Yoga Retreat | Yoga Cabo Verde

Ancient Yoga Journey Into Transformation
Santa Antao, Cabo Verde Dec 16th to 22nd, 2026

Ancient Yoga Journey: Transformation through Breath

The path to all change of the external reality begins within you and with your Breath. Your reality reflects the mind, which is influenced by memories, conditionings, and impressions and your breath. On this mystical 6-day journey into the self, to transform your reality, we will journey into the five elements, the mind, and the ego that have created you the human. We will do this through your breath and sound.

This journey will take place on the unique and magnificent island of Santa Antao. An island steeped in mysticism, each element emitting an energetic frequency of healing and growth. Of all the places I have traveled in this world, this island has amazed me and left me in a state of wonder. There is no other place like this with its landscape of mountains, forests, waterfalls and silence.

The soul that has created this retreat with myself, is from the island of Santa Antao. As a result, she will show you parts of the island, that are hidden gems held on to by locals. While I will take you on an internal journey, she will take you on an external one. Both in resonance with each other.

The Yoga Time Table

Dec 16th: Day one

Sunset Yoga: We will begin our journey with restorative yoga and sound bowls played on each of you. In each asana I will guide you to open each of the elements and the energy centres they are connected to. This first class will ensure that you are breathing properly and efficiently. As well as how to breathe through your practice. How to use your mala beads. Lastly you will begin to find your voice and raise your vibration with AUM.

Dec 17th Day two

Sunrise yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:

Breath meditation: So Hum with mala beads
Pranayama: use of breath to move energy and release what does not serve you well
Sun salutations with mantras for all the elements
Asanas for the dominant element with aware breathing
Savasana with sound bowls played on you.

Sunset yoga: Yin yoga (connective tissue) with tuning fork on your pressure points, to raise your vibration. Dominant element meditation either guided or with the elements breath count. So that you can experience and taste each of the elements that are you.

Dec 18th Day three

Sunrise Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:

Breath meditation: Hum So with mala beads
Pranayama 7 x 3 count of each Vayu (passed on from guru to teacher)
Sun salutations with mantras for all the elements
Asanas for the dominant element
Savasana with sound bowls played on you.

Sunset yoga: Yoga expansion of the physical body (muscle)with Shamanic Bells. Aum meditation to open the throat and root chakra as well as beginning to find your voice. Element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count.

Dec 19th: Day four

Sunrise Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:

Breath meditation: So Hum
Pranayama 7 x 3 for whole body, Pranayama for each Vayu etc.
Sun salutations
Asanas for the dominant element
Shavasana with sound bowls.

Sunset yoga: Sivananda Yoga to open each element and their chakras. Element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count.

Dec 20th: Day Five

Sunrise Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:

Breath meditation: Hum So
Pranayama for each of the five vayus
Sun salutations
Asanas for the dominant element
Shavasana with sound bowls played on you.

Sunset yoga: Restorative Yoga and element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count

Dec 21th: Day Five

Sunrise Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:

Breath meditation: Hum So
Pranayama for the prana energetic body
Kundalini Yoga and element meditation
Shavasana with shamanic bells

Sunset yoga: Restorative Yoga and meditation to silence the mind. Shavasana with Sound Bowls

Dec 22nd: Last Day

Sunrise class 15min before sunrise. Pranayama and Longer meditation with breath.

After the retreat, I will place on the group chat an outline of a practice you can continue to do on your own.

Between Yoga Classes

Between each class there will be a trek into the magic of Santa Antao, or the use of Art to give you insight into your internal narrative, or down time. We have intentionally been vague as to the specifics of the activities between Yoga journeys. We want to welcome the unknown and allow for flexibility depending on the weather, the dynamic of the group, etc.

Periods of down time are there for you to become comfortable with internal and external stillness. To reset your nervous system, especially your parasympathetic healing and immune system. When you spend too long in your stress system, your nervous system becomes dysregulated.

