meet the guides

Irene Abbou an ICF, ACC Certified Coach and Human Connection mentor, trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, which integrates forty years of scientific research, based on the Sound Relationship House Theory.
As the creator of the 90 DAYS TO HAPPY program she coaches high achieving, success driven women to open their hearts to self-love while forming deep and vulnerable relationships with others. Irene has helped hundreds of women get reacquainted with their hearts most affirming desires.
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trip overview

The location
Located about 30 minutes north of Scottsdale, Civana Wellness resort resides in a small town in Arizona, aptly named Carefree. It is nestled perfectly in the Sonoran Desert, offering beautiful views for miles and the perfect Arizona sunsets to match.
The retreat center
Named a top spa resort in the world in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Tucked among 20+ acres of succulent-studded Sonoran Desert, CIVANA offers a path to a happier, healthier you through inspiring human connections. Daily sweat and meditation. Curated personal growth and discovery content. Outdoor adventures. Access to world renowned wellness guides and healers. Comfortable accommodations. A world-class spa. Delicious food and drinks. Ample time to relax and recharge. Reconnect and reinvigorate your senses in a place of incredible natural beauty, with personalized wellness experiences, and award-winning hospitality.
The wellness experience
Health and wellbeing are at CIVANA's core, which is why we offer 70+ complimentary fitness, personal growth and spiritual classes each week that draw on varied disciplines and techniques. Whether you are looking to tap into mindfulness by learning meditation or strengthening your core with one of our many yoga offerings there is a class that is right for you. View your class schedule at this link.
The wellness activities
Considering that CIVANA is a wellness resort, they of course offer a wide array of spa treatments, workshops, exercise classes and mindfulness activities. It’s really the signature aspect of CIVANA that makes it so unique from other hotel stays. On their full class schedule online, you’ll find over 70 different complimentary classes to choose from each week that tap into various fitness and spiritual growth disciplines. Some of the kinds of activities you can expect include guided hikes, yoga classes, TRX, cardio HIIT, gratitude meditations, myofascial release, breathwork, mindful mixology, pickeball and much more. Here are the classes we partook in during our stay: Aerial Yoga – This class is definitely a great intro to aerial yoga if you’ve never done it before, although this one does require an add-on fee. Inner Intimacy – Inner Intimacy was a very vulnerable class that forced us to have intimate interactions with strangers, getting us totally out of our comfort zones. It is really touching and it will surprise you in the best way. Metate Hike – This was a local group hike. It was led by a knowledgeable guide, so we got to experience this stunning hike to its fullest as they pointed out all of the various flora and fauna along with some local wildlife and fun facts about the area. CIVANA will care of you throughout the whole experience, from providing transportation to and from the hotel and also providing us with water bottles to ensure we remained properly hydrated in the hot desert sun.
The guest rooms
In true wellness fashion, you will find that all of the rooms at CIVANA Wellness Resort are super calming. From the beds to the bathtubs to the overall color palette and furniture, the neutral tones create a bright and airy feel that warms up each guest room and provides the perfect space for healing and relaxation. The rooms minimalism is done to invite you into a tranquil space that is a clean slate for your relaxation and to enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Some of the in-room amenities worth noting are plush white robes (which by the way are totally acceptable to wear both inside and outside your room at CIVANA!), personal care products by Grown Alchemist, Keurig coffee and tea maker, a mini fridge and in-room safe.
The different rooms
There are a few different options when it comes to the kind of room that you can book, depending on your bed sizing needs and budget. For example, if you want a breathtaking view of the Continental Mountains along with a bathroom fit for a king (or queen), then the Spa King Room may be your top pick. On the other hand, if you’re sharing a room with someone and you each want to have your own bed, their simple yet stunning Double Queen Room will be better for you.
The property
The communal parts of the hotel have a very similar vibe to the rooms. The decor itself is quite minimal with some bohemian touches here and there. The white and neutral tones are consistent throughout, creating a calming and serene atmosphere no matter where you explore on the property. Plus, the giant Saguaros are simply stunning. Throughout the property you’ll find two pools (one main one and another that is attached to the spa), two restaurants, a giant lobby/entrance area, a full fitness center, separate rooms for workshops and classes, and plenty of walking paths to stroll throughout the day.
The SPA
The CIVANA spa is absolutely stunning and is its own little compound on the entire hotel property. You could truly spend an entire day (or more) at the spa here as it even has its own pool and brings in food from Seed Restaurant. Food, sun, spa treatments—what more could you need, right? The SPA treatments are utterly blissful and will leave you feeling totally restored and refreshed. Here are the specific spa treatments we personally love: 1. Deep Muscle Relief Massage – if you’re looking for something gentle or soothing, then the deep tissue massage I got might not be for you. However, if you’re looking to have some major tension released then you’ll love this one. This massage treatment focuses on medium to deeper pressure and is perfect to relieve the tension in your body from days spent working at a desk, making you feel instantly lighter. 2. Essential Marine Oxygen Facial – Packed with DNA-repairing enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and pharma-grade liquid oxygen, this facial left my skin literally glowing! In addition to providing epic hydration and helping to balance my skin tone, it will also just really feel good. 3. CIVANA Calm – Using a magnesium salt scrub that is paired with a botanical tonic, you are put into a relaxed and calming state as the scrub penetrates your pores. Following the scrubbing part of the treatment, you are given the option to have a mini facial or body massage, leaving you balanced and relaxed. View SPA and salon menu at this View your class schedule at this link. .
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itinerary

morning

start the day off right with a coffee and chat at Seed cafe, with Brooke and the rest of the group. Walk the meditation labyrinth to set the intention of our day. Boost your vibe with a red light therapy session, followed by an Energizing Flow  + Q&A. Each day will be slightly different, but invigorating and empowering. Top off your morning, by attending a focused workshop in which Brooke will break down her signature body sculpt technique.

