Reflections on Our February 2026 Cultural Yoga Retreat in The Gambia

Cultural Yoga Retreat in The Gambia

– with Alina Jaber –

In February 2026, we gathered once again for our Cultural Yoga Retreat in The Gambia, a week dedicated to yoga, cultural experiences, meaningful connection and giving back to the local community.

Each retreat has its own unique atmosphere, shaped by the people who join and the experiences we share together. This February retreat was filled with beautiful moments of learning, laughter, cultural exchange and deep relaxation.

Looking back, it truly felt like a retreat with purpose.

  A Week of Yoga by the Ocean

Our retreat took place at Kololi Beach Resort, where each day began with yoga practice in the peaceful oceanfront setting.

Morning sessions helped everyone start the day feeling grounded and present. Some days we practiced Vinyasa flow, while other sessions focused on slower and more restorative practices that allowed the body to release tension and relax deeply.

As the week unfolded, participants settled into the rhythm of retreat life — a slower pace that allows space to reconnect with the body, the breath and the surrounding nature.

  Welcoming a New Guest Teacher

This retreat was also special because it was the first time that Havayah, a beautiful and inspiring yoga teacher, joined the retreat as a guest teacher.

Havayah will now be joining my retreats going forward, helping to support the group and assist with organising the excursions and daily retreat schedule.

Her presence brought wonderful energy to the retreat, and it was incredibly helpful to have an additional experienced teacher supporting the group both at the resort and during our excursions.

During the retreat, Havayah also offered a beautiful Womb Yoga class in the evening, which was a deeply nourishing experience for the participants who attended.

The class created a calm and supportive space for relaxation, reflection and connection, and it was truly appreciated by everyone who joined.

  Experiencing Gambian Culture

One of the most special aspects of this retreat is the opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of The Gambia.

During the week we visited local communities, explored village life and connected with people whose warmth and hospitality leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits.

These cultural experiences are often among the most meaningful moments of the retreat, offering a deeper understanding of the country and its traditions.

  Learning About African Herbalism

A new and very special experience during this retreat was an African Herbalism Workshop led by my dear friend Aisha.

The workshop took place during our visit to the village concept, where we also enjoyed a traditional home cooking experience and learned more about local ways of living.

Aisha shared her deep knowledge of traditional African herbs and their uses in everyday life, health and wellness.

During the workshop we learned about many different herbs and plants, including:

• Hibiscus
• Baobab
• Cepa Roots, often known as “the bride’s secret”
• Gowe, a traditional African incense
• Mbor Mbor, a traditional Gambian tree
• Mango leaves
• Guava leaves
• Pomegranate leaves
• Moringa, often called “the never-die tree”

It was a fascinating and enriching experience that gave everyone insight into traditional plant knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

  Cultural Workshops: Bin Bin and African Dance

Aisha also led two other beautiful cultural experiences during the retreat: the Bin Bin workshop and an African dance class.

The Bin Bin workshop allowed participants to learn about this traditional African waist bead jewellery and its cultural significance.

Many guests enjoyed creating and wearing their own Bin Bin beads as a meaningful memory from the retreat.

The African dance class brought a lot of joy and energy to the group. Dancing together to traditional rhythms created a wonderful atmosphere of celebration and connection.

These cultural workshops are always a highlight and allow guests to experience Gambian traditions in a joyful and interactive way.

  The Incredible Food by Amani

Another highlight that guests always mention is the delicious food prepared by Amani.

Brunch and dinners were served at Kololi Beach Resort, where fresh, nourishing meals were prepared with care throughout the week.

The food during the retreat is something participants consistently praise in their reviews, and it has become one of the special elements of the experience.

I have already written a separate blog post dedicated to the retreat cuisine, as it is such an important part of what makes these retreats feel so memorable.

  A Retreat With Purpose

What makes this retreat especially meaningful is the intention to give back.

During the retreat we continued our charity initiatives supporting local schools and the tribal Jola village.

Participants had the opportunity to contribute and connect with local communities in a respectful and supportive way.

Many guests shared in their reviews that this aspect of the retreat made the experience feel deeper and more meaningful.

It is something that truly reflects the heart of this retreat.

  Community and Connection

One of the most beautiful aspects of retreats is the sense of community that naturally develops.

People often arrive as strangers but leave as friends.

Sharing yoga practice, meals, cultural experiences and meaningful conversations creates connections that continue long after the retreat ends.

This February group brought such warm and positive energy, and it was a joy to witness the friendships that formed during the week.

  Gratitude for a Beautiful Retreat

I feel deeply grateful to everyone who joined this February 2026 Cultural Yoga Retreat in The Gambia.

Each person contributed to the beautiful atmosphere we shared throughout the week.

These retreats continue to remind me how powerful it can be to step away from daily routines, slow down and reconnect with both ourselves and the world around us.

  Join a Future Cultural Yoga Retreat

For many participants, this retreat becomes much more than just a holiday. It is a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, experience the rich culture of The Gambia and share meaningful moments with a supportive group of people.

If reading about this retreat resonates with you, I would love to welcome you to one of our upcoming Cultural Yoga Retreats in The Gambia.

Upcoming Retreat Dates:

• 10–17 November 2026
• 2–9 February 2027

If you feel called to join us, you can find more information and reserve your place here: Explore Transformative Cultural Yoga Retreats in Gambia.

Spaces for each retreat are intentionally limited to keep the experience personal and supportive.

I look forward to sharing this beautiful experience with many more wonderful people in the future.

With love and gratitude,  
Alina Jaber

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