As you know, very soon we are going as a group to attend the Wellness Retreat in Cuba, and one of the key questions participants are asking is, what to pack. Here is a list of essentials that you should bring with you to Cuba.
Essential Packing List for Your Beach Retreat in Cuba
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable retreat experience in the secluded paradise of Cayo Santa Maria, we recommend packing the following items:
- Greatest items to bring to a Wellness Retreat in Cuba
- Small drums (for percussion sessions) – check out list of drums below, for inexpensive versions that pack well, you can purchase them in Amazon.
- Any other musical instrument you may feel called to bring (check out list of other percussion instruments below).
- Spiritual cleansing material (palo Santo, Sage, or incense)
- Gail LaFortune’s book Heal to be Free (she will deliver a beautiful session on self healing and distance healing at the Nov 2025 retreat)
- Gratitude Journal – 100 days of pure positive energy by Jocy Medina
- Your crystals or chakra stones (as we will charge them at the beach)
- Bathing suits as each day we will have beach time
- Yoga clothing for sunset yoga sessions and morning walks
- Reflexology socks for feet reflexology sessions – example here
- Yoga mat – these Travel Yoga Mat (in red) or this one (in pink) are great
- Yoga socks (for sessions by the pool or hot pavement) or Aqua shoes, which gives you a nice and safe experience during your morning walks.
- Chakra tapestry mat (for your chakra focused meditation sessions) like this one
- Comfortable shoes for dancing, flip flops for the beach, at least one pair of closed comfy shoes for the plane and also for hiking (for level 1 or beginner level hikes) – like these ones (for women) or these ones (for men)
- Light clothing (white clothing like this dress will be nice for spiritual gatherings and beach sessions). For men, white t-shirts or clothing of this material feels nice at the beach.
- Chakra handbooks or material (since each day will be dedicated to activating and unblocking an energetic center in your body). Wellness retreat organizers use this one at the retreat. Burning a sage smudge stick can help repel mosquitoes due to the strong scent of compounds like cineole and camphor, which interfere with their sensory receptors.
- Sage bundles for smudging your aura, your own room, and in case you wish to book an enhance spiritual cleansing at the beach, with local practitioners.
- A spray bottle to make your own essential oil water – a simple one like this one.
- Various types of Mosquito spray to keep your room and yourself safe from bites:
- Murphy’s natural is an oil spray powered by oil of lemon eucalyptus for long-lasting mosquito and tick protection for kids (6+ months), adults and travel gear.
- Off is HIGH-STRENGTH and provides up to 8 hours of proven mosquito defence so you can camp, hike and hunt without constant re-application.
- Citronella essential oil to make your and in your hair/clothes to repel them)
- Citronella candles double portable hanging lemongrass candle set contains 350 grams of high-quality soy wax, combined with the essence of natural lemongrass oil, releasing a fresh herbal aroma, adding a natural atmosphere to outdoor and indoor scenes.
- Burning a sage smudge stick can help repel mosquitoes due to the strong scent of compounds like cineole and camphor, which interfere with their sensory receptors.
- Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather
- Yoga and exercise attire
- Bring your Yoga mat and Yoga socks for sessions by the pool
- 4 or 5 sets of swimwear as we will spend a lot of time at the beach
- Sun hat or cap for sun protection
- Comfortable sandals and walking shoes for your long beach walks
- Sole protected water shoes for morning walks (to avoid getting cut or stinged at the beach)
- Evening wear for casual dining and theme parties
- Sun glasses (UV light)
- Light rain jacket for when and if it rains
- Health and Wellness Supplies
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- After-sun lotion (this organic – cocoa based – aloe vera gel is amazing!)
- Insect repellent, including essential oils such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, lemongrass, etc… that are well known to discourage mosquitoes.
- Purse paper-tissue (like these ones) as Cuban bathrooms seem to have ‘toilet-paper troubles’.
- A spray bottle to make your own oil water, for refreshing during sunny times and also for creating your own natural mosquito spray.
- Blindfold and ear plugs to ensure a deep restful sleep
- Personal hygiene products of your preference.
- Two reusable water bottles (like this bundle), one to carry with you and one to keep in the room’s freezer.
- Ice tray (small ones, so you can make your own ice with bottled water in the room) or BPA-free reusable ice blocks (to keep your bottle water drinks cold).
- Prescription medications
- Anti-acid and any other stomach medicine you may need
- Electrolyte packets to stay hydrated (for if ever your tummy does not behave). Hydration salts or other remedies of your preference.
- Pain killers (if you use them)
- Essential oils for relaxation and balance, floral kits or nature kits are best.
- Gratitude Journal like this one
- Condoms (they are very hard to find in Cuba and can also be a nice gift)
- Travel pillow (for camping, packs well) – See a great one here
- Snacks & Dietary Needs
- Non-perishable snacks and dietary supplements
- If you are vegetarian, bring protein additions that you may generally use to enhance your protein intake.
- Cereal of your preference, also cereal bars are hard to find there.
- Nuts and other healthy snacks.
- Specialty items that align with your dietary preferences.
