The Natural Connection Experience

Create, Grow, Explore with JAE!
A Holistic Retreat in el Rincón, Dominican Republic
Monday, February 15 - Saturday, February 20, 2027 (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.

Register your interest by filling out the form below:

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.

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.

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 January 15, 2027 (one month in advance of check in). Reservations that are cancelled by January 15, 2027 will receive a 50% refund. There are no refunds for cancellations after January 15, 2027.