Inner Dimension
Okinawa Yoga Retreat #1 – Longevity Series

We will meet at The Busena Terrace Hotel in Okinawa, Japan, one of the world’s five blue zones. Click here for more detailed info on how to get there – in particular, ground transportation is fairly easy using airport limousine buses which we recommend (see more info below). Please note your flights or ground transportation from/to either Naha (OKA) Airport is not included in your ticket price and you should arrange for separately.

Okinawa is a subtropical Island which is Japan’s southernmost prefecture that’s significantly different from the rest of Japan in terms of climate, surroundings, lifestyle and culture. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era Okinawa gave birth to a rich and distinctive culture, which is quite different to that of mainland Japan. The history, and subsequently the art and culture of Okinawa, have been strongly affected by overseas influences unlike anywhere else in Japan. Through trade with China, Japan, Korea and other Southeast Asian countries in the Ryukyu era, Okinawa’s unique culture and traditions reflect a dynamic mix of characteristics and influences from various countries.

In summary, it’s an amazingly unique place to visit and one of the five blue zones of the world. However, if you’re looking to explore more traditional Japanese culture and lifestyle, we highly recommend you visit Kyoto which is known as the embodiment of traditional Japanese culture. Click HERE for details to a 3 night 4 day extension trip you can add on!*

*Please note that the extension trip will be fully planned and operated by Unplugged Japan which is an independent third-party tour company that has no direct affiliation with Inner Dimension. Therefore, Inner Dimension cannot be held liable for any of their errors or omissions.

Japan has a unique culture and rules of social engagement that many coming from other countries might not be aware of or need to adjust to. In particular, the hotel has the following policies related to tattoos and dress code you should be aware of:

Tattoos: Tattoos of any kind, even fashion tattoos or one-point tattoos, must be entirely concealed when using the lobby, restaurants, and other public spaces of the hotel. When using the pool, please wear a rash guard or other swimwear as necessary to cover your tattoo(s). Those guests with tattoos must refrain from using the spa and sauna facilities.

Fine Dining Dress Code: For men: Shirt and pants covering the knees, for women: Evening dresses or similar attire. Please note, all of our group meals included will be in a casual environment without this dress code so this is only in case you decide to enjoy fine dining options within the hotel on your own.

We’ve structured the retreat to be suitable for both newer and experienced yogis. Adjustments will be suggested for all levels, in particular during our more vigorous power yoga practices so everyone is welcome!

Weather is unpredictable and we make no guarantees, but the weather in Okinawa in October is known to be fairly mild and stable, although it can also get a bit hot and humid on sunny days. Daytime temperatures average around 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), with highs around 31 and lows around 23 degrees. Temperatures differ between day and night, so something light to cover up with may be needed in the morning or evening. But again, weather patterns are particularly unpredictable these days so make sure to check the weather report yourself closer to the trip!

We’ve reserved both options and hope to have a mix of both, but it will all depend on weather conditions. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding here. Yoga will likely be indoors.

We currently expect around 40 participants.

In addition to clothes, toiletries, and other things you would normally pack for a trip like this, we recommend you bring the following: yoga mat/meditation cushion or any other props you need for class, yoga clothes, comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, light jacket (please check the weather report and plan accordingly!), umbrella/rain jacket, bathing suit/flip flops, etc.

Rooms will generally be available for check in at 2:00 PM. Check out is at 11:00 AM for our group.

Tax and tip for all group meals, classes and activities are included in your ticket price so no need to tip separately after group meals, classes or activities. Feel free to tip support staff (for room cleaning, help with parking, etc.) at your discretion per the usual but please also know that Japanese culture prioritizes excellent service without any expectation to provide a financial tip as appreciation.

Lauren and Travis are hoping that the retreat can be an immersive experience for you to reconnect to your practice and reflect inwards. So we recommend things like journaling, walking/sitting meditation by the beach or just even rest during break times. If you’re the adventurous type and are looking for more action, click here for more info on activities. If you’re interested in spa treatments, click here for more info on the spa menu and how to book.

This retreat is about taking care of yourself so please feel free to do what feels appropriate and best for your body, mind and spirit.

