COMO PARROT CAY: SELF-DISCOVERY IN THE SANCTUARY OF TURKS AND CAICOS
In the second quarter of 2023, be enchanted by the natural beauty of Turks and Caicos and take part in grounding yoga and Pilates activities curated by guest teacher James Rafael.
Nestled in lush tropical foliage, southeast of Miami, lies COMO Parrot Cay. In 2023, the Caribbean private island resort is offering an energising experience of yoga specifically designed to help guests connect with their inner selves while immersed in the natural beauty of Turks and Caicos.
In the second quarter of 2023, COMO will host yoga teacher James Rafael — who brings more than 15 years of experience in yoga, qigong, taichi, and meditation — to lead the grounding retreat.
Guests will also have access to the resort's wide-ranging wellness services, including Pilates and massage and body therapy. Combined with the daily practices led by James Rafael and the charm of COMO Parrot Cay, this retreat is set to be a transformative experience.
meet James Rafael
For James, practise — whether in the form of yoga or mindfulness — represents freedom, strength and healing. At the heart of his work is a genuine passion for movement and meditation, which he says has changed his life.
His journey began in 2009. After just one year in the corporate world, James realised he was already burnt out, partying too much and suffering from panic attacks.
Meditation and yoga saved him from these self-destructive behaviours. Over the years, as his practice developed, James increasingly felt the desire to share his learnings and bring about positive change for others.
His teaching ethos is backed by certifications from the British Wheel of Yoga, Yoga Alliance, Triyoga Teacher Training Diploma and Mindfulness Training Institute. James is also certified by Sifu Mathew Cohen to teach qigong.
In addition, James keeps up to date with the latest contemporary and scientific understanding of movement, anatomy and biomechanics and incorporates them into his teaching.
By encouraging curiosity and drawing on his wealth of personal and professional experience, James ensures that his students leave each class feeling empowered and represented.
between nature and wellness
Guests at the retreat not only enjoy twice-daily yoga but also get to immerse themselves in the tranquil private beaches of COMO Parrot Cay.
Surrounded by pristine beaches and tucked away in a private island rich in hidden coves and reefs, COMO Parrot Cay is a 1,000-acre luxury resort with a colonial-style finish, complete with beach-house interiors and contemporary minimalism by British designer Keith Hobbs.
The resort takes full advantage of its location and features sun-soaked rooms overlooking landscaped gardens, white sand dunes, and uninterrupted sea views. Complimentary cruiser bikes allow guests to traverse surrounding trails through tropical nature reserve, and coconut and banana plantations. Other activities include stand-up paddleboarding, wall diving, biking trails and snorkelling.
Guests also have access to the resort's exquisite COMO Shambhala facilities. The resort offers regular complimentary yoga and Pilates classes for those who wish to augment their practice with James. Guests can also unwind with a selection of massage therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and aid recovery.
a healing experience
In today's fast-paced world, it is increasingly important to treat ourselves to self-care. The retreat with James Rafael is ideal for anyone who wants to take a breather or is simply looking for a sliver of peace and tranquillity in the midst of a hectic year.
Additionally, COMO Shambhala's diverse wellness offering provides guests with a wealth of options, from outdoor activities to sophisticated cuisine.
Guests can also be assured that the practices will not feel overwhelming, as James builds on the previous day's lessons and tailors his teaching to each student's needs.
To ensure that each guest receives close attention, the number of participants is limited to a maximum of 20. Each guest will also enjoy five nights' accommodation in either the beach villas, garden rooms or private suites, as well as airport transfers by scenic car and boat rides.
Carefully crafted to leave guests calm, alert, and energised, the retreat actively engages in immersive activities deep in Turks and Caicos’ bountiful nature — a healing experience for all.
Experience wonder and wellness at COMO Parrot Cay with the illustrious guest teacher, James Rafael. Email us to join the waitlist and receive the latest wellness happenings.