Brainspotting, Surfing & Yoga Hawaii Retreat
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
RETREAT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. CHECK BACK SOON FOR LATER DATES.
Join Dr. Lenore Matthew, Certified Brainspotting Practitioner, Certified Yoga Instructor (YT-200), Dr. of Social Work specializing in Brain/Body/Spirit health, and Hawaii resident, for four days of movement, nature, light, and expansion in one of the most beautiful places in the world.​
Brainspotting
1 private session + 4 group sessions with Dr. Lenore
Brainspotting is a cutting-edge, evidence-based, neuroscience-meets-intuition method for deep emotional healing and profound expansion of positivity and joy. A derivative of EMDR, Brainspotting is fast-acting and the results are lasting.
Guests will receive one private, in-person, 60-minute Brainspotting session with Dr. Lenore, and four 30-minute Group Brainspotting sessions, held in a collective setting in front of the ocean.
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It’s highly recommended that you have at least one Brainspotting session with Dr. Lenore before the retreat, to ensure the modality is a good fit for you — and to get you excited about the Brainspotting, because it's truly life-changing!
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If you would like to schedule a virtual Brainspotting session with Dr. Lenore before the retreat, you can do so here.
Surfing Lessons + Professional Photos
2 surfing lessons with an experienced certified instructor
Aiming at beginner surfers with little to no previous experience, you will receive two, two-hour surf lessons with experienced instructors from our partner surf school, Stoke Drift. All instructors are Red Cross and CPR-certified, and have extensive surfing and teaching experience.
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While the retreat is geared towards new surfers, more experienced surfers are also welcome. Those surfers will still join the lessons, to learn the breaks, but will be given more flexibility in the water.
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You will surf in groups of three retreat guests to one instructor, guaranteeing individual attention and focus, while also having others to share the experience with.
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The surf school will take professional photos while you're surfing, capturing great shots of you on the board and in the water capturing incredible memories and making for once-in-a-lifetime souvenirs.
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You can learn more about Stoke Drift Surf School at www.stokedrift.com.
Outdoor, Oceanfront Yoga
4 yoga classes, 2 active & 2 restorative
Dr. Lenore believes in the power of movement, and yoga is one of the most potent ways to process energy and keep the body, mind, and spirit alive. At the retreat, you will enjoy four yoga classes in total, two of which will be more grounded and restorative flows, and two of which will be more active vinyasa flows.
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All levels of yoga are welcome.
Private Accommodation at the Iconic Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Enjoy your private room with a balcony and sweeping views of Honolulu city
Each guest will have a private room with two queen beds and a balcony overlooking the city of Honolulu.
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Located a two-minute walk from the beach, the Queen Kapiolani is situated just on the edge of Waikiki, offering a quiet yet perfectly situated space to rest. The hotel offers some of the best views of Waikiki, especially from the roofdeck pool, which backs up to the ocean and Diamond Head mountain.
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Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, an art gallery of portraits of Hawaiian royalty, a top-class bar and restaurant (called The Deck), and a coffee Bar (Knott's Roaster). In the lobby you will also have find a tour desk and other watersport rentals (stand-up paddling, etc.).
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Click on the photo gallery below to see more. The photos show the hotel pool deck in front of Diamond Head, the hotel art gallery, the hotel from outside, and the private double queen rooms each guest will stay in.
Rest and relax at the hotel pool and its incredible view of Diamond Head Mountains (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian).
Visit the hotel art gallery, which features portraits of the Royal Hawaiian Family,
A view of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel at dusk. The hotel is located just a two-minute walk to the beach.
Each guest will have a private room with two queen beds and a balcony overlooking the city.
The Program
Brainspotting, Surfing & Outdoor Yoga in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii's most iconic surf spot
Day 1​ (half day)
Guests arrive and check in at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel at 4 p.m. Please plan on arriving at the hotel by 3:30 p.m. at the latest, to ensure your presence at the retreat events beginning at 4:30 p.m.
At around 4:30 p.m., after guests have checked in, we will take a 10-minute walk together to our oceanside spot, where Dr. Lenore will open the retreat with a welcome, and then lead you through your first seaside yoga flow and group Brainspotting session.
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The yoga flow will be a 50-minute Yin/Yang practice. It will include some higher-intensity standing postures followed by cooling restorative postures on the ground.
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The group Brainspotting practice will be held with all retreat guests, with the sunset on the ocean as our backdrop.
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Yoga and Group Brainspotting will end around 6:15 p.m. From there, guests are free for dinner on their own.
Day 2 (full day)
Guests may begin their day by indulging in their fresh local fruit basket for breakfast in their room, perhaps pairing it with a coffee from Knots Coffee Roasters in the lobby.
