Who is Ixchel?
Ixchel Hawaii is named for the Mayan Goddess, Ixchel (Ee-shell). She is the Goddess of the moon, the Lady of the Rainbow, as well as an ancient fertility goddess. She was responsible for bringing rain to nourish the crops by overturning her sacred womb jar so that the waters would flow. For centuries, women have made pilgrimages to her holy places, including Isla Mujeres, "The Island of Women".
Ixchel, being a moon goddess, sits weaving the fabric of life. She sits easily and with great presence, as she is in the bliss of creativity. Each of us is a thread in her great pattern. She then chooses her color. Perhaps it is a clear red, or a peaceful blue, or a vibrant earth brown. Whatever color of the rainbow each of us is—whatever body, personality or character—we are purposefully created by the Goddess to make the Great Fabric of Life as it is meant to be itself.
Welcome to Ixchel Holistic Retreat Center, nestled in the Enchanted Fern Forest on the Big Island of Hawaii. We are located 20 minutes south of Hilo, on 3 acres of lush, tropical rainforest, surrounded by native Hawaiian plants and fruit trees. We are a permaculture working farm serving many functions. A permaculture garden provides food and medicinal crops, wildlife habitats, crafting materials, an attractive appearance, and a private, relaxing atmosphere throughout every season. Our gardens consist of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers. Our rustic surroundings welcome wildlife and the fairy grotto can be used as a quiet sanctuary for meditating.
Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint and live closer to the land. Your stay at Ixchel will afford you the opportunity to experience how this is possible while enjoying an array of activities on the Big Island. We are set up to host Yoga Retreats, Workshops, Personal Ceremonies, Weddings, Family Vacations or as a private get-away. You will be near an active volcano, can swim with the dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, stroll through a desert and rainforest on the same day, zip line over waterfalls or just relax on the beach. Hawaii is known as the Island of Natural Wonders.
Facilities
On our property we have two main facilities. We have the Jungalow that is a two story dormitory style facility and the Main House which includes a fully stocked Yoga Studio available for workshops, classes and retreats. Each unit can also be rented out in its entirety.
Rates
Each facility is available to rent on an individual or group basis. Information about rates and requirements can be found on this page.
Workshops
We offer many options at Ixchel Holistic Retreat Center for workshops and retreats, including classes in sustainable farming practices and water conservation as well as specialized personal Yoga Retreats. We also offer workshops on healing and therapeutic practices.