MORE HOSTS
Ngone Mbaye
Senegal
In-Country Ambassador
Ngone Mbaye is a certified yoga teacher and founder of Greene Moments Studio in Brooklyn, NY.
Originally from Senegal, she offers grounding, heart-centered yoga rooted in self-discovery, healing, and joy. With over a decade of experience particularly in creating safe, empowering spaces for women.
Ngone brings a nurturing and culturally rooted approach to every class. She loves supporting wellness retreats across Africa and beyond, offering movement as a bridge to deeper connection and collective care.
Alzerina Gomes
Cape Verde
In-Country Ambassador
Alzerina, a renowned jewelry and clothing designer known for her work with Swarovski Crystals, is excited to serve as the in-country host for the Escape to Cape Verde Retreat.
Born in Portalzinho Garca on Santo Antão, Cape Verde, she discovered her passion for creating beauty at a young age, learning sewing from her mother. After moving to Paris and later New York, she launched Alzerina Jewelry in 2005, with her designs gracing celebrities, fashion magazines, and even Times Square.
Recognized internationally for her entrepreneurship, Alzerina has received numerous awards, including the 2018 Somos Cabo Verde Diaspora Award and the Merit Award from Cape Verde’s president. She continues to empower women and preserve Cape Verdean culture through her work and advocacy.
Jyll Hubbard-Salk
Cape Verde
Healing Movement Instructor
Jyll Hubbard-Salk, founder of Urban Asanas in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has been a yoga instructor for nearly 30 years, fostering diversity and inclusion in the wellness community. Her studio offers a range of yoga styles and wellness modalities, creating a safe and empowering space for individuals of all backgrounds to explore self-care and personal growth.
Guided by her motto, "Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready," Jyll inspires others to embrace their journeys of self-improvement. A certified Thai Yoga and Reiki practitioner, doula, and experienced retreat leader, Jyll has shared her transformative energy worldwide, from Jamaica to Ghana.
Jyll was a guest favorite at the 2025 Cape Verde Women's retreat and is excited to return in 2026, continuing to uplift and empower Black women.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Arlene Stewart
Owner
Arlene Stewart, Founder of Cocosine Wellness Retreats, is a culinary powerhouse with over 20 years of experience working alongside renowned chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Originally from Trinidad, her cooking reflects the vibrant flavors of her heritage, inspired by childhood memories of cooking with her grandmother.
As a personal chef to celebrities like Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Denzel Washington, and a culinary curator for high-profile clients including former President Bill Clinton, Arlene combines her belief in the healing power of food with a passion for wellness.
In 2016, she began hosting retreats blending culinary artistry, wellness, and community, culminating in the women-only Cocosine Wellness Retreats.
Nancy Samuel
Reiki Master
Nancy has studied and practiced natural indigenous forms of healing for 30 years. As a certified Reiki Master, her healing methods incorporate crystals and metaphysical knowledge rooted in traditional Afro-Caribbean diasporic spiritual practices.
Nancy works with the earth and nature elements to bring about daily transformative healing on the spiritual, physical, and emotional planes, understanding that true healing encompasses all aspects of the human experience in the restorative process.
Nancy’s certified healing modalities include Reiki Healing, Integrative Healing, Crystal Therapy, Customized Crystal Orgonite Wearable Art, Metaphysical Spiritual Healing, Life Coaching, and Earth Connection and Healing.
In-Country Ambassadors
(representation only, not actual photo)
At every international Cocosine Wellness Retreat, you'll be welcomed by an in-country ambassador—someone who knows the destination intimately and serves as your cultural guide, local expert, and trusted point of connection. Their presence ensures a deeper, more personal experience in each locale, helping you move with ease and authenticity through the rhythms, customs, and everyday beauty of the country—much like the locals do.