2023 Was an incredible success, What an Adventure, now sign up for 2024!
Yes, It happened in 2022, You Betta Belize it! 
Phew, we are post pandemic, (or so we are planning for) wiser and ready to reopen our hearts and minds to new cultures, amazing places and Nature in all her glory, all in our attempt to rediscover ourselves and hone a sense of place no matter where we are. Holistic Journeys went BACK TO BELIZE February 26th to March 7th 2022 and YOU were invited!
Our plans were once again visit the beautiful lakeside lodge of The Bird’s Eye View in the quaint Creole Village of Crooked Tree. This is one of the world’s Ramsar Audubon Wetland sites and the birding that time of year is second to none anywhere.
Walk and jumped on the New River for the 26 mile River Boat tour up river to our next 3 night stay at Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Located in the heart of the jungle and on the edge of one of the most significant Maya archaeological sites ‘Submerged Crocodile’ (Lamanai). This is my 4th time visiting this amazing Maya historical site but my first to stay in the heart of the jungle as a lodge guest.
located just outside the sleeping fishing village Sartenaja and the wildlife reserve Shipstern. The Orchid Bay Inn on the Bay of Corozal offers fishing, boat and snorkeling tours on the placid turquoise waters and two amazing historical sites, Santa Rita and Cerros. within a short drive. or boat shuttle. It was hard to say goodbye, but we did after 10 full days we head out early for the two hour drive to the International Airport and our last glimpses of a country as diverse in Nature and history as it is in culture, beauty and tasty Belizean cuisine.2020 Prepandemic, you missed an amazing experience, but we shall return!
Experience our Tropical Adventure, Rebecca Click here for the Costa Rica 2020 Itinerary
Find yourself through the World. It’s Time to Be and Be Well! Get Ready, Here it is, Belize 2019 Holistic Journeys….UnBeliezable!
I love Belize and I sooo enjoyed going back last 2019 to share what this unique jewel of culture, history, mystery, beauty and diversity has to offer. 11 folks joined in this UnBelizable Adventure from February 23-March 5, you couldn’t beat the early bird price of, $1,775.00 . And as with all Holistic Journeys trips you can save $50.00 pr more if you book with a buddy or are a returning Holistic Journey patron. This price included it all, pick up at the Belize International Airport. Room (double accommodations, guides, food, all transportation, entrance fees… you got it, the only thing you spent was tips, alcohol and gifts for friends and family. Click here to take a peek a the amazing 11 day 10 night itinerary below 
(thisisitBelize itinerary), Our goal is to return once again in 20201! Guests are always limited to 10 so you will be ensure quality attention in all yoga, creative art, meditation, cultural and adventure tours. As a small group its easier to be flexible and spontaneous and take adventures experiences along the way. We discovered Belize by land, water and air, starting with a shuttle to Western Belize where we will settle into our Belizean owned hotel on the Macal river. 
From there we experienced the many secrets of Western Belize, Archaeological Ruins, The Belize Botanical Gardens, the beauty of the river, the Mountain Pine Ridge and the markets, culture and people of the San Ignacio area. Holistic Journeys always stops at The Best Little Zoo in the World or at least in Belize, to support and share in the history of wildlife management, conservation and see the diverse wildlife up close and personal. Next accommodations took us to the fabulous lake habitat and RAMSAR Wetland site at Crooked Tree lagoon. It was Birding galore and yes, more archaeological wonders, unique food and culture of the Creole people and a tour of the Community Baboon Sanctuary for another view for how important people are in making a difference in wildlife and environmental conservation. After four days of exploring central Belize we headed out for the Garifuna town of Dangriga, with fun along the way of course, and a swim at the inland Blue Hole. Our guides from IZE meet us at the ‘dock’ in Dangriga and off we went for the 40 minute ride across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Ocean and South Water Caye. Home to just a few outfitters and owners. Our hosts at International Field Studies. IZE’s field station were incredible and the beautiful, comfortable rooms, fabulous food, and interesting people made it the perfect ending. We sat in the comfy loungers, snorkeled and ocean birded, two nights and three days were not enough. But the adventure of traveling back across the blue waters and flying to the airport added one more adventure to the trip, it’d unforgettable seeing Belize by air, 
setting us down in the International Airport for easy access to flights home. The only problem was many did not want to go home! But alas, we will had memories to share and good times to ponder until Holistic Journeys next eco-wellenss adventure….. Costa Rica bound for 2020. Remember you can easily download the forms from the website or call Rebecca with any questions. You can pay with check, cash, PayPal or with Messenger Pay or Venmo, just be sure to save you spot for Holisitc Journeys Adventure! 
