Key West Connection Retreat
October 1-4, 2026
Join Carly and her partner Tyler for a weekend retreat of connection, movement, adventure, excitement, and rejuvenation. With daily movement, group activities like mangrove kayaking and a sunset cruise, connection & offloading sessions in a private, small group setting, this weekend will bring you the joy you need to carry you through winter. You’ll leave with new friendships, a stronger sense of belonging, practical tools for continued connection, and memories from an unforgettable weekend.
Let’s create a meaningful experience together.
Here’s what’s included in your retreat package:
4 days, 3 nights at our Airbnb in Key West (final lodging details announced in July)
Florida Keys Road Trip - Transportation to and from Miami Airport
Biking tour of Old Town
Sunset Cruise
Kayak Mangrove Tour
4 unique movement sessions (mix of yoga, tai chi, dance, somatic movement, and freeform)
Lunch on Friday, Dinner on Saturday, and Breakfast on Sunday, plus snacks for the house
2 unique connection workshops
and the experience of a lifetime!
Click here for an initial itinerary and value breakdown and stay tuned for more details!
Why Here? Why Now?
We live in a world where we're more connected digitally than ever, yet many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves and each other.
This retreat isn't about escaping life.
It's about remembering how good life can feel when we move, laugh, adventure, and connect with people face-to-face. I decided we should go to the Florida Keys to remind us how beautiful this country is. To remind us that we’re not as divided as they want us think. To show off the natural wonders we tend to forget.
This is not a yoga retreat; this is a new way to connect with strangers and talk to each other about what we’re experiencing, while we make new memories together. We’ll explore an iconic little city full of special wonders and unique people.
With perfect timing to prepare for winter (and whatever’s to come early November..) , we’ll recharge together, and have tons of fun while we’re doing it.
Couples, solo travelers, and adventure friends are encouraged to join.
REGISTER TODAY!
Register before June 30th to save over $200 on retreat packages! Payment Plans are available by request with a $500 deposit.
Submit this form before proceeding to room selection and payment. All registrants must submit a form, including those paying together.
Your Host
Carly Shields
Carly Shields is a Denver-based writer, experience curator, and yoga teacher who blends dance-inspired movement with dynamic vinyasa flows. Originally from New York but with deep roots in Richmond, VA, where she founded her business, Carly continues to run RVA Yoga Hang remotely while teaching at studios, festivals, and workshops across the U.S. and internationally.
Author of an upcoming book on happiness in dark political times, Carly shares her concerns for the world and how to power through it while contributing to making it better to a growing audience online. She is available to curate your event or retreat and for one on one venting sessions. Her debut book is forthcoming.
For testimonials from some of her students, click here.
More Info Here…
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This experience is for anyone interested in an adeventure and reset weekend in vibrant Key West, Florida. The yoga offerings will be suitable for all levels but you are not obligated to participate in any parts of the itinerary. If you’re looking for a beach weekend that’s a mix of relaxing and exciting, this is for you. This is a great social opportunity for people seeking genuine connection and mentally preparing for winter. Anyone over 21 is welcome to register; both men, women, and others, are encouraged to join. No children please. Group will be limited to 12 participants.
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Book a flight to Miami, Florida, landing before 8am on Thursday. Book a room near the airport for the night. Meet up with the group at 8am on Thursday for the van down to Key West.
You would be welcome to rent your own vehicle or drive yourself. This will not affect the registration price.
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If you are a solo traveler, we can pair you with another retreat attendee in a 2-person room with two twin beds in the room. We will do our best to pair people appropriately, pending who and how many people select this option. We will not pair men and women in the same room without express permission from both. You are welcome to reach out with questions about this option to carlyszenden@gmail.com however we will not have the complete picture of roommates until around August, when we will implement a cut off date for this specific selection.
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Everything below is included with your retreat payment. Any other food, snacks, resort add ons or activities are separate.
