Host Your Retreat at 4 Elements, Water Island USVI

The Property

Don't just get away from it all. Get in touch with it all.

4 Elements is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by tropical foliage on Water Island, one of the most secluded islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Floating above the coast, the property has panoramic views of the island and the ocean beyond.

Watch the sunrise at Talking Rock, walk the nature trail to Honeymoon Beach, and eat dinner under the stars in the outdoor dining area. Hidden garden paths, peaceful sitting areas and inspiring art installations invite conversation, creativity and stillness.

Sustainable by nature. Many features are handcrafted from reclaimed Caribbean materials, driftwood, glass bottles and locally sourced building elements.

Open air lounge with hammocks among the gardens at 4 Elements

Host a Retreat

Everything your retreat needs

Bring your teaching and your community. We provide the setting, the beds, the food and the island.

Wellness spaces

Ocean view yoga deck
Open air gathering spaces
Nature meditation spaces
Workshop areas
Outdoor instructional kitchen
Garden dining area

Capacity

Sleeps up to 22 overnight guests
Day retreats for up to 40 participants
All 6 eco cottages, exclusive to your group
Additional bell tents and tent accommodation for larger groups on request

Included amenities

Linens, towels and toiletries
Mosquito nets
Electricity in every cottage
WiFi in the Main House
Shared open air bathrooms and outdoor showers
Snorkel gear, ice machine, Bose outdoor sound system

The shared spaces

Photos from the Shared Spaces page on our website.

Garden dining under the pergola — Garden dining

Ocean view deck with lounge seating — Deck lounge

The cottages

Each cottage is privately nestled in tropical foliage: comfortable "glamping" that blends rustic Caribbean charm with thoughtful amenities.

HummingbirdSleeps 2 · queen

Open air canvas cottage close to the common room and bathrooms, with a private balcony for the sunset and an ocean view.

See Hummingbird on our website

Tree of LifeSleeps 3 (4 with extra bed) · queen + twin

Two floors among the treetops: a lounge and twin bed below, a queen loft above with a balcony over the ocean.

See Tree of Life on our website

Boho ButterflyEarthship bottle cottage · sleeps 2 (3) · queen

Bottle and stained glass walls light up with color at sunrise, with a view over Limestone Beach.

See Boho Butterfly on our website

Passion FruitSleeps 2 · two full beds

Perfect for traveling friends, with a private porch, fans and vibrant Caribbean colors.

See Passion Fruit on our website

Surf SongOctagonal yurt · sleeps 5 Ask Robyn: bed setup

Hand built canvas yurt down a private path, with tiled floors, electricity, a private patio and a bush trail to Limestone Beach.

See Surf Song on our website

Tent CottageTent yurt · sleeps 2 (3) · queen Ask Robyn: are these the bell tents?

A true glamping tent with access to all shared spaces. Photos from the Tent Cottage page on our site.

See Tent Cottage on our website

Where 22 guests sleep

Cottage	Beds	Guests
Hummingbird	Queen	2
Tree of Life	Queen and twin, extra bed possible	3 (up to 4)
Boho Butterfly	Queen, extra bed possible	2 (up to 3)
Passion Fruit	Two full beds	2
Surf Song	Octagonal yurt Ask Robyn: bed setup	5
Tent Cottage	Tent yurt, extra bed possible	2 (up to 3)
Bell tents and tent accommodation	Set up on request	Fills the rest of your group
Total		Up to 22 overnight

Cottages hold up to 19 with extra beds; bell tents make room for the rest. Ask Robyn: confirm exact bed map for 22

Check Your Dates Get the Leader Info Pack

Wellness add ons

Enhance your program with practitioners and island experiences:

Reiki
Sound healing
Massage therapy
Guided meditation
Yoga classes
Acupuncture
Nature art workshops
Culinary classes
Boat excursions
Snorkeling & beach days

Add on pricing: Ask Robyn: rates

Retreat rates & open dates

Item	Details
Exclusive use rate	Ask Robyn: nightly rate
Meal package	Ask Robyn
Deposit / terms	Ask Robyn
Open 2027 dates	Ask Robyn: open dates

Nourishing Cuisine

Food is at the heart of the 4 Elements experience

Fresh vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian cuisine inspired by global flavors and Caribbean ingredients, crafted with seasonal produce, herbs from our community garden and Ayurvedic principles to nourish body and spirit.

