Silent Mindfulness & Yoga Retreat on Japan's Ishigaki Island

The retreat takes place in the village of Shiraho, on the east coast of Ishigaki Island. The property, Le Lotus Bleu, is a beautifully restored wooden merchant house from the 19th century, with red-tiled roofs and surrounded by Fukugi trees. It's a short drive from the airport, but feels far removed from everything. The rooms are simple but comfortable, each with an en-suite bathroom, and there's a garden, a terrace, and a dedicated yoga deck where most of the daily practice happens.

A typical day starts around 7:00 AM with a yoga and pranayama session, followed by a vegetarian breakfast prepared by Marta's husband, Javier. After that, there's often a teaching session on mindfulness or a silent nature walk. Afternoons might include a guided meditation, a Yoga Nidra session, or one of the retreat's signature energy practices: Emotional Freedom Techniques (tapping), sound therapy with Tibetan bowls, or a Reiki session. There's also time to read, rest, or walk to the nearby beach. Dinners are early, and the evenings are yours, often spent watching the sunset or listening to the waves.

What sets this retreat apart is the combination of structured energy work with deep silence. The EFT tapping, sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls, and Reiki are all taught and practiced in a way that feels grounded and practical, not esoteric. You'll learn the basics of each technique so you can use them after you leave. The silence itself is also a teacher here - you're not just relaxing, you're sitting with whatever comes up, which for many guests becomes the most valuable part of the week.

Marta, the lead teacher, is no newcomer to this work. She's a Yoga Alliance-certified E-RYT500 instructor with over eight years of experience, and also a certified Yoga Nidra facilitator, Reiki master, and sound therapist. She's been living and teaching in Japan, Thailand, and Colombia for over a decade, and her teaching style is calm, clear, and encouraging. Because the group is so small, she can adapt the practices to your level, whether you've never meditated before or have a daily practice.

The location is as much a part of the experience as the program. Ishigaki is famous for its coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and jungle-covered hills. The villa is close to the ocean, and the sound of the waves is a constant companion. It's the kind of place where you can disconnect completely from the internet and your usual obligations, and simply watch the light change over the water.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off - 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily Yoga Nidra sessions - Sound Therapy sessions - Reiki sessions - Free wifi - Mindfulness goodie bag - Post-retreat integration support online session - Concierge flight & travel assistance

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments (e.g., face massage, vibroacoustic massage) - Personal expenses