“Together we aim to be a force for regeneration, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience, wellness and environmental stewardship.”
Dr Cody Edene
Our Story
Our story at The Big Love is one of purpose, passion and a profound belief in the power of healing through love and connection.
Guided by the vision that traditional paths to holistic well-being are no longer sufficient, our Founder, Dr Cody Edene, embarked on a journey to create retreats that would not only heal but also captivate and inspire with their fresh and regenerative approach.
The Big Love is founded upon two core objectives: personal growth and renewal and giving back to local communities and the nature that surrounds them.
We donate a percentage of ticket costs and profits to local charities and each retreat includes a day of practical service, fostering meaningful connections and tangible change.
At The Big Love, we seek out luxury venues and organisations aligned with principles of sustainability and regeneration. We embrace indigenous healing modalities and collaborate with local healers, yogis and wellness professionals, alongside our international practitioners.
Our partnerships extend across the globe, creating a network of like-minded souls united in a movement of love and care - for ourselves, for each other and for Mother Earth.
Guided by the transcendent wisdom of yogic philosophy and a deep commitment to amplify the transformative power of love in all its manifestations, The Big Love forges the path to inner peace, self-acceptance and universal connection.
Our Founder
Meet Cody, the heart and soul of The Big Love Retreats. As Chief Love Officer, she carries her title with warmth and intention. Her mission is to ensure that your journey is not only transformational but also deeply nourishing - physically, mentally and spiritually. Through thoughtful gestures and meticulous attention to every detail, Cody ensures that each individual’s wellbeing is at the heart of The Big Love experience.
The Big Love embodies Cody’s vision of a harmonious world. With unwavering passion, Cody is dedicated to learning about and advocating for regeneration across the critical domains of justice, climate, human dignity and biodiversity and is eager to channel this passion into meaningful action. Love, at the core of this movement, serves as a potent catalyst for positive change, urging us to uplift one another and work towards a better world. Cody’s deep affection for people, culture and the natural world fuels her on this journey.
Our Big Love Community
At The Big Love Retreats, we're more than just a team; we're a family united by a shared passion for wellness, environmental consciousness and social impact. We believe in the power of collective healing and the importance of creating a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Meet the incredible people who make up our Big Love Family and bring this vision to life:
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![Heran Tadesse]()
Heran Tadesse
YOGA TEACHER - ETHIOPIA
A dedicated yogi for over two decades, Heran masterfully blends the ancient wisdom of Kemetic and Pimay Afrikan yoga traditions in her transformative classes. Her practice expertly guides you to quiet the mind, connect with your breath and embark on a journey of self-discovery through both conscious movement and serene stillness.
Through gentle yet powerful temples and third eye massages, she opens a sacred portal to deeper consciousness and profound healing, facilitating a profound connection to your inner self and ancestral wisdom.
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![Elizabeth Huxtable]()
Elizabeth Huxtable
SOUND THERAPIST - THAILAND
Elizabeth Huxtable, a remarkable and intuitive certified Sound Therapist and Biofield Tuning practitioner has over 30 years of experience in holistic health and brings her expertise in joy, blessings and loving kindness to our Big Love Himalayan retreat. She specialises in treating children with special needs and adults dealing with sleep issues, stress, anxiety, trauma and emotional challenges.
Elizabeth’s unique approach combines her powerful voice with specially matched Alchemy crystal singing bowls to create transformative sounds during her sessions. She also integrates Vibrational Integration Therapy with essential oils, EFT, Emotion Code, affirmations and Reiki to promote balance and calmness.
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![Martha Collard]()
Martha Collard
GONG INSTRUCTOR AND KUNDALINI YOGA TEACHER - HONG KONG
Martha's career and life paths have followed a common theme: elevating others. Her focus on labyrinths, gong meditation and Kundalini yoga have given her balance, strength and understanding. She shares her skills and knowledge by making these ancient intuitive practices relevant and accessible to others.