The food will consist of plenty of fresh and local cuisine with a focus on longevity. We will do our best to make sure that vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available as well but please note this might be difficult in Japan and our offerings may be limited. Although it’s impossible to customize the menu to perfectly accommodate everyone’s individual requests especially in a foreign country such as Japan, we will try to account for dietary restrictions and allergies so please make sure to note them during the registration process.

Okinawa is known for its amazing cuisine, so we’ve also made sure to leave ample free time for you to explore and experience meals on your own – to the extent you don’t see a meal listed in the schedule, those meals are not included as part of the retreat or ticket price. Alcohol is not included with your ticket price but will be available onsite for separate purchase.

As far as we’re concerned, this retreat is ON! Please note, we are only human and there are always things outside of our reasonable control (such as borders closing, acts of war & terrorism, natural disasters, etc.) that might require us to change plans, but that’s what travel insurance is for and this is a risk that you would have with any travel. So the answer is, whenever you feel comfortable.

Many travelers to Japan can enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance. These include nationals from 65 countries, including the USA, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. However, everyone’s situation is different and therefore it’s on you to research and confirm any visas or other travel documentation that might be required for you to enter Japan based on your nationality, where you’re coming from, etc. Depending on your particular situation, you may need to apply for a visa, have a valid passport (that doesn’t expire for either 3 or 6 months after your scheduled departure or has empty pages left), etc. Please note that this is on you to understand and take care of based on your unique individual situation!

Yes! We recommend you take the Naha Airport Limousine Bus which will drop you off right in front of the hotel (generally it takes around 90 minutes from Naha Airport via the Airport Limousine Bus to the hotel). We will share details regarding the bus schedule and how to book with confirmed guests closer to the retreat start date. The Busena Terrace Hotel also offers private car transfers (JPY 24,000 one way) which you can book directly by emailing us at [email protected].

Even in the rare instance that Inner Dimension needs to cancel or reschedule the retreat due to “acts of god” including Covid-19 related shut downs, we will only be able to refund ticket costs at most, and would not in any instance be able to compensate you for other costs, such as flights booked, etc. Due to this concern, we highly recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance.

We suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” with your policy and include medical coverage. Many insurance policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation so please prioritize accordingly. Some credit cards also come with travel insurance benefits which you m

We don’t have a separate block for this but the hotel has told us they will try to accommodate requests to the extent they have availability. Please send an email to us at [email protected] with details of what you would like.

In order to secure the venue and programming, Inner Dimension is required to enter into binding contracts with 3rd parties that do not allow for refund or cancellation in any instance except for limited instances where “acts of god” render the entire event impossible. For example, if due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening, the hotel must close down, then we would be able to get a refund and refund all ticket holders. Otherwise, unfortunately, we must enforce a strict cancellation policy and there will be no refunds in any instance. You may transfer your ticket under certain conditions. Also, purchasing trip insurance to protect yourself is always a good idea.

You may transfer your ticket to another person up to 3-days before the retreat start date without penalty by emailing us at [email protected]. After that time, our strict cancellation policy applies.

Depending on the payment option you choose during check out, you will be automatically billed using the credit card on file so that all remaining balances have been fully paid at least 4 months in advance of retreat start (at time of ticket purchase, you’re only charged for the initial $1,000 deposit). As noted above, we have a strict cancellation policy with no refunds (including for any deposits) so please make sure you have sufficient funds ready to pay any remaining balances as they become due.

Yes! Just email us at [email protected] with a description of your partner’s needs (for example, partner would like to participate in meals and excursions but skip the yoga classes, etc.) and we can give you options that work for you, assuming there’s availability still.

This is possible! Each of you should still purchase the double ticket if you intend to both participate in all aspects of the Retreat and send a note to [email protected] just noting that you would prefer one larger bed in the room.

One of our goals at Inner Dimension is to expand the scope of offerings to better serve our community online and increasingly in-person as well. So look forward to some exciting announcements to come on future in-person retreats in addition to an annual summit! And of course, we recommend that you also practice with us online through your Inner Dimension subscription and Academy course registrations as well.