotions she hadn’t realized she had been holding onto.
Sometimes, the most meaningful moments of a retreat are the ones we never expected.
Sovan’s experience highlights another transformation that many retreat guests describe.
Throughout his stay, he participated in daily Flow60 sessions with Zach, yoga classes with Zuzana, and mobility classes with Andrea. Rather than feeling exhausted by a full schedule of wellness activities, he found the opposite.
He describes Flow60 as giving him the energy and focus to make the most of each day. Yoga helped him feel calmer and more connected to himself, while mobility sessions improved the way his body felt and moved.
By the end of the retreat, Sovan left feeling more balanced, productive, refreshed, and grounded, benefits that extended far beyond the week itself.
It’s easy to fall in love with Kite Beach, the warm Caribbean climate, and the laid-back atmosphere of Cabarete. But what guests often remember most isn’t just the destination, it’s how they felt while they were here.
The supportive community, nourishing meals, meaningful conversations, daily movement, and moments of stillness all come together to create an experience that’s difficult to describe until you’ve lived it.
Every retreat leader brings their own unique style and program, but at Zen Cabarete, we’re proud to provide the environment where those experiences can unfold.
No two retreat experiences are exactly the same.
Some guests leave with a new morning routine. Others discover a deeper appreciation for yoga, breathwork, or mindful movement. Some return home feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves. Others build friendships that continue long after the retreat ends.
Whatever your reason for joining a retreat, the hope is that you leave with something that becomes part of your life, not just your vacation memories.
If you’re considering attending a wellness retreat or you’re a retreat leader looking for a supportive beachfront venue for your community, we’d love to welcome you to Zen Cabarete on Kite Beach in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
