Whales & Tales
~ A Luxury Yoga Adventure To Whidbey Island ~
Dates: May 20-24, 2024
Location: The Inn At Langley~ Whidbey Island (Pacific NW), Washington State
Guides: Katrina Marie Gustafson & Michael Shankara
Includes: A Luxury Retreat: 5 Days & 4 Nights, King Guest-room Suite w/ 180° Waterfront View, Private Balcony, Wood-burning Fireplace, Private Soaking Tub, Bathrobes, All Breakfasts (4), 3-Course Private-Chef Diner (1), Complimentary Snacks, Tea/Coffee/Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Free Local Movie Passes, Free Bicycle Rental, Whale Watching Boat Tour and Scenic Isle Way Bus Tour, Daily Yoga/Mediation/Mantra, Stories Of the Mystic- Lectures, Talks, Guided Journeys from Beyond, and Evening Star Talks.
Pricing
$2,511 Single – 1 King Bed ~ Available
$2,916 Couple/Friends ($1,458/person) -1 King Bed ~ Available
Retreat Overview
Michael and Katrina have created a unique yoga retreat that they are playfully calling Whales and Tales. The San Juan Islands are home to several species of whales. These ancient, mystical giants of the sea hold a deep intelligence, both of the heart and mind. Michael and Katrina believe these wise elders sing a potent message for us at this time about tuning into our inner knowing and evolving our consciousness so as to create a more harmonic co-existence for all. So they are taking us to whale country so that we may bask in their energy and attune to the sacred song of the whale.
Michael and Katrina will use daily meditations, yoga practices, and afternoon satsangs to help connect us into our own intuition and spiritual prowess through tales of the mystical realm, ancestral teachings, and ancient knowledge- from a variety of wisdom traditions. They will channel their inner whale and share their wisdom tales.
The afternoon satsangs (spiritual teachings) are geared toward expanding our consciousness through some playful storytelling and an optional creative writing exercise. The tales will focus on four main principles that they call The Four Pillars of Consciousness: Intention, Attention, Intuition and Integrity. Each of the daily tales will inspire us to trust our intuition, create healthy intentions, direct our focus to what serves us, and live in alignment with our core values. Upon the end of our journey we will have an opportunity to share our own tale at our closing group dinner.
There is plenty of personal time built into the daily schedule to explore the sweet village of Langley on your own, book a spa treatment, read a book, kayak the waters, walk the beach or bike to town.
One of our days we will take a shuttle across the island to the Port of Antacortes to go on a whale watching excursion! Transportation and boat ride are included in the price.
Each day will start with a morning meditation at 7:15-7:45. followed by a chef inspired breakfast included in the package.
After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short walk to the yoga space they have rented at the local community center. From 10-11:30 we will be guided by Michael and Katrina through a gentle vinyasa yoga practice.
After class we will have free time to do as we like. Everything is in walking distance to the resort. Free bicycle rentals are available at the hotel, and it is easy to rent a kayak as well. Explore the local restaurants and shops, or stay back at the resort and watch the sea from our balcony.
We will gather back up for storytelling from 4-5:30 each day for our late afternoon satsang. There will be opportunity to ask questions, explore new ideas, and participate in healthy discussions.
Lunch and dinner are on our own. Langley is known for being a gastronomical hub-there are many restaurants to choose from and several exceptional wineries just a short taxi ride away.
We will conclude our 4th night with a gourmet 3 course meal prepared specifically for our group by the resort’s renowned chef. This dinner is included in the package and is valued at $170 per person.
We will close our retreat with a post dinner circle up and one last whale tale. We will say our good byes after breakfast on the morning of the 5th day. The hotel is typically sold out, but there might be a few rooms available if some wanted to extend their stay a day or two. Michael and Katrina could help with that if needed.
Katrina and Michael have been coming to the San Juan Islands for over a decade and are delighted to finally be able to share their love for this mystical, magical land with our community. Please join them for a journey to Whales and Tales.
