Caribbean JOY -  Essential Happiness Retreat
Guadeloupe, French Caribbean
January 10 to 20, 2019

Oh my goodness  - I am so  excited!
I fell in love with the French Caribbean when I was a young girl and my parents took me over there. I returned years later with my two older children when they were babies.  A secret to most Americans, the Guadeloupe islands are truly a bit of paradise (think French croissants under palm trees, next warm turquoise water, with a steel drum playing somewhere in the background).  And then, the kindness of the people who live there. The smiles, the Ease, the Generosity of spirit. I believe that you will fall in love as I have.

Our home is within (bare) footsteps of a private white sand beach. Within a ten-minute walk, we will be in the sweet village of Sainte Anne, with its market and beach side restaurants. And because the Carnival lasts from January to March, we are likely to encounter some beautiful colorful action.

You will go back to your life with a  new perspective, which will allow you to experience a whole new reality in your relationships, your work, your creativity, and your peace of mind.

"Part of the charm of these French-speaking islands is that they’re undiscovered. Even during the height of tourism season, they aren’t a place where it feels like everything revolves around tourism, as so many Caribbean islands do. There’s no slickness here. What does exist in the way of restaurants and hotels are less polished than on many islands, but more heartfelt and colorful." - Forbes

"France in the tropics. Guadeloupe blends some of the most appealing aspects of France. Yet it is decidedly different, with its mélange of African-Guadeloupeans, Asians, white French descendants and its strong identity as a Caribbean island."
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
For this mid winter Retreat, we  have chosen the island of Guadeloupe, in the French Caribbeans, which is one of my favorite spots  ever on the planet.

Stunning beaches, soaring mountains, a volcano, exotic and delicious food and spectacular turquoise water are shared over the five main islands, each of which has its own special character and different reasons to visit.

On our time off from class we can hike, kayak, lay in the sun (if I remember correctly, bathing suit tops are optional), explore the culture and art, eat our fill of Creole dishes, take a ferry to another island, find a carnival parade,  snorkel, and always fill our senses with this hugely joyful place and its Essences of Simplicity, Beauty, Kindness and Joy.
 THE COURSE
During our time together, I will share with you my “Essential Happiness Program."

I will also be launching my brand new program "Dancing with Life's Magic," during this Retreat.

The course is designed to challenge you as well as support you. Throughout the week, you will be guided towards discovering (or re-discovering) a new level of intimacy with your authentic self. You will  learn  simple and powerful tools to help you create a life that lines up with your "true you,"  tools which you will  be able to share with other people in your life, as well.

Increased levels of Creativity, Self Expression, Joy, Connection, and Calm Power are the by products of this intensive course.

Mostly, You will be reminded of the magic of life, and how to dance with it.

OUR HOME
Our comfortable home is  on  a white sand private  beach and a 10 minute walk from the small village of Sainte-Anne and  one of the most beautiful beaches of Guadeloupe, with a clear, warm and calm sea.

The large garden will enchant us with mango trees, coconut palms, breadfruit and more.

Oh, and we even have a small pool, too!

For our pleasure, most breakfasts and lunches – as well as our welcome and goodbye dinners - will be prepared for us at home. The rest of the time, we will get to explore Sainte Anne's many delicious and authentic restaurants.
TUITION
SANDY BEACH ROOM
King Size bed
Private bathroom
$5,500 for two people

MANGO ROOM
King Size bed
shared bathroom
$5,100  for two people

GUAVA ROOM
King Size bed
shared bathroom
$5,100  for two people

BANANA ROOM
Double room with two twin beds
Shared bathroom
$2,650 per person

COCONUT ROOM
Double room with two twin beds
Shared bathroom
$2,650 per person

Following your Retreat, and to maximize its benefits, I also offer a Post Retreat Coaching Package

***We  recommend that you purchase travel insurance which covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and trip cancellation.***
Your tuition includes:
- My full Essential Happiness Program, with a couple of extra surprises
- Ten nights in our tropical beach house
- Homemade prepared breakfasts and lunches on class days, as well as  two dinners.
- "Pop-up" yoga classes! (optional)

Mostly, it includes TRANSFORMATION.

Your tuition does not include:
- Transportation to and from the Retreat
- Meals away from home
- Alcohol
- Tours
- 3% fee if you choose to pay via PayPal

- Receive a 10% discount when you complete your registration and payment by October 1st.
- Retreat alumni receive a 10% discount.
(both discounts cannot be combined)

Because the space is limited, we recommend you reserve your spot early, with your 50% deposit.

The balance is due 60 days before we leave. Please note that your deposit and your tuition are non refundable, although they may be transferable.
As always, we have made sure to create a balance of class time and “play, rest or discover” time.
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore with our group or go out on your own, if you’d like.


My promise to you is that you will leave with a full heart, AND deeply altered.


I would not have believed I could change my life in one short week. I did. It works. If you are unsure about attending, do it. You will not regret it, and you too will be amazed and grateful.

I came to the Retreat in a state of mind in which I pretty much felt as is my life was over an that I could not possibly find my way out of the darkness. I am heading home tomorrow feeling as if I have found myself and I am so hopeful
that I can have an incredible rest of my life.

I now know how to proceed. New me, new ways, no more untrue stories.


The Essential Happiness Retreat is infused with both practical tools and magic. The combination is exceptionally unique and offers a life changing experience. Going back home with a full heart and a basket loaded with tools feels wonderful.

I truly love and am happy with myself. I didn’t know how much this Retreat could help me, but I knew something good was bound to happen. My primary reason for signing up was to fulfill a lifelong dream of returning to France. Anything I got out the Retreat would be the frosting on the cake. It was more than the best frosting, it was the whole cake and bakery shop.


A week in France, isolated from the maddening crowd, gave me a much needed opportunity for personal growth. Surrounded by beauty and like minded individuals, I was given a gift and now possess a fabulous array of tools to foray into everyday life! I am refreshed, realigned, and ready for anything life throws my way!


Sweet, beautiful, magic, full of laughter, ease, learning. A few tears, and deep, rich thought. Easy days and deep days at the villa. Sweet and exciting days out in the world. Trust and discovery, exploration and kindness. Newness, and beauty around every corner.
This was nothing short of life-changing. There are moments when you can say “this was me before, and this is me after,” and this Retreat is one of these times. I am leaving energized and of course - happy! Thank you, thank you.

If you are looking for the perfect balance of work and play, this Retreat is for you.Not only do you get to learn amazing, life-altering tools, you get a chance to practice them among the other participants who quickly feel like family. My toolbox and my heart are full.

Everything about this trip was thought provoking. Even on the fun day field trips, we talked about tools, and about how they directly applied. Thank you!

The Retreat is a time to be given powerful tools to lead a more authentic life. Learning and laughter, combined with comradery and friendship - in another culture - lay the ground work for magical change in your life.

An inspiring week. See the beauty of Southern France, relax at a lovely villa, and also gain new insights to make your life more full of purpose and joy. Maybe the best feedback as to how worthwhile I consider it to be, is that this my third Essential Happiness Retreat!
“ANYONE reading this. IT IS A LIFE CHANGER. Go. If you can, go.
Laura Lavigne sees life in a way that will pull you out of old patterns and WAKE YOU UP. Go.”