Harbour View Hotel & Wellness Retreat is a serene oasis nestled between the Old Belize River and the Caribbean Sea, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, wellness, and adventure. Guests can unwind in lush gardens, enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine at the riverside café, and savor handcrafted cocktails at the alfresco tapas lounge. The retreat features a rejuvenating spa, yoga classes, and access to Belize’s breathtaking natural wonders. Whether seeking tranquility or exploration, Harbour View provides a sanctuary where every moment is designed for serenity and renewal. MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Michelle.
Can you elaborate on the range of naturopathic therapies offered at Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat, and how these treatments are integrated into the overall guest experience?
Our focus is on nature-cure remedies for lifestyle disorders, encompassing a broad spectrum of holistic therapies. Dr. Subash Kumar, the only practitioner in Belize offering Dorn Therapy, leads this initiative. Dorn Therapy is a gentle spinal and joint alignment technique, similar to chiropractic care but without forceful adjustments. He believes, as do I, that many illnesses originate in spinal misalignment. Beyond this, he holds a master’s degree in Yoga Science, making our integrative approach truly comprehensive. He combines Dorn Therapy with breathwork, meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, and Marma Therapy—the ancient Indian origin of acupuncture. Marma Therapy, unlike acupuncture, incorporates a more extensive network of energy points, enhancing its therapeutic potential.
Our approach is deeply rooted in addressing the root cause of ailments rather than merely treating symptoms. For example, a common issue we see in Belize is chronic constipation. Instead of viewing it solely as a digestive disorder, we examine its underlying emotional and mental factors. In yoga, we refer to samskaras—the imprints left by past experiences. Often, people struggling with constipation are mentally and emotionally holding onto something, unable to let go, and this manifests physically. Similarly, we work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and insomnia—conditions that are increasingly prevalent due to stress and disconnection from the body.
Excitingly, we are now expanding to open a dedicated naturopathy center where Dr. Kumar will introduce specialized Ayurvedic and naturopathic cleansing programs, staying true to the authentic traditions of India.
At Harbour View, we have created an oasis of peace and tranquility. Though situated in the heart of the city, the moment you step through our gates, you are transported into a lush, nature-infused sanctuary, reminiscent of the Himalayas. With meditation labyrinths, quiet reflection spots, and an emphasis on nature-oriented healing, we provide an environment where guests can disengage from daily stressors, reconnect with themselves, and learn holistic techniques for long-term well-being. Our naturopathy center doesn’t just offer treatments; we educate our guests on holistic nutrition and self-care, equipping them with tools to integrate these practices into their daily lives.
Guest experiences at Harbour View are diverse. Some visitors come for an immersive healing retreat, staying for weeks to undergo treatment with Dr. Kumar. One woman traveled from Australia after experiencing severe migraines following an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. Despite seeing neurologists in Australia and Europe, she found no relief. After staying with us for a few weeks, she gained not only significant improvement but also lifelong tools to manage her condition. She learned to identify triggers, use acupressure on herself, and regulate her body’s responses.
Others visit Harbour View as nature lovers, using our space as a home base while exploring Belize. Some are vegetarians or vegans, while others simply seek fresh, nourishing meals—something Ayurveda prioritizes above all. We offer not just plant-based cuisine but also healthy, fresh meals tailored to our guests’ needs. For those incorporating wellness into their vacation, we provide healing massages, acupuncture, Dorn Therapy, and daily yoga classes. We are also introducing aqua fitness, broadening our wellness offerings further.
Ultimately, this is a labor of love. My mother has been the visionary behind this space, dedicating it to God. While spirituality can sometimes be a sensitive topic, for her, it has been a source of immense strength. She maintains a disciplined spiritual practice, which helps us navigate the challenges that arise daily—finding solutions, moving forward, and remaining committed to our purpose.
Martha’s Café provides vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options for breakfast and lunch. How do you source your ingredients, and what inspired the focus on these specific dietary offerings?
