Kauai Bliss
A deeply rejuvenating week devoted to well-being, presence, and simple joy. Move your body, breathe deeply, nourish and rest well, enjoy the beauty of Kauai and remember what it feels like to feel more present in your own life. 🌺
February 27 - March 4, 2026
North Shore, Kauai
Lead by Julianne Aiello
& supported by Emily Laskelle
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“Julianne’s retreats are the perfect blend of soul-food style intelligent movement, downtempo relaxation time in a gorgeous environment, friendship, delicious healthy food, deep wisdom and FUN! I can not provide a higher endorsement for a trip with her and feel so lucky to have experienced multiple yoga vacations with Julianne. Honestly, the most relaxing, deeply nourishing and low stress trips of my life. If you are reading this.....just book the damn trip. You will not be disappointed!”
— Chelsea B
“This yoga retreat was definitely food for the soul. I highly recommend to those who want to spend a week where you nourish your body and spirit, through quiet, movement, and even some dance/ surf! Most of us woke to greet the sunrise in silence, meditation at 7:30 followed by a yoga or strength class. We didn’t emerge from silence until after our morning class which I loved. In the afternoons was another class, usually more restorative or dharma focused. Julie Aiello is a fantastic instructor and leader, she is gifted in the craft of creating spaces that heal and inspire. Most of us were strangers to each other but we quickly connected to create an inclusive and beautiful circle of friends.”
—Gretchen C.
”Julie facilitated an absolutely incredible week in Nicaragua and I feel unbelievably grateful for the safe and inviting space she created in a very magical part of the world. I didn't know a single other participant taking the trip and found that there were many other women in my shoes who joined the retreat. There was a wide age range and women who had a wide variety of job types and life experiences to share. We all got along so well and Julie did a beautiful job holding the group with thoughtfulness and care, guiding us beautiful yoga teachings, and hosting classes that met the energy of the moment. Our time together went far beyond yoga. Dance and barre classes were offered and beautiful, heartfelt and tender chants were sung together at the yoga shala with a harmonium and those songs filled my soul in a powerful way. I will for sure attend another retreat with Julie in the future!!”
— Marina V.
“I can honestly say this retreat changed my life. Julie helped me reawaken a self love and self care that I had been ignoring for many months, and brought together such a beautiful community of people and teachings that are helping me continue this positive change back home. Thank you!!”
— Elizabeth H.
Kauai Bliss Retreat: A rejuvenating retreat for well-being, spacious presence, and a spirit of play — held in the magic of Kauai.
Returning to nature’s beauty, the body’s wisdom, and the effortless freedom of being.
Hello 🌺
I’m so glad you’re considering joining me for Kauai Bliss, a rejuvenating retreat on the magical north shore of Kaua‘i. For the past decade, I’ve hosted winter retreats as sacred pauses: time to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and nature, and remember the joy and tenderness of simply being A L I V E :)
Just placing this retreat on your calendar becomes a sanctuary—an affirmation of rest, renewal, and coming home to yourself.
What to Expect
Together, we’ll create conditions for deep nourishment through:
silent mornings & intentional mindfulness practice
daily morning movement & somatic exploration: yoga, barre/ strength, dance
beautiful, bright, healthy meals prepared with care
spacious afternoons to wander, swim, hike, journal, or rest in a hammock
daily late afternoon restorative practices, sound baths, and dharma talks
evenings with yoga nidra, song circles and spacious hang time.
Held among the healing jungle, mountains and beaches of Kaua‘i, the wisdom of yoga and Buddhism, and a circle of kind, heart-centered women, you’ll have space to soften, replenish, and reconnect with your innate wholeness, vitality, and intuition.
For Women Who Tend Life
As women, I find it particularly essential for us to retreat.
I’ve witnessed again and again how profoundly women benefit from retreat.
We are tenders of life—whether or not we are mothers, whether or not we are working, whether or not our lives look “full” on the outside. The ways we care, hold, and give are real.
Retreat offers us a rare thing:
Time to receive. Time to be replenished. Time to remember ourselves.
I’ve seen how these sacred pauses recalibrate us, restore perspective, and reconnect us to our deeper truth. Your wellbeing truly matters. And when we (women) rest, tend our bodies, nurture our vitality, this nourishment ripples into our families, communities, and the world.
