Taste -
of the earth
Nourish Body, Mind & Spirit in the Heart of Mindo's Ancient Cloudrorests
Immerse yourself in the magical cloud forests of Mindo, where the mist dances through ancient trees and waterfalls cascade into crystal pools. For five extraordinary nights, leave behind the noise of everyday life and step into a world where wellness, adventure, and culinary alchemy blend seamlessly together.
Culinary Experience
PLANT-BASED GASTRONOMY THAT DEFIES EXPECTATIONS
Forget everything you thought you knew about plant-based dining.
At Taste of The Earth, each meal is a celebration of global flavors and local ingredients. Our chef team draws inspiration from South American, European, African, Middle Eastern, and Asian traditions to create dishes that nourish body and delight senses.
From gourmet breakfasts that energize your morning adventures to fine-dining dinners under the stars, every bite tells a story of sustainability and respect for Earth's abundance.
Highlights include:
Farm-to-table ingredients harvested at peak freshness
Daily themes exploring global plant-based traditions
Cacao experiences tracing chocolate from bean to ceremonial elixir
Cooking demonstrations to bring retreat magic home
All dietary preferences and restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice
Retreat Highlights
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DAILY WELLNESS PRACTICES
Morning yoga sessions in our open-air pavilion overlooking the cloud forest
Qigong and breathwork practices that harness and balance your vital energy
Guided meditations in extraordinary natural settings
Sound healing journeys using traditional and modern instruments
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EXTRAORDINARY EXCURSIONS
Guided waterfall hikes through pristine cloud forest trails
Educational tour of a sustainable cacao farm with tasting experience
Cultural immersion in a traditional Ecuadorian pueblo
Choice of adventurous zipline experience or peaceful river tubing
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GOURMET PLANT-BASED CUISINE
Five days of exceptional plant-based meals showcasing global traditions
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared fresh daily by our expert culinary team
Themed dinner experiences: South American, European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern
Cooking demonstrations to bring retreat magic home
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Evening Ceremonies
Traditional cacao and kava ceremony opening heart and calming mind
Fire spinning performances honoring elemental connections
Drum circle facilitating community bonding and rhythmic meditation
Live music performance by surprise guest artist
Astrology workshop exploring cosmic connections
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Day 4
Meet the Culinary Artists
At the heart of Vegan Amor are Medhu and his beloved partner Crystal, a conscious couple dedicated to living, loving, and leading from a place of embodied truth.
With over 25 years of plant-based mastery, Medhu is a celebrated vegan chef and culinary alchemist, weaving ancient wisdom with modern nutrition to create food that nourishes both body and soul. His passion for cleansing, vitality, and food as medicine has touched countless lives across Florida and beyond.
By his side stands his beloved, Crystal, a gifted birth coach and doula, who brings her deep devotion to sacred transitions—guiding new life into the world and supporting personal rebirths through holistic practices. Together, they have spent over a decade co-creating experiences that cleanse the body, elevate the spirit, and awaken the innate wisdom within.
Their combined energy is both fierce and tender, offering participants a rare opportunity to be fed, held, and activated on every level. Through their workshops, meals, and presence, they invite you to remember the sacredness of what you consume, how you live, and how you love.
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FounderIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Design DirectorIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Trip Details
Dates 🗓️: 5 nights | Wednesday to Monday | October 1-6 2025
✈️ Nearest Airport:
Quito International Airport (UIO).
Group transportation from Quito to Mindo is included. You’ll receive exact timing once flights are booked.
💸 Contribution / Exchange:
Sliding scale: $2,555 – $2,777
Early bird special: $200 off until June 30th, 2025
🎟️ Limited to 13 guests.
Accommodation: Double occupancy , community driven principles for sharing of space with all sentient beings on the property.
To join, apply below and secure your place with a deposit if selected.
FAQs
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Absolutely. Our retreat welcomes participants at all stages of their wellness journey. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or have never meditated before, our guides create an inclusive environment where everyone can participate comfortably. All activities can be modified to suit your experience level and physical abilities.
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Our holistic approach sets us apart. While many retreats focus solely on yoga or adventure, Taste of The Earth weaves together exceptional plant-based cuisine, movement practices, cultural immersion, adventure activities, and sacred ceremonies. We've carefully designed each element to complement the others, creating a truly integrated experience that nourishes body, mind, and spirit.
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Prepare for a culinary adventure. Our plant-based menu celebrates global flavors while showcasing Ecuador's incredible produce. From gourmet breakfasts to fine-dining dinners, each meal is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local ingredients. We explore South American, European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern traditions throughout the retreat. All meals are 100% plant-based, and we can accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions with advance notice.
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Not at all. While all meals served are plant-based, we welcome everyone interested in wellness, nature, and personal growth. Many past participants weren't vegan or vegetarian before attending but found the cuisine so satisfying that they incorporated more plant-based meals into their lifestyle afterward.
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Comfortable and harmonious with nature. Our eco-conscious retreat center offers comfortable accommodations that blend indoor comfort with the natural surroundings. We have double / triple rooms for sleeping.
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We keep it intimate. To ensure personalized attention and foster meaningful connections, we limit our retreats to [12] participants. This creates a close-knit community while allowing space for individual exploration.
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Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador is the recommended arrival airport. From there, Mindo is approximately a 2-hour journey. We recommend arriving in Quito the day before the retreat begins.
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Multiple options are available. We offer private shuttle service for guests on retreat start and end dates and can arrange transportation for other arrivals/departure at an additional cost. Detailed transportation information will be provided after registration.
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Mindo is known for being a safe, peaceful destination. As with travel anywhere, we recommend standard precautions. Our team includes local guides familiar with the area who ensure your safety throughout the retreat.
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Our team is fluent in English and Spanish. All activities, excursions, and ceremonies are conducted in English, with Spanish translation available when needed.
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Comfort and versatility are key. Essential items include comfortable clothing for warm days and cooler evenings, yoga/movement wear, hiking shoes, sandals, swimwear, a light rain jacket, and a white outfit for ceremonies. A complete packing list will be provided after registration.
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Your retreat, your choice. While we encourage participation in the full program to maximize your experience, all activities are optional. Each day includes free time that you can use for rest, personal reflection, or additional exploration.
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We strive for accessibility. Please contact us about your specific needs so we can discuss accommodations and alternatives. Many activities can be modified, and our team is committed to ensuring everyone has a fulfilling experience.
