As a yoga retreat owner, I am deeply troubled by the news of a woman going missing from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas in June. This incident marks the second disappearance I have learned of this year, with the first being Nancy Ng's disappearance from a yoga retreat in Guatemala in 2023. Yoga retreats should be sanctuaries where participants feel safe and protected, not locations where they mysteriously disappear.
The reputation of yoga retreats is being negatively affected by these disappearances, suggesting that they are not safe places. It should be noted that not all yoga retreats offer the same level of safety. It is essential to be aware that predators can be found in any setting, therefore, selecting a retreat in a secure location with reliable instructors is vital. Even though nature is stunning, it can also be risky and unpredictable. A small mistake, such as slipping on a rock, could result in serious accidents or even disappearances.
Let's examine the recent disappearance of Taylor Casey and the disappearance of a Texas man who went missing from the same Bahamas yoga retreat a decade ago.
The Vanishing of Wesley Bell
Wesley Bell, who resides in Texas, was last observed on January 25, 2013, at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, Nassau. Following an extensive search conducted by Bahamian officials, it was determined that Bell had succumbed to drowning. Nevertheless, both the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the U.S. Embassy have refrained from issuing any recent statements or updates on the matter. Despite the absence of evidence indicating foul play, the authorities have remained silent regarding the investigation.
Despite the lack of evidence, Bell's family still believes that he drowned. Don Bell, his father, stated that his son could not be found in the waters. Marie Bell, Bell's mother, was surprised to hear about Casey's disappearance at the same retreat but chose not to provide additional comments, advising any questions to be directed to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the U.S. Embassy.
An Exclusive Location with Disturbing Occurrences
Known for its excellence as a travel destination, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas has received recognition from The New York Times, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, and HuffPost. It was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year from 2012 to 2019. Nevertheless, Goop seems to have taken down its review of the retreat after news of Casey's disappearance emerged.
When Bell disappeared in 2013, Danniel Ward-Packard, who lives in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was present at the retreat. Ward-Packard remembered Bell as a cheerful and lively person, mentioning that they were not close friends but rather acquaintances. Bell had gone snorkeling by himself and did not come back, leaving his shoes, shirt, and hat on the beach.
"People were pretty traumatized," Ward-Packard pondered. "It’s a beautiful place, everybody is having an amazing yoga experience in this gorgeous location and then somebody’s gone." She advised not to connect Bell's situation with Casey's, describing it as a chance occurrence rather than a planned scheme. Ward-Packard highlighted feeling secure at the retreat, a place she has frequented numerous times following Bell's vanishing.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, The Bahamas has a significantly high rate of unintentional drownings. In 2019, the country recorded 6.4 drownings per 100,000 individuals, which is notably above the regional average of 1.8.
Taylor Casey's Vanishing
The disappearance of Taylor Casey on June 19 has sparked renewed interest in Bell's case. Casey, a Black transgender woman, had completed half of a month-long yoga instructor program before she disappeared. Despite receiving widespread national coverage, authorities have not found any indication of criminal activity. While her phone was found 50 feet from the shore, law enforcement has been unable to retrieve any information from it.
Casey's friends and family have been actively involved in the search efforts, visiting the retreat location and cooperating with investigators. During their visit, they found the majority of her belongings inside her tent, but observed that her passport was not among them.
Challenging the Safety and Security
Collette Seymore, Casey’s mother, was frustrated with the retreat staff stating that no disappearances had happened at the site before. Publicly, Casey's family has raised concerns about the effectiveness of both the police investigation and the retreat staff's handling of her disappearance.
While the search for Taylor Casey is ongoing, Wesley Bell's case is a striking example of the unexpected mysteries that can emerge, even in the most picturesque locations.
Overview: Ensuring Safety during Yoga Retreats
The unfortunate vanishing of Wesley Bell and Taylor Casey emphasizes the significance of safety and alertness in selecting a yoga retreat. While these tranquil escapes are designed to offer a sanctuary for rejuvenation and personal exploration, recent incidents emphasize the possible risks that may exist even in the most serene environments.
Being a yoga retreat owner, I understand the importance of ensuring the safety of our guests. It is crucial to choose retreats with trustworthy instructors and safe surroundings. Participants should stay vigilant and well-informed, making their well-being a top priority.
To rebuild the trust and peaceful environment that yoga retreats should provide, we aim to promote transparency, rigorous screening, and a strong focus on safety. While we investigate and assist the impacted families, we also pledge to ensure that yoga retreats become a secure and supportive haven for all.
Written By Ashlee Sunshine
Creator of Sunshine Paradise Retreat
At Sunshine Paradise Retreat, our mission is to foster a safe and supportive sanctuary where individuals are guided in rediscovering their inner harmony through yoga, meditation, sound healing, nutrition, and holistic well-being, all within a luxurious natural setting, while delivering impeccable customer service.
Learn more about our 3-Day and 5-Day all-inclusive yoga and wellness retreat offerings in Malibu Beach and Topanga Canyon, CA catered to individuals, women, couples and small groups here.
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