Retreat Pricing
$2,511 Single – 1 King Bed
~ Available
$2,916 Couple/Friends ($1,458/person) -1 King Bed
~ Available
Not Included
Airfare, Some Meals, and Airport Transfer (Details below on how to best get to the Resort)
Schedule
Monday, May 20
- 4-6pm Check-In ~ The Inn At Langley
- 6-7pm Group Welcome and Gathering
- 7pm Free Time
Tuesday, May 21
- 7:15-7:45am Morning Meditation by the Beach
- 7:45-10am Gourmet Buffet Breakfast
- 10-11:30am Gentle Yoga & Movement Practice
- 11:30am-4pm Personal Free Time
- 4-5:30pm Satsang ~ Tale of the Mystical Realm, Ancestral Teachings, and Ancient Knowledge
- 5:30-8:15pm Personal Free Time
- 8:15-9pm Evening Star Talk
Wednesday, May 22
- 7-7:30am Morning Meditation by the Beach
- 7:45-8:15am Gourmet Buffet Breakfast
- 8:15-9:30am Scenic Isle Way Bus Tour to The Port of Anacortes
- 10am-3pm Whale Watching Tour around San Juans Islands & Deception Pass
- 3-4:30pm Scenic Isle Way Bus Tour return to Langley
- 4:30pm Free Time
Thursday, May 23
- 7:15-7:45am Morning Meditation by the Beach
- 7:45-10am Gourmet Buffet Breakfast
- 10-11:30am Gentle Yoga & Movement Practice
- 11:30am-4pm Personal Free Time
- 4-5:30pm Satsang ~ Tale of the Mystical Realm, Ancestral Teachings, and Ancient Knowledge
- 6-8pm Private Chef, 3-Course Farm-to-Table Dinner
Friday, May 24
- 7:15-7:45am Morning Meditation by the Beach
- 7:45-10am Gourmet Buffet Breakfast
- 11am Check-Out
About The Inn At Langley
The Setting & Your Room
The Inn At Langley is a luxury Resort with a world class 5-Star reputation located in the Pacific Northwest. It is a yearly destination for international travelers who seek all of the amenities while being immersed in natural setting of the San Juan Islands on Puget Sound and the Saratoga Ocean Passage. Built down a bluff to the waters edge, The Inn at Langley is located on Whidbey Island in the quint village of Langely. Each guestroom features a 180° view of the water, a private sitting balcony, a wood-burning fireplace, an in room soaking tub, indoor living space, and large glass windows to take in the island and ocean vistas. From your luxurious King Bed, you can see the spectacular views as you relax on the Hypo-allergenic bedding and down comforters. Each morning from your private sitting balcony, you can have your coffee and tea in your bathrobe as you watch the sunrise over the mystical waters and islands forests perhaps sighting a whale, an eagle or osprey.
Down by the waters edge is a quiet boardwalk and direct beach access. You can stroll along listening to the waves, smelling the sea salt air and pause to rest on the many meditate benches along the way. You will meet the sea and contemplate with the forest on this private beach.
Above are lovely walking gardens with serene water features. You can nestle into the tall trees or walk to the charming main street of the town in just 3 minutes.
The Spa
The Inn At Langley has a luxury spa located right on the waters edge. You can take in the tranquil views of the Sound before and after your healing or relaxing treatments. Offerings include Signature Swedish Massage, Deep Massage with myofascial release, targeted pressure, neuromuscular and orthopedic techniques, Prenatal For Expecting Mothers, and Structural Integration. Additional services include 4 types of Facials with luxury botanical and organic ingredients, Revitalizing Pedicure, Body Polish, Dry Brush and Private Steam Rooms.
The Spa is open every day except Wednesdays. Please see the reservation page for booking.
The Dining Experience
The Inn at Langley offers an intimate dining experience inspired by the Pacific Northwest surroundings, elevating Pacific seafood and supporting local farms. You stay includes daily Gourmet Buffett Breakfasts from 7:45-10am. The final evening will be a wondrous Three-Course Farm-To-Table Dinner prepared by their renowned chef Matt Costello and his skilled staff- a joyful completion of our retreat at t=The Inn. Vegetarian, vegan and all dietary needs are welcome to every meal. Please inform us in advance of you eating needs and preferences.
