Retreat | re·treat
1) Intentional time for reflection, meditation, or prayer
2) A method to realize some truth or to be enlightened
Home of the Original Day Retreat
cONSIDER THIS YOUR SIGN
Your personal 11:11…a whisper from your guardian angel…”you’re here for a reason” type thing.
Our day retreats are designed for soul-filled humans like you who are ready to raise their frequency with conscious knowledge sharing on life sustaining topics.
Retreat themes vary and are inspired by the season but are always tied to practices and rites intended to bring you back to your spirit.
Registration is now open for
The Meaning of Savasana
in-person | Saturday, October 25th | 8:30 am - 5:30 pm | Dover, FL
About The Meaning of Savasana
In yoga, Savasana is the final posture of the physical practice.
Translating to “Corpse Pose”, Savasana becomes a built in opportunity to practice qualities of surrender, acceptance, non-attachment, forgiveness, and compassion in total awareness.
This special event was inspired through intimate conversations and personal revelations I experienced while pregnant with our second child.
I became deeply fascinated and suddenly concerned with the responsibility that we as humans have to prepare for our final moments while we are still living.
With an undetermined amount of time in this existence, I started to question my own ability to die well when the time came.
I began to contemplate the ways I could go deeper into my spiritual understanding around the transformative teachings of death and how I could potentially invite others to do this brave and uncommon work with me.
This retreat is the result of those very thoughts and reflections.
One of our most beloved and requested events, The Meaning of Savasana was created to support our birthright to live fully, consciously, joyfully, and in sovereignty in this lifetime so we may transition that way too.
We will celebrate our infinite existence as a spiritual being while honoring our finite existence as a physical being.
Our local retreat occurs near the end of the calendar year and under the potent, transfiguring sign of Scorpio - a natural and opportune time for reflection and release of what no longer serves you for the new year to come.
No experience is needed and all are welcome.
Let’s dive into Truth and de-program together as we meet our teacher, Savasana, in a way we never have before.
For what is found now, is found then.
In great big awe,
Chanel Vanzant Garrand
Retreat Details
& Investment
The Meaning of Savasana Day Retreat | Saturday, October 25th | 8:30am - 5:30pm | Dover, FL
All are welcome. Bring a spouse, partner, best friend, or loved one to join you. Participants must be at least 18 years and older to attend. Space is limited to maintain maximum impact.
Day Retreat Investment $399
Investment includes:
Restorative Yoga & Sound Class
Grief Dialogue & Guided Meditation with subject matter expert & special guest speaker Gwendolyn Hanner, LMHC
Shaman’s Death Breath Work Ceremony
Cacao & Grief Ritual
Grief & Masculinity Workshop with Zachary Vanzant Garrand
Seasonally Inspired Lunch
Plus, free time on 10-undisturbed acres of nature to contemplate, pray, and be with kindred community, self & Spirit
If you are in need of creative financial options or special accommodations, please reach out to our team directly at heal@chanelvanzant.com
All of our events accommodate breastfeeding mothers - we provide spaces for pumping if privacy is desired and we will gladly store your milk afterward.
Our event will take place indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) on our family’s residence of ten-acres in Dover FL.
Now Offering Post-Retreat After Hours
Retreat after-hours are an energetic exclamation point placed at the end of your retreat day.
An optional and exciting opportunity to de-compress and begin the integration process of all that you experienced during our time together.
From 5:30pm-7:30pm, we’ll enjoy a nourishing and casual dinner, free form conversation, and a closing bonfire.
Or maybe you’d like to invest in some personal alone time on the land before getting on the road.
Enjoy communing in laughter and love before the REAL work begins in your everyday life post-retreat.
We can’t wait to welcome you home.
Additional Investment $111
Past Retreat-lovers want you to know…
“This experience is still taking place within and I have not been able to find words. I really appreciate the time and energy put into creating such an experience. Meeting my maiden and having her take the lead was a step that I did not realize needed to be taken. Life has pushed and pulled us all into many directions and places, slowing down and having a day full of love and release was needed.”