Alongside the teachings of yoga and Buddhism, I bring my own learnings as a student of life, nature, and the feminine, earth-centered way. My intention is to support the health, wholeness, and innate wisdom of every woman present.
The Invitation
If you’ve been longing for a way to bring more intention into your life, to feel more at ease in your body, or to remember your own inner steadiness, I welcome you.
Come join us on the north shore of Kaua‘i — to rest deeply in the beauty of nature, reconnect with your vitality, and touch the great mystery and magic that moves through all things, including you!
With love,
Julie 🌺
More details on the retreat, the space, etc below. Please read on, explore, and reach out anytime with questions. Advance registration is recommended. This retreat will fill up as this center can only hold a smaller group. And to note, the photos above are of recent retreats in Nicaragua & Costa Rica. The property in Kauai is private and I am not able to share photos online, but I can tell you it’s stunning. If you’d like to connect in person to see photos, I’m happy to show you before or after class.
Kauai bliss RETREAT is for women of all ages
to come play, rejuvenate and celebrate life!
The psyches and souls of women also have their own cycles and seasons of doing and solitude, running and staying, being involved and being removed, questing and resting, creating and incubating, being of the world and returning to the soul-place.
- Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Running with the Wolves
Who is this retreat for?
Women of all ages, orientations, and backgrounds. On most retreats, we have women of all ages, from teens or 20s to 70s. I love being able to teach classes that are adaptable and accessible for most bodies. If you are working with significant disabilities, please reach out and let’s connect to see if it’s a good fit.
Women who are curious about coming home to your heart & body. We offer many modalities on the retreat to connect with your body. Through mindfulness practice, somatic practices, gentle yoga, strength training, and restorative yoga, there are many roads in, you’re welcome to participate in the practices that speak to you.
Women looking to feel welcome in community, and/or connect more deeply with a loved one. It can be a really meaningful bonding experience to join these kinds of experiences with a friend, mom, daughter or someone else you love.
Women curious in deepening your connection to yourself, to your power, to your heart.
Women in times of transition.. work, kids, relationship changes.
Wherever you are in your life, this retreat will nurture and inspire your healing and growth.
Daily Itinerary:
7AM - Coffee, Tea and Light Breakfast Available
8AM - Meditation + Pranayama (guided breathing)
8:30am - 10am - Movement practice. The days will alternate with all-levels vinyasa yoga practice, slow flow yoga, one day of morning dance! and mindful strength practice (similar to barre & pilates). I recommend using the retreat as inspiration to practice yoga at least twice a week leading up to this time.
10:30am - Brunch
11:30am - 4pm - Rest, hang by the pool, go to the beach, whatever your heart desires. If you’d like to do an activity like horseback ride on the beach or surf, we can help you book that. We will also have art supplies to enjoy, and massages also available in afternoon.
4PM - Afternoons will include restorative yoga, reiki, and dharma talks. Afternoon sessions will be more restful in nature.
6PM - Dinner
While it sounds like the day starts early, you will settle into a natural, early to bed rhythm here! Nearly everyone does.. the sun rises around 6:15am and sets around 6:15pm, so you will likely rise early, and get to enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning time. We have morning silence in place on this retreat, so there is no talking until after the morning practices at 10am. Sometimes people enjoy a sunrise swim or beach walk, or just sit in the chairs and drink coffee, watching the sunrise.
About Us
JULIANNE AIELLO
Hello! ❤️
What to share? Hmmm, first that I am a LOVER of nature, of love and wisdom. Nature was my first true love, remembering we are all held my the great Mother Earth. The awe and beauty, the innate intelligence and cycles of life in nature captivate my heart and mind. I love practicing yoga outside and laying on the earth (beach, grass, etc) feeling the heartbeat of the earth and my own heartbeat. Laying under a tree on a warm day, surfing and just hanging out in the ocean, hiking in the woods.. this the energy I try to keep close in my mind and heart.
I have also found deep resonance with the ancient teachings of yoga. Yoga is a powerful tool to work with the mind, heart and body. Connecting to my body as my home, a source of information, strength and love, has been a big part of my journey. While I’ve always loved sports and being active, it wasn’t until my 20s and beginning a yoga practice that I realized I wasn’t really living in an “embodied” way. I was running a lot, literally and figuratively. So I was moving, but rarely found a source of presence, connection and wow.. relaxation in my body. In yoga we say that the mind is not just in the head, but in our entire system, and that every cell contains intelligence. Over years of study, I have learned many practices to connect with the wisdom and gift and yes, challenge, of living in a body. It’s a joy to share with you.