Single (1 King Bed) ~ Available
This Waterfront King Room includes a private balcony, offering views of the Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains. A generous 400 square feet including a king sized bed, soaking tub and fireplace. Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee And Tea, Mini-Fridge, Complimentary Snacks, Wi-Fi, and Local Movie Passes included.
All of the guest accommodations include premium bedding, a sofa bed, fireplace, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, bathrobes, ironing amenities, and free local calls. The private ensuite bathrooms include complimentary toiletries, modern fixtures, and a jetted tub. Hair dryers are also provided.
Each Singleton Suite will have 1 King bed.
Pricing
- $2,511~ 1 Person
Couples/Friends (1 King Bed) ~ Available
This Waterfront King Room includes a private balcony, offering views of the Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains. A generous 400 square feet including a king sized bed, soaking tub and fireplace. Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee And Tea, Mini-Fridge, Complimentary Snacks, Wi-Fi, and Local Movie Passes included.
All of the guest accommodations include premium bedding, a sofa bed, fireplace, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, bathrobes, ironing amenities, and free local calls. The private ensuite bathrooms include complimentary toiletries, modern fixtures, and a jetted tub. Hair dryers are also provided.
Each Couple/Friends Suite will have 1 King bed.
Pricing
- $2,916 ($1,458/person)~ 2 People
About Langley & Whidbey Island
Langley ~ The Town
Imagine strolling down a quaint street overlooking Saratoga Passage, hugged closely by Puget Sound, and graced by views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains. With a sweet mélange of eclectic boutiques, historic buildings, intriguing bookstores, the streets are lined with vibrant homages of the past revitalized with modern contributions including world-class art galleries, specialty coffee shops, top rated restaurants and a vintage movie theater. Even as you take your first steps into town, you can see and feel why Langley has been recognized by so many as the perfect getaway, and for a serendipitous band of humans, a way of life.
Langley is part of a community that is very proud to raise and deliver to market the majority of their local produce, homemade goods, and fabulous bounty from the sea. With ample organic and ethical farms on the island, Langley hosts weekly farmers’ markets and supplies numerous “Top-of-the-Table” and undeniably delicious dining options.
Surrounded by water and natural land formations, Langley offers bountiful outdoor activities such as beach hikes, whale watching, kayaking, photography tours, crabbing and fishing. And, perhaps it’s a late night bioluminescence experience by canoe that floats your boat!
While many residents of the town are esteemed writers, painters, performers and creators; Langley also attracts off-continent and international artists to Whidbey Island Center for the Arts on the edge of town. The free-wheeling spirit of Langley draws in tourists world-wide to celebrate this magical Pacific Northwest getaway with events such as Djangofest NW or Welcome of the Whales Festival.
The island is all about connecting human to human in this, finding relaxation and healing by slowing down to “Langley town” speed. In the midst of enjoying exquisite food, authentically warm people, and magnificent views, you’ll be trapped in a mystical adventure you may not be able to forget.
For additional information visit the Langley Chamber of Commerce visitlangley.com.
WHIDBEY ISLAND
Whidbey Island is a Northwest treasure trove where scenic beauty, local wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, a rich cultural scene, outdoor adventures and small town charm come together to create a unique experience that you’ll want to share again and again.
Whidbey Island is about 30 miles north of Seattle, and stretches roughly 55 miles long and 12 miles east-to-west resting between the Olympic Peninsula and the I-5 corridor of western Washington. The island was once inhabited by the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish and Snohomish tribes, later to be named by Captain Vancouver in 1792 for Joseph Whidbey, after proving it was an island by discovering Deception Pass.