Joyce M | Maiden meets mother 2023 & 2024
“Chanel hosts unforgettable experiences that to this day my heart still hums from. Her home studio is warm, welcoming and every corner has an intention. She thinks of every detail of what she wanted my experience to be and offered our class nourishment for the soul and body. I can feel the healing love that radiates from the soil of her home, her land, and her family. I had such a transformational experience with Chanel. I attended her yoga retreat and felt a huge shift inside me that day. She curates and leads you through a journey inside yourself with such a gentleness. I have never experienced anything like her yoga offerings and retreats and plan to sign up for as many as I can. She pours herself into the quality of spiritual space that she holds for others. It is unmatched.”
Elena V | The Womb Room Day Retreat 2025
“I felt so much love and intention long before I even arrived with the warm and supportive communication before the event. Chanel’s sacred space was the perfect container for healing and I felt her care in every detail. I was moved by her guidance through meditation and our visualization exercise. I enjoyed sitting in circle with other women and holding space for one another. I am mostly inspired by Chanel’s vulnerability and shares as it set the tone for a deeply healing event.”
Lexi s | MAIDEN MEETS MOTHER 2023
Retreat Host
& Space
Chanel Vanzant GARRAND
Chanel Vanzant Garrand has been a yoga teacher throughout Tampa since 2016. While completing her M.Ed., she simultaneously began her path as a yoga professional. Chanel started her personal practice due to the the lingering presence of unhealed hardship from her youth and the mental health challenges that developed in early adulthood as a result. Since then, she has experienced glimpses of personal liberation and deep inner healing. She attributes this shift to becoming a devoted wife and mother to many children. Chanel’s latest work passionately invites students to move beyond the yoga postures and down into the subtle, energetic body of the practice. Her classes equally acknowledge that life is challenging and still worth celebrating. Chanel’s spirited offerings intend to expand and strengthen your felt and intuit understanding of body mind soul connection. She infuses her affection for music, nature, spirit, stillness, ritual, ceremony and other ancient wisdom practices to help remind us of our innate gifts and contributions to this world. Chanel is 500RYT, a doula, a reiki master, pre-natal certified, Yoga Nidra trained, and certified trauma counselor.
E-mail heal@chanelvanzant.com | IG @chanelvanzantgarrand
There’s no place like home
Our retreat will take place at Nanihoku, our family residence and sanctuary of ten-acres in Dover, Florida. Enjoy rocked nature trails and peaceful communing areas to sit and be with Spirit. Weather permitting, we will enjoy time both inside and outside for our event. Located just a half hour outside of Downtown Tampa, you’ll be surrounded by tropical forest in our lush safe haven. Free of artificial noise and light pollution, you're invited to detoxify and unplug with us and the abundance of other plant and animal species on our property. A professional milestone reached, Chanel has dreamed of hosting healing events at home since she began teaching in 2015.
“The land holds a quiet magic and energy that reveals the deep love Chanel and Zach have poured into it from the moment you arrive. The entire space feels like a sanctuary, a living meditation. Every corner radiates intention and care.“ - Karla P | Fire & Sol Day Retreat 2025
Want to know more?
“Analysis of death is not for the sake of becoming fearful but to appreciate this precious lifetime.”
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
meet our guest presenters
Each Day Retreat at Nanihoku features talented, versed, and compassionate subject matter experts who are dedicated to living their Dharma in Truth and bravely sharing it with the world.
-
Gwen Hanner is a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, meditation teacher, and yogi in private practice who thoughtfully integrates the psychology of trauma and recovery with yogic breathwork and contemplative traditions.
With over 35 years of clinical experience, Gwen bridges Eastern and Western approaches to healing, specializing in therapeutic modalities that have been shown to restructure neurological pathways and promote lasting mind-body integration.
Her work supports individuals who may have found partial relief in previous therapies but continue to experience emotional or physiological patterns that obstruct their growth.
Gwen is especially interested in helping clients uncover their own pathways to clarity, connection, and purpose.
Drawing from her deep understanding of the mind-body connection, she advocates for somatic and integrative approaches that restore vitality and self-awareness.
Gwen is certified as a clinical expert in Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy™ and brings more than 30 years of experience in clinical hypnotherapy.
She is also trained in EMDR, a first-line treatment for trauma and PTSD, and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, NLP, and somatic awareness to help clients reprocess limiting beliefs and unlock their potential.