It can be used to journal, to connect with other participants, to swim, read, or just inhale all the ions of the five elements in which each location is immersed in. Each ion increasing your well being. During one of those down times, we will hold a Satsang. A Satsang is the place, where I will answer any questions you have about the journey of transformation, the universe, the five elements, why are we here etc.

Itinerary

Wednesday 16.12
07:20 Meeting at Cais, the Harbour of Mindelo
08:00 Departure with the Ferry
09:00 Arriving Porto Novo, Santo Antao
Coffee break & Introduction into the Journey
10:00 Departure Tour Cova do Paul
16:00 Arriving at the Accommodation Casa Pedrina
Settling & Free Time
18:15 Sunset Yoga
19:30 Dinner

Thursday 17.12
06:30 Sunrise Yoga
09:30 Breakfast
12:00 Tour Ribeira da Torre Valley, Xoxo, Fontainhas
& Transfer to the 2nd Accommodation Mamiwata Eco Village
16:00 Arriving at Mamiwata Eco Village, Settling & Free Time
18:15 Sunset Yoga (Mamiwata Sunset)
19:30 Dinner

Friday 18.12
06:30 Sunrise Yoga
09:30 Breakfast
11:00 Creative Painting inspired by the 5 elements
12:30 Free Time
13:30 Activity, Cha de Igreja
18:15 Sunset Yoga
19:30 Dinner

Saturday 19.12
06:30 Sunrise Yoga
09:30 Breakfast
11:30 Cruzinha Coastal Trail
16:00 Free Time
18:15 Sunset Yoga
19:30 Dinner

Sunday 20.12
06:30 Sunrise Yoga
09:30 Breakfast
11:00 Creative Painting inspired by the 5 elements
12:30 Free Time
13:30 Activity, Viewpoints above Boca de Ambas Ribeiras
18:15 Sunset Yoga
19:30 Dinner

Monday 21.12
06:30 Sunrise Yoga
09:30 Breakfast
11:30 Activity, Ponta do Sol
16:00 Free Time
18:15 Sunset Yoga
19:30 Last Dinner

Tuesday 22.12
06:30 Morning Meditation
09:30 Breakfast
11:00 Leaving the Room
11:00 Closure ceremony
12:00 Departure, Transfer to Porto Novo
15:00 Ferry to Sao Vicente
16:00 Arrival at Sao Vicente

*Please note that this is a preliminary schedule. Exact timings and details will be communicated later
on. Each day will represent 1-2 elements.

Price Includes

1. Ferry transport from Sao Vincente to Santa Antao (45min) & and From Santa Antao back to Sao Vincente

2. All transport during the retreat from your world into ours.

3. All double room accommodations (there are some single rooms for an extra price)

4. Brunch and Dinner

5. Excursions

6. Two yoga sessions a day & a Satsang with Sheena

7. Joy and Peace

Total 1896euros

Early bird price before August 31st: 1706euros

To reserve, for a packing list, or for further information please contact: Alcmena on Whats app+352691925146 or email her bloominaerial@outlook.com

TESTIMONIALS

Elizabeth

8 reviews • 3 photos

Oct 2025

I was fortunate to have attended Sheena's first Five Elements retreat on the island of SAL for six days in October, 2025. As with any retreat, it is made or not by the instructor, leader, coach, guide.

For me, Sheena is a spiritual guide and holds extraordinary knowledge that includes a blend of deep scholarship into YOGA, including pranayama, asanas, meditation; understanding human anatomy and the brain; awareness of the correlation between chakras, the five elements and emotional balance; and a deep belief in the ability to self-heal from within and from energy she can help channel from the universe. With all this knowledge, she is guided by an amazing intuition that steers her practice.

Each day was entirely different depending on our Element focus (Earth, Air, Water, etc) and often included practice at a new location to underscore the power of the focal Element of the day. Each session lasted as long as it needed to, and usually included a hybrid of pranayama, asanas, and guided visualization exercises.

