Accessibility, mobility limits and dietary needs at a wellness retreat: what to tell us when you apply

Many people hesitate before applying for a retreat because they are not sure they can take part: a knee that does not bend well, a cane, a tree nut allergy, a gluten-free diet, a way of eating you have kept up for years. The worry is reasonable, and it is better settled before you reserve than after you arrive.

What we do know: lodging, meals and coaching sessions are part of the retreat. Tell us on your application about any food allergies, dietary patterns, mobility needs and injuries, so we know what you need.

What we do not promise yet: a specific accommodation or diet that we have not confirmed with you. That is why this page does not say “wheelchair accessible” or “gluten-free menu”. We would rather be clear than make a promise we cannot keep.

The first cohort has 10 places. It is held at a hacienda in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, for 5 days starting November 15, 2026. The retreat is held in English.

About the lodging:

Simple, comfortable lodging at the hacienda. Room details, including whether rooms are shared or private, are confirmed in your acceptance email.

If you need a room or access with particular features (for example, avoiding stairs, or sleeping on a ground floor), say so on your application. We cannot promise it without confirming it with you.

The retreat includes mobility coaching. It is movement coaching: it does not diagnose or treat. The retreat is open to everyone, at any fitness level. For the difference between mobility and flexibility, read mobility vs flexibility.

This is not rehab or physical therapy, and it does not promise any result. If you have an injury, pain that limits certain movements or recent surgery, tell us on your application.

So we know what you need, it helps to tell us:

On accessibility in general, this is what we say today:

Tell us about your mobility, dietary or other access needs on the application, and we will work with you on what is possible.

We do not assume that the setting or every activity works for every kind of mobility. Tell us what you need and we will answer plainly.

Meals are part of the retreat. About the style of food:

Fresh, home-style meals built around whole foods, with Puerto Rican flavors. Tell us about allergies and food preferences on your application.

Tell us on your application about food allergies and dietary patterns. That includes, for example, allergy to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, egg, milk or soy; celiac disease or gluten sensitivity; lactose intolerance; vegetarian or vegan eating; and restrictions for faith or health reasons.

With an allergy, precision matters. Tell us what you are allergic to, what reaction you have had, and whether your doctor has prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. If so, bring it and let us know. We do not promise an allergen-free kitchen or to avoid all cross-contact; what we ask is that you give us your full information on your application.

If you follow a diet your doctor set (for example, for diabetes, celiac disease or kidney disease), tell us that too. See joining a retreat with a chronic condition.

The retreat includes educational nutrition sessions. They are education and habits, not a diet plan, not a weight-loss program and not treatment. If the way you eat is limited by an allergy, a belief or a medical condition, tell us on your application.

For a general sense of the approach, read functional nutrition: what it is and is not.

The process is simple. You apply for your place online and tell us your needs. If you are accepted, you reserve your place with a deposit.

A deposit reserves your place. The amount and terms are confirmed in your acceptance email.

For the step-by-step, read how to apply for your place at the retreat. For other decision questions, see is a wellness retreat right for you?.