See you in the Tropics, Rebecca Here’s a full review of our 2019 thisisitBELIZE – click here for the itinerary!
Holistic Journeys offers Two Events for 2018.
For the adventurous spirit, Hopewood Holistic Health offered two Adventures in Wellness for 2018. Lura of Bienestarlife and Val of Valerie Dearing Yoga and Art enjoyed hosting you in The Blue Zone of Costa Rica Life’s a Beach; So ENJOY it... This was a sequel experience to The Art & Science in Wellness tour. We explored topics of holistic health and wellness while you experience new cultures and find adventure geared to all levels. Take your yoga and your mat to the beaches of Uvita this March 3-10th. Experience daily yoga, Qi-gong and nature meditation while your explore gardens, herbal art parks, archaeological sites and outstanding natural beauty. 
Our second adventure is a new collaboration with Touch the Earth Adventures of Athens, Ohio. Mimi Morrison and I will share our love of kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, hotsprings, volcanoes, birds and more, more, more in Costa Rican Adventrues, March 16-24. Come kayak Lake Arenal, the local Rivers and hike, look, listen and fall in love with the tropics and beauty of Costa Rica. Daily yoga, gourmet cultural cuisine and of course Time to Take TIME is a part of every Holistic Journey’s adventure. Click here to read our blog with more information on both unforgettable retreats.
Find yourself through the World. It’s Time to Be and Be Well!
Revisiting our 2017 Holistic Journey in Costa Rica
It was an honor and an extraordinary adventure in Wellness, Culture, Yoga, Herbs and Art, to host this past February ‘s Holistic Journey in Costa Rica. The group smiled from day one and each participant brought their own unique personality and gifts to compliment our goals of ‘Finding Ourselves through the World’ and rekindling our commitment to health, yoga, meditation, healthy food and habits, laughter and cultivating a creative spirit.
We could not have been more fortunate to land at Finca Luna Nueva (please take time to check them out – you can’t go wrong incorporating their amazing sustainable, bio-dynamic farm to table venue into your next Costa Rican Adventure). The staff and guides were attentive, knowledgeable, and FUN. The food and kitchen staff, OMG…yes, it was hard to leave and know I had to return home to cook for myself (and I love to cook!) The rooms, be they private bungalows or shared spacious doubles, were comfortable and quaint when quiet time was needed or time just to relax and reflect. The amazing pool, hot tub (fed with mountain fresh water,) dining area, massage room, hiking trails, and on-site workshops offered something for everyone at all times.
Our daily yoga was shared by skilled and unique instructors Valarie Dearing, Lura Shopteau and myself. Afternoon meditation, art, and herbal explorations offered more than the experience of your average yoga get-away. I particularly resonated the tropical beauty of Costa Rica and with each person’s own inner ability to pull images from their mind and surroundings to place on paper with ink, flowers, or paint during Valerie’s incredible guided art explorations. I will continue this technique in my home in the foothills of Appalachia, as art is an amazing meditation technique for being fully present and aware of the beauty that surrounds us. So, thanks to all who joined in the journey and see you all, new and old followers of ‘Holistic Journeys’ in next year’s Costa Rican Adventure (and a new experience in Guatemala!) Watch our website and Facebook for dates and details. Be sure to take advantage of early bird registration!! Remember it’s time to take time, and find yourself through the world.