This retreat was led not by the book, but rather by her acute sense into the needs of the group, and the messages she continually receives from the universe. A remarkable, unique experience that I would actually do again!

Tanya J

9 contributions

An experience I will never forget

My friend Sheena M wondered if I would like to go along with her to practice yoga on a 6 day yoga journey. She said that the teacher is more than you will have been accustomed to .. Before the trip, I had a history of embarking on studies to begin to understand the essence of yoga beyond asanas. However, the weeks leading up to the experience, I hadn’t made time to give it much thought, despite Sheena Ji sharing material beforehand. The intimate group of 7 soon became at ease with one another. We began our journey into a deeper experience of what yoga brings. It has touched me inwardly beyond my expectations. Sheena’s 1:1 session gave clarity as to my future direction with yoga in my life. On reflection, Sheena’s mastery, teachings, the connection with nature and the soulful place Sal is if you look beyond the tourism, their people, new friendships, landscapes…. Sheena helped us realise these where we experienced the magic of yoga. I give gratitude to Sheena’s offerings in terms of herself, her knowledge, her energy, her light. I will be expanding my yoga tool kit thanks to this experience and hope to share this with others. The memories of this trip will be cherished . Thank you Sheena Much love Namaste 🙏

Cruiser27708911590

Journey through the elements

Oct 2025 • SoloI’ve been attending Sheena’s yoga classes for a couple of years now. Initially, I joined simply because I wanted to incorporate some form of exercise into my routine. Before that, my experience with yoga was minimal — a few sporadic classes here and there, never feeling particularly drawn to explore it in depth.

With Sheena, that changed completely. Under her guidance, yoga gradually became something much more than just physical movement. Her classes are thoughtfully and intuitively structured, creating a natural flow that feels both grounding and expansive. Through her teaching, I’ve learned the power of the breath — how to connect it with movement, how it can guide me through challenge, and how it can reveal so much about myself.

Trusting her teaching is what inspired me to join the six-day journey through the five elements. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the experience exceeded anything I could have imagined. From the very first day, I thought to myself: this is exactly what Sheena is meant to do.

Cruiser27708911590 cont

Each day was a new adventure, shaped both by Sheena’s intention and by the energy of the group. There was a clear plan, yet it remained flexible, adapting beautifully to everyone’s needs and to the rhythm of the day. The experience combined physical practice, meditation, breathwork, and visualization, all enriched by Sheena’s immense knowledge and insight.
For me personally, it became a journey of introspection — a chance to focus deeply on myself while also reconnecting with the world around me. There was truly no better place for it than the island of Sal. Its breathtaking landscapes allowed us to feel the elements in their purest form. This journey reminded me of how magnetic this place is and how easily one can forget that until moments like this.
The environment Sheena created was warm, open, and inclusive — a space where anyone, regardless of their background or experience, could connect, grow, and explore in their own way.
Sheena is a truly gifted teacher — a source of wisdom, inspiration, and grounding energy. This journey was all-encompassing: at times challenging, but always deeply rewarding. I’m so grateful to have experienced it.

Sheena M

A Yoga Journey like no other

Oct 2025 • Friends

I have just returned to the UK after a magical yoga journey like no other!

I met Sheena eight years ago on the beautiful island of Sal, Cape Verde & have been returning ever since.
Immediately I met Sheena I knew Sheena was special, different & unique. Sheena's energy is infectious, her passion, knowledge, skills & wisdom is like no other yoga teacher I have ever met. Some of these attributes are a natural gift, many are down to the cultural belief she has in traditional ancient yoga. Through 20 plus years of dedication, study & self discovery, Sheena is now a Master in her field - subject & wants to share with all.

