“The thing about Africa, is that it makes you feel ALIVE.”

EYL’s retreat Mission: To provide our clients and guests of this retreat with a safe, and inspiring experience and to guide all during their PERSONAL JOURNEY OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH. To nourish the community in which we land with authentic “Seva” (selfless service) while at the same time being healed and nourished ourselves by the individuals and experiences we encounter.

About Kenya: Kenya is a place of growth and transformation that offers an exceptional and one of a kind experience. All who visit, teach, and work here thrive as a result. For this reason alone, we believe it to be the perfect place for EYL’s Yoga, Seva, Chill (YSC), Volume III.

The basics

WHEN: September 20-25, 2025, 6 days, 5 night retreat

WHERE: Set on the lush and unspoilt East Coast of Kenya in the delightful village of Watamu. Our luxury treehouse is situated between a lush East African forest and sandy white beaches of the Indian Ocean.

WHAT: Yoga, Seva, Chill is ELXR Yoga Lounge’s branded, retreat that includes Seva (“selfless service”) opportunities, yoga/meditation, food, excursions, massages, adventure, and ultimate relaxation. 

YOUR HOSTS: ELXR YOGA LOUNGE, LLC, Nicole Calhoun & Jennifer Nicole Smith.

the accommodations

Watamu Treehouse is a small family-run hotel and yoga retreat set among the dense coastal forests along a pristine stretch of Watamu Beach, south of Malindi. It’s rated as one of Kenya’s most unusual hotels, with two towering wings rising from the forest floor, linked by flowing ramps and spiral stairways, and a beautiful organic feel throughout. Accommodation consists of seven unique bedrooms and a rooftop star bed. This enchanting hotel looks like a fairy-tale castle – a magical spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

Treehouse suites

Rooms of the treehouse are individualized and eclectic. The treehouse features signature, wow-factor rooms on the upper levels with huge balconies and sweeping views. Rooms with super king beds and sweeping forest views, and cozier rooms designed to be shared by couples or several friends are located on the midlevel and lower levels of the treehouse. Each room features an open-air design with en-suite bathrooms to be shared by the occupants of the room.

Certain rooms of the treehouse are able to be booked as single occupancy rooms, while most are designed to be shared by either 2, 3, or 4 persons. Since single occupant rooms are very limited, these rooms come at a premium at the treehouse. If you are traveling with friends, please inform us that you wish to be roomed together and the treehouse will allocate rooms accordingly based on the number in your party.

Solo travelers may book a shared accommodation with the understanding that they will be sharing their accommodations with another solo traveler who has also booked a shared accommodation.

* Please note, there are no discounts on the retreat for sharing accommodations. The retreat is booked by the person, not the room. Each client is responsible for the full expense of their own retreat regardless of the shared accommodation. Please understand that every attempt will be made to book the treehouse to capacity, meaning two people will not be allocated to a room that sleeps 3. Book early to insure the most optimal room allocation for you and your party.

the location

Watamu is a small town located approximately 105 km north of Mombasa and about 15 km south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It lies on a small headland, between the Blue Lagoon and Watamu Bay.

The shoreline in the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and beaches: Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Watamu Bay, Ocean Breeze, Kanani reef, and Jacaranda beach. They are protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park. The Marine Park is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa.

The “entryway” to Watamu is commonly considered the city of Mombasa, which sits on the East Coast of Kenya. Mombasa is a very popular resort town. The town is known as "the white and blue city" in Kenya. It is the country's oldest (c. 900 A.D.) and second-largest after Nairobi, with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census.

Mombasa is no sleepy seaside village. Its beachfront hotels appeal to travelers in search of sun, sand and surf, while its Arab, Indian and colonial European heritage makes for a wide variety of sights to see. Can't find a taxi? Travel by tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled auto rickshaw.

the facilities

TREEHOUSE: Watamu Treehouse is situated on one of the most picturesque stretches of Watamu beach, ideally located right opposite the Coral Gardens of the Marine Park. There are no large hotels nearby, only private residences. Built high in the trees, its unique architecture affords a 360 degree panorama of the Indian Ocean coastline on one side and native forest on the other.

