Ties to Wellness
With over 30 years of experience in planning life-changing trips for adoptees and those that love them, The Ties Program is proud to launch Ties to Wellness.
On a Ties to Wellness Journey, you’ll explore your inner landscape in the midst of beautiful destinations! While adoption will serve as the common link for travelers, we invite you to experience unique cultural experiences, self care activities, and discover a deeper connection to yourself, others, and the earth. A Ties to Wellness Journey is truly a journey of discovery, allowing you to return with a renewed sense of self, and the wisdom of knowing what brings you wellness.
Ties to Wellness: Puerto Rico
5 Days
Stay On 105 Lush Tropical Acres with Access to Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, and A Saltwater Pool.
Enjoy Daily Yoga Classes
Experience A Group Cacao Ceremony and Sacred Bonfire
Disconnect With the World and Reconnect with Yourself At A Wi-Fi Free Oasis
Day 1 - Arrive in San Juan and transfer to Retreat Center in Utuado, Puerto Rico (1.5 hour drive)
Day 2 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Experience a cacao ceremony in the evening
Day 3 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Partake in a Wellness Workshop in the evening to explore journaling and mindfulness
Day 4 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon and evening are yours to relax and explore. Enjoy a sacred fire ceremony in the evening
Day 5 - Depart to San Juan to start your journey home. Some may extend their stay (optional)
Inclusions:
- A team of adoption specialists available before, during, and after the trip who build bridges, facilitate activities and discussions, create community, and attend to details enabling you to focus on the meaning of the journey
- Option pre-travel virtual meet up to get to know your traveling companions
- Optional wellness workshops for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling led by an adoption specialist
- Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Four nights double-occupancy stay at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, including tax and service fees (single supplement available for additional charges) with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and a saltwater pool. Casa Grande is set on 105 lush tropical acres for ultimate rest, relaxation, and recharge.
- Orientation gathering to help travelers get to know one another and understand the journey ahead
- Wholesome, fresh, organic, and locally sourced Meals: Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 2-4; Breakfast on Day 5
- Daily yoga classes (Day 2-4)
- Group Cacao Ceremony
- Group Sacred Bonfire
- Time to disconnect with the world and reconnect with yourself, Casa Grande is Wi-Fi free (your cell phone will work with a data plan and they have a business center for use)
- Optional post-trip resources and workshops to reconnect with other travelers and your wellness intentions
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS- More detail will be provided when it is time to sign up for these activities.
● Massage/Acupuncture Session (Including taxes and service fees.)
● Individualized Yoga Therapy Sessions (Including taxes and service fees.)
Exclusions:
- International airfares
- Passport fees
- Tips or Gratuity
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Any meals that are not included on the detailed itinerary
- Excursions that families opt into during their time in Puerto Rico
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)
Day 1 - Arrive in San Juan and transfer to Retreat Center in Utuado, Puerto Rico (1.5 hour drive)
Day 2 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Experience a cacao ceremony in the evening
Day 3 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Partake in a Wellness Workshop in the evening to explore journaling and mindfulness
Day 4 - Optional morning yoga and/or wellness walk. The afternoon and evening are yours to relax and explore. Enjoy a sacred fire ceremony in the evening
Day 5 - Depart to San Juan to start your journey home. Some may extend their stay (optional)
Inclusions:
- A team of adoption specialists available before, during, and after the trip who build bridges, facilitate activities and discussions, create community, and attend to details enabling you to focus on the meaning of the journey
- Option pre-travel virtual meet up to get to know your traveling companions
- Optional wellness workshops for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling led by an adoption specialist
- Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Four nights double-occupancy stay at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, including tax and service fees (single supplement available for additional charges) with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and a saltwater pool. Casa Grande is set on 105 lush tropical acres for ultimate rest, relaxation, and recharge.
- Orientation gathering to help travelers get to know one another and understand the journey ahead
- Wholesome, fresh, organic, and locally sourced Meals: Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 2-4; Breakfast on Day 5
- Daily yoga classes (Day 2-4)
- Group Cacao Ceremony
- Group Sacred Bonfire
- Time to disconnect with the world and reconnect with yourself, Casa Grande is Wi-Fi free (your cell phone will work with a data plan and they have a business center for use)
- Optional post-trip resources and workshops to reconnect with other travelers and your wellness intentions
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS- More detail will be provided when it is time to sign up for these activities.
● Massage/Acupuncture Session (Including taxes and service fees.)
● Individualized Yoga Therapy Sessions (Including taxes and service fees.)
Exclusions:
- International airfares
- Passport fees
- Tips or Gratuity
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Any meals that are not included on the detailed itinerary
- Excursions that families opt into during their time in Puerto Rico
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)
YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER
Sarah Dimick
Sarah is an adoptive parent and the mastermind behind the Ties to Wellness concept, bringing it to life. She was first introduced to Ties when she and her family traveled to Guatemala in the summer of 2023. In 2024, she joined the adjunct travel staff and will be accompanying families to China. Sarah worked as a school psychologist for 20 years and is now a parent coach and yoga teacher. In her free time, you will find her driving her three kids around, playing with her three dogs, and dreaming about her next travel destination!
Please note: Sarah may not travel on every trip.
(608) 279-6749
Frequently Asked Questions
The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.
For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.
We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.
Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.
Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.
Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.
To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.
No, the registration fee is separate from the program fee. For travel insurance purposes, the registration fee is a separate administrative charge that covers processing and securing your spot on the trip and does not count as the first land payment. The first land payment refers specifically to the initial installment of the program fee, which covers the costs of accommodations, transportation, and activities during the heritage trip.
If you have specific questions about the payment structure and its impact on travel insurance, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.
Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.
Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.
Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.
Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.
Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.
Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.
*Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.