SANKOFA EXPERIENCE
Join us in November for another transformational spiritual journeys into the birthplace of Vodoun and discover its people, rich histories, and spiritual heritage. The retreat is curated around the African philosophy of Sankofa that we return to take what we need to build the new world we must, this retreat is also a co-creation with Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, author of Seeking Sexual Freedom and The Sex Lives of African Women who will also be leading us to join her at a Vodoun ceremony in Porto Novo to thank the community for their support of her work and celebrate her new book in the serene and spiritually-potent capital city of Benin.
The retreat will be based in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, followed by a visit to the Ganvie water community, one of the largest lake towns in Africa. We will meditate on the Black River Adjarra. Our journey culminates in Cotonou, where we will integrate all the teachings and wisdom learned throughout the retreat and welcome our renewed revolutionary and joyful selves.
Dates:
Price: Option 1: 3888 Euros - shared double room (2 pax)
Option 2: 4848 Euros - for single room (1 pax)
Deposit: 888 Euros (this deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)
Tentative itinerary
JOYFUL INVESTMENT
The investment for Reconnect, Restore & Renew retreat is €3888. If you bring a friend along, you each receive a €100 discount.
If you want a single room, your investment is €4848.
Once you make the €888 deposit, which symbolises your willingness and desire to attend the retreat, we will send you a retreat brochure and an intentionality questionnaire, asking you to fill in some details about yourself, and most importantly, what you are hoping to explore in and receive from the retreat. After that, we will arrange a call to get to know you a little more, as well as discuss all logistical questions that might not have been addressed, as we ready ourselves to receive and host you.
There are only 10 spots available for this retreat, so make sure to register in advance as the spots get filled quickly.
A monthly payment plan is available and will be shared soon but in the meantime, you can secure your spot by paying the deposit.
The full payment must be completed by July 2026 for the retreat in November 2026
Cancellation and Payment Policy
The €888 deposit is paid by each participant, even those receiving the friend discount on the total, to reserve your spot. It goes towards the total payment.
The deposit is non-refundable or transferable. You will get the itinerary booklet with more information on the day to day activities as soon we received your deposit.
MEET YOUR RETREAT GUIDE
Adéolá Naomi Adérèmí is the founder of Ayo Retreats, a Yorùbá-Greek raised in Niger, Nigeria, and Greece and currently living between West Africa and Western Europe.
Her work stands at the intersection of public health science and the healing power of yoga, dedicating over a decade to collaborating with displaced communities worldwide.
Her approach extends beyond traditional boundaries, weaving together policy guidance, impactful communication strategies, and nurturing yoga retreats to craft spaces fostering collective well-being.
Aderemi’s passion lies in preventing crises by constructing sustainable healing environments.
Her mission? Empowering organisations to create resilient spaces that prioritise well-being long before crises unfold.
Drawing from a rich blend of expertise in public health, yoga therapy, and community engagement, Aderemi drives a compassionate yet strategic approach.
She forges paths that seamlessly intertwine well-being strategies with crisis readiness, empowering communities to flourish in nurturing environments.
4-days retreat in November 2026
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3 nights and 4 days accommodation: There will be several room options in our beautiful selected homes for the retreat. WiFi will be available.
Airport transfers: We will pick you up and dropping you off from and to Cotonou airport on arrival and departure days.
All in-country transportation: Private vehicles will be available throughout the retreat for our various activities.
Two Daily meals: Delicious local meals for an extraordinary culinary experience. Dietary requirements are taken into consideration.
3 days of immersive workshop and cultural site visits
Somatic Masterclasses: The early morning starts with guided meditation, yoga, and pranayama (breath work) and ancestrally guided somatic sessions led by Adéọlá Adérè̩mí Egbélàdé
A Sankofa Vodoun ceremony:
Join Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, author of Seeking Sexual Freedom and The Sex Lives of African Women at a Vodoun ceremony in Porto Novo to thank the community for their support of her work
Entry to all historical and cultural sites selected for the retreat: We will immerse ourselves into the historical and cultural heritage of Benin in order to have a better understanding of the ancestral legacy of resilience and joy and embrace the richness of Benin and its people.
Gift bag: You will be given a special offering as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
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Visa for entry into Benin: Each participant is responsible for all the paperworks (incl. COVID requirements) needed to be granted access in to Beninese territory. We will assist where possible.
Ifa or Vodun divination, appeasement, initiation, consultation: We are not offering any Ifa activities during the retreat. We acknowledge the potency and seriousness of African spiritual traditions and prefer leaving the choice to the participant who is ready to travel this path.
Round trip to Benin: Each participant is responsible for their air fare.
Travel insurance and medical care: Each participant is responsible to insure their air fare, belongings and anything that is necessary to insure a pleasant and stress-free retreat. We will do our best to assisst where possible.
Any additional activities which are not part of the retreat & souvenirs: We do not offer stipend for the retreat, each participant is responsible for their own finances. However, we would offer guidance for money exchange.
Tips & gratuities: This is left to your discretion.
SIM card and airtime: We do not offer these options but we will happy to assit with getting this sorted out.