Treehouse is equipped with a total of 7 rooms, plus additional apartments should we require extra space. There is a swimming pool on property and we are a one minute walk away from the pristine beaches of Watamu. Treehouse is equipped with a full service staff for daily housekeeping and a fully stocked kitchen for chef-prepared daily meals and snacks. The attentive staff contributes to the overall positive experience, offering exceptional service. Our retreat group will occupy the entire treehouse for a cozy and private retreat experience. You will also have access to transportation should you require it.

The house consists of two towers in the trees, linked by bridges, stairways and ramps. Most of the building was deliberately set above the beautiful coastal forest - for the stunning views and the cooling breeze, and also to avoid unnecessary damage to the natural environment. Both living and sleeping areas are situated just above the forest canopy, open to the cooling coastal breezes and the scintillating views. You sleep breathing the fresh air of the forest and awaken to the early morning calls of the wildlife - especially birds and sykes monkeys! The views from the house are stunning. Unusually for the East Coast of Africa, Watamu Treehouse offers a complete 360 degree horizon, affording sensational views of sunsets over forests, coconut plantations and Mida Creek, as well as sunrises and moonrises over the Indian Ocean...

YOGA SPACES: 2 yoga studios are fully equipped with mats, straps, blocks and everything else we’ll need for our yoga classes and feature luxurious yoga pavilions with breathtaking forest & ocean views.

EXTRAS: All towels, sheets, nets are provided. There is laundry service on site for a small charge. There are safes in every room for valuables, hairdryers are available, as well as wifi and cellular service.

THE FOOD

You’ll eat only the freshest, most nutritious meals and drinks that cater to all dietary requirements for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten-free diets. Treehouse grows most of its own food on site in its very own organic garden. The rest is sourced and carefully handpicked from local, organic and sustainable farmers. 

Wherever possible, food grown on-site grown in organic gardens is used. Depending on the time of year, you might find bananas, eggplant, chillies, passion fruit or beans growing there. Seafood is sustainably sourced on a daily basis, and is not farmed.

Your retreat cost includes:

• A special welcome dinner on September 20th.

• Several snacks and sundowners will be prepared daily

• Daily breakfast each day of your stay

• Daily Lunches each afternoon of your stay

• Daily dinner each evening of your stay

• Bar drinks are not included, but spirits, beer, and wine are available for purchase near by.

Here’s what’s included

Even though YSC is a ‘yoga retreat’ you are not obligated to participate in the yoga activities if you choose to experience Kenya in other ways.

Your retreat costs includes the following activities:

• Daily yoga classes with personalized attention (including our branded EYL Power Yoga, EYL Deep stretch, and EYL Slow-Flo).

• Two 2-hour yoga workshops to help you deepen and advance your practice.

• A traditional one-hour massage

• Two group crafting activities to encourage bonding within our group and to create suviouneers of your trip

• Water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, SUP yoga, and the famous Mangrove floating adventure! Click here to view a video of this amazing experience.

• Elephant Walks and other forrest adventures

• Book club discussions

• Much more!

• Additional activities are available at your leisure but are not included in the cost of your retreat. A plethora of safari tours and excursions to explore the beauty of Kenya on your down time.

ACESSIBILITY:

Although being in Kenya feels as if you have stepped into a dream, the resort is very accessible 90 minute drive from Mombasa International Airport (MOI) via taxi, bus, or private transfer arranged via the treehouse. Transportation around Watamu is provided once you arrive at the Treehouse by car of tuk-tuk.

YOGA: Kenya is world-renowned as a place of spiritual healing. It is THE place to deepen your yoga practice and to fall in love with yoga. Beginner, novice, or advanced yoga practitioner, all are welcomed and encouraged. No yoga experience is required. Your retreat package includes daily yoga and meditation offerings from two of Arkansas’s most skilled and masterful instructors, Nicole Calhoun and Jennifer Nicole Smith, as well as two workshop offerings. This is your time to get personalized guidance to advance your practice. No need to travel with your yoga mat or props. We’ve got you covered at the treehouse.

SEVA: We will also participate in a Seva opportunity of selfless service to learn from and nourish the community that we land in.

CHILL: One 1-hour massage is included in your retreat price and additional massages are available for purchase. So go ahead, you’ve got our permission to just CHILL.

meet your hosts

Retreat rates

Shared treehouse suite plus all amenities: 

$3,250 Full Retreat Price. This room may be shared by couples, friends, or those willing to room with someone they have not met. Shared rooms will have two single beds or one full for couples. Cost is per person, not per room. Rooms may be shared by 2, 3, or 4 persons. Airfare and transfer is NOT included.