2016 Holistic Journey: Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Check out this video from our friends at Cotton Tree Lodge:
2015 Holistic Journey: Belize, the Yucatan and Costa Rica! Check out our photo gallery to see what you missed on this year’s eco-wellness adventure!
“Find Yourself in the World”
Holistic Journeys offers annual eco-wellenss adventures throughout Central America, Europe and North America. Holistic Journeys immerses you in the fiber of each unique culture: exploration of foodways, healing traditions, music, art, gardens, and of course adventure (geared for all levels of participants). This year join us at Cotton Tree Lodge in Southern Belize from February 1st through the 14th. Book your own eco-wellness adventure with Rebecca and the staff from Cotton Tree Lodge! .http://youtu.be/Vmyy6IHboK4
2014 Holistic Journey: Explore the Yucatan and Belize December 30-Jan. 10, 2014
Discover why you just might want to be a global citizen, share in the cultures of two countries, tropical gardens, international neighbors, reasonable healthcare costs, multitude of holistic wellness options, nature at its finest. Daily yoga, nature meditation, eco-adventures, art, music good company and fun. 
Medicines from the Edge Convergence: March 21-31, 2014
An herbal gathering to celebrate the diverse abundance of medicines from the tropics. Termales del Bosque Hot Spring Resort, Aguas Zarcas Explore gardens, oceans, Afro-Caribbean cultures, food, medicine, permaculture solutions for sustainable living, culminating at the Medicines from the Edge Convergence.
Past Local and Regional Events:
2016 Events:
“A Day in the Woods” Exploring Edible and Medicinal Plants in your backyard and beyond!
Location: Vinton Furnace CONTACT: Dave Apsley, Natural Resources Specialist, OSU Extension 740-710-3009 or apsley.1@osu.edu
“Mushroom Madness” United Plant Savers Internship Education Program
May 19, 2016 Location: Goldenseal Botanical Sanctuary, Meigs County, Ohio
Distilling Hydrosols and Aromatherapy Basics
June 4, 2016 Location: Parkersburg, WV
2015 Events:
United Plant Savers Oct. 1-2: Creating and Exploring Sanctuary
Check out flyer and registration at www.unitedplantsavers.org. or www.goldensealsanctuary.org. This even will be held at the Goldenseal Sanctuary in Meigs County, Ohio. With the amazing folks coming to share their experience this event is sure to be exciting!
“Fall Edibles and Understory Plants” Offered at the Vinton Furnace State Forest
McArthur, OH – In late summer and early fall, as the days are growing shorter and the nights cooler, the woodland landscapes of Ohio support a diverse assemblage of edible and useful plants, and late-season wildflowers. In “Fall Edibles and Understory Plants”, woodland owners and enthusiasts will learn about the uses, identification, and habitat requirements of common edible plants. In addition, we will explore the flora of the Vinton Furnace State Forest by focusing on late-flowering (and often overlooked) wildflowers, including the asters and goldenrods. This program will take place at the Vinton Furnace State Forest near McArthur on Friday, September 11. Harvey Ballard, Ohio University’s Department of Environmental and Plant Biology; Rebecca Wood, Hopewood Holistic Health; and Todd Hutchinson, U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station will lead classroom and field discussions on the following topics:
- The identification and uses of common edible plants and mushrooms in southern Ohio
- Hands-on field experience to learn about the habitats where edible plants and mushrooms thrive.
- The identification and habitat requirements for common late summer and fall wildflowers
- Visit habitats where late summer and fall wildflowers are found, including forests, open woodlands, edges, fields, and roadsides.
- Methods to encourage and/or cultivate edible plants and late-season wildflowers in the woodland landscape.
Spring Foray at Cedar Hill Farm:
Choose morning or afternoon sessions to walk the woods, sample the delectable wild foods, and learn about medicinal mushrooms. Join Dave Hawkins of Mother Earth Foods/Cedar Hill Farm and Rebecca Wood of Hopewood Holistic Health for the 2nd annual spring foray event! Join them to explore the wealth and bounty in your backyard and beyond!