Wild Blue Stillness
Turneffe Atoll, Belize | July 17-24, 2027
Leave the mainland behind and travel into a world shaped by reef, mangrove, and open Caribbean blue.
An invitation-only scuba and yoga retreat for women drawn to ambitious diving, restorative movement, and the rare stillness of life on a remote island.
Your Invitation to Go Farther
The journey begins when Belize City recedes behind you.
The boat moves through Caribbean water and the mangrove channels of Turneffe Atoll until the mainland—and the pace you carried with you—feels very far away. Ahead is a small island, an oceanfront cabana, and an entire week organized around the reef.
Here, days begin beside the water. Three dives may carry you from coral canyons and sponge-covered walls to wrecks, caves, and blue-water drop-offs. Between them, there is nourishing food, thoughtful movement, the company of women who understand the pull of the ocean, and enough quiet to absorb where you are.
For many divers, the Great Blue Hole is what first puts Belize on the list. But the experience of diving here reaches far beyond a single iconic site.
Wild Blue Stillness brings a small group of women offshore to Turneffe Atoll, where coral reefs, mangroves, lagoons, and open Caribbean water create an entire world shaped by the sea.
This is a chance to travel far from the ordinary while allowing the experience to unfold at an unhurried pace. Remarkable diving, oceanfront island living, yoga, breathwork, mobility, and restorative practices are thoughtfully woven around a dive-forward week—with space for connection and room to have an experience that is entirely your own.
Fittingly, the week begins on July 17—the same day divers around the world celebrate PADI Women's Dive Day.
A Dive-Intensive Week That Gives Something Back
A full week of diving can be exhilarating. It can also ask a great deal of the shoulders, back, hips, calves, balance, concentration, and overall energy.
Wild Blue Stillness is built around a different idea: ambitious adventure and thoughtful care do not have to compete.
You can challenge yourself without overriding your body. You can travel somewhere remote without feeling unsupported. You can spend full days in the water and still create the conditions to return home exhilarated rather than depleted.
That is why breathwork, mobility, balance work, and restorative yoga are woven around the dive schedule. These practices help you prepare for the day, release tension afterward, and stay present for the experience rather than simply pushing through it.
You still receive the adventure you came for—with more thoughtful support for your body along the way. The goal is not to make the week less ambitious. It is to help you experience more of it fully.
Where Scuba and Yoga Meet
This combination is intentional. Yoga is not an unrelated wellness add-on. It is practical support for the physical and mental demands of repeated dive days.
Both scuba and yoga invite steady breathing, relaxed attention, efficient movement, balance, and the ability to respond without unnecessary tension. Both ask us to notice what is happening in the body and meet the moment as it is.
No previous yoga experience is required. Nothing is performance-focused, and every practice is optional.
Breathwork
Breathwork helps you notice tension, slow down, and develop a steadier relationship with your breathing both above and below the surface. These practices can also help you feel more present before a dive and settle more fully afterward.
Mobility & Balance
Mobility practices focus on the areas diving asks the most of, including the shoulders, spine, hips, hamstrings, and calves. We will also incorporate balance and stability work to support confident movement as we age, both in daily life and on a moving boat.
Restorative Yoga
Gentle post-dive and evening practices help release tension that can build through the shoulders, back, hips, and legs over consecutive dive days. The slower pace gives the body and nervous system time to settle, rest, and feel ready for the next day.
The Freedom of Being Looked After
From the moment you arrive, you can exhale.
You are welcomed into a small group of women who came for the same essential reasons: to dive somewhere extraordinary, care for their bodies, and experience the ocean without rushing through it.
The week develops its own natural rhythm. You wake beside the reef, spend remarkable days in the water, move and stretch in ways that help your body feel supported, share meals and stories, and still have space to be quiet when you need it.
There is nowhere else you are supposed to be. No town to navigate, restaurant reservations to make, or competing itinerary pulling you away. For one week, the island, the weather, and the reef set the rhythm.
You do not have to wonder what comes next or whether you are missing something. Portal Mindful Retreats guides the pre-trip preparation, brings the group together, hosts the experience on site, and thoughtfully shapes the flow of the week.
Everything has been brought together so you can stop managing the trip and start living it: present in the water, comfortable in the group, and free to enjoy an adventure that feels both exhilarating and deeply restorative.
Meet Your Host & Yoga Instructor
We can't wait to meet you!
