Join us for The Soul Connections Immersion where community, adventure, and nourishment matter, where you matter.

Imagine, 13 days on horseback with soul-family exploring the world’s most cherished roses in the beauty of Bulgaria. Immerse yourself in nature, medicinal plants, ritual, personal growth and reconnect to your heart centered purpose. 

You are worthy of receiving what you need to show up at your best for those you love and care about. Don’t let overwhelm get to the point of depletion.

Nourish yourself with this gift and contact us today to join
The Soul Connections Immersion: Recharge, replenish, rejuvenate

THE EXPERIENCE

The Soul Connections Immersion invites you to reconnect with your deep sense of Self knowing and tender connection with the interpersonal and intrapersonal. We’ve created a once in a lifetime, deeply immersive experience that brings together nature, community connection, ritual and transformational growth practices. Joined by our equine and plant teachers, you’ll journey deep into yourselves, your equine friends, nature and one another. Rhea and Stell Bahrami invite you for a transformational journey of the heart and soul.

TESTIMONIAL

“I feel that all the personal development and positive focus helped a lot. Instead of being paralyzed by a fear of rejection and trying to please people with standard responses,  I was able to be myself and strongly feel that whatever the challenges, I’ll (make) something great of it to benefit individuals, society and nature in a joyful and compassionate manner and build meaningful connections in the process.”



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Immersive Experience

We follow the foundation that every member of a community is a vital part of co-creating the experience. In this authentic and transformational experience through nature and Self, we’ll join together in a co-supportive and nomadic community, traveling through the authentic Bulgarian countryside.

CONNECTION

Deepen into your inner-sense of Self knowing, connection with others and connection with nature as you dive deep into the softening of your heart space in community. Your most authentic expression is not only welcome but encouraged in presence and shared vulnerability. Our focus is awareness, honesty and attunement to Self and one another as we meet one another and share in both victories and challenges with love and gratitude.

INNER PERSONAL GROWTH

A journey into the depths of yourself, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a wide range of heart teachings. Together we will journey into the realms of herbalism, shamanism, tantra, esoterics, connection building, leadership, interpersonal growth, somatics, dance, embodiment, communication, a diverse grouping of equine knowledge/care/connection teachings and more. We’ll work with conscious connection and communication with an emphasis placed on consent, attunement to boundaries and self-responsibility, as we co-create a community that welcomes all bodies, shapes, skin colors, ages, creeds, abilities and skill levels.

 

“I felt the combination of the ceremonies, heart share circles, the riding and time with the horses really opened up my heart and gave me the strength for transformation.”

“The two horse caravans I did with them were very exciting and beautiful experiences. Being out in nature with the horses, the workshops or just cooking on the fire all this makes me feel alive.”

“The journey was like a bath of nature power. You can plunge in or dip your toes but for sure you’ll be touched by the flow.”

What to Expect

  • An intimate community of humans who love nature, embodiment, connection, play, adventure and exploration.
  • 13 days of fun, relaxation, depth, connection and transformation
  • 7 days on horseback in Elena, Bulgaria
  • 3 nights at the Ecopark in Elena, Bulgaria
  • 2 nights in Rose Valley, Bulgaria: Harvesting Bulgarian Roses, 3 educational Rose workshops, and indulging in all things Rose
  • Cumulative adventure filled with lived experience teachings, workshops and community building throughout. 
  • Progressive journey where you not only come into deeper connection with yourself but the community as a whole as well.
  • A balanced blend of expansion and integration in sharing/skill-building
  • A magikal journey through lakes, waterfalls, spring fed water, Rose fields, mountains, lush greenery, and wild metacinal plants.

What’s NOT Included

  • Flight costs
  • Transportation to and from the Ecopark
  • Personal camping gear
  • Saddle bags
  • Personal riding gear (Breeches, boots, ½ chaps) (Helmets and crash vests are available to borrow)
  • Travel and medical insurance

“Encountering people at the workshop was a touching and loving experience which filled my heart with gratitude for the beautiful people and things in life.”