I prioritize sourcing all our ingredients locally, ensuring that every dish we serve is fresh, authentic, and sustainable. We cultivate our own herb garden, allowing us to use homegrown herbs in our meals, while our seafood comes directly from local fishermen, guaranteeing the freshest catch.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experimented with growing our own produce but ultimately found that maintaining a garden was not cost-effective. Instead, we chose to support local farmers, which not only provides us with high-quality ingredients but also strengthens our community’s agricultural economy.
Our menu reflects this commitment to freshness and inclusivity. While we are known for our plant-based offerings, we also cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. In addition to our vegan and vegetarian options, we have introduced locally sourced steak and pork as occasional specials to accommodate all guests. However, we never use imported meat—only ethically raised, local sources.
Cultural authenticity is at the heart of our culinary approach. We have woven traditional Mayan cuisine into our menu, offering dishes like stewed chicken served with kool—a corn-based dish with deep Mayan roots. We also feature mestizo garnaches, a reflection of Belize’s rich fusion of Mayan and Spanish influences, as well as local staples such as stewed chicken with rice and beans. Our emphasis on health remains paramount; we opt for nutrient-rich ingredients like brown rice and black beans, and our chicken is always organic.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a dining experience that honors tradition, celebrates local ingredients, and supports holistic well-being. Every meal we serve is a labor of love, crafted with care and a deep respect for the cultural and natural abundance that surrounds us.
The hotel offers various yoga, meditation, and breathwork classes. Could you discuss the philosophy behind these wellness programs and how they cater to guests with different levels of experience?
My yoga tradition is rooted in Kriya Yoga, a practice not widely recognized in the West. The closest comparison might be Kundalini Yoga, as both emphasize breathwork as a tool for transformation. Kriya Yoga is an evolutionary action—using breath to elevate mood, calm the mind, and restore balance. Breath is one of the most powerful tools we have, yet it is often overlooked. When we fail to harness its potential, we miss opportunities to enhance our well-being.
Our studio offers a diverse range of classes, ensuring that every practitioner finds a practice suited to their needs. Each day brings a different yoga experience. One of my students leads two body-centric classes: a dynamic Power Yoga session for strength-building, sweating, and overall fitness, and a Yin Yoga class that deeply stretches the fascia and tendons, promoting release and relaxation. The balance between these two practices has been well received. Power Yoga is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, followed by Yin Yoga to provide a counterbalance.
My classes take a more inward-focused, spiritual approach. I lead a gentle Hatha Flow class designed to clear the sinuses, balance the nervous system, and bring awareness inward. The practice has a scientific foundation, incorporating breathwork to harmonize both hemispheres of the brain. On Thursdays, I teach a restorative yoga class that integrates slow breathing, meditation, and the use of props to encourage deep relaxation and surrender. This blend of body-centric and spiritual yoga has resonated well with our community.
On Saturdays, we offer pool yoga, which has been incredibly popular. Practicing in water provides natural resistance while incorporating the elements—air, earth, sun, and heat—into the experience. This connection to nature enhances the practice in a unique and grounding way.
Additionally, we offer a children’s yoga class, which has been a joy to facilitate. The kids absolutely love it, bringing an energy and enthusiasm that makes teaching them so rewarding.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of our offerings. My classes are designed to accommodate beginners and those with mobility concerns, with modifications available as needed. For those seeking an intense physical workout, my student’s classes provide a challenging experience. This thoughtful balance ensures that everyone—whether they seek a deeply spiritual journey, a rigorous workout, or a combination of both—finds what they need.
I am especially excited about introducing Aqua Fitness, which will add a new dimension to our offerings. I look forward to seeing how this practice evolves and benefits our community.
Situated in Belize City’s historic Fort George area, how does the hotel’s location influence the cultural and recreational activities available to guests during their stay?
We are truly blessed by our location, nestled on a peninsula where the sea and river meet—an auspicious and powerful confluence. From here, we enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, and we are just a five-minute walk from the water taxi that whisks visitors away to the nearby islands. This proximity allows guests to immerse themselves in Belize’s stunning marine world, from basking in the sun to experiencing the world-class scuba diving for which our country is renowned.