afternoon

break your fast and enjoy a power lunch allowing yourself an energy bowl and energy smoothie. This is your "Free To Be"  Time to enjoy the features and amenities of the resort and the community.  Brooke will invite you to join her on a hike or a bike ride - which is completely optional for you. If you want to bask in the view while reading a book or enjoy a luxurious spa treatment during this time. Full Mind, body, spirit Practice: Yoga sculpt, Soundbath meditation , tea/chai/ cacao followed by breathwork.

evening

cocktail Hour + Dinner. each evening we will have the perfect end cap to a full and adventurous day as we break bread together and have the opportunity to connect with Brooke,  and one another at a deeper level. an after dinner sound bath will also surprise you and help you get to sleep recharged and restored.

meet the guides

mother of 4 & lover of life. The  founder | CEO of Brooke Burke Body & Soul 
the Fitness app,  a holistic health and wellness program for the mind, body & spirit.
Owner of SOUL Creek WELLness 
 
Brooke has 20 +yrs of fitness experience, body sculpting & yoga, creator & choreographer of over 200 hrs of functional fitness. A certified Breathwork coach, soundbath guide & wellness influencer.  An advocate for women's health & wellness.
 
Yvette Rose is the founder of Joule Goddess Lifestyle, Joulebody Bars.
 
She is a registered AADP Health Coach since 2009. 
 
500hr RYT Certified Brain Health Coach, Reiki Healer, Breathwork Practitioner, Int'l Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Lifestyle Coach, Personal Trainer, and Certified Advanced Dietary Supplement Advisor and detox coach.
Irene Abbou is an ICF, ACC Certified Coach and Human Connection mentor. She is trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, which integrates forty years of scientific research, based on the Sound Relationship House Theory.
As the creator of the 90 DAYS TO HAPPY program she coaches high achieving, success driven women to open their hearts to self-love while forming deep and vulnerable relationships with others.
Irene has helped hundreds of women get reacquainted with their hearts most affirming desires.
A former Division athlete, 500 hr registered yoga teacher and a certified breathwork facilitator. 
After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Rutgers University, & started out working with severely emotionally disturbed adolescents, which taught his that we all have different ways of thinking, feeling and relating.  He went on to get a Masters Degree in Psychology from Antioch University.  
 With theoretical knowledge at hand, he was longing for some experiential wisdom, so he journeyed to Bali to learn from traditional healers, to Peru to work with shamans, and to India to learn the ways of the Guru. 
 

what’s included



faq's

Can I come alone?
Yes. You can either book a room by yourself (King or Queen Single), or be paired to a cool new person (Queen room, double occupancy)
Can I book the room with my partner or friend?
Of course! If you would like to share a bed, please book the King room, shared occupancy, for each person. If you would like a private room for you and your friend in separate queen beds, please book the Queen room Double occupancy
What time should I arrive and what time will I be leaving?
Check in time is 4pm and check out time is 11am. Please, send us an email if you would like to have an earlier check in and later check out. Email at contact@yogandoretreats.com
What is not included in the price?
flight, transportation to and from the resort, alcohol and off menu food, SPA services and extra gratuities. It’s really the signature aspect of CIVANA that makes it so unique from other hotel stays. On their full class schedule online, you’ll find over 70 different complimentary classes to choose from each week that tap into various fitness and spiritual growth disciplines. Some of the kinds of activities you can expect include guided hikes, yoga classes, TRX, cardio HIIT, gratitude meditations, myofascial release, breathwork, mindful mixology, pickeball and much more. Here are the classes we partook in during our stay: Aerial Yoga – This class is definitely a great intro to aerial yoga if you’ve never done it before, although this one does require an add-on fee. Inner Intimacy – Inner Intimacy was a very vulnerable class that forced us to have intimate interactions with strangers, getting us totally out of our comfort zones. It is really touching and it will surprise you in the best way. Metate Hike – This was a local group hike. It was led by a knowledgeable guide, so we got to experience this stunning hike to its fullest as they pointed out all of the various flora and fauna along with some local wildlife and fun facts about the area. CIVANA will care of you throughout the whole experience, from providing transportation to and from the hotel and also providing us with water bottles to ensure we remained properly hydrated in the hot desert sun.
What if I am a beginner?
This trip is all levels. Brooke will gear every work out, sessions, workshops, to everyone. No experience is necessary. We only expect that you come with a willingness to keep an open mind.
Do you offer any payment plans?
Yes! You can decide to pay as often as you want. Or you can pay your deposit and the balance 60 days prior to the retreat date.
Terms and conditions
By submitting your retreat deposit you are agreeing to Yogando Retreats' retreat policy and terms and conditions linked: https://yogandoretreats.com/retreat-terms/
Anything else should I need to know?
We work so hard to cultivate an environment that is inclusive, judgment free, safe and welcoming. It will be a life changing experience of people driven to pursue better il life, together.

location