A 7-day tropical retreat, connecting with humpback whales as the oldest children of Tangaroa, guardians of the sea, messengers of personal change and spiritual growth, and connectors of ocean and land.
“I give thanks to Tangaroa, God of the Sea and Commander of the Tides, for allowing us to see, hear, and respond to this sacred calling.”
What this retreat is about
Escape, relax and rejuvenate on Uoleva, a beautiful South Pacific Island in the Kingdom of Tonga.
This is the time for you to further awaken, nourish your divine qualities, and remember your connection to, and presence of, wisdom and the intuition within you.
During these 7 days we will nurture your calling to divine self, nature and the cosmos through:
Daily yoga, qigong & meditation practices - to reconnect to your body, mind and spirit
Guided workshops - to explore your divine being and why you are here on earth at this time
Silence and stillness - to reflect and find your centre and own divine inner voice
Nourishing organic tropical food - to cleanse and re-energise you
Powerful sharing, releasing and learning to celebrate your divinity
Swimming and being with the whales
Leave feeling curious about a depth that has been discovered over this retreat.
You have chosen to be on this earth at this time,
to be part of a great transformation.
The best thing you can do for yourself and the earth is hold pure consciousness, love and divine light.
“And the whale herd sang their gladness that the tribe would also live because they knew that the girl would need to be carefully taught before she could claim the place for her people in the world.’’
Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
all in-retreat activities are optional and daily whale swimming is available
Friday 19 September
Arrive Serenity Beaches Resort
Welcome with a light refreshment
Beautify your accommodation
Experience the beauty of Uoleva
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Formal retreat opening, introductions, intention setting, meditation and cacao/coconut/tea gratitude fire ceremony
Saturday 20 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9am Yummy breakfast
Full day whale swimming or rest and relaxation for those not whale swimming
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Sunday 21 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9.30am Yummy breakfast, free time, arrive at guided workshop
9.30am-12pm Guided workshop
12-1pm Free time
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
2-4.30pm Reflection/free time
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Monday 22 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9am Yummy breakfast
Full day whale swimming or rest and relaxation for those not swimming
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Tuesday 23 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9.30am Yummy breakfast, free time, arrive at guided workshop
9.30-12pm Guided workshop
12-1pm Free time
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
2-4.30pm Reflection/free time
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Wednesday 24 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9am Yummy breakfast
Full day whale swimming or rest and relaxation for those not whale swimming
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Thursday 25 September
7-8am Guided yoga or qigong
8-9.30am Yummy breakfast, free time, arrive at guided workshop
9.30-12pm Guided workshop
12-1pm Free time
1-2pm Nourishing lunch
2-4.30pm Reflection/free time
5.30-6.30pm Divine evening meal
6.30-7.30pm Group reflections and gratitudes
Friday 26 September
Yummy breakfast, formal retreat closing ceremony, free time until departure
Cost of this retreat is NZ$5500 (early-bird before 30 June 2025 or for repeat participants) or NZ$5900 for late-birds
INCLUDES: transfers between Ha’apai airport and Uoleva, accommodation on Uoleva, all meals in retreat, all workshops and two full day whale swims.
Twin share price available on request.
International and domestic airfares are additional.
Any additional whale swims are optional and at your own cost of NZ$280 per full day.
To make a booking please click the button below
(Only 9 FALES AVAILABLE)
Serenity Beaches Resort is an eco-friendly resort and the ultimate natural getaway where you can find remoteness and tranquility. Click here for more information.
Meet your hosts and guides
Recommendations from our 2023 and 2024 participants:
It was with slight trepidation that I was gently coerced into this Tongan adventure not knowing what I was getting in for but the thought of swimming with whales was enough of a carrot to entice me along. All fears were foundless.
On arrival it was an amazing resort and meeting fellow retreat goers, which turned into an amazing lifetime experience. Not only with the respect of getting to swim with whales but sharing this experience with fellow retreaters who have now become lifelong friends.
From the amazing food to seeing whales jumping from the beach, and being in the water with them made this a truly unforgettable experience.
Spencer Putwain
I was blessed to be able to attend the Retreat into Divine Being held on Uoleva, an absolute gem of an island out from Tonga. It was a life changing experience.
Gorgeous healing sessions, group meditations, yoga, swimming in crystal clear oceans, swimming with humpback whales, Akashic healing.
All in the secure, calming energy of the beautiful Tiff, Rachel & Serene. I felt safe & loved.
They quietly guided our group with dignity & Aroha.
Oh, and the food was 5 stars.
Donna Nepia
Just where do I start in praise of my experience of the retreat. I gained so much from each part.
The staff at the resort were all amazing. Our skipper and guide made my experience with the whales magical. All staff seemed to anticipate my needs and look after me....I have to praise my bed on Uoleva. It was even more comfortable than my one at home.
The peace and serenity of the island washed over me and healed my tired body. My conversations with Serene, Tiff and Rachel were life changing.
Thank you to my fellow retreaters I am the richer for having met you and spent the time together in the peace of our little Nirvana. You have all infected me with your wisdom.
This has all added up to me being able to look after myself first and without one ounce of guilt to detract from the benefit of that.
Jennifer Hansen
‘Ko ahau te tohorā, te tohorā ko ahau’
(I am the whale, and the whale is me)
Photo acknowledgements to Emma Hunter and Tanya Edwards