Practicing yoga is a simple way to unite mind and body and come home to a sense of full body relaxed alertness. From here, everything else can flow. Innate joy, wisdom, creativity and goodness.
I also draw on the contemplative traditions of Buddhism, I have studied and practiced Reiki for many years, my diet, lifestyle and classes are guided by the wisdom Ayurveda, and overall I teach and guide with an integrative approach to wellness and wholeness, to support you in the entire human experience. I also love to teach alignment-based yoga, so we can fine tune and get to know more about how our bodies move, how we can make more space, and how we can make new and familiar shapes that might offer us a new experience.
How cool to be our age, whatever that is, and be having new experiences just by moving and breathing in our body!
I so look forward to having this retreat time with you, as it allows us all to sink into the experience, and feel into new ways of experiencing being alive (!!)
Come join in the sweetness! See what I’m up to on IG @julianneyoga
EMILY LASKELLE
I am a dedicated yoga teacher and aspiring somatic, dance, and movement psychotherapist, deeply passionate about the transformative power of both intentional movement and rest. I found yoga shortly after my collegiate volleyball career came to an end, at a time when I was extremely disconnected from my body. Yoga has been my greatest ally in coming back home to my body. I truly can't get enough of practices that root and presence us back in the body because I deeply believe that is where all the magic happens; right here, this moment, this breath. My experiences, exploration, and endless fascination with the mind-body connection led me to pursue my masters in Somatic Psychology at CIIS.
My approach to teaching is rooted in passions for restful stillness, mindful movement, and cultivating a compassionate witness within one's self. As a historical lover of movement, and a newbie (within the last 5 years) lover of rest, I believe that the body, heart, and mind can transform and thrive by integrating the efforts of moving, resting, and the practice of self-compassion.
My classes are intentionally crafted to be safe and inclusive spaces where students can express themselves freely, explore their physical and emotional boundaries, and embark on a journey of self-connection. Through my nurturing presence, I foster a supportive environment where students feel empowered to listen to their bodies and honor their own pace and rhythm. You can expect my classes to be rhythmic, nourishing, grounding, and fluid.
My hope is that our time together will remind you of your innate wholeness, and leave you feeling empowered, held, and present to the magic of your aliveness.
returning home
to gentle, profound moments of joy, release and REMEMBRANCE.
About the Property & Services
This private property on the North Shore of Kauai is a stunning oasis in the jungle. There is a beautiful outdoor pool, meditation room, indoor yoga shala & outdoor practice space, and expansive dining space. It’s a spacious, magical property that’s a 5 minute walk to one of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen! Town is about a 10 minute drive, not within walking distance.
There are 9 guest rooms, each with it’s own bathroom.
Services available include: massage with wonderful local masseuse, surf lessons in Hanalei and horseback riding. Rates will be shared with you in advance.
Transportation to and from the airport is not included in the retreat. The average rate from Lihue airport on Kauai to the property is about $40. You will likely be arriving and leaving with others, and rides can be shared each way.
If you want to have a car while you’re visiting, to you’re welcome to rent one, there is plenty of parking available. I’ve found that the car rental app Turo has the most affordable car rentals. It’s also possible to share a rental with someone, and coordinate as we get closer. If you’re more inclined towards activities while on retreat, like visiting different beaches, hiking, surfing, etc, you may want a car. If you just want to explore for a day, a ride share (aka Uber/ Lyft) is sufficient. But we can talk about these details as we get closer, and I will support coordinating shared car rentals if interested!
The property is so incredibly beautiful, and so much will be offered here on retreat, and the beach is walking distance.
Meals
Meals will 1 light breakfast and 2 full meals offered daily.
7am - Beautiful tropical breakfast: coffee & tea, tropical fruit, yogurt, granola and other light morning treats.
10am - Nourishing brunch after movement practices.
1:30pm - Afternoon snacks like hummus, veggies, nuts, fruits. Snacks will always be available in the kitchen.
5:30pm - Dinner
Meals will be as organic as possible, about 90% organic. And local whenever possible. Meals will also be mostly gluten and dairy free, and when gluten or dairy is included, and alternative will be offered. Meals will also be primarily plant-based and vegetarian, with 2 dinners to include chicken or fish. We will check in with you on dietary preferences.