Martha is a Certified Career Facilitator, accredited in a number of psychometric tools and is a certified coach with Leadership in Motion. She was a guest speaker at the World Coaching Congress in Mumbai, presented at TEDx in Hong Kong and was a keynote speaker at the Global Wellness Summit in Singapore.
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Dori Lancaster
WELLNESS CHEF - CALIFORNIA
Dori Lancaster isn't just a wellness retreat chef; she's a culinary artist who weaves plant-based ingredients into unforgettable experiences. Her passion for wholesome, vibrant cuisine shines through in every dish, leaving tastebuds singing and bodies nourished. But Dori's magic doesn't stop at the kitchen door.
With over 25 years of experience in the wellness industry, she creates a supportive space where guests can embrace lasting, healthy change. As a single mother, she understands the delicate balance of life and inspires others through her own vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to empowerment. Dori's presence at any retreat is a recipe for transformation and joy.
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![Johanna Godinez]()
Johanna Godinez
YOGA TEACHER, TRAINER AND HUMAN SUCCESS DEVELOPMENT COACH - PUERTO RICO & CALIFORNIA
An MBA by Education and Human Success Development Coach by trade, Johanna has always been inspired by the changes we can create for ourselves and others when we become empowered by our capabilities and our internal strength.
As a writer and an educator, the last 10 years have allowed her calling and her passion to impact thousands of individuals nationally and internationally. Johanna’s purpose is to provide others with tools to up-level their life experience refocus their thought patterns and create fulfillment in life through the philosophy of Yoga.
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![Joseph Maniraguha]()
Joseph Maniraguha
YOGA TEACHER - RWANDA
Joseph Maniraguha, a seasoned yoga teacher with over 14 years of experience, guides students on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing, fostering a deep sense of interconnectedness and inner peace. Drawing inspiration from the African philosophy of Ubuntu - "I am because we are" - Joseph's classes blend Ashtanga, Baptiste Power, Vinyasa Flow and Breath, Body and Mind practices to cultivate not only physical strength and flexibility but also a profound understanding of our shared humanity.
Through mindful movement and collective energy, he creates a space where individual growth is nurtured within a supportive community, reminding us that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of those around us.
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![Aaditya Chand]()
Aaditya Chand
PHOTOGRAPHER - NEPAL
Aaditya, a talented photographer and videographer based in the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, has made a name for himself capturing the essence of travel and the raw beauty of the natural world. His passion for photography was ignited years ago, sparked by the awe-inspiring mountains, valleys and cultural richness that surround him in his homeland.
Driven by his desire to perfect his craft, Aaditya embarked on a journey of learning, immersing himself in studies at the prestigious New York Institute of Photography. Today, Aaditya's work showcases the majesty of Nepal's landscapes, capturing the spirit of adventure and the profound connection between humans and the natural world. Aditya's talents extend beyond the lens. He is also a compassionate humanitarian, dedicating his time and energy to running the SEOD charity, providing hope and support to disadvantaged children.
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![Tim & Cherub]()
Tim & Cherub
SOUND HEALING - LONDON
Award-winning, internationally acclaimed musician Tim Wheater and leading sound artist Cherub Sanson have pioneered the field of transformational sound together for almost a decade. Tim is considered a forefather of sound healing, one of the few who introduced it to the West in 1982.
Often referred to as the masters of high frequency, Tim and Cherub are London’s most highly respected healing musicians, forging the way for the sound therapy movement that exists today. Inspired by the social enterprise nature of The Big Love Retreats, they bring their passion for sound healing to create deeply immersive experiences that promote individual well-being and contribute to a more harmonious world.
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![Aishwarya Viswanath]()
Aishwarya Viswanath
LOVE AMBASSADOR - INDIA
Aishwarya Viswanath is an accomplished entrepreneur specialising in business operations and financial consulting, with a passion for empowering sustainable and regenerative companies to flourish. As a dedicated Love Ambassador for The Big Love Retreats, she orchestrates a flawless and enriching experience for guests from beginning to end.
