The Natural Connection Experience

Create, Grow, Explore with JAE!
A Holistic Retreat in el Rincón, Dominican Republic
Monday, April 20 - Saturday, April 25, 2026 (5 nights!)

Your retreat ticket directly supports JAE’s mission and free programming to support the liberating power of Haitian-folkloric dance to cultivate hope, healing, and justice. Retreat profits will go straight back to JAE programming.

Create New Connections, Grow Your Self-Awareness, and Explore the Nourishing Beauty of Nature through the Natural Connection Experience, a Holistic Retreat in El Rincón, DR.

Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) has partnered with Aventura Rincon Ecolodge to host an inclusive and unique 5 night retreat experience dedicated to fostering holistic wellness and liberation through practices that are rooted in the traditions of Haitian Folkloric culture and dance.

JAE, a nonprofit contemporary dance company, has designed this retreat in service of its mission to cultivate hope and healing towards a more expressive and socially just world. If you are looking for a soul healing experience while gaining a deeper understanding of Haitian culture and dance, this retreat is for you.

*If you reside in the Dominican Republic please reach out to learn about a special rate! 
**Please note this retreat will only run with a minimum of 10 participants.

Accommodations:
Adventure and simplicity in harmony with nature

Nestled in the coastal paradise of Rincon, Samana, Aventura Rincon Ecolodge, provides a safe haven for healing that is surrounded by peace and lush tropical gardens. Living accommodations will model the traditions of the Lakou system of communal family living – a practice that grew into a tool for preserving history, culture, and safeguarding against oppression after Haiti’s historic revolution.

The Ecolodge has 8 wooden communal-style cabins with twin and double beds, ensuite bathrooms, and rainwater showers. Installations include an entertainment lounge, communal bathrooms, outdoor pool, and a large kitchen. There is an organic vegetable and fruit garden as well as tranquil areas with hammocks and secluded spaces, that are quiet and safe so that guests can simply enjoy them to read, rest, meditate or go for a walk.

Regenerative living, certified in Sustainable Tourism & Biodiversity!

Program: 

JAE company dancers and educators have curated a special 5-night program for up to 30 guests. Daily activities are scheduled from 6am – 9pm that range from Haitian Folkloric and African Diasporic dance classes accompanied with live drumming and music, yoga, stretching, meditation, and several nature excursions. Meals and transportation to/from ecolodge are all covered by the program fee. This soul-nourishing week is designed for adults, but please contact us if you would like to chat about bringing your children.

Schedule:

See a sample of what a day at The Natural Connection Experience can look like.

Sample of a day at TNCE:

• 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM Coffee, tea, fruits. 

• 7:00 AM Morning beach run or walk (optional).

• 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Full breakfast.

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Cultivation & Planting with drummers playing Djouba.

• 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Afro-Contemporary Dance with Drumming.

• 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Break/Transition.

• 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM South African Traditional Dance with drummers.

• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Water/Snack Break.

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Veve Drawing with Drummers leading.

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch.

• 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Beach.

• 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Break.

• 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Haitian Folkloric Dance with Drummers.

• 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM Break.

• 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Dinner.

• 8:45 PM Spiritual drinks, other alcohol, and bonfire.

🌴Select your stay🌴

Cabaña Bobo
This cabaña-bungalow sleeps up to six people in a two-story cabin, with a Queen bed upstairs and a Queen size bunkbed downstairs. Complete with a private bathroom. Perfect for you and friends! Please note to sleep up to 6 people, 4 people would be sharing a Queen size bunkbed.

If you plan to have more than 3 people in the cabin, please email Tammi at admin@jeanappolonexpressions.org.

Early Bird Special: $5,000 total* - $5,950 after January 16.

Final payment due March 20, 2026.

Important Details:

What airport should I fly into?

Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ), officially known as Las Américas International Airport. Please wait to book your flight until the JAE team reaches out to all registered TNCE guests via email with suggested flights.

Recommended Flights

To take advantage of the included group transportation, please use the following guidelines for Las Américas International Airport (SDQ):

Arrival (April 20th)

• Recommended Landing: No later than 9:30 AM on Monday April 20th.

• Boston Direct Options: JetBlue offers direct flights from Boston (BOS) to Santo Domingo (SDQ). We recommend the late night departure on April 19th to ensure you arrive in time for the 11:00 AM shuttle on April 20th.

• Pro Tip: Many guests choose to fly in a full day early (April 19th) and stay a night in Santo Domingo or at a hotel near the airport (like the Hampton by Hilton or Four Points). This is a great way to ensure a smooth, stress-free start to the trip without worrying about morning flight delays.

Departure (April 25th)

• Recommended Takeoff: After 4:00 PM.

• Timing: The shuttle leaves the lodge at 11:00 AM. With the 3 - 3.5 hour drive, you will arrive at the airport around 2:30 PM—perfect for international check-in and security for a late-afternoon flight.

What’s included in the price?

• Accommodations: 5 Nights/6 Days at Aventura Rincón Ecolodge.

• Meals: All daily meals included.

• Activities: All details and excursions listed within the itinerary.

• Ground Transportation: Round-trip transfers between Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) and Aventura.*

*Important Transportation Note: Ground transportation from Santo Domingo Airport to Aventura will depart at 11:00 AM on April 20th. Return transportation will depart Aventura for the airport by 11:00 AM on April 25th. If your flight schedule does not align with these times, you will be responsible for booking and paying for separate private transportation.

What’s not included in the price?

Airfare
Traveler’s Insurance
Alcoholic Beverages

Do I need Traveler’s Insurance?

We strongly recommend you get it! Travel Insurance will protect you from any unexpected situations that may arise, including travel delays, unexpected health experiences, and more. We suggest booking through a provider like World Nomads. 

What is the cancellation policy?

We can only accept cancellations up until March 20, 2026 (one month in advance of check in). Reservations that are cancelled by March 20, 2026 will receive a 50% refund. There are no refunds for cancellations after March 20, 2026.

Is there anything else I should know?

As of October 2022, you will have to complete a form on the Electronic Ticket portal for entering and leaving the Dominican Republic.

What if I don’t have dance experience?

Come one, come all! No prior dance experience is necessary, only the desire to move your body and gather in community!

Our spot in paradise!