The Journey of the Four Elements with Agustin Allpa Grefa
Jungle Wisdom: A Transformative Journey Merging the Pristine Nature of the Amazon and Sri Lanka
We have chosen to unite the ancient wisdom of the Amazon and Sri Lankan jungles, creating a harmonious journey of discovery.
10 nights in a sanctuary of serenity, 2 days of journeying to and from Ayurveda, the ancient wisdom of nature that heals both body and soul, will envelop you each day in the breathtaking and uplifting surroundings of Yasmin Hill. This timeless knowledge will intertwine with the profound teachings of the Amazon – of herbs, elements, nature, and humanity – guiding you on a path towards harmony and balance.
If you love deepening your personal wisdom through direct experience and practice, much like the indigenous people of Ecuador, then this extraordinary journey is made for you. Sri Lanka is an ancient island filled with mysteries. In fact, it holds the distinction of having the lowest gravity on Earth! This may be one reason why the island is home to so many powerful places for meditation and concentration. During this journey, you will explore teachings about herbs, nature, and the human heart, all in the beautiful surroundings of the Yasmin Hill Ayurvedic and longevity centre, where you will experience true relaxation, pause, and also an adventure connected to indigenous wisdom about the world and nature, followed by personal practice.
Throughout this journey, you will have the opportunity to connect with the elements that inhabit both your being and the surrounding environment. You will discover the magic and wisdom hidden in every corner and in every plant.
On this path of knowledge and connection with yourself, you will uncover the importance of preserving the legacy of Ayurvedic plants, whose knowledge has been passed down through generations.
You will step into the garden of nature, where you will admire, collect, prepare, and taste these blessed plants, offering their healing effects to those who know how to listen.
Agustin will initiate you into a personal practice focused on connecting with your authentic light, followed by the creation of magnetism and working on building a solid foundation.
You will learn how the magnetism of nature works and how it relates to your body and spirit.
Through this experiential journey, you will carry the teachings into your real life, actively applying them in your relationships, work, and everything that matters to you in your reality.
We will dedicate two days to each element. You will learn to recognize the elements within the human being, their behaviour, and also in Ayurvedic plants, which we will taste in various dishes made from local organic farm produce.
Every early morning, we will gather in a circle, share what is truly on our hearts, and sip on wayusa tea. You will walk into the jungle first with a guide and later on your own. At the end, you will learn about the significance and activation of magnetism, followed by the passing of a secret symbol.
There will also be other surprises, which you can tailor to your personal preferences, depending on how much intensity you wish to bring into your practice.
Each day will be guided by Agustin’s wife, Míša Grefa, with specific physical exercises to ensure you care for your body and overall vitality. On two evenings, Tereza Kai will guide you through an experiential musical program and deep relaxation. This practice will focus on sound and gentle movement in connection with the four elements within us.
You can also expect optional excursions to beautiful locations in the surrounding area, which will be decided on-site based on the current needs of the group.
Yasmin Hill is a magical retreat for relaxation enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s vibrant nature.
Its design draws inspiration from the earthly elements and celestial formations. The names, colours, shapes, materials, scents, furniture, and fittings – everything differs from room to room. Each one is a unique creation. All rooms are stylish, spacious, and fully equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay. Every room features its own terrace (ground floor) or balcony (first floor) with views of the surrounding landscape or the hotel gardens.
From the very first moment, you will feel safe and at peace, in the perfect setting to connect with yourself. The unforgettable impressions from your stay and the place will deepen and anchor within you. Yasmin Hill boasts a large swimming pool and its very own Ayurvedic spa, offering a variety of massages and treatments. The spa is situated next to a stream, and as you relax there, you can hear the sounds of the jungle, the flowing water, and the quieting of your thoughts.
All rooms are double occupancy, featuring either a king-size bed or two single beds.
We offer a total of 26 spaces, with 13 rooms available.
Agustin Allpa Grefa
Healer, Protector of Nature, and Indigenous Culture
Agustin grew up in the rainforest of Ecuador, in a time when it was still traditional, a way of life now unimaginable for many. His upbringing, from a European perspective, was incredibly harsh, and his stories seem to come from another world. As a talented child, he was chosen to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and become a healer. Today, he is married to a Czech woman, they have two children, and they are committed to preserving the traditions of the Kichwa people. In their community, they founded a school, offering children a modern education while passing on the natural wisdom of the elders. Through workshops, seminars, and exchange programmes, they help us Europeans remember how not to be a burden on our planet.
Michaela Grefa
Herbalist, Physiotherapist, Practitioner of Traditional Chinese and Amazonian Medicine
Míša, Agustin’s wife, hails from Ostrava in the Czech Republic. She studied Physiotherapy, a three-year Shiatsu programme, and Chinese Medicine with a focus on herbs, combining her knowledge with that of her husband. She has always been fascinated by nature, particularly flora, and has longed for harmony in the world. Together with Agustin, they lead seminars for personal development, guiding those whose path resonates with the Amazonian teachings. They offer experiences both in the Amazon and for those interested in the shamanic journey across Europe – in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany.
Tereza Kai
Storyteller, Writer, Journalist, Musician, and Lover of Indigenous Tales
Tereza lives and breathes for creating and sharing stories that have the power to transform human hearts. She is the creator of the storytelling podcast and the live project, the Storyteller’s Tent. Tereza guides through the deep imagination technique known as the Personal Totem Pole Process, which she merges with sound, voice, rhythm, and movement. For more, visit www.taite.cz, where you can also listen to three of Agustin’s tales, shared at the Storyteller’s Tent during the Colours of Ostrava festival in 2024. Alternatively, immerse yourself in jungle stories by listening to the audiobook Light and Darkness of the Amazon, which Tereza is currently releasing.
Total Price including Flight: approx. 2,600 Euro
1. Deposit, Registration, and Communication
The non-refundable deposit for the stay is: 720 EURO per person.
This deposit becomes non-refundable after May 21st, 2025.
We recommend that you arrange your own travel insurance and flight insurance. We will be happy to advise you on how to do this.
What is included in the deposit?
The deposit includes the instructor’s fee, organisational charges, and a group online call regarding the entire stay.
For further information and to register, please contact us at: retreats@yasminhill.com
2. Approximate Breakdown of Additional Essential Services – What You Shouldn’t Forget:
2.1 Visa: approx. 50-60 USD
(Currently, the visa requirement for Czech citizens travelling to Sri Lanka has been lifted) More information here: Sri Lanka Visa Info
2.2 Return Flight Tickets: from approx. 800 Euro per person from EU
(You will need to arrange your flight individually at this price. Group flights are considerably more expensive. We will provide you with the contact number of the person who will help you arrange your ticket. The later you purchase the ticket, the more expensive it becomes.) Departure from Prague or Vienna.
2.3 Travel Insurance: according to your insurer’s rates. We can arrange this at better prices.
FLIGHTS AND VISAS
3. Payments for Accommodation and Meals:
3.1 Accommodation and meals will be paid online directly to the accommodation’s bank account.
3.2 Accommodation including meals:
- Double room accommodation with full board: 90 EUR/DAY
3.3 Additional expenses:
For local trips, tuk-tuk transport, and possible purchases of saris, sarongs, and entry fees, you should budget around 150 EURO.
4. Transport:
4.1 From the airport to the hotel and back: approx. 24 EUR per person (payable at the hotel by card).
4.2 Local trips and shopping: approx. 8-10 EURO per person per trip.