Populations centers of Whidbey Island include the cities of Langley and Oak Harbor, the Town of Coupville, the villages of Freeland and Clinton, and the communities of Greenbank and Bayview with an estimated 70,000 residents in total. Each of these areas represents a unique and vibrant piece of Whidbey’s makeup. The renown magic of the island includes beach side hiking trails, biking tours, fishing and crabbing, wine tasting tours, art galleries, kayaking, state parks for ambling and picnicking, boating, whale watching, festivals, and many other things quaint and quirky. Top destinations for visitors include Deception Pass, Fort Casey State Park, Ebey’s Landing, and Double Bluff. Our favorite of course is Seawall Park! Hope to see you there!
For additional information visit the Whidbey Camano Islands Official Site
Travel Info ~ Flight, Bus Shuttle & Ferry
Here is some helpful information about booking your Flights and how to get form the Airport to The Inn At Langley. We are happy to help you with any of this process and you can always call or email Michael for further assistance. 720-745-0184 or mshankara108@gmail.com.
Airline Flights to Seattle, WA
There are 2 possible airports that you can fly to, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Paine Field and Snohomish County Airport. The Seattle-Tacoma Airport will likely be the cheaper option but the Paine Field Airport is closer to the Mukilteo Ferry that goes to Clinton (Whidbey Island). It is about a 1 hour travel time from SEA-TAC Airport to the Ferry and about 15 minutes from Paine Field Airport. The Ferry ride from Mukilteo to Clinton is 20 minutes and departs every 1/2hour from 5am to Midnight, 7 days a week.
The total travel time from the Seattle Airport to Langley on Whidbey Island is about 1.5 hours. The total travel time from Paine Field to Langley is about 45 minutes.
Airport to the Mukilteo Ferry ~ Clinton ~ The Inn At Langley
There are 2 recommended ways to get from the Airport to the Ferry and finally to The Inn At Langley.
- The first option is rent a car which you will take on the Mukilteo Ferry to Clinton (Whidbey Island) and then you would drive to The Inn At at Langley in the town of Langley, 10 minutes away from Clinton.
- Second option is to take the Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle. This public charter bus goes direct from both The SeaTac Airport and Paine Field Airport to the Mukilteo Ferry across the water to Clinton and then drops you at Ken’s Korner Shopping Center in Langley- 4 miles from the The Inn At Langley. From there you will take a scheduled Taxi to The Inn At Langley. This is a great option, fairly simple, and recommended by the The Inn At Langley. Many resort guests regularly take this option.
- Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle is $55 one-way or $110 for a roundtrip ticket and will need to make a reservation on the website or call: www.seatacshuttle.com or by calling 360-679-4003. This includes your ferry transportation and will get you from the Airport to the town of Langley where you will then get a private Taxi for the final 4 miles.
- Recommended Taxi: All Island Express Taxi LLC ~ Ride is $10-$20/pp. We can help coordinate multiple people for rides if you are arriving at the same time.
- So cost for transportation from the Airport to The Inn At Langley is between $65 and $75 total each way.
Google Maps Link ~ SeaTac Airport to The Inn At Langley
About Katrina & Michael
As the owner and founder of Karma Yoga Center in Denver, she brings the bhakti from all wisdom traditions to her yoga classes- singing, chanting, dancing, and journeys into the heart. Katrina fills every yoga session with love. She weaves in the teachings of her yoga mentor Saul David Raye and the cosmic knowings from the lineage of Evolutionary Astrology.
She shares her life journey with her half-side husband Michael Shankara and her two boys Max & Bo .
Michael Shankara
Michael is a certified yoga teacher, Mayan Shaman, Priest, and Astrologer. Initiated into the sacred wisdom of the Maya, Michael is the sole apprentice under elder, priest and shaman Dr. Don Miguel Angel Vergara- former director of the sacred Chichen Itza Archeology Site in Mexico. Michael is also a musician and sound healer, providing live music for yoga classes, retreats, journeys and mediations at Karma Yoga Center. Michael is a certified Crystology Healer and studies Soul Astrology, Astronomy, and the Mayan Calendars. He offers Energy Healings and Astrology Readings that integrate his shamanic and yogic trainings. Michael & Katrina also provide a free astrology videos on the Full moons called the Shaman & The Mermaid.
