Mindful Humaning: An Immersive Wellness Journey in the Azores is an invitation to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters. Set amidst the breathtaking volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines of the Azores, this thoughtfully curated experience blends mindfulness, movement, nourishing food, nature, meaningful conversation, and authentic cultural experiences into a journey of lasting transformation.
Guided by mindfulness educator and author Jodie Seymour and Revibe Travel founder Kristi Carrara, you'll discover practical tools to help you become more present, resilient, and intentional while embracing the healing power of community and connection. More than a retreat, this is an opportunity to slow down, rediscover yourself, and return home with renewed clarity, meaningful friendships, and simple practices that continue to enrich your life long after the journey ends.
A Journey That Begins Before You Arrive
Mindful Humaning is more than a week in the Azores—it's a journey that begins before you board the plane and continues long after you return home.
Before traveling, you'll receive a copy of Mindful Humaning by mindfulness educator and author Jodie Seymour, along with two live virtual group sessions designed to introduce the principles you'll be practicing throughout the journey. Together, these experiences create a foundation that allows you to arrive with intention, a shared sense of community, and an understanding of the mindfulness tools you'll continue to develop during the week.
Throughout the retreat, Jodie will guide you through practical techniques that help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, create space before reacting, and respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and intention. Rather than living on autopilot, you'll learn simple daily practices that can help reduce stress, strengthen relationships, improve focus, cultivate self-compassion, and bring more joy into everyday life.
After returning home, you'll reconnect with the group for a follow-up virtual session to reflect on your experience, celebrate your growth, and explore ways to integrate what you've learned into your daily routine. Because true transformation doesn't end when the journey does—it grows through continued practice and connection.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the lush landscapes of Terceira, Xhale Azores is a boutique wellness retreat where nature and well-being exist in perfect harmony. Here, the pace slows, the distractions fade, and every moment invites you to breathe more deeply, move more intentionally, and embrace the restorative power of the island. Throughout the week, Xhale becomes more than your accommodation—it becomes a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and renewal.
A Journey Designed with Intention
Every day has been thoughtfully curated to create opportunities for learning, exploration, movement, rest, and connection. While the journey has a rhythm, there is never pressure to do it all. Some moments invite adventure, others encourage stillness. This is your experience, and you're free to embrace the offerings that best support where you are in your own journey.
Whether you choose to join a morning movement session, linger over a quiet cup of coffee, take an afternoon nap, or simply sit by the ocean with your journal, you'll discover that some of the most meaningful moments are the ones you never planned.
Nourishment with Purpose
Food is an essential part of well-being. Throughout the week, you'll enjoy beautifully prepared meals inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Azores, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Each meal is designed to nourish both body and soul, creating opportunities to slow down, share conversation, and experience the joy of mindful eating together.
Mindfulness in Motion
Each day offers opportunities to reconnect with your body through gentle movement, mindful walks, breathwork, and guided practices suitable for every level of experience. Rather than focusing on performance, these experiences invite you to listen to your body, quiet your mind, and discover the restorative power of moving with intention.
Nature as Part of the Experience
The Azores themselves become one of your greatest teachers. From lush parks carpeted in vibrant moss and towering eucalyptus trees to dramatic volcanic landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and natural ocean pools, each setting has been intentionally chosen to inspire presence, reflection, and wonder. Here, nature isn't simply something you'll see—it's something you'll experience with all of your senses, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around you.
Space to Simply Be
Equally important as the experiences we share is the space we leave unplanned. Enjoy a quiet morning, relax by the pool, unwind in the sauna, journal with a view of the Atlantic, or simply breathe. In a world that constantly asks us to do more, this journey offers permission to do less—and to discover the peace that can be found in simply being present.
Arrival | Welcome to the Azores
Your journey begins on the breathtaking island of São Miguel, where we'll explore the iconic volcanic landscape of Sete Cidades, one of Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders. From there, we'll continue to the island of Terceira, settle into our beautiful home for the week at Xhale Azores, and gather for our first dinner together. It's an evening to slow down, meet your fellow travelers, and begin building the community that will carry us through the week.
Day Two | Arriving in the Present
Following a nourishing breakfast and gentle morning movement, Jodie will lead our opening Mindful Humaning workshop. Together, we'll step away from the distractions of everyday life, set personal intentions, and begin cultivating the practice of presence.
The afternoon is intentionally left open for rest and relaxation—whether that means enjoying the resort, journaling by the pool, taking a walk, or simply embracing the luxury of having nowhere you need to be.
Day Three | Nature as Your Teacher
After breakfast and gentle movement, we'll venture into one of Terceira's beautiful parks, where vibrant moss carpets the landscape beneath towering eucalyptus trees. Surrounded by nature, we'll enjoy a guided mindfulness meditation followed by a peaceful picnic.
Later, we'll descend into Algar do Carvão, one of the only places in the world where you can step inside an ancient volcanic chimney. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of the extraordinary forces that shape both our planet and ourselves.
Day Four | Restored by the Sea
Following breakfast and gentle movement, the morning is yours to simply slow down. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, enjoy meaningful conversation with new friends, or savor the rare gift of having nowhere you need to be.