Aishwarya's commitment to a healthier planet extends to her personal life, where she embraces a plant-based diet. Her extensive experience as a business strategist complements her dedication to sustainability, creating a harmonious blend of expertise and ethical values. Aishwarya's unwavering commitment to a greener future shines through in every aspect of her life, both personally and professionally.
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![Mike Jatta]()
Mike Jatta
LOVE AMBASSADOR - GAMBIA
Mike Jatta, our Love Ambassador, ensures your retreat experience is seamless. From organising logistics to providing compassionate support, Mike's commitment to your well-being shines through. Mike is your dedicated partner in creating a retreat that truly resonates with you. Need a chat and a cuppa instead of yoga? Yearning for an early morning hike? Mike's there, ready to listen, support and embrace your unique needs.
With unwavering compassion and a deep respect for your journey, he holds space for you to explore, heal and transform, one heartfelt moment at a time. Mike’s spiritual depth and passion for healthy living create a nurturing space for all beings on their profound retreat journey.
Regeneration
At The Big Love, we believe in the power of regeneration - within ourselves, in harmony with Mother Nature and in support of local communities.
Our retreats are designed to foster regenerative practices that nourish the mind, body and soul, while also contributing to the restoration of our planet and the upliftment of those around us.
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Self-Regeneration
Our retreats provide a sanctuary for guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing and renewal. Through experiences rooted in yogic philosophy, mindfulness practices, sound, dance and holistic wellness, participants are guided to reconnect with their inner essence and cultivate self-love. We offer a space for individuals to release old patterns, awaken their true potential and emerge rejuvenated and empowered to embrace life's challenges with clarity and resilience.
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Nature Regeneration
Central to our ethos is a deep reverence for Mother Nature and a commitment to stewardship of the Earth. Our retreats take place in pristine natural settings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and healing power of the natural world. Through eco-conscious practices and sustainable living principles, we strive to minimise our environmental footprint and actively contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems. From organic farm-to-table meals to mindful nature-based activities, we invite guests to reconnect with the Earth, restore their connection to the natural world and become inspired stewards of our planet.
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Community Regeneration
At The Big Love, we recognise the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of community in fostering collective healing and growth. Through partnerships with local organisations and initiatives, we aim to support and uplift underserved communities in the regions in which we operate. Each retreat includes opportunities for guests to engage in meaningful service projects and cultural exchanges, allowing them to forge authentic connections with local communities and contribute to positive social change. By nurturing a sense of belonging, solidarity and shared purpose, we empower individuals to become agents of positive transformation within their own communities and beyond.
Together, through our commitment to self-regeneration, nature regeneration and community regeneration, we cultivate a ripple effect of healing and love that extends far beyond the boundaries of our retreats, enriching lives and nourishing the planet for generations to come.
Intentional Packing Initiative
Intentional Packing: Lighten Your Load, Brighten the World
At The Big Love, we’re passionate about purposeful, ethical and regenerative travel. That’s why we invite you to join our Intentional Packing Initiative - a heartfelt way to make a positive impact during your retreats.
Pack with Care: As you prepare for your journey, allocate a few kilograms in your luggage for essential items like clothing, toothbrushes or school supplies. The intention behind this act is heartwarming - you’re not just packing for yourself but also for others in need.
Drop-Off: Upon arriving at your retreat destination, the logistics are taken care of. The supplies you’ve brought will be delivered to a chosen school, charity or organisation. Knowing that your contributions directly impact local communities is truly heartening.
Impact: Your small act of kindness can create a ripple effect. By providing essentials to those who need them, you’re spreading love and showing others that you care. It’s a beautiful way to connect with your retreat destination and leave a lasting legacy.
Join us in spreading love, compassion and positive change through intentional packing. We’ll provide guidance on what to pack, tailored to your Big Love Retreat destination. Together, let’s make the world brighter - one intentional love filled suitcase at a time.
