Yoga is coming to Manta, Ecuador – Fall of 2026

“Return to Yourself” Retreat

October 14th – 21st, 2026

Imagine beginning your day with yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean, enjoying fresh tropical fruit, spending the afternoon at the spa or walking the beach, and ending the evening with meditation as the sun sets over Ecuador’s coastline.

Welcome to our new home, Manta, Ecuador. Join us for five restorative retreat days in beautiful Manta, Ecuador. The published dates include your travel days, allowing you to settle in, relax, and travel comfortably.

These retreats are an invitation—to pause, to realign, and to return to yourself with greater clarity and ease.  Set along the Pacific coastline in Manta, Ecuador, this retreat offers a refined, yet deeply grounding escape designed to reconnect you with yourself—physically, mentally, and energetically.

Led by long time instructors Marcy Stone and Ken Bell, this retreat offers an exclusive opportunity to experience dual-guided sessions—two perspectives, seamlessly woven into one unforgettable journey of movement, mindfulness, and renewal.

Our home for the retreat is the Oro Verde Manta, a luxury oceanfront property known for its comfort, service, and understated elegance. Guests can choose from a variety of beautifully appointed rooms (link below), each offering serene views and modern amenities. The hotel features multiple pools, direct beach access, a full-service spa, fitness center, and on-site dining focused on fresh, locally inspired cuisine. The spa offers massages, hydrotherapy, and restorative treatments designed to complement the rhythm of the retreat.

Each day begins with guided yoga and meditation—creating space to settle the mind, awaken the body, and reconnect inward. This is not about perfection, but presence. Through consistent practice, the nervous system softens, clarity returns, and a deeper sense of balance begins to take hold. All levels welcome.

Why Retreat?

Life has a way of filling our days with responsibilities, schedules, and constant demands. A retreat offers the opportunity to step away from the noise and create space to simply breathe, reflect, and reconnect.

Through daily yoga, meditation, meaningful conversation, and time immersed in the beauty of Ecuador’s Pacific coastline, you’ll have the chance to slow down, restore your energy, and return home feeling refreshed in both body and mind.

Whether you’re seeking rest, renewed perspective, or simply time for yourself, our hope is that this experience leaves you feeling more grounded, present, and connected long after your journey home.

Sample of our Daily Rhythm

• Morning Yoga / Meditation
• Breakfast
• Free Time (spa, beach, exploration, relax)
• Evening gentle yoga or meditation
• Dinner (1st night we host at our home overlooking the ocean)
• Free Time

Yoga retreats offer more than movement—they offer perspective. Stepping away from daily demands allows space for reflection, restoration, and renewal. Many leave with improved sleep, reduced stress, and a quiet sense of realignment.

We will gather for a welcome dinner on the first evening—an opportunity to connect, exhale, and set the tone for the days ahead. A limited number of guests will be accepted to maintain the integrity and intimacy of the experience.

Why Manta?

Nestled along Ecuador’s beautiful Pacific coastline, Manta offers the perfect balance of relaxation, natural beauty, and authentic culture. With warm temperatures year-round, ocean breezes, stunning sunsets, fresh local cuisine, and miles of walkable beaches, it’s a place where life naturally slows down.

Unlike many crowded tourist destinations, Manta invites you to experience Ecuador at a gentler pace. Spend your free time exploring the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood and tropical fruit, relaxing by the ocean, visiting artisan villages, or simply sitting with a cup of coffee while listening to the waves.

We’ve chosen Manta because it provides the ideal setting to disconnect from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with what matters most. Its peaceful rhythm, welcoming people, and natural beauty create an environment where yoga, meditation, reflection, and meaningful connection unfold with ease.

Who is this Retreat For?

• Those that need to slow down and reconnect with yourself
• Begin and/or deepen your yoga and meditation practice
• Step away from daily responsibilities
• Enjoy meaningful conversation and community, often leading to lifetime friends
• Experience Ecuador in a relaxed, beautiful setting
• Return home feeling renewed

What’s Included

• Daily yoga
• Daily guided meditation
• Welcome dinner
• Excursions
• Retreat workbook
• Community and support

What is Not Included

• Airfare
• Hotel accommodations (booked directly, link below)
• Optional spa treatments
• Some meals
• Taxi’s (incredibly reasonably priced)

How to Book & Participate

Simple Booking Process

1. Reserve your room directly with Oro Verde, link provided below.
2. Reserve your retreat experience with Metta School of Yoga through Venmo or PayPal.
3. Book your airfare.
4. We’ll guide you through the rest.

To Reserve Oro Verde, Manta Accommodations

Guests will reserve their rooms directly with Oro Verde Manta (link below). Preferred booking details and recommendations will be provided upon registration to ensure a seamless experience.  

Why Oro Verde?

• Oceanfront accommodations
• Beautiful pool overlooking the Pacific
• Full-service spa
• Fitness center
• Exceptional dining
• Walkable beach location
• Comfortable rooms with multiple accommodation options
• Laundry service is available, so no need to overpack

Please note: select your room type (King, Queen, etc.), then scroll to view both “Bungalows” (for a more private setting) and “In-Hotel” options—each equally beautiful.

NOTE: Rooms go fast at this time of year so please book timely.

Secure Your Retreat Spot

Yoga/Meditation Experience Inaugural Fee: $800

Deposit via Venmo or PayPal QR’s below: $500 due by August 15th (non-refundable).   

IMPORTANT- in note type, “yoga retreat”   

**Remaining balance due 45 days prior to retreat.

---

Air Travel to Manta

One of the questions we receive most often is, “How do I get to Manta?” Fortunately, the journey is easier than many people expect.