- Fresh lemons if you love them (to add to your fish and other meat in the buffet)
- Bottle of Caribbean (or other) spices (to add flavor to meats when cooking them in the buffet)
- Chewing gum – great for the plane to unplug ears.
- Tech & Entertainment
- Travel adapters (like this one) Cuba uses 110V and 220V outlets but many hotels have 220V outlets that require a converter to 110V
- Mobile phone and charger
- Rechargeable batteries (nowhere to be found in Cuba) – like these ones
- Ask your home phone provider about roaming fees in Cuba (in case you wish to use your own internet, but there is free wifi at the hotel)
- Headphones (specially great for the plane, in case noisy)
- Beach Essentials
- Beach towels and lightweight blanket – this is the #1 best seller on beach blankets
- Your own snorkeling gear – a full set like this one
- Natural sunscreen SPF 35 like this one, because it feels lightweight, non-greasy and is water-resistant. Also, infused with skin-loving ingredients like aloe and meadowfoam seed.
- Waterproof bag for electronics – check out this water proof bag to protect your phone
- Important Documents – Don’t forget!
- Passport and travel / medical insurance details
- Copies of any important documents
- Your prescriptions
- Cash (Small denominations of foreign currency) for incidental expenses and tips
- Previous participants (of the Wellness Retreat) recommendations:
- Loonies and Twonies (Canadian dollars) in case you wish to tip your servers, house cleaning ladies, etc…
- Donations: Items that can be shared with hotel staff for kids, adults and general use (simple items like school supplies, cough and fever medicine for children, Band-Aids, tooth brush/paste, make-up, women and children clothes are all welcome and not readily available in the Cuban stores).
By packing thoughtfully, you’ll be well-prepared to fully embrace the tranquility and rejuvenating atmosphere of your retreat in Cayo Santa Maria.
Remember! Your check-in luggage is NOT included in the price of the retreat. Sunwing (or now, WestJet) charges $50 (online) or $60 (at the airport) for each check-in luggage, each way. However, carry on bags are free as well as a personal bag (like a backpack or purse).
If you have a question about what to bring and not to bring, please ask the event organizers. They will be happy to help.
Other useful shopping lists (for your trip to Cuba)
Blackouts are not common in the location where the Wellness Retreat will take place. However, if you are planning on traveling to areas in Cuba where there is a potential for a blackout? Check this list!
For those travelers wishing to bring (and donate) useful items to Cuban locals during your trip, here is a list of 60 most useful items to donate to Cubans (this list was created based on anecdotal knowledge of known products that are scarce -or not found- in the island).
Drums for the Wellness Retreat
The Wellness Retreat includes drumming circles and learning sessions. If you do not own a drum, here you can find ideas for drums that are affordable, pack well, and that you can bring with you to the retreat.
Get yourself a beautiful drum
Beautiful goddess drum, smaller than in the picture but nice solid sound. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
Turtles are a symbol of patience and love. It represents the pace of our journey, the steps we take towards our goals not needing to be rushed, but needing to be firm and certain… This is a very nice and solid drum. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a very nice and solid drum. Handmade. Made of wood and leather. Small size. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a nice small African Djembe, measuring 9 x 20 inches, crafted from high-quality mahogany. This standard model features a 9.5-inch goat skin drumhead, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound. Its compact size makes it perfect for portable use, allowing musicians to easily pack it for travel or outdoor events. Whether you’re jamming with friends or practicing solo, this djembe is an excellent addition to any percussionist’s collection.
The Mandala Drum
Embrace the mesmerizing artistry of this shaman drum, where wood and leather unite to create a practical and beautiful masterpiece. Its smooth surfaces and comfortable feel generate a clear and resonant sound that will leave you in awe.
Size: 10 inches. Comes with drumming stick, as shown.
Other musical instruments to play at the beach
Ocean drums are an amazing addition to your meditation session, as they create soothing, rhythmic sounds that mimic the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves. The unique auditory experience they provide helps to enhance relaxation and deepen your state of mindfulness. By incorporating ocean drums into your practice, you can transform your meditation environment into a serene coastal retreat, allowing your mind to drift peacefully while you concentrate on your breath and intentions.
Tambourines are awesome for beach circles, as they provide an engaging way to accompany songs, fostering a lively atmosphere and encouraging everyone to join in. Their vibrant sound makes for nice percussion rhythms that can elevate the mood and add energy to gatherings, creating a sense of unity among friends and family.
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful table gong
- Size: 8″(H) x 7.5″(L) x 1.75″(D) approx.
- Material: Wood and Copper
- Idea for meditation. Perfect home decor to create Zen environment at home or in office. Good Feng Shui!
Other unique items to pack for a retreat at the beach
Awesome Collection of Essential Oils: I highly recommend the Pure Aroma Oils, because they are 100% Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils, yet cost a fraction of what all these would cost if you bought them individually at any store. Plus, this box contains the most sensual oils you can find. Pure Aroma products have no fillers, no additives and no carrier oils added. They are a set of 6 Oils including Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass & Sweet Orange. Each box includes 6 Amber Brown Bottles – 10Ml with Dropper.