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We will meet at 7 a.m. in the lobby for a 20 to 25-minute walk through Waikiki to our surf spot and meet your instructors from our partner surf school, Stoke Drift. The walk will take guests through the entire Waikiki area, giving Dr. Lenore a chance to point out must-dos, including top restaurants, shops, entertainment, and best spots to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunset.
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From 8 to 10 a.m., all guests will have their first surf lesson! Lessons are provided by our partner surf school, Stoke Drift. There will be one instructor per three guests, ensuring you receive plenty of assistance and instruction to catch some waves! Surf lessons are geared towards beginners, and safety and basic skills will be taught at the beginning of your lesson.
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Surfing will include photos, memorializing your time on the water!
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After the surf lesson, three guests will have their private, one-on-one, 60-minute Brainspotting sessions with Dr. Lenore, held at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. The other three guests are free to explore Waikiki or other parts of the Honolulu area, lounge by the pool, or hit the beach.
There are endless things to do in the area, including stand-up paddling, snorkeling, and hiking. Dr. Lenore will provide more information on Day 1 on how you might spend your free time!
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Around 4:30 p.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby and walk back to our outdoor, oceanfront yoga spot.
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Yoga this evening will be a slow, gentle, grounded Restorative Yoga flow (50 minutes).
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We will conclude with our second Group Brainspotting session, gazing toward the ocean at sunset (30 minutes).
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Our time together for the day concludes around 6:15 p.m., and from there, guests are free for dinner on their own.
Day 3 (full day)
Day 3 follows the same plan as Day 2, except private, one-on-one Brainspotting switches. Those who received their private session on Day 2 will have today free to explore and relax. Those who already had their free day will receive their deep session today!
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Like yesterday, we'll meet around 7 a.m. for the 20 to 25-minute walk to the surf break. From 8 to 10 a.m., you'll have your second lesson, growing your surf skills even more!
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After the surf lesson, the remaining three guests will have their private, one-on-one Brainspotting sessions with Dr. Lenore, held at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. The other three guests are free to explore Waikiki or other parts of the Honolulu area, lounge by the pool, hit the beach, or take a hike.
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Like yesterday, around 4:30 p.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby and walk back to our outdoor, oceanfront yoga spot.
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Yoga this evening will again be a slow, gentle, grounded, Restorative Yoga flow (50 minutes).
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We will conclude with our third Group Brainspotting session, gazing toward the ocean at sunset (30 minutes).
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Our time together for the day concludes around 6:15 p.m., and from there, guests are free for dinner on their own.
Day 4 (half day)
On our final morning, we will meet around 8 a.m. in the lobby to take one last walk back to our oceanfront spot for a yoga flow and Group Brainspotting.
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The yoga flow this morning will be an invigorating Sunrise Flow, a mix of higher-intensity standing postures followed by a grounded cool-down.
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We will conclude with one last Group Brainspotting session, integrating and bringing home all that was enjoyed over the retreat.
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We will have a final debrief, and then head bacl to the hotel to prepare for departure.
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Guests will check-out by 11 a.m.
Day 1 (half day)
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Hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m.
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From 4:30 p.m., evening outdoor, oceanfront Yin/Yang yoga (medium intensity).
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Group Brainspotting session.
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Dinner on your own.
Day 2 (full day)
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Breakfast at hotel. Local fresh fruit and baked goods provided.
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Two-hour morning group surf lesson.
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Individual one-hour Brainspotting sessions with Dr. Lenore for 3 guests. Free time for the other 3 guests.
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Evening oceanfront Restorative Yoga (low intensity; 50 minutes).
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Evening oceanfront Group Brainspotting session (30 minutes).
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Lunch and dinner on your own.
Program at a Glance
Day 3 (full day)
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Breakfast at hotel. Local fresh fruit and baked goods provided.
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Two-hour morning group surf lesson.
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Individual one-hour Brainspotting sessions with Dr. Lenore for remaining 3 guests. Free time for the the 3 guests who receiving their private sessions the previous day.
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Evening oceanfront Restorative Yoga (low intensity; 50 minutes).
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Evening oceanfront Group Brainspotting session (30 minutes).
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Lunch and dinner on your own.
Day 4 (half day)
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Breakfast at hotel. Local fresh fruit and baked goods provided.
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Morning oceanfront Sunrise Yoga (medium intensity, 50 minutes).
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Morning Group Brainspotting session (30 minutes).
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Guests check out by 11 a.m.
The Logistics
The Location
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
The retreat is located in the area of Waikiki, one of the most ideal places in the world for beginner surfers. The mountains meet the sea at Waikiki, with the beautiful emerald Diamond Head Mountain (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian) lining the coast. Waikiki boasts a string of beatiful, very safe beaches, perfect for surfing as well as swimming, stand-up paddling, and snorkeling.