After a leisurely lunch together, we'll visit Terceira's spectacular natural ocean pools, where volcanic rock meets the Atlantic. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, float beneath the open sky, or simply sit beside the ocean, allowing the rhythm of the waves to quiet the mind and restore the spirit.
Day Five | Mindfulness Along the Coast
After breakfast and gentle movement, we'll begin a mindful coastal walk, allowing the sights, sounds, and rhythm of the Atlantic to deepen our awareness of the present moment.
That evening, we'll experience one of Portugal's most treasured traditions with an intimate Fado performance at Taberna Dona Viola in Angra do Heroísmo. Through soulful music and storytelling, we'll experience the rich culture and heartfelt spirit of the Azores.
Day Six | Discovering Angra do Heroísmo
Following breakfast and gentle movement, we'll spend the day exploring the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. Wander colorful streets, browse local artisan shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch, relax at the beach, or simply soak in the beauty and history of this remarkable island community.
The afternoon offers time for curiosity, connection, and embracing the simple joy of exploring without rushing.
Day Seven | Reflection & Celebration
After breakfast and our final morning movement practice, the day is intentionally spacious. Take time to revisit a favorite place, enjoy the resort, journal, or simply sit in quiet reflection as you begin to absorb everything you've experienced throughout the week.
Later, we'll gather for a deeply relaxing floating sound experience before coming together one final time for our closing ceremony around the fire. Together, we'll celebrate the friendships we've built, reflect on the journey we've shared, and set intentions for carrying Mindful Humaning into our lives back home.
Departure | Carrying It Home
After one final breakfast together, we'll say our goodbyes and begin the journey home.
You'll leave with more than beautiful memories of the Azores. You'll return with practical mindfulness tools, renewed clarity, meaningful friendships, and a deeper appreciation for slowing down, living intentionally, and embracing each day with greater presence.
Your Mindful Humaning journey is designed to support you before, during, and after your time in the Azores, creating an experience that extends far beyond a single week of travel.
Before You Travel
- A copy of Mindful Humaning by Jodie Seymour
- Two live virtual group sessions to prepare for the journey, introduce mindfulness practices, and connect with your fellow travelers
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Round-trip airfare
During Your Journey
- Seven days and six nights at the intimate Xhale Azores boutique wellness resort
- Choice of shared or private accommodations
- Daily chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring fresh, locally inspired cuisine
- Morning movement and mindfulness practices to begin each day with intention
- Daily Mindful Humaning workshops and guided practices led by Jodie Seymour
- Thoughtfully curated wellness experiences designed by Revibe Travel
- Guided excursions throughout São Miguel and Terceira, including:
- Sete Cidades on São Miguel
- Guided meditation and picnic in the lush moss-covered landscapes of Mata da Serreta
- Exploration of Algar do Carvão, one of the world's only volcanic chimneys open to visitors
- Swimming in Terceira's natural volcanic ocean pools
- Mindful coastal walk overlooking the Atlantic
- Exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo
- An intimate evening of traditional Fado music at Taberna Dona Viola
- Full access to Xhale's wellness amenities, including the infinity pool, fitness center, sauna, and steam room (spa treatments available for an additional fee)
- A small-group experience designed to foster meaningful connection and personalized attention
After You Return Home
- A live virtual reunion to reflect on your experience, reconnect with your fellow travelers, and support the integration of your mindfulness practice into everyday life
- Practical mindfulness tools and inspiration to help you continue your Mindful Humaning journey long after you've returned home
Investment
Private rooms - $6,200
Shared rooms - $5,300
Jodie is a mindfulness educator and coach, author, podcaster, and founder of Strong Roots Coaching Solutions. She has been on a mission to help clients and students shift out of autopilot and lead more present, connected lives. She enjoys nothing more than to walk alongside other women in their own transformational journey.
Kristi led her first group to the Azores in 2019 and has been returning ever since, guiding travelers to experience the beauty, culture, and healing nature of these islands. Over the years, she has created meaningful group experiences that blend adventure, connection, and renewal.
Her love for the Azores runs deep—having witnessed again and again the restorative power of its landscapes, culture, and slower pace of life.
Kristi believes in the power of travel to heal and change, and she is passionate about sharing that with others. For her, there is nothing more rewarding than helping people step away from daily pressures, reconnect with themselves, and return home lighter, clearer, and inspired.
Where are the Azores?
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago of 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic - slightly closer to Europe than American
What language will they speak?
The Azores are Portuguese islands so the locals speak Portuguese. You'll have no problem with the language - we promise
What is the currency?
The island uses the Euro - it can be a good idea to bring some with you, but it is easy to access money from atms on the island. It's a good idea to let your credit card company or bank know that you're traveling.
What do I pack?
The weather in July should be perfect - high 80, low 70 with high humidity. Bring clothes to layer, a rain coat, hiking shoes or good sneakers, and don't forget your bathing suit! Swim shoes could be helpful with the volcanic stones but not necessary. A converter for your electronics will also be necessary - although we hope you won't spend much time on your phone!