The Power of Impact

Written By Jamie Clay

Utah retreat participants enjoying their time with an adoptable pup after their volunteer service project at Best Friends.

A Note from Jamie

Hi friends,

As November begins, I am reflecting on the impact of our retreats and the meaningful connections created over the past month. This season is a reminder of how powerful it is to slow down, gather with intention, and choose compassion in every space we enter. Thank you for being part of this community.

2025 Retreat Impact

Utah Best Friends Retreat

Our Utah retreat brought together a group of compassionate travelers for a transformative weekend in Kanab. Together, we participated in a service project at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, shared time with the residents of Dogtown and Piggy Paradise, and had a private yoga session at our cozy Airbnb. Our group also completed an 11-mile hike to Scout’s Landing at Zion National Park, soaked our feet in the Virgin River, and enjoyed a guided Peekaboo Canyon tour with Dreamland Safari Tours.

Guests described the weekend as educational, relaxing, and inspirational. One participant shared that meeting the pigs created a meaningful shift in how they view food and animals. These experiences reflect the heart of Flora and Fauna: compassion in action.

Colorado Springs Full Moon Retreat

Our Colorado Springs retreat was rooted in a historic restored mansion in Manitou Springs. The weekend included a cacao ceremony and sound bath, morning reflection and yoga, a Full Moon Tour at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, and a soak at the Sunwater Spa following a challenging hike up the Manitou Incline or Barr Trail.

Guests shared that this retreat gave them space to rest, realign, and reconnect with themselves, nature, and community.

Shared Impact

Across both retreats, participants deepened their connection to rescued animals, supported three animal sanctuaries, and experienced mindful travel in a way that honors all beings, including vegan meals throughout. These weekends showed, once again, that compassion, intention, and community create lasting change.

  • 10 friends chose to travel with compassion

  • 14 vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants and businesses supported

  • 3 animal sanctuaries uplifted through partnership and visits

  • 5 vegan practitioners collaborated to bring memorable experiences

  • 1 attendee chose to move toward a more vegan diet

  • $140 donated to Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

Help Shape Our 2026 International Destinations!

We are planning at least two U.S. retreats and two international retreats for 2026. Your input helps determine what experiences come next.

If you have not yet completed our travel survey, please take a moment to do so. It is two pages and takes only a few minutes (please be sure to select over 18 years old and $2,000 budget or more).

Survey link:

https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/jamie-clay

Stay Connected

Follow along for vegan travel ideas, event updates, and compassionate living tips:

Giving Back

A portion of every booking supports Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, a place where farmed animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and the food system are given lifelong care and love.
🐑 Donate Directly to Luvin Arms

Gratitude

This month, I am grateful for the animals and caregivers at Luvin Arms, Best Friends, and the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, for every person who participated in a retreat, and for all of you who continue to show up for compassionate living. Thank you for helping build something that supports animals, people, and the planet.

With gratitude,
Jamie, Founder
Flora + Fauna Experiences
Kind Travel. Conscious Living.

Jamie Clay
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Together in Compassion