When I first heard about the Sober Journey Retreat in Ecuador I knew it was something special. The idea of stepping away from daily routines and immersing myself in a place dedicated to healing and self-discovery sounded both exciting and a bit daunting.
Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for anyone seeking a fresh start. I love the thought of connecting with others on a similar path sharing stories and finding strength together. This retreat promises more than just a break—it’s a chance to rediscover myself in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Overview of Sober Journey Retreat – Ecuador
The Sober Journey Retreat in Ecuador centers on holistic recovery through immersive support and nature-driven reflection. I notice that group sessions, mindfulness classes, and daily wellness workshops form the core structure. Nutrition programs use local organic produce and focus on balanced, mindful eating. Licensed therapists and recovery facilitators lead all counseling activities, maintaining a safe and confidential setting.
Accommodations blend sustainability and comfort, with private rooms overlooking Andean mountains and rainforests. Outdoor experiences—guided hikes, breathwork exercises, and yoga—reinforce personal growth. Participants join daily check-ins and peer circles, which encourage accountability and honest sharing.
Programming adapts to individual needs by integrating proven recovery practices and Ecuadorian cultural traditions, such as indigenous ceremonies and nature-based rituals. Aftercare planning is personalized for every attendee, using assessment results and feedback sessions. The retreat emphasizes transforming personal habits in an environment dedicated to wellness, community, and renewal.
Location and Setting
Sober Journey Retreat unfolds in the heart of Ecuador, where the Andes meet lush rainforests. I experience panoramic mountain views and native greenery surrounding the retreat property. The area offers seclusion yet rests near small towns, letting me engage with local culture when I choose.
Ecuador’s climate here stays mild throughout the year with daytime averages near 68°F (20°C). Gentle breezes and frequent clear skies create an inviting atmosphere for reflection and outdoor recovery activities. Pathways wind through tropical gardens lined with native flowers, medicinal plants, and fruit trees.
Accommodations sit on terraced hillsides, giving me direct connection to nature through private balconies and walking trails. I hear bird songs and river sounds instead of city noise, reinforcing a tranquil setting for healing.
The setting’s unique blend of Andean altitude and cloud forest microclimate shapes my daily experience. I breathe crisp clean air and see mist rising at dawn, lending an energizing quality to every morning session.
The retreat grounds include sustainable features such as rainwater collection, solar lighting, and eco-friendly construction. I notice these elements support both my recovery goals and the preservation of Ecuador’s exceptional natural beauty.
Program Features and Activities
I engage in an array of structured and restorative offerings at Sober Journey Retreat – Ecuador. Each feature intends to nurture personal growth, resilience, and well-being in the retreat’s natural surroundings.
Wellness and Mindfulness Practices
I participate in guided yoga sessions, breathwork classes, and daily meditation—each session situated outdoors with panoramic Andes views. Instructors certified in trauma-informed yoga guide us through movement and mindful breathing, adapting sessions to varied experience levels. Nutrition workshops teach me about locally sourced, organic foods, with hands-on meals that demonstrate balanced eating habits. Outdoor nature walks on rainforest trails create daily opportunities for grounding and sensory awareness. Sunrise group mindfulness circles incorporate indigenous Ecuadorian rituals, enhancing my self-reflection and spiritual balance.
Therapeutic Sessions and Support
I access daily group counseling facilitated by licensed therapists who specialize in addiction recovery. Personalized one-on-one therapy focuses on relapse prevention and emotional resilience, scheduled to fit my wellness plan. Confidential peer support circles occur every evening, promoting open dialogue and accountability among attendees. Sessions often incorporate evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral tools and mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Integrated into programming, aftercare planning sessions help me establish sustainable routines and connect with alumni networks for continued support after I leave Ecuador.
Accommodations and Amenities
Comfort defines my experience at the Sober Journey Retreat in Ecuador. Each private room includes large windows overlooking Andean slopes and rainforest treetops, creating a tranquil space for reflection. I access eco-conscious comforts like organic cotton linens, natural wood furnishings, and in-room air purification enhancing relaxation and health.
Community lodges provide shared areas for connection, including spacious lounge rooms, reading nooks, and WiFi zones for occasional digital needs. I enjoy chef-prepared meals in a communal dining hall, where local organic ingredients shape breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Special diets—vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly—are accommodated on request.