A longtime student of Tibetan Buddhism, Gwen has practiced mindfulness meditation for over 25 years.
From 2011 to 2018, she deepened her practice through the Mindfulness Meditation Centers, where she also served as a teacher.
She has participated in extended silent retreats in Thailand and regularly offers meditation classes and public workshops.
Gwen is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and is the founder of Skillful Mind Yoga Teacher Training, a Yoga Alliance–registered school offering 200-hour training for behavioral health professionals who seek to integrate yoga and psychology.
She is also a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider.
Gwen also serves as a Qualified Supervisor for mental health counseling interns through the Florida Department of Health.
-
Zachary is a proud and devoted husband, father, and man of god.
He is an admirer of natures artistry and completely obsessed with his wife.
Zach began his career in law enforcement with the Orlando Police Department in 2012.
A few years later, in 2014, he started his current career as a federal agent with the United States Goverment.
His passions and areas of expertise including human rights violations, human trafficking, and victims rights.
Zach is a certified trauma informed care specialist with a special emphasis on how to integrate life as a survivor of the darkest human experiences imaginable.
He is also registered as a certified subject matter expert in human trafficking investigations and victim advocacy.
In additional to being a special agent, he has served as an instructor responsible for course development and human trafficking training globally, with notoriety at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest Hungary and the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Zach has conducted over 200 community outreaches foreign and domestically.
He is trained in firearms, defensive tactics, hostage negotiations and is a certified life coach and personal trainer.
Zach is dedicated in assisting individuals achieve personal and professional growth utilizing customized action plans, and believes anything worth doing should be done with the greatest intensity and commitment.
His high exposure to death and loss is vast given the nature of his robust and demanding career.
Such life experiences resulted in Zach confronting his own mortality with multiple life threatening surgeries where he was told he probably would not make it.
Proving everyone wrong, he now lives life with an altered perspective to the meaning of life and death.
His most recent exposure to loss took place in 2024 after the sudden death of his daughter.
Zachary is honored to share his insight professionally and wisdom personally on what it is to confront our impermanent nature from the perspective of a family man.
the practices we’ll dive into
-
Breath work refers to a set of techniques that involve intentional manipulation of breath patterns for therapeutic or wellness purposes. We will use guided pranayama to dive deep and fly high into our work around our retreat themes and beyond.
-
Also called Death Meditation, this special ceremony was passed on to me from my teacher at the start of my yoga career many, many years ago. It's a ritual I have continued to hold for myself each time I undergo major changes in life - like when I became a mother for the first time or when I decided to leave my prior career and teach yoga full-time.
Having practiced with the emotional medicine of the Shaman's Death Ritual for several years, I am joyful to now share its' magic with you.
In effort to keep some mystery for retreat day, do know that this ritual is completely guided and involves meditation, journaling, music, and group sharing afterward. This process asks that all participants come with an open mind and a willingness to be vulnerable. This ritual can only go as deep as those participating.
I love nothing more than holding sacred space for individuals to hear and remember their True Nature. This event is that, amplified.
*Please note that plant medicine or other substances will NOT be used during our death ritual or at any point during this event.
-
Restorative yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes deep rest and stress reduction. It is an excellent practice to soothe the nervous system during times of upheaval, grief, loss, and inner reflection. Restorative yoga invites the student to hold postures for longer periods with the support of props such as bolsters and blocks to aid in comfort and relaxation of the entire body mind and spirit.
Sound Meditation offers students the opportunity to turn inward using the vibration of sound. Each instrument carries a unique frequency that can expedite healing on a psychological and physiological level. Benefits include improved sleep, pain management, increased mental clarity, and emotional balance.
-
A workshop to garner a deeper understanding of men and the masculine conditioning to grief, trauma, and the emotional resistance to including grief in the honoring of masculine self identity. This workshop aims to provide tools for men and women to have increased well being in the face of loss, gain higher levels of psychological safety and understanding, and most importantly heal the divide between the masculine and feminine under the umbrella of grief.
The Meaning of Savasana was created for the ones who…
…want to grow their comfort around the concept of dying.
...are into the transformation of self.
…seek loving support in processing the events of loss.
…desire a day of disconnection from external life to spend time within.