For guests traveling from the East Coast, we generally recommend Copa Airlines. A morning flight from JFK (New York) or IAD (Washington Dulles) connects through Panama City (PTY), followed by a short layover—typically around one hour—and then a direct flight to Manta (MEC). Panama City’s airport is modern, well organized, and very easy to navigate.

For your return trip, we often recommend flying through Quito (UIO) before connecting to JFK or Washington Dulles, as many guests find this routing provides a smoother travel day.

If you are traveling from another part of the United States or internationally, we are happy to suggest routing options that coordinate well with the retreat schedule.

We’ll also provide recommended arrival and departure windows before the retreat so you can confidently book flights that allow plenty of time to settle in before our Welcome Dinner on the first evening.

Last but not least…what to wear while in Manta

Manta is beautifully relaxed, comfortable, and casual. You’ll find that lightweight, breathable clothing is perfect year-round.

We recommend packing:

• Sundresses, linen pants, or nice shorts with a polo or casual shirt for dinners
• Comfortable yoga attire for daily classes and meditation
• Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes for optional excursions and rainforest adventures
• A swimsuit, flip-flops or sandals, and a cover-up for the pool and beach
• A light sweater or wrap for air-conditioned spaces or an occasional ocean breeze
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime activities

Leave the heavy clothes at home—you’ll likely spend your week in comfortable resort wear while enjoying Manta’s warm coastal climate.

What to Leave at Home

While your suitcase will hold the essentials, we hope you’ll leave a few other things behind before you arrive.

Leave behind the pressure to keep up, the endless to-do lists, and the feeling that you always need to be productive.

Leave behind the expectations of having to “do” the retreat perfectly or compare your journey to anyone else’s.

Come exactly as you are.

This is your time to slow down, breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and simply be present. Whether you’re seeking rest, clarity, healing, inspiration, or simply a week to exhale, there is no right or wrong way to experience this retreat.

We’ll take care of the schedule. You simply bring an open heart and a willingness to receive whatever this week has to offer.

For more information, pricing, more details on flights, food, excursions or lodging, please email us at www.mettaschoolofyoga.com Instagram – @mettaschoolofyoga

---

---

---

Prior Retreats

2024

October 6-9, 2024 – Mohonk Mountain House

3 day/4 night retreat at historic Mohonk Mountain House in New Platz, NY. Founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, a Victorian castle, nestled in 40,000 acres of protected forest, overlooking a pristine glacial lake.  A National Historic Landmark resort committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, offering a 9 hole golf course, 85-miles of trails, an assortment of activities and award winning spa and farm to table cuisine.

Complimentary Amenities (seasonal availability):

---

Belize Retreat

February 18-25, 2023

Ahhhh Belize….
Escape to a haven of adventure and relaxation and reconnect with yourself! Whether you’d like to laze in the beautiful scenery at the beach or poolside, or to seek thrills with the wind in your hair, Metta School of Yoga presents you with nothing short of the perfect retreat experience. Enjoy unmatched comfort and create memories by joining us in paradise.
Come with us on a journey to beautiful Belize. The Belize Collections Resort in quaint Hopkins, Belize is a unique experience at one of the up-and-coming vacation destinations. Join us in nourishing your mind, body and spirit while exploring the hidden beauty of Belize.
Our mornings will begin with sunrise meditations for those that are early risers. Followed by a morning yoga session with a view of the amazing beach.
The morning practice will be followed by breakfast featuring outstanding local foods and recipes at the amazing resort restaurant. The days are yours to spend as you wish: at the pool and hot tub, lounging, using the spa services (they offer a full-service menu if you are interested), and a variety of ½ and full day amazing adventures Monday thru Friday, which can be booked once we arrive. These can include tours of Mayan ruins, snorkeling, barrier reef tours, cave tours, etc.
Our evenings will offer several types of optional classes throughout the week. We’ll close each day with dinner and sharing friendship on the beach. There are different meal packages that are offered. We would recommend mixing it up for lunch and dinner at some of the local establishments.

---

Retreat Testimonials

Metta 2023 Belize Yoga Retreat – “I connected deeper with my practice, had great conversations with an amazing group of people all surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Belize, do the Metta thing, change your life!!” – Shawn

Incredible learning experience! You will feel nurtured and supported in your yoga practice. – Michelle

My highlights on our retreat in Belize were first the yoga & meditation. The yoga practice was unmatched. It taught me something new every class and challenged me to a new level. The meditation allowed me peace & serenity, sealing my mind, body & spirit in complete gratitude and compassion. Sharing this space with new & old friends was an added plus.

I chose a beachfront room where I would wake up before sunrise and enjoy my coffee.
I did the ATM Mayan cave tour. It’s one not to miss. You are surrounded by spectacular sights throughout the cave. It’s really a travel back in time.

I also did the bio luminescence river tour. The river lite up with colors of blue and green as the water was moved. You could follow the fish as they darted around the boat. The night sky was bright with stars without the interference of city lights.

One of the chefs, Cleveland, treated us to to the most tasty jalapeño and peanut soup when he heard me ask if soup was on the lunch menu. I asked that he not prepare anything special but he insisted. It was the best food I had! – Joanne

I attended the retreat in Belize 2023 sponsored by Meta School of Yoga.  Thank you Marcy and Ken for such a wonderful retreat.  I loved that you both could reach the trained and untrained in our daily yoga practice.  The Yoga times were absolutely perfectly timed for an exceptional experience in Belize.  I love your laid back, loving energy, even though I am full of questions.  I especially enjoyed the opt in or opt out of different activities without judgement as I know, deep inside,  your authentic desire is for me, to have the best time ever—-which I did!  💗  With Love, Jill. I am looking forward to 2024

• Ken & Marcy
• Metta School of Yoga
• Please reach out!
• Testimonials
• Workshops
• Yoga Retreats
• Yoga Teacher Training