Connect & Create Yoga Retreat
Explorative Art & Gentle Living
19 – 22 March 2026
A Transformative Yoga and Creative Retreat on the Kenyan Coast
Crescent House, Watamu, Kenya
Find the sense of belonging and connection that comes when women gather to connect, create and restore in this nourishing 3 day retreat.
No flexibility or yoga experience required.
Every session is adapted to your unique needs, with plenty of rest, comfort, and compassion along the way.
Come as you are. Leave feeling more grounded, spacious, and inspired.
Retreat Highlights
- Daily yoga including a blend of somatic movement, meditation, breath work & philosophy
- Group Sound Bath
- Nourishing meals freshly prepared using local ingredients
- 3 nights luxury accommodation at beachfront Crescent House
- Delightful swimming pool to hang around in during free time
- Daily rooftop sunset viewings
- Yoga classes immersed in nature
- Creative sessions
Find a sense of community and belonging at our tranquil beachfront space, where you can give yourself permission to let go, breathe deeply and be fully supported by your caring hosts. This experience is designed not only to help you connect with other women but also to gently guide you back to yourself and your inner values.
Through a thoughtful blend of yogic practices, including meditation, somatic movement, breath work and deep relaxation, Tess’s classes support resilience, self awareness and a grounded sense of peacefulness. Her approach helps you settle your nervous system, reconnect with your body and cultivate inner steadiness.
Alongside the yoga, Lara offers a series of gentle creative sessions designed to help you pause, reflect and reconnect. Together we explore simple art reflections, life design conversations and supportive women’s circles, all held with warmth and ease for women of all ages.
We do not use the word retreat lightly. With this in mind, we have carefully designed a schedule that balances movement, creativity and heartfelt conversations with plenty of space for rest, quiet and stillness.
Our intention is that you leave feeling deeply nourished, connected to yourself and more attuned to the world around you. Through both therapeutic art and embodied practice, you will have space to rediscover clarity, strengthen your inner voice and step forward with a renewed sense of purpose and calm.
Sample Schedule
- 06:30 Yoga Class
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 10:00 Creative Workshop/Women’s Circle
- 13:00 Nourishing Lunch
- 14:30 Rest/Massage/Swim
- 17:00 Rooftop sunset restorative yoga or Soundbath
- 19:15 Dinner
- 20:00 Optional evening star gazing
Please note that this schedule is a guideline and may be subject to change due to the nature of how Tess and Lara work intuitively.
Meet Your Hosts
Lara Ray
Lara is a therapeutic arts practitioner, counsellor, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges creativity, emotional wellbeing, and nature-based healing. Her approach to wellness blends therapeutic art, reflective inquiry and somatic awareness to create spaces to experience clarity and restoration.
She has guided women’s circles, creative immersions, and holistic events for the past 5 years in Watamu, offering a grounded, intuitive presence that invites participants to reconnect with themselves in a deeply meaningful way. Lara’s sessions are gentle yet transformative, weaving together creative expression, mindful reflection, and life-design principles to support women in moving into their next chapter with confidence, softness, and purpose.
Her work is an invitation to return to your inner landscape, honour your story, and discover the quiet wisdom waiting beneath the surface.
Tess Andersen
Tess is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), advanced yoga teacher, meditation teacher, sound bath practitioner, and Reiki practitioner. She lives in Watamu, where her practice is rooted in community, compassion, and sustainable wellbeing. She has a particular love for facilitating retreats, where she has the privilege of witnessing the deep healing and growth that can arise from immersive practice.
With more than eight years of teaching experience, Tess has seen firsthand the profound transformation that a holistic and therapeutic approach to health can offer. Her personal experience of healing is what led her to train in yoga therapy and begin offering this work online, in retreat settings and to the people of Kilifi County.
She has trained in India, Canada, and the UK across a range of yoga traditions, including Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Rocket, Restorative, Advaita Vedanta philosophy, Tantra philosophy and Meditation. Over time, she has woven these teachings into an intuitive, individualized approach that integrates mindful movement, somatic practices, breathwork, relaxation, meditation, and yoga philosophy based on the needs of each person she works with.
Tess believes that yoga is for every body, and she is especially passionate about supporting those who feel they “can’t do yoga.” Her work combines the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern health research to offer a safe, inclusive, and therapeutic path to wellbeing.
Her clients often include people navigating mental health challenges, stress, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, mobility limitations, injury recovery, and aging-related changes. At the same time, people of all abilities and backgrounds come to her classes seeking a holistic and informative yoga experience that empowers them in their home practice.
Where You Will Stay
Crescent House Watamu
Experience the perfect coastal swahili style retreat home with direct access to the tropical white beaches. The spacious Crescent House offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, with seating areas around the pool and magical rooftop sunsets. This beachfront luxury villa in Watamu, Kenya, is the perfect location for a quiet relaxing get away. The charming Watamu village with its many restaurants and local shops is only a fun 10 minute tuktuk ride away.
Also on the land just a two minute walk from the house lies Watamu Raptor Rescue Centre where injured birds of prey are rescued and rehabilitated. During your stay you are welcome to visit and check out the resident raptors.
Crescent House and it’s staff offer a personalized holiday experience for your ultimate relaxtion and enjoyment.
- Swimming pool
- Private beach access
- Rooftop sunset lounge and yoga space
- Private chef
- Garden dining area and outdoor lounges
- Paddle boards, kayak, and snorkelling gear
- Full-time house staff and security
- Wi-Fi
- Complimentary laundry service
Rooms
Each of the five en-suite bedrooms is designed to be a restful sanctuary, cooled by ocean breezes and thoughtfully appointed for deep rest. Your bedroom features a super king-sized bed and touches of coastal charm.
