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Waves Wellness and Wildlife: A Unique Meditation Retreat for Women

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Waves Wellness and Wildlife: A Unique Meditation Retreat for Women

April 26 - May 3, 2026

Inhambane, Mozambique

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Hosted By

Gerry Rickard

10 followers

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7 nights, 8 days

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8 person retreat

Highlights

  • Unique combination of Beach, Bush, Safari and wellbeing in an truly unspoiled destination

  • A true African wildlife experience in a conscious way

  • Unique combination of meditation practice and life in Africa led by Gerry who lives here

  • 7 Night all inclusive experience with all high-quality food, accommodation, activities and teaching included

  • A holiday experience that combines wellbeing with adventure and nature conservation

  • Professional facilitation led by an MA qualified mindfulness teacher

  • Two very unique National Parks combined in 1 retreat: The Bazaruto Archipelago and Zinave National Park

  • Fully personalized experience including a (video) call before the start of the retreat

  • A week of humour and some good Irish craic

Details

Join Gerry on this uniquely designed Waves Wellness & Wildlife Retreat for Women – for self-care and reconnection with nature in the heart of Africa, right by the warm Indian Ocean. This mindful retreat combines the essence of mindfulness meditation practice with beautiful beaches, plenty of time to relax and chill and a truly unique off-road safari adventure in one of Africa’s most beautiful and well kept secrets by the Indian Ocean. Mozambique, with its unspoiled beaches and coastline, pristine marine life, turquoise blue water, warm embrace of the Indian Ocean and authentic life, offers the perfect backdrop for your inner wellness journey. Not only that, but it is also really the hidden gem of Africa. Beautiful, pure, undiscovered, and wild. Get off the beaten track and join us on a unique mindful holiday in this authentic and magical place. In this unique mindful holiday you will learn about and practice meditation with a fully MA qualified teacher and visit two of Mozambique’s best National Parks: the stunning and highly desired Bazaruto Archipelago by Vilanculos (where we live) and an adventurous fully guided off road journey inland trip to Africa’s breathtaking nature and unspoiled wild: Zinave National Park —Mozambique's first Big Five protected area. Guided meditation practices will take place every morning, and in the afternoons, the ocean beckons. Planned activities will all be part of the retreat including a group Aerial yoga class in the beautiful Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel, within walking distance of the accommodation. After 3 nights in Vilanculos, we’ll set of for an adventure by 4×4 into Africa’s true wild, where we will continue our retreat in the midst of pure nature and wildlife. Guided early morning and sunset game drives are part of the retreat. Evenings are spent by the campfire overlooking the mighty Save River. Healthy food prepared by lovely locals will be cooked at our base camp overlooking this majestic river, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. It is an unforgettable place. Over seven days, Gerry will guide you on this journey. You will learn about mindfulness meditation, how to look at our thought processes (the waves) differently, and how to 'surf' them instead of getting caught up in them, as we often do. This is an adventurous yet perfectly safe, fully personally guided group retreat for women, with a maximum of 8 participants. Join Gerry for this unique wellbeing retreat especially developed for women. This is a fantastic opportunity to obtain deeper insight into your mind/body relationship, relate differently to the thinking process, and reconnect with yourself through practicing in the interconnectedness of nature. Originally from Ireland, Gerry made a complete lifestyle change in 2009 when he left the American entertainment corporate world and moved to Portugal with his wife, Christina (Dutch). After 10 years in Portugal, the adventure continued in Mozambique, Africa, in 2021, where he runs MindWise Mozambique from his home in Vilanculos. Christina also runs Unique Mozambique, and her mission is to inspire you with this authentic country, its rich culture, and kind and friendly people. Gerry has a gentle approach to mindfulness meditation and the special gift of bringing a lot of joy and humour to his teachings. With his intercultural work and life experience, he can deal with people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures with a very down-to-earth mentality. Together with the lovely Mozambicans, we will take care of you all during this unique mindful holiday. We love good food, good company, and good people. Africa is special, and we feel very privileged to live here. We look forward to introducing you to the African continent and the Indian Ocean.

Location

Inhambane, Mozambique

Inhambane is a picturesque coastal city in southern Mozambique, known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Situated on Inhambane Bay, it's one of the oldest settlements on the East African coast, with a legacy of trade dating back to the 11th century. The city serves as a gateway to some of Mozambique's most renowned beaches, like Tofo and Barra, which are global hotspots for diving and snorkeling, offering encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and other vibrant marine life. Beyond its aquatic attractions, Inhambane boasts a lively central market reflecting diverse cultural influences, charming streets with well-preserved Portuguese colonial buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere, earning it the nickname "Land of Good People" from Vasco da Gama in 1498.