Founder & Adventure Curator
Laura Ramos
I have been scuba diving since 1995. For years, diving was what kept me grounded through a demanding career—my own form of calm, wonder, and connection, explored across underwater destinations around the world.
As I entered my 60s, I began thinking more intentionally about longevity: not because adventure was becoming smaller, but because I wanted it to remain a meaningful part of my life for decades to come. My personal goal is to still be diving in my 80s.
That desire became part of the inspiration for Portal Mindful Retreats. I create experiences that bring together the things I value most about travel: immersion in the natural world, practical care for the body, thoughtful preparation, and the connection that grows when good people share an adventure.
As your host, I bring warmth, practical care, and a genuine love of sharing the ocean with women who understand its pull. I cannot wait to meet you offshore.
Yoga Instructor
Stevie Eberle
I’m a lifelong yogi, diver, and fitness instructor who loves bringing strength, mobility, curiosity, and a little playfulness to the mat. I’ve been practicing yoga for 35 years and teaching fitness for more than 20. As a diver myself, certified in Monterey, CA, I know firsthand how good it feels to move, breathe, and reset after time in the water.
My teaching draws from Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga, with elements of Pilates and barre when they can help build core stability, hip mobility, and back strength. I’m intentional about every class, from the sequencing and the variations I offer to the music that accompanies our practice.
I’m especially passionate about offering variations that support different bodies, fitness levels, and injuries. My goal is to help you challenge yourself when it feels right, recover when you need it, and discover what your practice can do for you—both in and out of the water. My motto is simple: success is only as you define it.
I’m excited to combine three of my favorite things—yoga, travel, and the ocean—for this adventure in Belize.
What You Carry Home
You will leave with more than photos and a fuller dive log.
You may remember the moment the mainland disappeared behind you, the changing color of the water, or the first glimpse of the reef below. You may remember laughter over dinner, the relief of stretching after a full dive day, or the confidence that came from meeting a demanding experience without abandoning your own pace.
You will carry home:
-
Memories of a week immersed in the reefs and open Caribbean waters of Turneffe Atoll
-
Renewed confidence in your ability to keep saying yes to ambitious ocean adventures
-
Breathwork, mobility, balance, and restorative practices you can use on future dive trips
-
New connections with women who understand the pull of the ocean and why this kind of travel matters
-
The satisfaction of having gone somewhere remote, experienced it fully, and returned home exhilarated, refreshed, and ready for more
The island will remain where it is. But the experience of having gone that far—and discovering how capable, supported, and alive you felt there—comes home with you.
Is Wild Blue Stillness for You?
This retreat was created for women who want to continue saying yes to meaningful adventure—and who understand that caring for the body is part of what makes that possible.
Wild Blue Stillness may feel right for you if you:
-
Are a certified diver who wants a dive-forward week in one of Belize’s most distinctive marine environments
-
Are a woman in midlife or beyond who wants an active travel style designed with longevity in mind
-
Love full days in the water but appreciate knowing it is always acceptable to sit out a dive when rest feels like the better choice
-
Want to keep diving comfortably, confidently, and joyfully for years to come
-
See breathwork, mobility, balance, and restorative yoga as practical support for repeated dive days
-
Feel drawn to remote places where the reef, weather, and island shape the rhythm of the week
-
Would enjoy sharing the experience with a small group of women who understand the pull of the ocean
-
Value natural connection without constant group activity or forced bonding
This retreat may not be the best fit if you:
-
Prefer a town-based stay with restaurants, shopping, and a wide range of outside activities
-
Want a party-focused or nightlife-centered trip
-
Smoke, because Blackbird Caye is a non-smoking property
-
Prefer to build your own itinerary and set your own schedule
-
Are uncomfortable with the realities of a remote island reached by boat or private air charter
You do not need to arrive already knowing anyone. You do need to be comfortable sharing a remote island rhythm, approaching the experience with flexibility, and participating in a small community with kindness and respect.
Turneffe Atoll Beneath the Surface
Turneffe Atoll is a living mosaic of coral reef, mangrove forest, seagrass beds, lagoons, and open Caribbean water. Beneath the surface, that diversity becomes a changing landscape of coral-covered walls, shallow gardens, ridges, caves, channels, and dramatic drop-offs into the blue.
A Week of Remarkable Variety
With more than 70 dive sites around the atoll, the week can move from silverside-filled caves and coral canyons to sponge-covered walls, sandy patches, wrecks, and gentle reef slopes.