Retreat availability: 5 rooms

(After the $500 deposit the balance can may split over 8 equal payments of $343.75.)

private treehouse suite plus all amenities:

$3,950 per person. These suites may be enjoyed privately or shared by couples, as these suites contain one queen size bed. Cost is per person, not per room. 1 couple or 1 person max per room. Airfare and transfer is NOT included.

After the $500 deposit the balance can may split over 8 equal payments of $431.25.)

Retreat availability: 2 rooms

A few reminders…

You have the choice of a private (single) or shared accommodations. Private accommodations are for one single person only, NOT for couples.  Couples traveling together must each pay the shared accommodations rate and will be roomed together. Friends may absolutely room together! After booking you’ll receive a questionnaire and you can let us know who you’d like to room with.

A $500 (NON- REFUNDABLE) deposit secures your spot with a generous payment plan available to pay the balance over a 8 month period. The earlier you book, the smaller your payments will be! After the $500 deposit, 50% of the full retreat price must be paid by June 20, 2025. The retreat must be paid for IN FULL by August 20, 2025.

Retreat cost does not include: 

·       Airfare from your home airport

·       Personal toiletries 

·       Personal transport in Kenya or laundry service 

·       Additional massages

·       Airport transfers from MOI- but we can help organize these for you! 

·       Individual expenses – shopping, gifts, alcohol, additional meals, etc. 

·       Tips for staff 

Book early!

Book by 1/31/2025 and get a $150 flight credit!

set it and forget it!

EYL retreats require automatic progressive payments should you select a payment plan instead of paying in full. Setting up automatic payments takes the stress out of paying for your retreat. There are no due dates to remember and no risks of cancellation of your retreat due to non payment. All you need is a valid credit card on file with us and we’ll take care of the rest. Once you submit your deposit, we will reach out to you to set up your automatic payments.

Cancellations:

We understand that life is unpredictable. If for any reason you need to cancel, here is our cancellation policy that is in direct accordance with the retreat venue. Upon booking, EYL pays the retreat center for your retreat in full. Cancellations result in a financial loss for EYL and the retreat center, therefore the following cancellations guidelines are in effect. You will be required to agree to these policies prior to booking.

We recommend travel insurance to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. 

•      The initial $500 deposit is not refundable.  

•      For cancellations received on or before April 1, 2025, a $150 cancellation fee will be deducted from any monies paid and the remainder will be refunded by EYL, excluding the $500 deposit. 

•      For cancellations received between April 2, 2025 and June 20, 2025, a $250 cancellation fee will be deducted from any monies paid and then, 25% of the retreat price will be retained and 75% will be refunded, excluding the $500 deposit.

• For cancellations received between June 21, 2023 and July 31, 2023, a $350 cancellation fee will be deducted from any monies paid and then, 75% of the retreat price will be retained and 25% will be refunded, excluding the $500 deposit.

•      No refunds will be made after July 31, 2023 under any circumstances; including cancellations for illness.

•      Refunds will be paid 60 days after the date of the WRITTEN cancellation. No refunds on flights or transportation will be refunded by EYL or the retreat venue. No refunds will be given for late arrivals, early departures from the retreat, unused meals, classes or events, or missed meals, classes or events.

• No refunds will be given in the event your retreat is cancelled due to non payment. If no successful payment has been made towards your retreat in a 60 day period, EYL has the right to cancel your retreat and offer the spot to another client. We understand things happen. Should you have issues paying please call us and let us know to arrange alternative arrangements.

travel

Attendees are not required by ELXR Yoga Lounge, LLC to provide proof of vaccinations under any circumstance. However, proper medical preparation for travel is highly suggested. Please review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s immunizations requirements and recommendations for travel to Kenya here.

Click here to apply for or renew your US Passport.

Click here to view Kenya international travel information from the US Department of State.

Click here to apply for your electronic travel authorization form. DO NOT WAIT to do this. It’s recommended to do it as soon as possible.

Solo travelers are more than welcome to travel with Nicole and Jennifer Nicole if they don’t wish to travel alone.

You are more than welcome to arrive in Kenya early for your own personal adventure before joining the retreat at Treehouse on September 20th!

To book this retreat, please fill in the information below. Once you submit the form and agree to the refund policy and liability waiver, you’ll be redirected to book!