The resort town of Negril is preparing to welcome visitors from Jamaica and overseas for an event that promises more than a traditional sun, sea and sand getaway.
Organisers of the Ink. Breath. & Bars: From Pain 2 Power Jamaica Retreat 2026 say participants can expect a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal transformation through the power of storytelling, spoken word and cultural connection.
Led by award-winning American poet, author and transformational speaker Sunday Jones, the retreat will bring together creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders and individuals seeking renewal for ten days of literary experiences, wellness activities and cultural immersion.
The official Jamaica launch takes place on Monday, July 20, at 5:00 p.m. at Sador’s Ethiopian Restaurant in Bamboo Walk, Negril. The event will introduce the programme, highlight community partnerships and provide opportunities for media interviews ahead of the tour, which runs from July 21 to July 30.
Joining Jones at the launch will be renowned Jamaican dub poet and cultural ambassador Yasus Afari, founder of the Jamaica Poetry Festival and a 2026 RJRGLEANER Honour Awards honouree. Also participating will be author and entrepreneur Priestess Tassili Ma’at, sponsor of the Jamaica tour, along with other invited community and tourism representatives.
The tour opens in Kingston with a performance at the Kingston Night Market on July 21, followed by a visit to the Bob Marley Museum and a Kingston highlights tour on July 22. On July 23, Jones will visit Haile Selassie High School as part of a Youth Inspiration Tour, sharing her message of resilience and empowerment with students.
Activities then shift to western Jamaica, where Negril will host several of the tour’s signature events. On July 24, Jones will perform at Roots Bamboo, followed by the featured Ink. Breath. & Bars: From Pain 2 Power performance at Sador’s Ethiopian Restaurant on July 25. The following day, invited guests will participate in a VIP Sacred Healing Ceremony, while July 27 and 29 have been designated for community outreach activities. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Temple of Inner Peace Sanctuary on July 28 before concluding with a birthday celebration on July 30.
The retreat comes at a time when wellness tourism is gaining momentum globally. Increasing numbers of travellers are seeking experiences that promote emotional, mental and spiritual well-being while providing authentic connections with local communities and cultures.
For Negril, long known for its beaches and sunsets, the event reflects the destination’s growing appeal as a centre for wellness and cultural tourism.
Participants will engage in healing circles, storytelling and literary workshops, guided journaling sessions, wellness and self-care activities, community gatherings and cultural experiences across Jamaica. Central to the programme is the signature Ink. Breath. & Bars: From Pain 2 Power Live Experience, which uses poetry, storytelling and spoken word as tools for reflection, healing and empowerment.
Organisers describe the retreat as a space where individuals can release emotional burdens, reconnect with their purpose and find strength through sharing their stories.
Organisers say the programme is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including writers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, wellness practitioners and anyone seeking a meaningful opportunity for personal growth. By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, organisers hope to foster connections that continue long after the retreat concludes.
Sponsors of the Jamaica tour include Tassili’s Raw Reality Café, Sador’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Access Jamaica, CaribNewsroom Media, Isis Roots Media Connect (IRMC), Roots FM Radio, Roots Bamboo, The Prison Brat Foundation, EJ Highmoney, and Temple of Inner Peace Sanctuary.