I trusted Sheena completely to take me on a journey, the journey of our 5 elements, the journey into me. It is hard to describe in words the experience I had. To say it was powerful is a understatement! Throughout the six day journey many emotions that needed to rise came, I acknowledged them, talked them through with Sheena & completed my journal daily.
A good sense of self awareness & emotional intelligence really helps to achieve the most from this journey.

On a personal level I have been practicing yoga for 25years. Throughout this period however, it was apparent I had so much more to learn from Sheena, I was still in the early stages of my Spiritual path.
Such as Pranayamas (Breathwork) , Meditation Techniques, Chanting, Mantras & Asanas (Postures)........
Sheena used various sound bowls on us, the vibrations & healing energy they produce are nothing less than amazing!

I am l left feeling humbled, grounded & full of gratitude to Sheena for such an amazing experience & all I have learnt.
Self development & personal growth is essential if we want to be the best version of ourselves whilst we are on this planet.

Sheenas teaching style, voice & delivery of material is clear, precise & easy to follow.
Sheena is very open about her own yoga journey, sharing her story when appropriate.
Sheena will answer any questions you have with honesty & unlimited time.
The island of Cape Verde in itself has a unique energy & soul all of its own.
Love it or hate it, bring a open heart come visit Cape Verde & the incredible Ancient Yoga teacher, Sheena.
Whatever your experience you will never forget it!

With love & light to you all
Sheena May

Lisa Driver, MI

Adilson (The photographer)

Oct 2025

It felt like a profound reunion with an old friend—each element unveiled familiar yet new depths within. A journey both grounded and enlightening, blending authenticity with serenity.

Jill W
U.K.
Mystical Five Element Journey - Sal, Cape Verde - October 2025
An incredibly healing, unforgettable journey. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to participate in Sheena’s ‘Mystical five
Element Journey.’
It has been such a beautiful, healing experience with the loveliest of people in gorgeous natural settings.
The experience with the five elements was like a journey ‘to yourself’ connecting with the elements both around us and in us. This togetherness with nature and the elements gave me a feeling of deep healing and joy.

Through understanding the five Elements we may begin to understand both Nature and ourselves. quote;

JR Worsley

I truly loved the balance between all the different types of yoga sessions, meditations and nature-based group activities which helped us to connect deeply with the five elements.
My two favourite activities will always be the drum lesson in the desert and having a beautiful meal in a bedouin style tent on the beach following a deeply moving meditation.
For me the experience felt like a holiday for my mind and healing for my soul.
Sheena and I have been on a journey together for several years now and it is still continuing … I can never thank her enough for her guidance and love.

Monica

Singapore (private 6 day journey)

An unforgettable yoga journey.

Oct 2025 • Solo

It’s hard to put into words what Sheena’s classes are like. The simplest way to describe it is that Sheena IS yoga — she embodies its essence in every breath, movement, and word.
Her voice is the most soulful I’ve ever heard; it resonates deeply and blends perfectly with the sound bowls and instruments, creating an atmosphere that feels sacred. Each session goes far beyond movement — it’s a healing experience for the body, mind, and spirit.
Through her guidance, I learned so much about myself, about breathing, about goodness and opening my heart. I walked away seeing the world — and my life — through a new lens.
If you have any interest in going deeper into yoga or spirituality, you must spend some time with Sheena. Unforgettable.

🌅 Third Trip, Endless Magic!

Oct 2025 • Solo

This was my third trip to Sal, and on each Occassion I’ve joined Sheena for daily yoga. This time I attended her six-day 5 Element Yoga Journey, and it was honestly beyond anything I could have imagined.

From sunrise meditation on the beach to sunset feasts in Bedouin tents, African drum lessons in the desert, yoga on salt fields, floating in medicinal waters to meditation in nature surrounded by cockerel's and peacocks, I also saw my first baby turtle … I felt completely present and alive, every moment just felt magical.
Even now, two weeks later, I still carry a sense of growth, peace, and clarity.
Thank you, Sheena, for this unforgettable experience. I know our paths will cross again. Namaste x