Signature sites such as Silver Caves, Turtle Ridge, Coral Gardens, the Witconcrete Wreck, and The Elbow each reveal a different side of Turneffe. One dive may be remembered for its scale. Another may stay with you because of a perfectly camouflaged creature tucked into the reef.
Marine Life, Large and Small
Depending on the site and conditions, we may encounter turtles, eagle rays, sharks, moray eels, groupers, barracuda, jacks, tarpon, lobsters, crabs, sea slugs, and schools of tropical fish.
Some dives are about the scale of a wall disappearing into blue water. Others are about the quiet thrill of noticing what is small, hidden, and easily missed. That variety gives every day in the water its own character.
Belize’s Iconic Dive Sites
One of the gifts of staying on the atoll is the chance to explore Turneffe in depth rather than experience it as a single day trip.
A full-day adventure takes us beyond Turneffe to Lighthouse Reef Atoll for three of Belize’s best-known dives: the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Wall, and the Aquarium.
The Great Blue Hole offers a completely different underwater experience among immense geological formations. Half Moon Caye Wall and the Aquarium return us to vibrant reef diving with corals, schooling fish, rays, turtles, and the possibility of sharks.
Advanced Open Water certification or an accepted equivalent is required for the Great Blue Hole dive. Participation in the excursion is also subject to weather, sea conditions, and the dive operator’s safety decisions.
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |  |
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Your Remote Island Home
Blackbird Caye Resort
Blackbird Caye is a small, remote island resort with oceanfront, air-conditioned accommodations created for people who come to spend their days in and around the water. Its PADI 5 Star Dive Resort designation brings accommodations and a full-service dive operation together in one extraordinary setting.
Depending on category, rooms include a private or shared porch, hammock, private bathroom, sitting area, coffee setup, and Caribbean views. Private accommodations are prioritized for solo travelers.
Shared occupancy is available only to two women booking together. Portal Mindful Retreats does not match roommates.
The resort provides three meals each day: buffet-style breakfast and lunch, followed by a three-course dinner with a choice of entrées. Coffee, tea, and juices are included. Bar drinks are available separately.
Between dives, you can enjoy the oceanside pool, kayaks, paddleboards, hammocks, or simply the quiet of the island. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge, but this is a place where stepping away from constant connectivity comes naturally.
There are no nearby restaurants, shops, or town centers. That remoteness is central to the experience—and an important part of deciding whether the retreat is right for you.
If you have dietary restrictions, please tell us when booking. We will communicate your needs to the resort in advance and do our best to help you feel well cared for throughout the week.
Pricing & What's Included
Everything needed for a deeply immersive week has been brought together in one complete retreat experience.
Cabana Types
All cabanas are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with showers, in-room safes, and coffee pots.
Beach Villa
The newest villas on the caye offer generous space and full views of the Caribbean Sea. Each has one king-size or two queen beds, a mini-fridge, and a private seating area.
SCUBA DIVER RATES
Private: $5,500
Shared: $4,900 per person
Deluxe Cabana
Set among foliage, flowers, and steps from the Caribbean Sea, the Deluxe Cabana has a king-size bed, living room and dinette area, private porch, and hammock.
SCUBA DIVER RATES
Private: $5,200
Shared: $4,600 per person
Superior Cabana
The coral reef is just steps away. Each Superior Cabana has one king-size or two queen beds, a sitting area, a mini-fridge, a private porch, and a hammock.
SCUBA DIVER RATES
Private: $5,100
Shared: $4,500 per person
Triplex Cabana
These private rooms open onto a shared porch. One room has one king-size and one queen-size bed; two rooms have two queen-size beds.
SCUBA DIVER RATES
Private: $4,800
Shared: $4,200 per person
Certified Divers Package Includes
-
Seven nights in an oceanfront, air-conditioned cabana
-
Saturday ground and boat transfers between Belize City and Blackbird Caye
-
Three meals per day, plus coffee, tea, and juices
-
Three dives per day
-
Valet dive service, including tank and weight setup between dives
-
Daily yoga, breathwork, mobility, balance work, and restorative movement
-
Dedicated yoga instructor traveling with the group
-
Small hosted group of 10–12 women
-
Complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards
-
Required Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve fee
-
Belize tourism tax
Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive the Great Blue Hole. We will review your certification and experience during the pre-booking conversation.
If it has been more than one year since your last dive, a refresher may be recommended or required. Tell us when requesting your invitation so we can help you plan appropriately.
