ZANZIBAR 2028
Bliss Is This: Island Paradise Retreat in Zanzibar
Zen Boutique Retreat
Zanzibar, Tanzania
January 22-29, 2028
with Melanie Caines
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 8-20 people
Exclusive use? Yes, we will be the only guests staying at the property.
HELLO ZANZIBAR!
Whether you are watching traditional dhow sailboats glide across the horizon at sunset or exploring the diverse marine life of its coral reefs, Zanzibar is a sensory paradise that effortlessly pairs deep cultural exploration with ultimate tropical relaxation.
ZEN BOUTIQUE RESORT
Welcome to Zen Boutique, a peaceful sanctuary nestled on the southeast coast of Zanzibar.
Surrounded by lush woodland, this intimate retreat features 12 beautiful bungalows, a private dining area, and a gorgeous swimming pool framed by plenty of sun loungers for afternoon relaxation.
Tucked away in a quiet village setting, the property offers a serene space to disconnect, while remaining just a gentle 10-to-15-minute stroll (900 meters) from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the stunning white sands of Jambiani beach.
And then, there’s the amazing rooftop! Step out and you’re somewhere else entirely — a space that feels like your own private bird’s nest, suspended above the treeline with uninterrupted views stretching out across the Zanzibari jungle. Scattered seating areas and deep, comfortable sofas invite you to settle in as the island’s famous African sunset paints the sky and melts into the jungle below. Unfiltered, uninterrupted, unforgettable — this is the golden hour Zanzibar is known for, seen from the very best seat in the house.
To fully support your wellness journey, the resort features a beautiful restaurant serving nourishing meals, a spacious open-air yoga shala, and a versatile multi-functional space. Tucked away on the property is our brand-new secret garden, complete with an on-site gym and rejuvenating spa facilities. Zen Boutique is a space designed for mindful connection—where you can gather to share stories around the firepit in the evening, or retreat to the library and various quiet corners to reflect and disconnect.
We cannot wait to welcome you into the Zen Family. Join us to experience this natural island paradise.
NOURISH YOURSELF
Nestled in the heart of the Zanzibar Bush sits The Burnt Orange Restaurant, with its sunset tower offering stunning views.
At Burnt Orange, their young chefs craft incredible dishes with love, blending local Swahili flavors with international favorites using fresh, island-sourced ingredients. Discover the perfect dining spot at Zen Boutique: enjoy a magical dinner on the rooftop, or unwind poolside with fresh juices and light bites.
YOGA
Zen Boutique offers two beautiful, fully-equipped yoga spaces designed to help you ground, expand, and connect.
The Traditional Yoga Shala
Tucked under a majestic, hand-thatched makuti roof, this open-air sanctuary invites the cooling tropical breeze into your practice. It is a deeply grounding space where the gentle rustle of palm trees becomes the soundtrack to your daily flows and meditation.
The Star-Lit Yoga Deck
For a truly magical practice, our elevated open-air deck beneath the vast Zanzibar sky. It is the perfect, unforgettable setting for sun-drenched morning flows, cooling yin practices, and starlit evening meditations.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
Stone Town & Spice Farm Adventure
Uncover the cultural heart and aromatic soul of Zanzibar on this immersive full-day journey. Your adventure begins at a lush, community-run spice farm, where you will touch, taste, and smell fresh vanilla, cloves, and cardamom while learning about their natural healing properties. In the afternoon, step back in time with a guided walk through the winding, labyrinth-like alleys of Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to admire its iconic carved wooden doors, bustling artisan markets, and rich, multi-cultural history.
Gypsea Luxury Sailing Experience
Step aboard a traditional dhow for an intimate, barefoot luxury sailing experience along the turquoise coastline of Jambiani. Guided entirely by the wind, this peaceful journey invites you to disconnect from the noise and align with the slow, natural rhythm of the ocean. Between quiet lagoon swims and drifting across crystal-clear waters, you will nourish your body with a vibrant spread of fresh tropical fruits, chilled local juices, and authentic Swahili bites. It is the ultimate afternoon of ocean-bound relaxation and connection. View the incredible experience HERE.
Swahili Cooking Class
Immerse your senses in the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Zanzibar. Hosted in Zen’s peaceful garden oasis, this hands-on cooking masterclass is more than a lesson—it is a celebration of community, culture, and nourishment. Guided by Zen’s expert local chefs, you will connect with the island’s history through the very ingredients that gave Zanzibar its name as the “Spice Island.”