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Waikiki is an area within the city of Honolulu, which is located on the island of Oahu. Hawaii is a U.S. state made up of eight main islands, including Oahu.
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Every Hawaiian island has its own flavor, and Oahu is known for its excellent surfing, beautiful hikes, delicious cuisine, social scene, and easy access from the mainland US and the rest of the world.
Waikiki has some of the best restaurants in the Pacific and fantastic shopping for goods specific to Hawaii, including surf gear, locally designed Aloha wear (the airy island clothing we wear here), and souvenirs.
With an average temperature in the 80s Fahrenheit year-round, it truly is paradise!
Getting There
Arrive into Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Guests should plan to fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Any other airport arrival would be on another island in Hawaii.
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Hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m. and retreat activities begin on Thursday at 4:30 p.m., so please schedule your flight accordingly.
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Guests are responsible for arranging their transportation from the airport to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki, our home base for the retreat. Waikiki is about 15 to 20 minutes away by car from the airport. Uber and Lyft are available on the top floor at Departures, and taxis are just outside the baggage claim area on the ground floor. Taxis will cost about $50-60, and Uber/Lyft will cost around $30-40, depending on the time of day.
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Guests are responsible for their own airfare and transportation to the hotel.
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All guests arriving from outside the US are responsible for their visas and other documentation.
Who Is the Retreat For? What Level of Experience Are Guests Expected to Have?
Some experience with Brainspotting, preferably with Dr. Lenore.
Beginner Surfing. All Levels Yoga.
Brainspotting Level & Experience
It’s highly recommended that you have at least one Brainspotting session with Dr. Lenore before the retreat, to ensure the modality is a good fit for you.​
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Surfing Level & Experience
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Surfing is geared towards beginners. You’ll be working with experienced surf instructors from our partner surf school, Stoke Drift, who will teach you all you need to know!
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If you are a more experienced surfer, you will still go out with the surf instructors, who will teach you about the surf break. However, you'll be given more flexibility in the water and less instruction.
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You will be surfing at a beach that is largely sandbar and popular with beginner surfers. This is one of the safest places in the world to learn how to surf.
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All guests MUST know how to swim in order to surf with the retreat. This is a requirement from the surf school, and all guests will be required to sign a waiver as well as an acknowledgment form stating that they can swim.
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Yoga Level & Experience
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All levels of yoga are welcome, and modifications will offered to accommodate all bodies. The yoga classes will be a mix of Restorative, which is a gentle type of flow done on the ground, and more active flows, which will require standing postures and call for more balance and some upper- and lower-body strength.
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Overall Physical Demands
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This is a fairly physically-active retreat, and while guests can take it at their own pace and there is time for relaxation, we will be moving quite a bit. Each day includes a yoga class, and Days 2 and 3 include two hours of surfing and walking to and from the surf break (a pleasant 20 to 25-minute walk each way).
What Should I Wear for Surfing?
Rashguard or Active Swimsuit with Sleeves is Recommended
Although some people surf Waikiki just in a swimming suit, we recommend wearing a rashguard (for men and women) or a one-piece active swimsuit with long sleeves (for women). This will protect you from rashes getting on and off the board and from the sun. You can buy a rashguard or a one-piece suit with sleeves online or at any number of surf shops in Waikiki, including Billabong, Roxy/Quicksilver, Stoke House, Rip Curl, or Volcom.
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The water is warm year-round in Hawaii and a wetsuit is not necessary or advised.
Dates
TBD
The retreat is currently closed. Future dates will be shared. Please check back!
Investment
Cost of the Retreat
For a private bedroom with two queen beds for one person, the cost of the retreat is $2250 (USD) per person.
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To save your spot, a deposit of $500 (USD) per person is required. The remaining balance of $1750 is due four weeks before.
Space is limited to six people.
What's Included
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Three nights' accommodation in a private room with a balcony and city view at the iconic Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
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One private, in-person, 60-minute Brainspotting session with Dr. Lenore.
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Four 30-minute Group Brainspotting sessions.
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Four outdoor, oceanfront yoga classes.
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Two, two-hour surf lessons led by Stoke Drift Surf School.
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Profressional photographs of you surfing, taken by Stoke Drift during your lessons.
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Surfboard rental.
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Yoga mat.
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Breakfast basket with a selection of fresh local Hawaiian fruits and baked goods.
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A welcome gift from Hawaii.
What's Not Included
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Airfare.
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Lunches and dinners. This decision was made to help keep your costs down (providing group meals proved to be more expensive per person when final costs were added in) and to allow guests more flexibility to make the retreat their own.
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Airport transfer to and from the hotel.
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Assistance with visas. Anyone traveling from outside the US is responsible for their visa and other travel documents.
