Wander Women Wednesday is back! This midweek feature is about highlighting an upcoming Wander Women Retreat or some new aspect of our retreat business that we’re excited about.
Now that you all know what a blast we had in Mexico, it’s time to tell you about Brenna and I’s next High Flying Retreat in Israel – in just a few weeks! And the timing couldn’t be better, as Israel just announced they are dropping many of their entry requirements, including on-arrival testing.
After three years of anticipation, the timing is finally perfect. I’ve been dreaming of making retreats in Israel since 2018, and this and my Wander Women Israel yoga retreat are the trips I’ve had to postpone the longest due to COVID, so this is going to be a pretty big sniff-me-moment for me.
I first visited Israel and fell madly in love with the country in 2018. In 2019, airing became my new obsession, so it was only natural that on my next visit to The Land of Milk and Honey that year, I sought out airspaces and tutors and started dreaming of partnering with High Flying Retreats there.
Brenna and I were so excited to get started in January 2020 – in fact, it would be our first-ever joint retreat! We all know where this story is going…although in this case, we didn’t just have to postpone the withdrawal (twice!), Israel’s accommodation and aerial photos were so drastically changed by the pandemic that we replayed the whole retreat built that up.
What’s the same: we dive into the best air hammock, Lyra, silk, and trapeze workshops in the hottest city in the Middle East. Each day will also include an adventure, such as a bike ride, a market trip, and loads of beach time, ending with a sampling of Tel Aviv’s best restaurants and epic nightlife.
Of course, we knew we couldn’t plan a retreat to Tel Aviv and allow everyone to visit one of the world’s most storied cities. Hence the option to take our Pre-Retreat Jerusalem + West Bank Extension to the Old Old City of Jerusalem and the infamous salty Dead Sea. And let’s just say that Brenna and I literally spoke to the Tel Aviv Municipality before re-release to make sure we’d fine-tune the dates for our Post-Retreat Pride Party expansion, which included a wild parade of the sea one day, and an epic day of rave in Yarkon Park the next.
And while we initially released this trip as an intermediate, we had some eager new aerialists signed up, so we’re now open to all skill levels. Did someone say device party!?
Read on for all the details!
The details
The retreat will be held from June 4-9, 2022, and will start at $2,750.
What’s in the retreat
• Five nights in a chic design hotel in Tel Aviv• Daily breakfast, an opening and closing dinner, and most importantly… a daily happy hour with free wine!• Three aerial art workshops with Brenna in silk, hammock, and hoop • A flying trapeze workshop with local trapeze performers• A stand-up paddle conditioning class with a local surf goddess• A bike tour with a local guide extraordinaire• A professionally produced aerial view • A custom made welcome bag• All tips for guides and drivers• Professional photos of the trip
What is not included
• Flights + airport transfers (optional upgrades available)• Extra meals, alcohol, or activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary• Optional upgrade Contortion or Pole Arts Workshop• Compulsory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change and expect surprises, but this is a general idea.
Day 1: Let’s back off! If you join our Pre-Retreat Jerusalem + West Bank Extension, we will pack together and head to Tel Aviv to meet the newcomers at our hotel. Once everyone has been accounted for, we gather for a rooftop acro-yoga class by a local Israeli guest instructor designed to loosen up weary travel muscles. Then we toast to a complimentary hotel happy hour and dine at an iconic Arabic restaurant known for its endless servings of pita and dips to get to know your fellow aviation performers.
Day 2: Start the morning with a traditional Israeli breakfast before heading around the corner to a plant-filled aerial art studio for the first of our daily aerial workshops with Brenna. After lunch at a favorite local restaurant overlooking the sea, it’s time for the afternoon as you wish in Yafo, Tel Aviv’s charming old town – go beach bum, explore Jaffa’s flea market, or walk to a famous lookout point. At sunset, we reunite for a stand-up paddleboard amplification session overlooking Jaffa harbor. At night, Tel Aviv comes back to life.
Day 3: We start again with another aerial workshop with Brenna. Later, we will enjoy lunch at Alex’s favorite Arabic restaurant in Levinsky Market. After free time to wander the market or, as is always an option in Tel Aviv, head to the beach, where we meet again to head north of the city for a private flying trapeze lesson! Once back in the city’s heart, we’ll stop for dinner at a much-loved Tel Aviv pita bread.
Day 4: Start the day with another air training session with Brenna. After lunch at the Carmel Market, full of small stalls + cafes and open for almost a century, we will tour Tel Aviv on two wheels. Soak up the city’s Bauhaus architecture, sea breezes, and buzzing energy as you give your upper body a break and your legs take over! In the evening, return to our rooftop retreat for a private evening of shopping and browsing local air-brand wares during the complimentary happy hour back at our hotel (excuse me, but are the bartenders all our best friends?). Finally, we went to a favorite garden-like restaurant called – we couldn’t help it – Bicicletta.
For the retreat, we stay at The Market House Tel Aviv, a chic boutique hotel in the south of Tel Aviv! Private rooms have one bed, while shared rooms have two separate beds unless requested. While you can,, stay with a friend, if you are traveling alone, fear not, as are many of our guests! We’ll do our best to match you with someone we think you’ll click with – and eventually, we’ll all be one big family in the air.
Enjoy perks such as a daily Israeli breakfast, happy hour with free wine, free bike rental, and more. Plus, the location is perfect – just around the corner from our aerial home and centrally located to enjoy Tel Aviv’s best nightlife and restaurants.
What are we going to eat
Israeli cuisine is perfect for our high activity level — it’s not only delicious but also healthy and well-balanced. Breakfast and an opening and closing dinner are included every day. For the non-included meal of the day, we’ll take you to a favorite spot where you can order at your own expense or branch out and do your own thing.
Of course, there will be plenty of hummus along the way (and bonus – learn to make your own one day if you join the expansion tour!).
Get there and get away.
Most international flights to Israel arrive and depart Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV).
Upon arrival, you can take a private taxi, Uber, or Gett (Israel’s own, much cheaper Uber!) to and from Ben Gurion Airport. We’ll send you additional information about airport transfer upgrades once you’ve booked, but don’t worry – the options are safe and simple!
Extend your adventure
Want the full Israeli experience? Before venturing (and trapezing) through Tel Aviv, join us on our Pre-Retreat Jerusalem + West Bank Extension for a much more complete picture of what Israel stands for! After we’re literally waved from the ceiling, do so metaphorically for the wildest party in the Middle East – Pride! Join us on our post-retreat Pride Party extension to experience Tel Aviv’s epic beachfront Pride Parade, followed by an unruly rave at Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv’s answer to New York’s Central Park.
Join us
This retreat is just around the corner! Sign up for The Wander Women Retreats newsletter to be the first to know when registration for future retreats opens, or check out our sales page for our FAQs. Or, when you’re ready to book – say no more; we’re here for you!
Do you have any questions about Israel and this trip? Schedule a 15-minute Zoom chat with me for all your burning questions! Otherwise, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] with questions or concerns about whether this is the right retreat for you.
I can’t wait to be back in Israel and show some of you this infamous destination through my own eyes and perspective.
Any questions? Ask questions away in the comments!
YOU SHOULD ENJOY IT TOO
