Anima Mundi | Antiparos, Greece
September 27th - October 3rd, 2026 | with with Rachael Duda Maitland
anima mundi (Latin) | world soul (Ancient Greek: ψυχὴ κόσμου, psychḕ kósmou), or soul of the world (ψυχὴ τοῦ κόσμου, psychḕ toû kósmou) posits an intrinsic connection between all living beings, suggesting that the world is animated by a soul much like the human body. Rooted in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, the idea holds that the world soul infuses the cosmos with life and intelligence.
The Experience
Discover Anima Mundi in Antiparos, Greece, a sanctuary inspired by the ancient concept of the anima mundi—the world soul that embodies the intrinsic connection among all living beings. Set against the serene backdrop of the Aegean Sea, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to harmonize body, mind, and spirit through yoga practices deeply rooted in the philosophy that the cosmos and human life are intimately intertwined. Embrace a transformative experience where the soul of the world animates your journey toward balance, vitality, and inner peace.
We will be deeply diving into the powerful elements of Earth and Water through a combination of inner investigation, embodiment practices, mindful movement, yoga, thoughtful discussion, and personal exploration. Women’s retreats rooted in these timeless ancient elements provide each day as a meaningful and transformative journey into the rich depths of both your inner self and the vibrant outer world that surrounds you.
Experience an in-depth exploration of our complex physical and energetic bodies as you travel through Nature’s fundamental Elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Discover the unique essence of each elemental force that not only surrounds you but also lives within, fostering a greater connection to the natural rhythms and energies that shape your existence.
Each day will provide a deep investigation and a meaningful discovery of both your inner and outer worlds. An exploration of our intricate physical and energetic bodies, and a travel through Nature’s Elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The essence of each elemental force that not only surrounds you, but also resides within you.
We will dive deep into yoga, meditation, breath, voice and sound, dance, creative arts, and other earth-based practices designed to harmonize the physical, emotional, and energetic bodies. Rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations to inspire you, nourish you, and awaken you. Each offering curated to offer you rich experiences, personal insight, and supportive integration techniques that you can infuse into your everyday living.
Moments of deep inquiry, quiet and stillness, alongside wonder and play. Personal moments for each one of us, a sacred circle shared between all of us. A powerful portal of change for anyone craving to reconnect to the sacredness of life.
We have a great responsibility here on this planet, and we are being called to soften, to embrace, to love, to nurture, to rise, to spark, and to remember.
Let your journey into Self begin…
Another Island
Our sanctuary for deep connection, renewal, and transformation.
Haramara is a sacred Huichol Indian word meaning Mother Sea – the feminine source of everything. It is located in the breathtaking coastal Riviera Nayarit, nestled above the Pacific Ocean on 12 private acres of tropical jungle, overlooking the mountains, with a private & pristine beach. This secluded and intimate seaside yoga resort offers the most exquisite + powerful coexistence with nature. Haramara is a place to disconnect from the noise, and be nourished and fully wrapped up by the beauty of the natural world. You instantly feel the deep held wisdom of the land the moment you arrive.
Your Retreat Experience Includes:
— 8 days, 7 nights' Accommodations in secluded Open Air Casitas
— 3 Organic, locally sourced and nourishing meals per day prepared by Haramara’s personal and professional Chef
— Vegetarian/Vegan options are available. Haramara caters to all dietary restrictions
— 2 Yoga/Movement Practices per day | A Morning Solar Practice and an early Evening Lunar Practice
Practices are deeply inspired by Nature and designed around the Chakras + the Elements. We’ll draw upon the cycles + rhythms of the natural world.
— Meditation, Breathwork, Creative Arts, Sound Baths, Group Work, and various Self-Reflection Offerings
— Use of Private Saltwater Infinity Pool, Hot Tub & Private Beach
— Personal Gifts created by local artisans to take home with you
— Round Trip Shuttle Transportation to and from Haramara
— All Taxes and Fees – including 19% State & Hotel tax
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Offerings + Activities for an Additional Cost:
~ Holistic & Therapeutic Bodywork, Energy Healing, and an array of additional spa services at Haramara’s open-air Healing Center & Spa.
~ A Group Temazcal (Sweatlodge) Ceremony. This is an ancient purification ceremony that has been used in many cultures, mostly in the Native American & Mexican cultures, for various purposes such as healing, praying, and preparing for long ceremonies. It symbolizes the cycle of death and rebirth, the shedding of old skin, the embracing of our shadow and light, and the experience of being One with Spirit.
~ Optional off-site activities include: whale watching, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and exploring the vibrant towns of Sayulita and San Pancho. And ample (and encouraged) time to rest, listen to nature, relax on Haramara’s private beach, on a hammock, or by the pool.
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* These gatherings are a merging of hearts and minds centered around nurturing connection, and are an open, supportive, and loving space for all who identify as a woman, and non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. They are a coming together of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow and heal together.
Please email wellness@joannabenevides.com for more information on Availability, Accommodations, and Pricing.
*We offer an optional BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Discount, as well as provide flexible payment plans for anyone who is interested in joining, but is only able to pay in increments. If your heart is saying YES, please reach out directly for more details.
Words of Love
'“This was one of the best, if not best, experiences of my life. Thank you so much, I am so grateful for you and this retreat. It changed so much for me.” - Kelly
"These experiences are the closest thing I have found to Heaven on Earth. It’s my week of self-care. The only chance I really have as a mom of two littles with a demanding career to unplug, get to know myself again, enjoy time with women of all stages of life, and recharge. Taking care of myself with yoga, breathing the ocean air, sleeping to the sounds of the crashing waves, getting the most incredible bodywork, hiking, eating nourishing food prepared with love, and feeling safe and cared for allows me to return home to my family restored. I have been on this journey four times now and can’t wait to go back again. It will never get old." ~Andrea
"l was given permission to experience the ‘inter-connectedness’ of life, each other, nature. It gave me a renewed sense of faith, and I knew that i was truly heard when I expressed that. Because I was listened to so deeply, it mirrored back to me what I needed so much. I believe in the transcendent universe. That's a pretty big "take away!" I am meditating more and have been attending Saturday morning yoga class. I feel that my body is recovering better from exercise, and the gifts of this journey will only continue to unfold." - Joanne
"Calling this a yoga retreat doesn’t do it justice. It’s a spiritual healing journey that gives you a supportive space to release and let go, to turn inward, to reconnect to Mother Earth, and to find direction, purpose and hope through movement, meditation, quiet, tears, laughter, community and dance. If only we could all live in this space for ever, the world would be a better place. - Lyndsey
"This retreat exceeded my expectations - from my lovely casita, to the meals, to the people in our group, to the ocean. I didn't know what to expect but it was the most magical place, wonderful people, incredible yoga, and it felt so beautiful to be in community in this way — a true gift. Thank you, thank you, thank you. - Jayne
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
—Mary Oliver
