FEBRUARY 8-15 and 15-22, 2026
For over 40 years John and Barbara have welcomed yogis to join them on their annual trek to Negril, Jamaica. Negril is a relaxed beach town on the west coast of Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and lush islands. It is a wonderful place to unwind and restore the soul. Negril is vibrant and brought alive by Jamaicans, their spirit, and a sultry climate perfect for rest and renewal.
THE TEACHERS
Barbara Benagh’s unique teaching style draws from many traditions. A soloist with no fealty to any method, Barbara has a quirky style that combines breathwork, movement, and philosophy with alignment and enquiry based poses. Her unique voice and language invite you to listen more than look as you are guided into a deep practice that encourages asana to grow from the inside out- very slowly. With good humor, she teaches patience and attention with the goal of creating a yoga practice that is interesting, economical, effective, and elegant at any age. She lives in Durham, NC with her pup, Robin, and teaches livestream 3 times monthly.
John Schumacher, a teacher for over 50 years, is one of the most prominent and respected teachers in the Iyengar tradition and a senior certified teacher in that method. The director of Unity Woods Yoga Center, John continues to teach weekly online classes as well as online education workshops for teachers. The precision, clarity, humor, and directness that John incorporates in his teaching help to guide students toward experiencing the richness and vitality that are possible through the practice of yoga. He lives with his wife, Suzie Mann, in Chevy Chase, MD and Berkeley Springs, WV.”
Barbara and John got to know each other in 1982 while sharing a long flight to Pune, India and, while their yoga paths have diverged over the years, they have relished this annual get together. Their very different, and somehow compatible, teaching styles are witness to how Hatha Yoga can be respectful, informative, and complementary in a way that inspires students to be authentic their own practice.
Over the decades, we have weathered storms- from nature bringing Hurricane Gilbert in the 80s and 2024’s “The Wave”, to the pandemic, and logistical pivots. Through it all, Jamaica has been the stage with yoga as the star, and the reason we persevered. We’ve met wonderful yogis along the way, many of whom have loved this trip as we have! Only after much thought and reminiscing , we’ve come to the bittersweet decision that 2026 will be our final Yoga Vacation in Jamaica. We hope lots of familiar faces, as well as some who have “always wanted to come to the Yoga Vacation” will join us to celebrate this epic trip! ~Barbara and John
FOR 2026, WE HAVE CHANGED THE REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE YOGA VACATION IN JAMAICA:
THE VACATION – $890
• THE VACATION includes yoga classes (twice daily, Monday – Saturday), a reception on Monday, and a Saturday dinner party. You can add the following options to your reservation:
ACCOMMODATIONS
• THE WEST SIGNATURE (formerly Coral Seas Cliff Hotel)
The Yoga Vacation will continue to be based at The West Signature. The cliffside hotel has been renovated into studio or 2-bedroom units with floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitchenette, and a balcony just steps from the beautiful Caribbean. As in past years, a number of our group will stay there. At this time, The West Signature is fully booked. Barbara is happy to add you to a wait list or help you find lodging nearby.
• OFF CAMPUS
Many of the yogis stay off campus. Email Barbara for information about nearby lodging.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE – $75 round-trip
The Yoga Vacation is Sunday to Sunday. Clive’s Transport Services will meet you at Montego Bay airport (MBJ) upon arrival. Your driver will take you to your lodging in Negril. For your return you will be picked up approximately 4 hours before your return flight departure.
DAILY BRUNCH – $175
A buffet brunch will be served, following the morning class, at The West Signature – Monday to Saturday and 9:00 am on Sunday.
Questions? Email – barbara@yogastudio.org.