About this Retreat
Wellness Center Founder + Ayurvedic Consultant + Yoga Teacher
Her passion was crafting unique experiences that made others feel the importance of wellness. In one way or another, she had been preparing for this her entire life. She had changed careers and interests a few times. She loved everything from her past, but not one thing would fully satisfy her. She went to art school, later trained and worked as a sommelier, and after some incredible twists and swirls, she made it into the movie industry designing movie sets. This led her to restaurant design and eventually to her first hotel.
She saw how everything she had explored and done in her life was a key element in what she did then. She was finally and completely fulfilled by what she did: she created experiences to remind and connect others with the inherent joy in everyday living.
When she started her journey with Ayurveda, she had no idea what life had in store for her. As she deepened into Ayurveda practices, she had a constant feeling of remembering. The body and soul remembered their natural state of ease and flow. Through Ayurveda, she discovered that finding joy and harmony in the modern existence was a lot easier than she thought. She simply had to go back to basics. Ayurveda and its yoga practices were one with nature and its natural processes and cycles.
One of her biggest joys was sharing her yoga practice with others. For her, yoga was the practice of connecting with the body, and from that deep connection, she could further connect to her spirituality. Yoga was a tool of embodiment, a space to integrate life and all its experiences, the beauty and sorrow, and all the ups as well as downs. It was an honor for her to guide others into this practice, into inhabiting their bodies with intention and awareness.
Professional musician + Transformational coach + Shamanic practitioner + Men’s work facilitator
Kano is a professional musician, a transformational coach, a shamanic practitioner and a mens' work facilitator. He has many musical endeavors under his belt and began a massive life transition through addiction recovery. Kano has studied extensively in the Amazon jungles of Peru with Indigenous healers, learning and teaching the ancient ways of sacred ceremonial work, as well as developing healing music inspired by different tribes and traditions. He has passion not only for his own personal growth but also helping others achieve their true potential, guiding those who are ready to a deeper connection with their authentic selves. "Choosing to walk the healing path is hard to do, maybe the hardest to do. For me, it started after bottoming out with drugs and alcohol addiction. Through years of rehab in western institutions and with the help of ancient traditions, I healed my pain and found my life mission to help others heal theirs. Sometimes the road can get very dark, I’ve learned that drawing on our friends, teachers and spirit allies is how we come through it and find the light. My mission is to serve humanity’s spiritual evolution through coaching, embodiment, ceremony and music."
Details of this retreat
Yoga & Embodiment Retreat
November 10 - 16, 2026
Join the retreat of the year with Sylvia De Marco!
Each year, this retreat builds on the one before it, growing into a living community that breathes, moves, and evolves together. It is a space to step away from daily noise, create room in your life, and reconnect with your true self through shared practice, presence, and connection.
This is more than a yoga retreat. Days are filled with energizing morning and afternoon yoga sessions, workshops, embodiment practices, steam baths, nourishing Ayurvedic meals, and time to rest, receive massages, or explore the pristine beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico. There is laughter, depth, and the kind of fun that comes from feeling fully alive.
Now in its fourth edition, the heart of this retreat remains the same. Moving and breathing in sync with a group of 30 people, creating a powerful sense of unity, a reminder that community matters and that we are all part of something larger, flowing together as one.
· All Packages Include ·
Lodging of your choice
Yoga Pamphlet Created by Sylvia with full sequence & step by step poses
Opening Ceremony
Morning Yoga Classes
Daily Afternoon Workshops
Evening Events
1 Sacred Medicine Ceremony
1 Integration Circle
Daily Meals
Dinacharya Kit
Daily Beach Rides
Vieques Airport/Ferry Pick Up & Drop Off
· Not Included in Package Price ·
Flights to/from Vieques
Ferry Tickets to/from Vieques
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Add-on Spa Services
The Method Behind the Practice
Sylvia de Marco’s approach to teaching has been affectionately nicknamed by her close ones the SDM Method, a style shaped by over 30 years of exploring yoga. Her journey spans multiple lineages, with deep roots in Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow, alongside years of study across a wide range of traditions. Over time, she refined what resonated most, released what did not, and wove her experiences into an eclectic, intelligent, and deeply embodied practice.
In recent years, Sylvia’s study of Chromatic Yoga has profoundly influenced the way she practices and teaches. This method offers a clear, intentional, and artfully structured framework that guides students toward a deeper understanding of both body and mind. Each class unfolds through thoughtful progressions, leading toward peak postures or philosophical themes. Through skillful mobility drills and purposeful preparation, the body and nervous system are gradually primed, allowing movement to feel accessible, empowered, and playful.
Rather than relying on fixed sequences, Sylvia’s teaching emphasizes awareness, education, and connection. Students are invited to understand how and why they move, cultivating strength, clarity, and confidence on and off the mat. Drawing from decades of experience, the SDM Method blends precision with creativity, offering a practice that is safe, meaningful, and engaging, where curiosity, movement, and joy naturally come together.