THURSDAY - Road Trip & Welcome - October 1:
8am pick up @ central location near Miami airport
3pm check in at Airbnb
5pm Welcome Ceremony
7pm Mallory Square Sunset Party*FRIDAY - Exploration Day - Oct 2nd:
Morning Movement Session & Get to Know Ya
Biking Tour of Old Town
Group Lunch
Poolside Workshop
Evening Sunset CruiseSATURDAY - Connection Day - Oct 3rd:
Morning Movement
Mangrove Kayaking
Beach scavenger hunt*
Group Dinner
Duval Street Hopping*SUNDAY - Reflection Day - Oct 4th:
Morning Movement
Group Breakfast
Reflection Ride back to Miami Airport (book a flight that leaves after 6pm)*Free events not included in retreat pricing - all events are optional but opting out of included and paid activities will not change package price.
Please note itinerary is subject to change pending availability and weather. More specifics updates will be added as they are confirmed. Any major necessary changes to the above will be decided upon as a group.
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Yes! We would be happy to offer you a payment plan for any package you choose. A $500 downpayment via Venmo or Paypal will be required. We will work together to schedule a 4-payment plan to be completed no later than September 4, 2026. Please reach out to Carly at carlyszenden@gmail.com to pursue this option.
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Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is included with your payment.
If you cancel before August 1, 2026, you will receive a refund of any payments made minus the deposit.
If you cancel before September 1, 2026, you will receive a 50% refund of any payments made minus the deposit.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the retreat are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another participant with written approval.
Retreat Cancellation by Organizer
If the retreat is canceled due to low enrollment, natural disaster, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, travel insurance, or personal purchases.
Liability Waiver
By registering, you acknowledge that:You are voluntarily participating in movement classes, excursions, and retreat activities, which may involve physical exertion and carry risks of injury.
You are responsible for consulting with a physician regarding your ability to participate.
You release and hold harmless Carly’s ZenDen, its teachers, staff, and partners from any liability for accidents, injuries, illnesses, or loss of property during the retreat.
You understand that participation is at your own risk and agree to take personal responsibility for your health, safety, and well-being.
Travel Insurance
We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation. -
Kate K. says, "I moved to Richmond, barely knowing a soul, and wanted to find a way to meet and make new friends while exploring my new city. I still remember seeing my first post from RVA Yoga Hang - yoga plus fun activities across Richmond for low-pressure socialization? Sign me up! I attended my first Hang that very first weekend and instantly felt a sense of belonging. Carly and her team excel at planning engaging events, leading mindful yoga practices, and creating a safe, fun, and inclusive space - perfect for building new connections. Not only have I gotten to explore more of Richmond through RVA Yoga Hang, but I've also made genuine friendships - all while practicing yoga!”
Lesley S. says, “Carly has this grounded, genuine energy that makes you feel welcome and at ease from the moment you step in. As the founder of RVA Yoga Hang, Carly has created a space that reflects exactly who she is — warm, supportive, intentional, and refreshingly real. Her teaching is intuitive and accessible, and she has a gift for guiding you into movement that feels both challenging and nourishing in all the right ways.
Every class feels like a reset — you leave clearer, calmer, and more connected to yourself. If you’re looking for a yoga community built on heart and authenticity, Carly and RVA Yoga Hang are something truly special.”
Joe E. says, “We started going to RVA yoga hangs with a good friend as a way to enjoy yoga and creative activities. We’ve thrown axes, fed alpacas, sipped on NA beverages and sampled cheeses after downward dogs and chair poses. Oh, let’s not forget the time we got tattoos together after class for that hang. These events have brought our friend group closer together, and it’s truly been a gift to get to connect like this. We did the sauna cold plunge to celebrate that we were about to get married. There’s always a hang to look forward to— our next one is the hot springs retreat in Colorado in March. We can’t wait for the quality yoga in an environment that’s as nurturing and magical as my practice.”
Hot Springs Yoga Retreat
March 5-8, 2026 ~ Idaho Springs, Colorado
Thank you for an incredible weekend! Look out for 2027 dates coming in October!
Thank you!
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Thank you! 〰️