Guides
Is this wellness retreat right for you?
A wellness retreat is probably right for you if you want a few days of rest and routine in a small group, and you are comfortable with a program in English. The retreat is open to everyone: women, men, couples, solo travelers and adults of any age. It is not medical treatment, it does not replace your own doctor, and it is not mental health care. If you are pregnant or your health changed lately, talk to us first.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Pay now, then choose your time right away. Full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more ahead.
See the cancellation policy
You can cancel for a full refund or change the time up to 24 hours before your visit. Within 24 hours you can't cancel and there's no refund. If you don't join in the first 10 minutes, there's no refund.
If you choose a time less than 24 hours away, it can't be cancelled or changed.
If the clinic can't see you, for example because of a technical problem on our side, we refund you in full.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life: call or text 988, or call Línea PAS at 1-800-981-0023
- Low mood most days for two weeks or more: talk to a health professional first
- Chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath: call 911
Help lines
Open to everyone
The retreat is open to everyone: women, men, couples, solo travelers, friends and family, and adults of any age. There are no restricted cohorts and no places held for one kind of guest.
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.
Find your starting point
This page helps you decide; each guide below answers one specific situation. Pick the one closest to yours:
- Tired or overworked: burnout retreat
- Coming alone: wellness retreat for solo travelers
- Coming with a partner: wellness retreat for couples
- Coming with friends or family: group wellness retreat
- Wondering whether it is women-only (it is not): wellness retreat for women
- In menopause, midlife or over 50: midlife wellness retreat
- Interested in yoga and meditation: yoga and meditation retreat
- Want a break from your phone: digital detox retreat
- Questions about metabolic health or weight: metabolic health retreat
- Curious about longevity: longevity retreat
- Want to know what the doctor does: medical wellness retreat
- Want the day-to-day: what to expect at the retreat
What the retreat is and is not
It is a planned break, in person and in a small group, to rest, move, learn about nutrition and talk with a physician about your health and habits. To avoid misunderstandings, here is what it is not:
- Not medical treatment for any condition.
- Not a replacement for your own doctor, who stays in charge of your care.
- Not a weight-loss program.
- Not a detox.
- Not mental health care.
- Not rehab or physical therapy.
What it asks of you
A trip like this comes with a few commitments. These are the main ones.
Travel to Puerto Rico. According to USAGov, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. If you are not a U.S. citizen, check the entry requirements that apply to you before you book.
Take part in English. The retreat is held in English and is planned for travelers from the mainland US.
Apply first, then reserve. You apply online; 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.
Tell us what we need to know. Allergies, food restrictions, mobility or access needs: tell us when you apply so we can plan with you.
Tell us about your mobility, dietary or other access needs on the application, and we will work with you on what is possible.
Examples of what the area offers and what the days may include: a walk in El Yunque rainforest, time at Luquillo beach, a gentle stretching session, and relaxed evenings outdoors. The activities for your cohort are confirmed with accepted guests.
The price is US$4,500 per person and applications close November 5, 2026. See what a wellness retreat includes and costs.
A six-question self-check
There is no score and no right answer. If you say yes to most of these, the retreat probably fits; if you hesitate on one, that is the question worth talking through with us before you apply.
The six questions:
- Do you prefer rest and routine to a packed itinerary?
- Are you comfortable in a small group?
- Are you comfortable moving every day, at your own pace? U.S. physical activity guidelines say to move more and sit less, and that some activity is better than none.
- Do you take medications you must keep taking? Tell us when you apply, and see also traveling with medications.
- Is your health stable right now?
- Are you comfortable with a program in English?
Talk to us first if
These situations are not a list of people who cannot come. They simply call for a conversation before you apply, so we can plan your week safely. Before you apply, call or write to us if:
- You are pregnant.
- You had surgery recently.
- You have a condition that is not stable or that changed recently.
- You were in the hospital recently.
- You have mobility needs we should plan for.
If you are in a crisis, or have felt low for weeks
This retreat is not mental health care. If you are in a crisis, or you have felt low most days, talk to a health professional first. In a crisis, call or text [988](tel:988) or call Línea PAS at 1-800-981-0023, any time of day. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Outside Puerto Rico, call or text 988.
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Is the retreat only for women, couples or people over 50?
Can men come?
Can I come if I have a chronic condition?
Is a wellness retreat for beginners, or for people who are not fit?
Is it a spa?
Is it medical treatment?
Is the retreat held in English?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-10 · Updated: 2026-10-11
Sources (4)
- Do you need a passport to travel to or from U.S. territories? (USAGov) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-10)
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: top 10 things to know (ODPHP) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-10)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-10)
- Línea PAS (ASSMCA, in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-10)