This is my very favorite of all oils. Sweet orange essential oil, extracted from the peels of ripe oranges, is a burst of citrus sunshine. Its invigorating and uplifting aroma not only adds a delightful fragrance to your space but also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. The fruity and sweet notes of sweet orange create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for kindling sensuality.
Tip: This pure Brazilian Orange is a large 118 ML bottle for the price of a small one.
This 16-piece scented candle collection is more than an olfactory journey. Elevate your surroundings with this exquisite box of scented treasures, where each fragrance tells a story and every burn is an experience to cherish. Scents: jasmine, rose, vanilla, bergamot, fig, lavender, lemon, spring, gardenia, strawberry, rosemary, peppermint, Blue bell wood sage & sea salt peony cherry blossom, English pear & freesia.
Best Seller – Yoga Pants: These pants are so popular for a reason: They are the epitome of comfort and functionality. Crafted with a blend of cutting-edge features, these pants are designed to elevate your yoga experience: They are Squat Proof so you can conquer your workouts with confidence, 4-Way Stretch so you can embrace flexibility and move seamlessly in every direction. They are Buttery Soft: Experience pure indulgence against your skin. These pants are luxuriously soft, ensuring a gentle touch throughout your practice. They have a compression High Waist over Belly Button and have a hidden Waistband Pocket.
I personally use this exquisite Sage Bundle kit, carefully curated to elevate your smudging experience. It includes premium California White Sage, known for its potent healing properties in driving out negative energies. It also comes with a mystical charm of our smudge bowl, featuring an authentic 5-6 inch Abalone Shell with a mesmerizing Mother-of-Pearl finish, sourced from the depths of the ocean. Paired with a hand-carved wooden cobra tripod stand, this natural heat-resistant bowl provides a captivating sanctuary for your smoldering sage bundles.
Please note that each shell and stand is unique, adding a touch of individuality to your spiritual practice. Complementing this enchanting ensemble is a 10-12 inch natural turkey feather, meticulously chosen to elegantly fan the cleansing smoke in the direction of your intentions.
My favorite yoga mat: A yoga mat is a personal thing! I do not understand the concept of borrowing mats from the studio. It is like a bed, a place where you lie down, put your face, dream good dreams and rest your energy. So your mat is to your class the same thing that your bed is to your bedroom. Just like you do with your bed, choose your mat well. Invest time in finding the ideal mat for you. Consider factors like thickness, material, and texture. Personally, I also consider colour and design. I don’t know if you know this, but I love dragonflies. So I became fascinated with one I saw in Chapters with the design of a dragonfly and dream-wishing dandelions. I had to buy it!
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful tapestry for your wall. Amazon has many sizes. A center ornament inspiring meditation and chakra alignment. Perfect art for your livingroom or bedroom. Zen and minimalistic look.
Books you may wish to bring to the retreat
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
The Power of Now has sold over 16 million copies and is available in more than 30 languages. This book guides readers on a spiritual journey to discover their true selves and achieve personal growth. In the first chapter, Tolle discusses enlightenment and the mind’s role in creating pain, offering insights on living in the present to attain a pain-free identity. The author emphasizes connecting to our true essence, the “One Life” beyond physical existence. With a new preface, this paperback illustrates that true Enlightenment comes from being aware, free from the mind, and focused on the Now.
Best chakra healing book – ever! I recommend this awesome book. What an awesome guide to everything you need to know about Chakra Healing. It is a practical guide that applies ancient wisdom to the problems and stresses of modern life. It tells you all you need to know about the seven chakras, the vital energy centers in the human body. It teaches you what the chakras are and how they function; it provides personality tests so you can determine where your strengths lie and what you need to work on.
#1 New York Times bestseller What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions.
#1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.” Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.
This is a beautiful book for coloring mandalas, and positive affirmations is designed to be part of your transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. It provides a captivating world of MANDALAS blended with powerful POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS. It serves as a comprehensive healing companion. It provides insight into the meaning and significance of each affirmation and helps you can delve deeper into your personal growth journey. It also offers guided journaling sessions to help you write thoughts that arose during your coloring.
Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs
Looking for a way to relax and unwind? Check out this awesome mindfulness coloring book for adults! With stress relieving designs like animals, mandalas, and zentangle nature art, you’ll be able to chill out and embrace the zen. Give it a go and let your creativity flow!
This “Gratitude Journal,” offers 100 days of guided gratitude prompts, including counting blessings, writing thank-you letters to your past and present self, and reflecting on moments of joy and appreciation.
Positive affirmation Cards: As a Tarot card reader, I love cards, and I particularly love this set. People will tell you that you cannot read your own cards, but when you are doing yoga, or meditating, you are in (or very close to achieving) full alignment with your spiritual guidance system. So cards and Yoga are the perfect match. Plus, these positive affirmation cards are simply gorgeous.
Book about Cuba (Cuban novels in Spanish, by Jocy Medina)
BOOK YOUR SPOT
This link is for participants booking their spot, not sharing a room.
This link is for two Wellness Retreats participants, sharing a room.
Jocy Medina 
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