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How do I know this is for me?

  • You are reading all of this and feel excited, ready to connect, and lit up about the potential of joining us in this opportunity
  • You love the outdoors, connection, adventure and wish to take your relationship with Gaia to the next level
  • You are a nature lover, animal lover, practitioner, yogi, healer or you’re a human interested in new ways of expanding your soul connections
  • Expressing your vulnerability, authenticity, and bliss is something you value or want to strengthen
  • You’re open minded and love to explore new paths of The Sacred
  • You desire transformational experiences that uplift, recharge, and amplify your joy in life
  • You want to embody your authentic truth in supportive community and deepen into your heart
  • You want a space to practice deeper attunement to Self and others
  • You want to activate the true leader within you
  • Your intuition tells you something powerful is possible and waiting for you



“Stell and of course also all the open minded participants helped me become a more caring, non-judgemental and accepting person as they showed me that every feeling is embraced.”

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MEET YOUR GUIDES

Kristen Rhea Alexander

Founder of GaiaTree and Rhea of Light Apothecary

Rhea (she/he) is a student of nature, holistic chef, transformational life coach, sacred plant immersion facilitator, vitalist herbalist, and world traveler who practices her teachings through self-discovery and cultivating harmony and balance by bridging the pathways of the mind-heart-gut connection in symbiotic relationship to the spirit and soul.

Her core studies evolve around vitalist herbalism, holistic nutrition, indigenous studies, core shamanism, integrative pharmacology, plant communication, dream work, transpersonal psychology, and medical astrology to harness a unique intuition and sensitivity that now humbly inspires, guides, and supports people to find their way of living their purposeFULL life from the heart that directly connects them to the teachings, healings, initiations, and transformations from Gaia.

She is here to be in service to the sacred shared heart of humanity and the soul of the Earth as we co-create a world that embodies harmony and peace within.

Stell Bahrami

Leadership, Embodiment, & Empowerment Guide/Mentor

Stell Bahrami(They/Them) is the founder of RE-Kinnect, Liquid Presence Aquatic Dance and an Erot!c Empowerment Coach. Stell’s work focuses on connection, empowerment, authenticity and embodiment to guide you into deeper connection with yourself and others as your means for creating a more purpose filled and meaningful life. Whether it’s traveling as a group on horseback in countries like Mongolia, Romania or Bulgaria, in the water, in community, in relation, at work or in your personal life, Stell’s focus is in helping you reignite connection and act from your authentic empowerment and inner guidance systems.

Stell weaves together their work with conscious communication, leadership, team building, anthropology, energetic and physical restoration, kundalini yoga, meditation, t+ntra, k!nk, conscious D/s dynamics, contact improv, somatics, work with animals, and many other physical, mental and spiritual modalities to complement their offerings. Whether it is mentoring reconnection to eros and confidence (personally or in relation), conscious leadership and use of power, or considerate connection in the water, nomadically on horseback, or through the power of rope, Stell guides you to reignite your authentic empowerment and reclaim sovereignty on your soul.

ENERGY EXCHANGE

Early Bird Price: $2,800
Regular Price: $3,300

Early bird registration ends December 28th

2 BIPOC Scholarships are available at a $400 discount per person.

To apply for the scholarship, write down your request in the application form.

 

*Due to the intimacy of this container, only 10 spaces are available*​

To secure your space you will need to fill out an application form, then schedule a video call with Stell and Kristen
Upon acceptance you will need to pay in full or if you’re needing a payment plant, then send a $1,000 non-refundable deposit via zelle, money order, or credit card (3% processing fee).

Currently seeking 2 partial work traders: chef and photographer/videographer (ideally experienced with riding horses)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I have no experience riding horses. Is this still for me?