For retreat leaders, that means one less thing to source: meals are cooked on site in our open air instructional kitchen and served in the garden dining area, and a hands on cooking class with our chef can become a highlight of your program. We happily accommodate most dietary preferences with advance notice.

Meet the Chef

Jürgen Bitterwolf

Jürgen is "the glue that holds 4 Elements together." Originally from Germany, he has been living the Caribbean dream for over 33 years. He is a chef, photographer, handyman, beekeeper and the innovative mind behind much of the property, with over 30 years of culinary experience.

Robyn, the creative mind of 4 Elements, is an artist and host who welcomes everyone home with open arms. Robyn and Jürgen created 4 Elements together in 2002, and their vision keeps unfolding as they find new ways to sustainably build, grow food and cultivate life.

Cooking Classes

Cook with Chef Jürgen

We offer cooking classes in our open air instructional kitchen, led by a chef with over 30 years of culinary experience. Learn to prepare delicious meals while enjoying the Caribbean breeze and the view. Classes are hands on, no previous experience is needed, and the meal you make is enjoyed together. Please tell us about any dietary restrictions ahead of time.

For retreat groups

A class in your program

Add a hands on class to your retreat week. Your guests cook side by side with Jürgen, then share the meal in the garden. Ask Robyn: group class pricing

Join a class

Classes for visitors

Individuals and small groups can join a class on Water Island. Take the ferry from Crown Bay Marina and we pick you up at the Water Island ferry dock. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Private

Private classes and dinners

Our chefs are happy to customize a menu for your occasion. Ask Robyn: private class options and pricing

Last listed $75 pp

Vegetarian Cooking

10am to 2pm. Strawberry gazpacho with basil pesto, violet gnocchi with pumpkin and shiitake, and crème catalan with banana ginger sorbet. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Last listed $85 pp

Vegan Cooking

10am to 2pm, ages 8 and up. Couscous taboulé, gazpacho Andaluz, miso glazed eggplant with forbidden rice, and baked mango with hazelnut crumble. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Last listed $110 pp

Middle Eastern

10am to 2pm, ages 8 and up. Cumin flatbread and hummus, lamb tagine with prunes and almonds, and almond milk pudding with rosewater. Lunch with traditional hot and cold drinks. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Last listed $100 pp

Sushi Rolling

5pm to 9pm, ages 8 and up. Learn to make maki rolls with garnishes and sauces. Sake and beverages included. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

$75 pp in 2019

Artisan Bread Making

Bake 3 different loaves and learn about yeast, mixing, proofing and baking. Lunch of vegetarian curry with rice and mango chutney, with lemongrass iced tea. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Price on request

Pasta and Gnocchi

An evening class. Start with prosecco, make gnocchi, tagliatelle and ravioli from scratch, then enjoy an Italian dinner under the stars with paired wines. Ask Robyn: current price and schedule

Book a Cooking Class

Past Retreats

Retreat leaders come back

A selection of retreats hosted at 4 Elements, as published by the leaders themselves.

Jan 15 to 21, 2024 · Nov 6 to 11, 2025

GIVE Yoga

Angela Bompiani & Michele Vinbury, Columbus, OH. A seven day, six night Caribbean retreat in 2024 that sold out, followed by a six day, five night return in 2025.

Jun 1 to 5, 2022 · May 7 to 11, 2023

Roots & Wings Yoga Wellness

Kim, Indianapolis, IN. A five day, four night all inclusive women's yoga retreat that returned for a second year in 2023.

January 2021

Dové Healing Arts and Spirit in the Sky USVI

A day gathering with a sunset sound bath and QiGong.

May 1 to 3, 2026

Freedom Within

Hosted by Robyn with Arelis, Nana Hendricks and Paul, with retreat and day pass options.