*Dinner will not be included on Monday March 2 where we’ll go into town for an evening stroll and dinner. However if you prefer to stay at the property, we’re happy to arrange a meal for you.
Class Offerings:
MORNING SESSIONS:
2 SOULFUL VINYASA FLOW CLASSES - A well-rounded class, with extra emphasis on creating a strong foundation to build your yoga practice.
1 MINDFUL STRENGTH CLASS - A barre-inspired class to build strength, that feels more like the soulful yoga vibe. These classes are intentionally designed to target small muscle movement, increase body awareness and strength, and offer great all-around cross training for all the ways you love to move your body. They are some of my favorite classes to teach and take, and I’m love to teach them too!
1 SLOW FLOW CLASS - Following the strength class day, we’ll start this day slower, and enjoy a slower, lighter version of yoga.
1 DANCE SESSION, 5 RHYTHMS INSPIRED - This session will begin with guided instruction and after about 30 minutes, open up to free movement. This dance session can be whatever you want it to be - slow, sensual, wild, powerful, sweet, fun, playful, healing.. and maybe all of that. The music is a mix of tribal music, pop-remix favorites, and world beats.
LATE AFTERNOON SESSIONS:
1 YOGA ASANA LAB - Learn how to breakdown key postures, with time dedicated to foundational postures as well as a few more advanced ones. You’ll learn by doing, and by assisting someone on the retreat with instruction. Students love these workshops.
1 REIKI WORKSHOP - Learning the foundations of reiki, universal healing energy. Practice giving and receiving reiki in this workshop. Reiki is a subtle and powerful practice that empowers us to remember we are all healers, and with intentional, compassionate touch we can be of great service to each other.
2 RESTORATIVE YOGA SESSIONS - Mmmmm so nourishing!
3 DHARMA TALKS - About awakening through the 3 characteristics, through the Buddhist lens.
More Details / FAQ
SHARED ROOMS: Most people who join the retreat share a room with someone they haven't met yet! I consciously pair people based on my intuition and the information I receive from you. Sharing rooms is common on a retreat, and always works out. In some cases, retreat roomies have become great friends :)
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Just being here in the beautiful retreat energy, with wonderful people and a gorgeous eco retreat center is so much of the experience. However if you desire to adventure, let us know and we’re happy to support.
TO BOOK: If you’re ready to book, great! If you'd like to connect on the phone to ask questions/ see if it's a good fit for you, please email me at julianne yoga 108 at gmail, with a few times that work for you to connect. I welcome the opportunity to connect.
How Can I afford retreat?
I have thought a lot about the value of retreat for the cost, and I keep offering them because I think they provide a tremendous amount of value. This is like a yoga teacher training, in a way. You learn a good amount, you will definitely deepen your practice and leave inspired. And it’s more restful, connective, playful than a training. You will be held in supportive, structured space by the teachers - myself and Emily in a way that I believe will be deeply nourishing for you. The accommodations and food are amazing. We also support with all planning logistics. It’s a big gift to yourself that I think is really worth it, and of course up to you to decide for yourself!
If you know you want to come, and you’re not quite sure you can afford it, consider who in your life might be willing to help. If there are loved ones who want you to be well, to travel, etc, and who can possibly support you, you may consider asking for support.
If you’re financial situation is such that you won’t be able to join without a scholarship, please reach out. We have at least one partial scholarship space available every year, and possibly more.
If you’re financial situation is such that you have an abundance of resources, please consider making a donation beyond your room rate. Your support is so appreciated and will directly benefit someone else to join the retreat.
As a dedicated student of yoga for over a decade, I truly believe that nourishing ourselves nourishes all life. Investing time and energy back into ourselves is essential to remember we are not only here to be of service, but to know ourselves as divine and worthy of receiving as well. We will use the yogic philosophy of the 8 limbs of yoga as a foundational teaching of this retreat, and explore how we can use the limbs to experience the joy of the inner most self, and express that in our being.
Come join us! This retreat is a time for you to slow your roll.. to live in the present, be wonderfully pampered with delicious meals, transformative yoga, immersed in nature and open to all that possible for your life! Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
My contact is: julianne yoga 108 at gmail dot com. I am happy to connect over email, or setup a time to talk. I love connecting with new people and sharing what we do, without any pressure to join us.
With love,
Julie and Emily.