Venue

Casa Cabana Beach

4.2 287 Reviews

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Vilanculos is often referred to as the "The big Island" - although being part of the mainland this fast growing resort town situated approx. 750 kilometres North of Maputo offers visitors beautiful flowing beaches and blue azure waters. Casa Cabana Beach is situated more or less in the middle of Vilanculos bay offering an excellent vantage point looking out towards the Islands of the Bazaruto archipelago and fantastic views are assured. Cabanas are luxury self catering units and are situated within a stones throw of the beach.Luxury self catering family units are fitted with aircon, baths and satellite TV and there is a swimming pool. We have our own Restaurant and Beach Bar (Casbah). We offer free airport transfers as well as a complimentary transfer service within the Vilanculos environs for guests wanting to visit restaurants or do some shopping. Activities that can be arranged include diving, fishing, snorkelling, water para-sailing, horse riding, camel rides and dhow trips to the islands. Visitors wanting to experience some of the local night life will be advised as to what is hot and what is not.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Pool

Garden

Garden

Spa

Spa

Towels

Towels

Housekeeping

Housekeeping

Restaurant

Restaurant

Kitchen

Kitchen

Free Parking

Free Parking

Accommodation

Private Room Casa Cabana and Tent Zinave NP

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$2,250 USD total

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Casa Cabana Beach is an informal beachside accommodation in Vilanculos with a relaxed beach bar with views of the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. Free high-speed WiFi is available. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a balcony and a patio.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Nut Allergy Friendly · Organic · Vegetarian · Dairy-free · Diabetic Friendly

During the retreat, you will be served daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please advise of any food allergies.

Schedule

This 8-day retreat, running from Sunday, April 26th to May 3rd 2026 offers a blend of relaxation and adventure in Mozambique. It begins in Vilanculos with a stay at Casa Cabana, featuring an introductory dinner at Casbah Restaurant. The retreat then transitions into a mix of coastal and safari experiences. Day 2 includes a Bazaruto Archipelago boat trip for snorkelling and an island meditation. Days 4 to 6 are dedicated to a safari at Zinave National Park, involving a 6-7 hour 4x4 journey, daily game drives, sundowners, and evening practices with campfires. Qi Gong by the river is also a highlight during the safari days. The retreat concludes back in Vilanculos on Day 7 for a final evening practice and dinner at a local restaurant, with departure on Day 8 after breakfast and a final sharing session. Each day incorporates morning and evening meditation or practice sessions, emphasising mindfulness throughout the journey.

Testimonials

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I signed up for the yoga and came out a budding Buddha One week on and I’m still processing what was an incredible few days of mindfulness and reconnection with my body and mind after my yoga retreat in Aqua Ventura, Portugal. I already knew Becca was going to be a brilliant yoga teacher but Gerry was the real surprise. I’ve mediated before but only really learnt breathing strategies to get through till the bells ding dong. After this week I’ve got such a different perspective on it all. Gerry was able to break down complex eastern philosophy into relatable ways of understanding the world, ourselves and the role of meditating within this melting pot of madness. Our fruitful, lively and often hilarious discussions were hugely helped by the incredible group that came together for the retreat. Each and everyone an absolute diamond. We belly laughed a lot. And we danced like nobody was watching. Eternally grateful to both Becca and Gerry for being absolute G’s (gurus) and holding such a special space for us all. I signed up for the yoga and came out a budding Buddha

Genevieve Stawski, UK

Very impactful I had the good luck to participate in a mindfulness yoga retreat with Gerry of Mindwise. Me and Becca of Holistically Becca in June 2023 over 4 to 5 days in Portugal. I travelled from Ireland to support a friend but I was the one that gained. The immersion in this beautifully crafted experience was just what I needed to reconnect me to the magic of who we are as human beings and the power of taking time out from the responsibilities of life. Both Gerry and Becca are gifted respectful teachers inviting you to experience the offerings and wisdom of their training. The fusion of specialities was so impactful and over the 5days I gained lots of practices from these fields to take home which I am continuing which is testament to their approach. The learning followed by consistent practice has helped form my new practices. Based in a beautiful location Aqua Ventura deep in nature with open like minded people was a blessing. If you truly want to reconnect and nourish yourself and reset with kindness , gift yourself time with Gerry, Becca or both! I will be back for more. 30years in healthcare I see this as preventative medicine and connection with our own healing power.

Karen Harrington, Ireland

Incredible practitioner! Highly recommended.

Ben Taylor, UK

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Host

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Gerry Rickard

Mozambique

Gerry completed a four-year Masters in Mindfulness-Based Teaching at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University in Wales, one of the most renowned institutions for mindfulne...

2 languages

English and Nederlands

Teaching for 8 months

Joined Insight Timer in May 2025

What's Included

7 nights accommodation

3 daily delicious and nutritious meals

Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day

Welcome drink

Daily meditation classes

Transportation during the retreat

Specialized workshops

Group excursions/activities

Nature hikes with a trusted guide

Course Manual

Not Included

Flights costs

Travel insurance

Visa fee

FAQs

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 30 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 30 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 30 days before the retreat begins.