The Natural Connection Experience

Create, Grow, Explore with JAE!
A Holistic Retreat in el Rincón, Dominican Republic
April 22 - 27, 2025 (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.

*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.
Click here to see last year’s full schedule.

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 ~ SOLD OUT!
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.

Early Bird Special: $4,900 total* - $5,950 after December 1st.

*25% due at booking, 75% by March 1, 2025

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?

5 Nights/6 Days Accommodations at Aventura
All Meals
Transportation from Santo Domingo Airport to Aventura*
All Details within the Itinerary

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 22, 2025 (31 days in advance of check in). Reservations that are cancelled by March 22, 2025 will receive a 50% refund. There are no refunds for cancellations after March 22, 2025.

What about COVID-19?

Currently, the Dominican Republic does not require you to have a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the country. By participating in the retreat, you assume full responsibility for your health. In the event you select to be tested and your results are positive, you assume the responsibility to find secondary lodging at your own expense. This is why we require travel insurance. We will keep you up to date if the Dominican Republic changes it COVID-19 policy.

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!