Each suite includes:
- A super king-sized bed of 2mx2
- En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Fresh linens and daily housekeeping
- Mosquito nets and fans
- Ample storage and hanging space
- All rooms are sea facing and have a through breeze in all seasons
** There is the option to share a room but please note that the beds are super king sized so they are suitable to share with a partner or friend.
Ahimsa Yoga Shala
Nestled in the forest behind Crescent house lies the serene Ahimsa yoga shala where morning yoga classes will be held in nature, surrounded by monkeys and birds and other wild life.
What’s Included:
◊ 3 nights luxury villa accommodation with ensuite bedrooms
◊ 2 yoga classes daily (Somatic Yoga, Restorative, Meditation)
◊ Yoga mat & props
◊ Group Sound Bath
◊ Group workshops
◊ Creative sessions
◊ Creative Materials
◊ 3 home cooked nourishing meals each day
◊ Tea/Coffee and snacks throughout the day
◊ Malindi airport pick-up/drop-off
◊ Access to swimming pool
◊ Access to kayaks, SUPs & snorkel equipment
◊ WiFi access
What is Not Included:
◊ Flights to and from Kenya and Malindi
◊ Alcohol & additional soft drinks
◊ Tuk tuk’s to and from town
◊ Tips & gratuities
◊ Marine park reserve tickets
Pricing & Payment Options:
A non-refundable deposit of 225 USD secures your spot for the retreat
- Shared Room: 565 USD
- Shared Room **Early Bird (valid until January 5th 2026): 499 USD
- Single Occupancy: 799 USD
- Single Occupancy **Early Bird (valid until January 5th 2026): 725 USD
- Own accommodation outside of crescent house: 230 USD
* Please note that ensuite rooms feature a super king sized bed which is ideal for single occupancy or for sharing with a partner or friend.
* For those opting to choose their own accommodation, all the meals and classes will still be included. There are limited spots available.
** Early Bird booking valid until January 5th 2026
Further Information
Arrival & Departure Times
Arrival can be any time on March 19th, if arriving before 13:00 then lunch can be arranged or you can have lunch out in town. Please aim to arrive by 15:00 on March 19th 2026 to settle in to your room before our opening ceremony at 17:00
Departure time will be after morning yoga and breakfast on the March 22nd.
Group Size
- The Group size is typically 5-9 people to allow for an intimate experience.
- The retreat requires a minimum of 4 people to go ahead. In the unlikely event that this number isn’t reached you will receive a refund in full
Travel & Flights
- There are regular flights from Nairobi into Malindi International Airport. A Taxi pick-up is included when arriving in Malindi and then it is a short half hour drive to Watamu.
- Please note that you may share a taxi with other retreat guests who are on the same flight as you.
Cancellation Policy
A non refundable deposit of $200 is required to secure your place on the retreat.
The full balance is due by 1 February 2026, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
We understand that life happens and, for whatever reason, you may not be able to attend. If you need to cancel your booking, the following refund policy applies:
- Cancellation before 1 December 2025
Full refund of payments made, minus the non refundable deposit. - Cancellation between 1 and 31 December 2025
50% refund of payments made, minus the deposit. - Cancellation between 1 and 31 January 2026
25% refund of payments made, minus the deposit. - Cancellation between 1 and 29 February 2026
No refund available. - All cancellations must be made in writing. Refunds will be provided within 30 days of receiving your cancellation notice.
- We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect yourself in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person, provided they meet the retreat criteria and you notify us in writing at least 72 hours before the retreat begins.
- Please note: The retreat requires a minimum of 4 participants to go ahead. In the unlikely event this number is not reached, you will receive a full refund.
- By booking your place, you confirm that you understand and accept this policy.
Terms & Conditions
Connect & Create Yoga Retreat 2026 – Terms & Conditions
Please read these carefully before booking your place. By submitting your booking form and deposit, you are agreeing to these terms.
1. Booking and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to secure your place.
Payment may be made in full or in instalments, as outlined on the retreat webpage.
Full balance must be paid by 1 February 2025, unless otherwise agreed.
Payment is by bank transfer – details will be emailed after you complete the booking form.
If the balance price of your retreat is not paid by the final payment date (1 February 2025), Tess Andersen and Lara Ray reserve the right to cancel your retreat and retain the deposit.
2. Cancellation Policy
Please see ‘Cancellation Policy’ above in the Further Information section.
3. Minimum Numbers
The retreat requires a minimum of 4 participants to run. In the unlikely event this number is not reached, you will receive a full refund.
4. Insurance & Health
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is your responsibility to ensure this covers retreat participation, cancellation, medical emergencies, and any travel disruption.
You are responsible for obtaining any required immunisations and travel health advice.
It is your responsibility to notify Tess and Lara of any allergies, dietary requirements or medical needs via the booking form.
5. Travel
Flights are not included and must be arranged independently.
You must ensure that your passport is valid for entry to Kenya (with at least 6 months’ validity from date of entry) and that you meet visa requirements.
6. Changes to Schedule & Pricing
While every effort will be made to deliver the full schedule as described, Lara and Tess reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the event of weather conditions, local changes or other unforeseen circumstances, and to amend the retreat price and run promotions at any time.
7. Liability
Participation is at your own risk. Lara and Tess accept no liability for personal injury, loss or damage during the retreat, unless caused by proven negligence.
8. Personal Conduct
You agree to behave respectfully and in a way that supports the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Inappropriate behaviour may result in your removal from the retreat without refund.
9. Data and Privacy
Your information will be used to contact you regarding the retreat and for planning purposes (including sharing relevant details such as dietary needs with the chef).