Feb 1 to 7, 2027 · upcoming

Wildheart Retreats & Events

Cedar Falls, IA. The "Bliss Retreat": 4 nights at 4 Elements plus 2 at Cinnamon Bay, St. John, for up to 17 guests.

Jul 19 to 24, 2027 · upcoming

Beyond Yoga & Wellness

Ashley, Spencer, MA, with S.C. Wellness (Sarah). A Sacred Water Island Retreat.

Leader testimonials

Ask Robyn: quotes from past leaders, with permission

Bring Your Group Next

For Retreat Leaders

Your leader info pack

Everything you need to plan and sell your retreat, in one place.

1 · Send an inquiry

Share your dates, group size and vision using the form below. Robyn replies personally with a quote.

2 · Hold your dates

Once the plan fits, we reserve the whole property for your group. Ask Robyn: deposit and terms

3 · Fill your retreat

Use our photos, cottage plan and travel details on your own retreat page. Ask Robyn: photo pack for leaders

What the pack covers

Exclusive use for up to 22 overnight or 40 for the day
Cottage and bed plan
Meals: vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, Ayurvedic
Add ons: reiki, sound healing, massage, cooking classes and more
Travel: nonstop flights to St. Thomas, $10 ferry, no passport for U.S. guests
Rates and open dates Ask Robyn

Coming back?

Tell us which months you would love next year, and we will check them for you first.

Ask Robyn: returning leader offer

Request the Info Pack Check Your Dates

Getting Here

Close to home, a world away

U.S. citizens need no passport to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands.

1 · Fly to St. Thomas (STT)

Cyril E. King Airport has nonstop service from 16 U.S. mainland cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York (JFK & Newark), Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington Dulles and Baltimore.

2 · Ferry from Crown Bay

The Water Island ferry runs from Crown Bay Marina to Phillips Landing in about 10 minutes, hourly 8am to 6pm (plus 7am Mon to Fri; Sundays & holidays 9am to 6pm).

Adult fare: $10 one way / $20 round trip.

Tickets are sold on board. A later 9pm run must be arranged ahead with the captain. Ask Robyn: captain contact to share

Schedules change; check the official Water Island Ferry schedule before travel.

3 · A short walk

4 Elements is a short walk from the ferry dock and the famous Honeymoon Beach. Our website lists a limited private pick up for $20 when you arrive outside the ferry schedule; please call ahead. Ask Robyn: confirm current price

Nearby: Honeymoon Beach, Limestone Beach, Fort Segarra and the plantation ruins.

41 Water Island, St. Thomas, VI 00802

FAQ

Questions retreat leaders ask

Will other guests be on the property during my retreat?

No. We host one retreat group at a time, so the property is yours.

How many people can we bring?

Up to 22 overnight guests across our cottages, and up to 40 participants for day retreats. Additional bell tents and tent accommodation are available for larger groups on request.

Are meals included, and can you handle dietary needs?

Our chefs prepare vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian cuisine with garden produce and Ayurvedic principles, and we accommodate most dietary preferences with advance notice. We can't guarantee a gluten free or nut free kitchen and ask for one week's notice of allergies. Meal package pricing: Ask Robyn

Can you arrange practitioners and activities?

Yes: reiki, sound healing, massage, acupuncture, guided meditation, yoga, nature art, cooking classes, boat excursions and snorkeling can be added.

What are the bathrooms like?

Cottages are open air glamping, with shared open air bathrooms and outdoor showers. Ask Robyn: number of bathrooms Linens, towels, toiletries and mosquito nets are provided, with electricity in every cottage.

Is there WiFi?

WiFi is available in the Main House. The rest of the property is a natural place to unplug.

What does it cost, and which dates are open?

Ask Robyn: rates, deposit terms and open dates. Send an inquiry below and Robyn will reply with a quote.

Reviews

What guests say

Guests write about the food, our family, the privacy and the nature. Read their words on Google.

Read Our Google Reviews

Leader quotes: Ask Robyn: quotes from past leaders, with permission

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