…have experienced loss of family members, home, relationships, finances, or.
…are in the stages of grieving or want to better support others who are grieving.
…want to unearth and justify their deepest desires, passions, and reason for living.
…need change but don’t know where to start.
… have mental and emotional attachments they are ready to release.
…crave connection to other beings who also seek truth and depth on the realest level.
…have been on the spiritual path for some time and are ready for the next phase of knowing.
…are just starting on path of healing and discovery.
…love Savasana and yoga.
…WANT TO DIE WELL WHEN THEIR TIME COMES.
Can’t make it?
Design your own retreat with us.
Private Day Retreats & Group Sessions for businesses, couples, families & friends.
Customized day retreats are highly curated experiences to meet the needs & desires of your unique group.
We’ll explore
-
breath work to awaken our dormant power
-
ritual & ceremony to return to our heart
-
restorative yoga & live sound to drop into the moment
-
intentional dialogue to come into knowing
Retreat Schedule
Schedule and time is subject to slight change to accommodate the flow and needs of our group that day.
But you can absolutely expect:
Restorative Yoga & Sound Class
Grief Dialogue & Guided Meditation with subject matter expert & special guest speaker Gwendolyn Hanner, LMHC
Shaman’s Death Breath Work Ceremony
Grief & Masculinity Workshop with Zachary Vanzant Garrand
Cacao & Connection Ritual
Seasonally Inspired Lunch - additional provisions will also be provided throughout our retreat as well
You will also have, free time on 10-undisturbed acres of nature to contemplate, pray, and be with kindred community, self & Spirit
Always provided - laughter, probably some crying, definitely some healing, and always becoming.
See below for FAQ.
Victoria S | Mother Meets Maiden Retreat 2023
“3 words to summarize this experience…OPENING, NOURISHING & LIFE-CHANGING".”
Jordan T | The Meaning of Savasana Day Retreat 2024
This event exceeded my expectations immensely. I knew being in Chanel’s presence is already so healing, but entering into her presence with other people was magical. Together, we created an atmosphere of trust, connection, and growth that felt truly transformative throughout each planned event. Chanel guided us with such grace and wisdom, allowing each of us to explore our own paths while feeling deeply supported by the group. I left feeling lighter, more empowered, and filled with gratitude for the incredible memories and connections made.
“I felt fully immersed, comfortable sharing, and a slew of emotions. You led with your whole heart, and as always read my mind in so many moments…You teleported me to a different dimension while grounding me in the strongest possible way.”
- Emily T | When Women Gather Day Retreat 2024
"People living deeply have no fear of death."
Anais nin
FAQ
Got something else on your heart? Send additional questions to heal@chanelvanzant.com.
-
From my experience, grown ups today lack the secure space to let it all go. With pressure to perform and keep it all together, I personally craved a space amongst women where I could be seen. To speak freely and openly. To be heard and not fixed. I have found that when we gather we begin to hear the same stories with different details. We realize that we have more in common than we think.
This circle asks that all participants come with an open mind and a willingness to be vulnerable. This space can only go as deep as those participating.
I love nothing more than holding sacred space for women to hear and remember their True Nature. This retreat is that, amplified.
-
Whether this is your first time sitting in ritual, meditating, sharing in a group, attending an all-women anything, or all of the above, know that YOU BELONG HERE. All of our offerings intend to welcome you at any point on your journey to self-actualization. These events always have a unique way of bringing the right people. Trust your process.
-
x2 nourishing, organic means (lunch and dinner) and all beverages are provided.
Please reach out prior to signing up if you have other needs and accomodations.
-
You will be sent ample e-mail communication prior to retreat day with everything you will need to know! We've got you more than covered.
-
I am trained as a 500RYT. I've received advanced training in pre- and post-natal yoga, trauma informed yoga, breath work, and Yoga Nidra. .
At every retreat, we always have an on-site combat tactical medic present. This individual is also CPR certified and certified in trauma and wound care. An outdoor survival medical kit is also always on site.
Our property is also located just 12-minutes from South Florida Baptist Hospital.
We are in close relationship with several therapists and other mental health practitioners should a recommendation be needed post-retreat.
Post-retreat there is opportunity to continue our work together via private and small group sessions.
