Caya Retreats

fitnessthings to do
Written By Christina Sciblo

Walk to the top floor of the Brigantine Yacht Club on any given summer morning and chances are you'll enter into a room of yogis sinking deep into their practice. If you run in certain circles on the island, you may have heard of (or taken) one of these yoga classes. They're open to the public, yet intimate, and they're led by Brigantine local, Chelsea Fleming.

Relying mostly on word-of-mouth marketing, Chelsea believes people are more curious about wellness now more than ever, and looking around at the room full of yogis proves this. Her classes are suitable for all levels and are available for both members and non-members alike. There is no pre-registration, you just show up.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Chelsea teaches an all-levels yoga and meditation class at 9am every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Brigantine Yacht Club. During the off season, she hosts wellness retreats with the company she founded in 2018, Caya Retreats. Caya, an acronym for Come As You Are, is an all-inclusive boutique travel and wellness collective that escapes to the likes of Italy, Costa Rica, the Catskill Mountains and various locations along the East Coast.

Each retreat site is well-vetted and Chelsea emphasizes the importance of good food, luxe amenities and a hidden-gem locale.

"I love to lead people somewhere they haven't been yet, both on and off the mat," said Chelsea.

During your time on retreat you're encouraged to unplug and leave your phone in the infamous Phone Bowl, a bowl designated specifically for guests to rest their phone in so it's not physically attached to them.

"We've gotten to a place in time where unplugging is a luxury," she said.

"By the end of the week, the Phone Bowl is everyone's best friend."

While on retreat, guests can take surf lessons or go on a waterfall tour, craft custom ceramic pieces or unwind in the sauna. The attention to detail is something Caya Retreats is praised for by guests, which is no surprise given Chelsea received her degree in hospitality and has worked across the gamut in the industry.

In connection with hospitality, you may recognize Chelsea from the Brigantine Farmers Market. Her lemonade stand, Seatox Lemonade, often draws a line of loyalists who enjoy an ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade or home brewed tea every Saturday morning.

"Don't be discouraged by the line," she said. "It moves fast!"

But do go early, because she often sells out by 11am. This year will be her 10th year at the Farmers Market.

Customers love her Lemonade Kits which include: lemons, branded cups and a Seatox simple syrup. They're a fun post-beach activity for the kiddos or make great hostess gifts.

This summer, Chelsea is offering another addition to the island: Kids Yoga Camp. Since becoming a mother to her two daughters, Waverly and Willow, Chelsea has seen the benefits of a yoga practice for children. From July 24-27 (2023), she'll bring that curriculum to her camp, along with nature-based activities and crafts for kids ages 5-12 years old. To sign up or get more information, visit CayaRetreats.com.

Along these small beach towns of the Jersey Shore, certain people embody what it means to be from here. Chelsea is a perfect example. She respects and understands her community and the small businesses it's made of. She brings joy to those visiting, whether it be for a day, a week or the entire summer. Follow along this summer @CayaRetreats on Facebook and Instagram.

Christina Sciblo https://christinasciblo.com
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