Beyond the sea, we offer curated tours that allow visitors to experience the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Belize in a single day. Adventurers can soar through the treetops on a zip-lining excursion, drift through ancient cave systems while tubing, and explore the remarkable Mayan ruins that whisper stories of a civilization long past.
A truly unique highlight is the opportunity to engage with the Garifuna people—descendants of African slaves who were freed from St. Vincent and settled here, preserving their vibrant culture. Their deep sense of pride is reflected in their music, dance, and language, as well as in their distinctive cuisine, which embodies the essence of Belizean flavors with a uniquely Garifuna touch.
Everything—from the Mayan temples to cultural experiences and natural wonders—is within an hour to an hour and a half from our location, making us a central hub for exploration.
Adding to the richness of our setting, we are situated in the historic Fort George area, an enclave steeped in history. The buildings that house our main residence, as well as Martha’s Café and the yoga studio, are themselves part of Belize’s heritage. Martha’s Café is located in the historic Old Customs House. Our main house, constructed entirely of original Belizean hardwood, is close to 112 years old—a rare treasure by Belizean standards.
For my mother, my family, and me, preserving these structures is both an honor and a labor of love. The effort required to maintain them is immense, but the pride we take in safeguarding this piece of history makes it all worthwhile.
With amenities like the holistic spa, infrared sauna, and ice bath therapy, how does Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat differentiate itself from other accommodations in Belize City?
As I mentioned before, our wellness retreat is designed to offer true healing and transformation. It’s not just about indulging in a spa treatment, sipping mimosas, and unwinding in luxury—though relaxation is certainly a part of the experience. Our focus goes far beyond that. We aim to identify and address the root causes of what may be holding you back, preventing you from moving through life with ease and grace. If you are seeking deep healing, we are here to provide the space, guidance, and support necessary for that journey.
Wellness, for us, is not just a buzzword—it is a philosophy we take very seriously. We are pioneers in this space, having been the first to receive the Wellness Award from the tourism industry in recognition of our dedication to holistic well-being. From the very beginning, we have been committed to redefining what wellness truly means.
This is not just about placing guests in a beautiful room and offering luxurious amenities. While our boutique hotel is stunning in its own right, what sets us apart is the depth of care and intention behind everything we do. Our services are rooted in nature, purity, and science, ensuring that each person leaves with the tools they need to sustain their well-being long after their stay.
Is there anything you would like to add about your work?
My work is deeply rooted in both personal and collective healing, balancing accessibility, cultural relevance, and meaningful impact. At Harbour View Om Shanti, we offer a boutique wellness experience, but beyond that, we are committed to true healing—helping people identify the root causes of what’s holding them back so they can move through life with greater ease and purpose.
Our nonprofit, Yoga Heals Belize, is the giving-back aspect of Harbour View Om Shanti, and it means so much to me. During COVID, I developed a localized children’s yoga curriculum with two friends because I could no longer go into schools for after-school programs. We created something that was not only age-appropriate but also deeply Belizean, incorporating our animals, landscapes, and culture. When we introduced it to inner-city schools, where children were facing the daily reality of gun violence, teachers noticed a shift—students were less reactive and interacted with each other more peacefully. That impact reinforced why this work is so important.
From there, we expanded into a personal growth course with one of my nonprofit’s members, a clinical psychologist, to help people manage burnout, prioritize self-care, and set meaningful goals. I also collaborated with a friend from Ireland to create a breathwork course, originally designed to support women in prison but ultimately beneficial for anyone dealing with grief, trauma, insomnia, anger, or depression. We were fortunate to receive funding to film these programs, and now, they are being broadcast on Belize’s national TV channel. Seeing our work reach so many people is truly rewarding.
We’ve also built an incredible community through the Belize International Yoga Festival, which I founded nearly a decade ago. This year marks the 10th anniversary, and it’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come in creating a yoga community where there wasn’t one before.
Everything we do—whether through Harbour View Om Shanti or Yoga Heals Belize—is rooted in a deep desire to support others on their journey to healing. It’s a labor of love, and I’m grateful every day to be part of this work.
If you would like to find out more about Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat, please visit https://www.harbourviewbelize.com/ and https://www.yogahealsbelize.com/