While direct experience with horses is not completely necessary it can be helpful. With that said, we do recommend taking a few riding lessons before joining us. A commitment to relaxation, bravery and building a trusting connection with your horse goes a long way. Our horses are accustomed to new riders and are very patient and caring. Additionally, three of our guides have extensive experience with training new and seasoned riders and will offer many practical lessons and support throughout the journey.

What is your cancellation policy?

No refunds are offered. Credit to a future event will be offered in the case of a positive pcr test within 7 days before the immersion or up to 72 hours in advance for emergencies. Credit will be valid for use within 60 days and will be split with 1/2 credit to RE-Kinnect and 1/2 credit to GaiaTree.

 
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is required to reserve your space. This can be paid via Zelle, direct deposit or credit card (with a 3% processing fee).
 
Because of the intimacy of the container, if you need to cancel deposits are only refundable if we can fill your space. Investing in travel insurance for any unforeseen circumstances is recommended.
 
If you decide to depart early from the retreat, there will be no refunds or partial refunds given.
What is the weather like?

The weather in Elena, Bulgaria in May ranges from 68-72 degrees F during the day and can drop down to 48 degrees F at night. It is partly cloudy about 50% of the time with an average of 30% chance of afternoon showers- usually between 1-3 pm, with an average of 10% humidity.

The sun rises around 5:45 a.m and sets around 8:45 p.m giving us ample opportunity to explore the beauty of Bulgaria.

Are vaccines required to enter Bulgaria?

You are not required to show proof of a COVID vaccine (or any other vaccine) or negative COVID test to enter into Bulgaria
US citizens are also not required to quarantine upon entry

Do I need a visa to enter Bulgaria?

You need to have a United States passport valid for at least 3 months after the expected date of departure with 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps to enter without a visa. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days with a valid passport. You will also need proof of a return plane ticket.

What do I need to bring with me?

We provide a detailed list of everything you will need to bring, but here are the basics:

  • Headlamp & extra batteries
  • Sturdy water bottle
  • Rain jacket AND pants
  • Eco-friendly soap/shampoo/conditioner
  • Camping Clothes
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Tent, sleeping pad, and warm sleeping bag
  • Riding boots, riding pants and guide approved saddle bags
  • A journal with extra pens
Can I have more information about Ecopark?

For more information about Ecopark, you can visit their Facebook page here: https://m.facebook.com/197259863733198/

What airport do I fly into?

There are four options for arriving at the Ecopark, we recommend the first

Option #1 (RECOMMENDED)
Take the bus from SOF to Bus Station South in Veliko Tarnovo (2.5-3 hours) then 1 hour taxi to Ecopark $25.  Approximately 3-4 hours of travel time from the airport to Ecopark.

*Bus schedule HERE* 

Option #2 
Fly to Sofia Airport (SOF), then take a 6 minute subway ride to the Metropolitan Sofia transit center stop, ‘Iskarsko Shose’.  From there take the Bulgarian Railways train for 3 hours 40 minutes to ’Tvarditsa’ and finish with an hour taxi to Ecopark Elena (approximately 5 hours 39 minutes of travel time from the airport to Ecopark).

Option #3
Fly to Varna Airport (VAR), then take a taxi to the Varna Bus Station.  Take the bus from Varna to Bus Station South in Veliko Tarnovo (2.5-3 hours) then 1 hour taxi to Ecopark $25. Approximately 3-4 hours of travel time from the airport to Ecopark.

Option #4
Fly to Varna Airport (VAR), then take an 11 minute taxi to the Bulgarian Railways train stop, ‘Varna’.  From there take the Bulgarian Railway train for 3 hours 10 minutes to ’Djulyunitsa’ and finish with an hour taxi to Ecopark Elena (approximately 5 hours 13 minutes of travel time from the airport to Ecopark).

Ecopark Elena
Ulitsa “Killazhevtsi 10
5070 Killazhovtsi
Elena, Bulgaria