𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒮𝑜𝒻𝓉, 𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒲𝑒𝓁𝓁
July 10 - 16, 2025: Zanzibar
A Women’s Exploration & Restoration Retreat
Starting at $2,070 per person | Minimum: 5 guests | Maximum: 9 guests
Pole Pole.
From the moment you step foot onto the main island of Zanzibar, called Unguja, and into historic Stone Town, you are invited to 𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒮𝑜𝒻𝓉 and to 𝐿𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒲𝑒𝓁𝓁.
Embrace the laid-back, no-rush Zanzibari lifestyle.
You will hear the Swahili phrase “pole pole,” or “slowly, slowly” in English, repeated many times. The goal of the retreat is to encourage you — you hardworking, caregiving, beautiful soul of a woman — to soak up that mantra and to take it with you beyond the trip.
Welcome to Zanzibar where you will practice slowing down to enjoy the little (and big) joys of everyday life.
Kisiwa Kizuri.
The Beautiful Island.
Your Host & Curator.
Throughout life, we come to wear many hats. Jera Oliver, curator and host of your retreat, is no stranger to the complexities of adulting. She is a mother, a daughter, a full-time higher education administration professional, an urban agriculture-focused community organizer, and a wellness advocate in Columbus, Ohio.
In 2019, Jera was blessed to have an awakening about the state of her spiritual, physical, and mental well-being, which she learned is the foundation for all other aspects of one’s comprehensive health and self-awareness. Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jera had the opportunity to assess what brings her joy and what does not, with the latter either having to be removed or modified. This clarity and strength inspired Jera to found Mahogany Manifesto, and she leverages this platform to advocate for multi-dimensional wellness and self-care.
Throughout all of Jera’s life, travel has served as a core means for reflection, reconnection with self, and reiteration of the importance of social wellness (a.k.a. community).
After traveling to Zanzibar twice in 2022, Jera felt like she found her “home away from home.” She is overjoyed with each opportunity to soak up the magic of the island with small groups of warm, bright, and open-minded travelers.
The Itinerary.
Schedule subject to modification.
Minimum five (5) guests required for trip to take place.
Day 0: Wednesday, July 9
If you’re flying to Zanzibar from the East Coast of the United States, this is the latest date for your departure from your chosen international gateway (or “hub”) city — assuming you select a flight with only one layover.
Recommended International Flights from US:
Kenya Airways: JFK - (NBO) - ZAN
Ethiopian Airlines: IAD - (ADD) - ZAN
Day 1: Thursday, July 10
Welcome to Zanzibar! Upon your transfer from the airport to the hotel, set down your bags and indulge in the beachfront amenities that the hotel has to offer. Get acquainted with Stone Town by walking through the corridors and admire the beautiful architecture.
The evening will end with what is actually just the beginning of the “Women’s Exploration and Restoration Retreat" — an al fresco welcome dinner where we will share introductions and set intentions.
Day 2: Friday, July 11
Eat breakfast on your own ahead of the first excursion of the retreat. We will learn about the history of Zanzibar on a guided walking tour and then enjoy lunch together. Continue exploring and get dinner on your own at a restaurant of your choosing.
Day 3: Saturday, July 12
It’s time for an adventure!
Let’s:
Take a boat ride on the Indian Ocean
Feed tortoises on Changu Island
Snorkel and view the under-ocean landscape
Partake in lunch on Nakupenda Island
Upon returning to the main Zanzibar island, you’ll probably want to rest after such a jam packed day! Eat dinner at or near the hotel and pack up for departure to the Central South East Coast in the morning.
Breakfast and dinner on your own this day.
Day 4: Sunday, July 13
The lush island landscape is ripe for growing and harvesting an array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
We will tour a farm and enjoy a local lunch before heading to Pingwe Village.
Breakfast and dinner on your own this day.
Day 5-6: Monday, July 14 - Tuesday, July 15
While at our second hotel, where breakfast is included each morning, you will be encouraged to balance the busyness of the previous days with lots of rest.
Fall asleep to the sounds of waves.
Read.
Write.
Meditate.
If you’re still feeling adventurous, consider adding on a tour of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park or going clear kayaking.
Dinner is on your own on Monday evening, but on the final night of the trip, we will gather over a meal and share our reflections and affirmations with one another.
Day 7: Wednesday, July 16
It’s time to bid farewell and safe travels to our fellow guests. Those who are departing on this day will be driven to the airport. Consider extending your trip with a few more days in Zanzibar or a safari in mainland Tanzania. Contacts for post-trip excursions will be made available upon request.
Cost Per Person.
Starting at $2,070
Includes transportation to and from the airport, six (6) nights of boutique hotel lodging, three (3) breakfasts, three (3) lunches, two (2) dinners, and planned group excursions (admission fees/taxes and ground transportation)
Base price accounts for spacious triple occupancy suite with individual beds. A limited number of double occupancy and single occupancy suites at increased pricing are available. Book early for a chance to register in your preferred accommodation category. Be open minded and willing to share. Social wellness is part of the experience!
Does NOT include airfare, meals not listed on the itinerary, or travel insurance
All registered guests are required to procure and provide confirmation of travel insurance, as well as confirmation of compliance with pertinent visa requirements and that they hold a valid passport, by June 10, 2025 or risk cancellation of their reservation subject to the refund policy
Minimum five (5) guests required for trip to take place.
Payment Options.
*EARLY BIRD PRICING* Pay in full at time of booking by December 1, 2024 and receive a 10% discount
Three-Installment Payment Plan available through December 1, 2024
Schedule: Three (3) equal payments
1st Installment (non-refundable): Due at time of booking no later than December 1, 2024
2nd Installment: Due on February 1, 2025
3rd Installment: Due on April 1, 2025
Note: 1st Installment is non-refundable, no exceptions
Full payment at time of booking available through April 1, 2025
Cancellation & Refund Policy.
In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be sent in writing to mahoganymanifesto@gmail.com. No exceptions.
100% refund* upon properly submitted cancellation is available until April 10, 2025 (inclusive).
75% refund* upon properly submitted cancellation is available between April 11, 2025 - May 10, 2025 (inclusive).
50% refund* upon properly submitted cancellation is available between May 11, 2025 - June 10, 2025 (inclusive).
On or after June 11, 2025, any refund under 50%* is determined case-by-case at the discretion of the host.
*Excluding the 1st Installment for those who select the Three-Payment Installment Plan.
The host reserves the right to cancel a registration for reasons included but not limited to a registrant’s payment being more than 10 days past due and/or guests failing to provide confirmation of travel insurance, visa compliance, and valid passport by the June 10, 2025 deadline.
Thank you for your interest in the “Women’s Exploration & Restoration Retreat” by Mahogany Manifesto
Space is Limited!
See You in Zanzibar.
Nitakuona hivi karibuni (Swahili). See you soon.
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