Embodiment Practices
The embodiment practices are carefully woven with immersive music, breath-work, and guided visualizations. Each session unfolds as a complete journey. Within these spaces, we explore the subconscious, connect with our higher essence, engage with guidance beyond ourselves, and allow curiosity to lead us somewhere new. As energy begins to move, old patterns and stagnation soften, creating room for clarity and expansion.
Toward the end of the retreat, a Sacred Ceremony will be offered to honor and integrate the work of the week. Guided by Kano Mai, this ceremony brings the group together through both personal intentions and a collective intention shaped throughout our time together. Whether or not you choose to drink the beverage, the ceremony itself is the medicine. The music, chants, intentional setup, and the integrity of the sacred space held by the Curandero and the group create a powerful container. Each participant will be supported with their own ceremonial bed, offering a safe and intentional space to journey.
Our Center & The Island
Nestled on a hillside with refreshing cross-ventilation, our center offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush vegetation and the soothing melodies of native Coqui frogs. Situated atop one of the island's highest vantage points, we enjoy breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets. This island boasts minimal light pollution— creating an ideal setting for stargazing. On clear nights, even the Milky Way graces our skies— adding to the awe-inspiring experience.
Spanning three acres, Finca Victoria encompasses a variety of architectural structures seamlessly integrated into the lush vegetation. The land is teeming with fertility— showcasing an array of tropical plants, fruit-bearing trees, blossoms, and cacti.
Vieques— a unique island embraced by the Caribbean Sea— boasts abundant vegetation, year-round warmth, and a surreal landscape accentuated by a population of 2,000 free-roaming horses. This special enclave is a part of Puerto Rico, and is accessible via the ferry or swift “island-hopper” planes.
Communal Areas
The Pavilion & Pool
The heart of the hotel is our exclusive Pavilion. It is a large open structure overlooking trees and our pool. Here you will find numerous lounging areas and a work space with excellent WiFi. Complimentary homemade teas and coffee are available 24/7. The Pavilion opens to our pool and its zen tanning areas surrounded by tropical flowers, palm trees, and other lush, native vegetation. Your host can be found here, and is available to assist you from 9:00am-5:00pm.
Boutique Shop
The boutique store is located in the hotel’s central structure. It carries fine jewelry from local designers and more. We have a beautiful section of unique clothing and accessories sourced in Puerto Rico, as well as in other parts of the world, by Sylvia De Marco. These include kaftans, summer clothing, our own Finca Victoria tees, and so much more!
A part of our store has been dedicated to outsourcing artisans that create wonderful natural products such as cold-pressed soaps, skincare lines, reef-safe sunblock, scrubs, and a variety of floral, smoking blends.
Our Gardens
Perched amidst the central mountains of the island, Finca Victoria enjoys a more tropical climate and cooler temperatures than other parts of the island. Within this mini ecosystem, a variety of indigenous and fruit-bearing trees, tropical blooms, and charming inhabitants— like the coqui frogs— thrive.
In addition, you’ll find our herb gardens which serve as the source of ingredients for our teas, culinary creations, and spa's herbal treatments. We extend a warm invitation to our guests to embark on journeys through these enchanting gardens that grace every corner of our property.
Beaches in Vieques
The beaches of Vieques offer an exquisite blend of natural beauty and tranquility. With powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, each beach has its own unique charm. From the bioluminescent wonder of Mosquito Bay, to the secluded coves surrounded by lush foliage, Vieques' beaches promise a serene escape. Whether you seek vibrant snorkeling spots, peaceful sunbathing havens, or the chance to witness the island's wild horses against a coastal backdrop, Vieques' beaches invite you to immerse yourself in their captivating allure.
The Maloka
The Maloka is dedicated to our daily yoga practice and serves as a gathering place. It also holds a profound spiritual significance as the sacred space where we conduct our most cherished ceremonies. Within its sheltering walls, we gather to honor ancient traditions, celebrate milestones, and connect with the deeper rhythms of existence. The Maloka's ambiance— coupled with its panoramic view of the ocean— enhances the sense of reverence and connection during these transformative moments.
Ayurveda Inspired Meals
Ayurveda is an ancient healing tradition from India, carrying over 5,000 years of wisdom that uses plants and herbs to promote balance, vitality, and harmony between body and mind. This holistic approach centers on nourishment through thoughtfully prepared, easily digestible meals that support your daily practices while keeping the body light and energized. Each bite helps the body open, detoxify gently, and absorb the full benefits of medicinal spices and natural ingredients.
At Finca Victoria, the menu is carefully designed by Sylvia De Marco herself, with deep care and attention to how each meal complements the rhythm of our daily practices. Ayurvedic principles are blended with the vibrant flavors of tropical produce and Puerto Rican culinary traditions to create meals that delight the senses and support your wellness journey.
Every dining experience is crafted to nourish the body, elevate the spirit, and harmonize with your practice. Here, eating becomes more than sustenance—it is a ritual of vitality, a chance to reconnect with yourself, and a celebration of health in every flavor and aroma.
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