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OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITIES:
Massages
Pungume Island Ocean Adventure
accommodations & Fees
YOUR STAY AT ZEN BOUTIQUE RESORT
Zen’s twelve beautifully appointed bungalows nestled around the central pool blend sleek minimalist lines with warm Zanzibari soul. Locally sourced, honestly built mango wood furniture and warm, natural textures ground the space in genuine island craftsmanship, creating a quiet haven for your stay.
DELUXE BUNGALOWS
More spacious, with a couch & coffee table, one king bed, and bathroom
Single Occupancy
$3450 USD
Double Occupancy (1 bed)
$3075 USD per person
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STANDARD BUNGALOWS
2 twin beds OR 1 king bed and bathroom
Single Occupancy
$3350 USD
Double Occupancy (1 or 2 beds)
$2975 USD per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation With Melanie
- 2 yoga classes a day (total of 12 classes) with Melanie
- Daily breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Stone Town & Spice Farm Excursion
- Gypsea Sailing Adventure
- Swahili Cooking Class
- Ground transportation to Zen Boutique Resort on arrival and departure days (one group transfer each day)
- Internet/Wifi
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight
- Alcohol
- Massages
- Gratuity
- Tourist Visa ($50 USD)
- Zanzibar Insurance ($44 USD): all visitors entering Zanzibar must purchase mandatory local insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
SCHEDULE
Morning Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time or Excursion
Lunch
Free Time
Late Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, January 22
Arrival day: yoga, welcome circle & dinner
Saturday, January 29
Breakfast & departure day
TRAVEL
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
The arrival day is Saturday, January 22 (check in 2:00pm) and the departure day is Saturday, January 29 (check out 11:00am).
FLIGHTS
The nearest international airport is Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International airport (ZNZ).
There are direct flights from Paris to Zanzibar on Air France, from Amsterdam to Zanzibar on KLM, and from London Gatwick to Zanzibar on Air Tanzania. There are also many daily flights from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Zanzibar’s airport is a 1hr 15min drive from Zen Boutique Resort.
There will be one complimentary group transfer from the airport to Zen on the arrival day, and one complimentary group transfer from Zen to the airport on the departure day.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All deposits and payments are non-refundable: no exceptions.
If you cancel your booking up to 180 days before the retreat start date:
your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 120 days and 179 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit and MINUS a €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 120-179 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 119 days or less from the retreat start date:
no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
• A €500 EUR non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due May 22, 2027
• Remaining balance is due September 22, 2027
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 75 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
The Nova Yoga Retreat an amazing experience! The instructors created a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relaxed than I was during this retreat. I challenged myself both physically and mentally and I felt stronger in both ways by the end of the week. I made new friends, learned new yoga skills, breathed in the epic beauty of the countryside and really enjoyed the excursions! A beautiful country and yoga retreat experienced with an amazing group of strong, vibrant women! I can’t wait to plan my next trip with Nova Yoga Retreats.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
Melanie has created a unique and magical experience that allows people of all ages to deepen their yoga practice in beautiful and comfortable locations. Mel makes you feel safe, able, and confident. She offers opportunities to modify all poses to accommodate your body. Her suggestions and “challenges” allow for growth in both body and mind. You leave the retreat feeling empowered and refreshed. I just returned from my second retreat with her, and am looking forward to planning my next one. Absolutely amazing experiences.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!
From the retreat lodgings to the food to the excursions and of course yoga for all levels and styles, it was a travel highlight of my life!
Highly ecommend this enriching yoga retreat experience. This was my second time attending a Nova Retreat, and I’m already looking forward to returning. It’s a truly enriching experience—an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, mindfulness, and a warm, supportive community. The setting in Marrakesh adds a unique and magical dimension to the retreat. The culture, the atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings make it an unforgettable place to recharge. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone seeking rest, renewal, and inspiration to take this time for themselves—you won’t regret it.
I met some incredible people, ate some amazing food, and deepened my yoga practice. The tranquility and grounding was just what I needed. I would highly recommend Mel’s retreats for both the inexperienced and experienced traveller because you can really cater to what you want and need, and you will meet similar people with whom you can enjoy the journey.