Property-wide amenities support holistic wellness. I use meditation studios overlooking cloud forests for guided practices, join yoga pavilions with mountain vistas, and unwind in landscaped gardens dotted with native Ecuadorian plants. Walking trails circle terraced hillsides, while an outdoor firepit and soaking tubs offer additional relaxation and rejuvenation.
Convenience and safety remain prioritized. Biometric room locks, 24/7 support staff, purified water stations, laundry service, bilingual staff, and scheduled airport transfers ease daily life and travel logistics. The sustainable retreat design—solar lighting, composting, rainwater harvesting—shows commitment to local community values and environmental care.
Experience and Impact
My stay at the Sober Journey Retreat in Ecuador created both immediate and lasting changes in my recovery, shaped by immersive therapies, intentional routines, and the power of community.
Personal Growth Stories
Integrating daily yoga and mindfulness into my recovery enabled breakthroughs in self-reflection and stress management. Breathwork exercises fostered emotional stability, while personalized counseling moved me from old patterns toward healthier behaviors. I noticed measurable improvements in sleep after adopting guided meditation practices, and my craving cycles shortened as nutrition workshops taught me to identify and address triggers. Participation in indigenous Andean rituals—such as the temazcal (sweat lodge) and gratitude ceremonies—cultivated my sense of gratitude and humility. Documenting my progress with daily journaling and therapist feedback revealed visible gains in resilience and self-compassion.
Community and Support Network
Connection with others in the retreat’s recovery-focused environment transformed isolation into belonging. Peer-led evening circles provided outlets for honest conversations, with facilitators guiding evidence-based interventions tailored to our shared goals. Structured accountability check-ins strengthened my commitment, while alumni mentorship established bridges for support beyond the retreat. The presence of local staff and Ecuadorian community elders created authentic learning moments about integrating recovery with cultural traditions. Through these communal ties, I gained motivation and resources for sustainable personal growth after returning home.
Pricing and Booking Information
Pricing tiers reflect several variables, including accommodation type, program length, and included amenities:
- Private Suite Package: My stay in a private suite with Andean views, premium linens, and full access to all workshops, costs $2,950 for a 7-night retreat.
- Shared Lodge Option: Shared accommodations, providing the same group programming and meals, are available for $2,150 per week.
- Comprehensive Inclusions: Each package covers airport transfers from Quito, chef-prepared meals, wellness classes, counseling, outdoor excursions, and all local taxes.
Additional service fees may apply for specialty therapies, extended stays, or single-room upgrades, depending on availability and requests.
I reserved my spot using the online booking portal with a $500 non-refundable deposit, applied to the total program fee. Full payment is due 21 days before arrival, unless reserving within 30 days of the retreat, when it’s due in full.
Payment types accepted include major credit cards, PayPal, and international wire transfer. I could modify my booking up to 30 days before check-in, only pending availability.
Spaces fill quickly, especially during high season from June to September, so early inquiry increases the chance of preferred accommodations. After registering, I received a confirmation email with a detailed preparation guide, packing checklist, and contact information for the local retreat coordinator.
| Accommodation Type | Length | Price (USD) | Deposit Required | Modifications | Included Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Suite | 7 nights | $2,950 | $500 | 30 days advance | Full board, group/individual sessions |
| Shared Lodge | 7 nights | $2,150 | $500 | 30 days advance | Full board, group/individual sessions |
Direct questions regarding customized programs, extended stays, or special needs to the booking staff through the website’s inquiry form or by phone.
Conclusion
My time at the Sober Journey Retreat in Ecuador has left me feeling inspired and hopeful about what’s possible in recovery. Stepping into this environment surrounded by natural beauty and genuine support has opened my eyes to new ways of healing and connecting with myself.
If you’re seeking a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional recovery methods this retreat offers a unique path forward. The blend of nature culture and community here makes it a truly special place to start or continue your journey toward lasting wellness.
Quit drink 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries (13 travelled totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies and a quick meditations (mostly panic meditations). Words in Mirror, Evening Standard, Metro, GQ, and MarketWatch.