Not Included
-
International airfare to and from the retreat destination
-
Travel insurance, which is required
-
Diver accident insurance, which is required
-
Scuba or snorkel equipment rental
-
Nitrox
-
Great Blue Hole Marine Reserve fee, charged only to guests who participate in the Blue Hole excursion.
-
Bar drinks
-
Gratuities for resort, restaurant, dive, and boat staff
-
Dive courses, refresher sessions, or certification upgrades
-
Private air-charter transfers or transfers outside the included Saturday schedule
-
Optional activities outside the retreat package
-
Personal expenses
Gear Rentals & Fees
-
Nitrox: $90 per week
-
BCD: $15 per day or $90 per week
-
Regulator: $15 per day or $90 per week
-
Wetsuit: $15 per day or $90 per week
-
Mask, fins, and snorkel set: $15 per day or $90 per week
-
Dive computer: $20 per day or $120 per week
-
Great Blue Hole reserve fee: $40 per participant
A dive computer is required. Rental prices and reserve fees are subject to change.
The Rhythm of the Week
Day 1 — Saturday Arrival
→ Arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City (before 1:30 pm)
→ Meet the Blackbird Caye transfer team
→ Ground transfer to the boat departure point
3:00 pm — Boat transfer to Turneffe Atoll
→ Resort arrival and check-in
5:30 pm — Appetizers at the Palapa Bar / Group welcome and orientation
6:30 pm — Three-course dinner
8:30 pm — Optional evening wind-down practice
Days 2–7 — Diving, Island Time, and Mindful Movement
6:30 am — Optional breathwork and gentle stretching
7:00 am — Breakfast buffet
8:30 am — First morning dive
10:00 am — Self-serve snacks
11:00 am — Second morning dive
1:00 pm — Lunch buffet
2:30 pm — Afternoon dive
4:00 pm — Optional restorative yoga
5:30 pm — Appetizers at the Palapa Bar
6:30 pm — Three-course dinner
8:30 pm — Optional evening wind-down practice
→ The package includes 3 daily dives. Guests are welcome to participate in all scheduled dives, and it is also completely acceptable to sit one out when rest feels like the better choice.
→ One day is generally devoted to the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, and Aquarium excursion. The exact schedule is determined by Blackbird Caye and may shift based on weather and sea conditions.
Day 8 — Saturday Departure
7:00 am — Breakfast
8:00 am — Boat and ground transfer to Belize City
→ Depart Belize City after 12:30 pm — the resort’s recommended flight window
Deposit and Payment Schedule
This retreat is offered through a personal, small-group booking process.
The first step is a brief video conversation so we can learn more about your diving experience, answer your questions, discuss room preferences, and make sure the retreat feels like the right fit for everyone.
After the conversation, invited guests may reserve a place with a $500 deposit, applied toward the total retreat cost.
The retreat is limited to 12 paying guests and requires a minimum of 10 confirmed guests to proceed.
Payment schedule:
-
$500 nonrefundable deposit due at booking
-
February 1, 2027: 50% of the remaining retreat balance
-
May 1, 2027: final balance due
Guests who book after a payment deadline must bring their account current at the time of booking. All payments must be received by the stated deadlines to maintain the reservation.
Cancellation Policy
Guest-Initiated Cancellation:
The $500 reservation deposit is nonrefundable.
For cancellations received:
-
On or before January 31, 2027: Payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded, less any nonrecoverable supplier costs and payment-processing fees.
-
February 1 through March 15, 2027: 50% of the total retreat price is nonrefundable.
-
On or after March 16, 2027: All payments are nonrefundable.
Travel insurance is required and should include trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and evacuation coverage.
Force Majeure or Minimum Enrollment
If Portal Mindful Retreats cancels the retreat or does not reach the minimum enrollment, payments made directly to Portal Mindful Retreats will be refunded.
Complete cancellation, transfer, and payment terms are included in the booking agreement.
Request an Invitation
If you feel the pull of this experience, request an invitation.
Wild Blue Stillness is limited to twelve women. Submit your request below, and I'll follow up directly to learn about your diving experience and answer your questions. If you'd prefer, we can also begin with a relaxed video conversation — a chance to get to know each other and explore whether this is the adventure you've been waiting for.
This will be one of the very first Portal Mindful Retreats journeys. The women who join us will become part of the story from its beginning — connected by the decision to say yes before the path was familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions
© 2026 by Portal Mindful Retreats. San Francisco, CA
California Seller of Travel No. 2171554-70 - Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.