The Moai Program Inspiring Community Well-Being
Community Retreats for a Stronger Community
Every stay at The Cardinal Retreats helps fund wellness retreats for people in need and supports local small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
At The Cardinal Retreats, we believe wellness should be accessible and community-powered. Our Moai Program is our way of giving back: transforming your stay into an opportunity for someone else to rest, heal, and reconnect, while also uplifting the local economy and the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Rooted in the Moai Tradition
The Moai Program is inspired by the tradition of Moai (模合), social support groups that originated in Okinawa, Japan. Moai means “meeting for a common purpose,” reflecting a culture rooted in connection, mutual care, and shared responsibility.
Traditionally, Moais are lifelong support circles that provide social, emotional, financial, health, and spiritual support. This strong sense of belonging is widely recognized as one of the reasons Okinawa is considered a Blue Zone, where people live longer, healthier lives.
At The Cardinal Retreats, we bring this philosophy into a modern context. Through the Moai Program, every guest's stay becomes a shared act of care, helping create space for rest, healing, and renewal for others while strengthening the local community.
Your stay becomes more than a retreat; it becomes part of a modern Moai built on connection and collective well-being.
How the Moai Program Works
The Moai Program offers complimentary retreat experiences to individuals in need, fostering wellness and community connection. For every 10 nights booked by paying guests, the resort donates 1 night to community outreach.
These nights are used to provide free scholarships for retreats to those who cannot afford them.
Who We Serve Through the Program
-
Veterans
-
First responders
-
Essential workers
-
Community caregivers and helpers
-
Individuals facing financial hardship
-
Individuals facing burnout
Guests must book a minimum of two nights to contribute toward the Moai Program. Every qualifying stay helps us create more space for rest, recovery, and reconnection for someone who truly needs it.
The Moai Program is designed for people who give so much of themselves to others, often at the expense of their own well-being.
We partner with local organizations and community leaders to help identify scholarship recipients and ensure these retreat experiences reach the people who will benefit most.
How You Can Be Part of the Moai Community
Book a Stay
Every qualifying booking contributes to the Moai Program. For every 10 nights reserved by guests, we donate 1 night to provide complimentary retreats for individuals who may not otherwise have access to wellness experiences.
Support the Mission
Your stay helps create restorative retreats for veterans, first responders, essential workers, caregivers, and young entrepreneurs. Scholarship recipients are thoughtfully selected through our partnerships with local organizations and community leaders.
Stay Connected
Follow our updates or join our newsletter to see the real impact your stay has on community wellness and to stay informed about the Moai Program’s ongoing efforts.
Supporting Local Small Businesses & Young Entrepreneurs
We believe that true community wellness goes far beyond gifting retreat nights; it’s also reflected in how we invest in the people, creators, and future leaders around us. That’s why the Moai Program is deeply rooted in supporting local small businesses and young entrepreneurs who bring heart, innovation, and vibrancy to our community. The Moai Program also champions young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, offering opportunities that nurture their growth and help bring their visions to life.
We prioritize local partnerships in everything we do, from the wellness products we feature to the services that keep our retreat running.
This includes:
-
Featuring locally made wellness items and gifts in our welcome experiences
-
Collaborating with nearby restaurants, cafés, and caterers for dining recommendations and add-on experiences
-
Highlighting local artisans, makers, and wellness practitioners in our guest resources
-
Using local vendors for services, maintenance, and supplies whenever possible
-
Providing retreat scholarships or discounted stays to young founders who need space to rest, reflect, and strategize
-
Showcasing their products, services, or ideas through curated welcome gifts, collaborations, and pop-ups
When you stay with us, you’re not just booking a retreat. You’re supporting small businesses, uplifting young leaders, and helping cultivate a healthier, more connected community.
Our Commitment to Community
The Moai Program is inspired by the idea that we are stronger together. Each guest, each stay, and each partnership contributes to a shared mission:
Promote accessible wellness
Support those who support others
Strengthen local connections
Invest in the future through small businesses and youth entrepreneurship
We continually evolve this program as we learn from our community partners, guests, and scholarship recipients.
When you choose The Cardinal Retreats, you’re not just choosing a beautiful place to stay; you’re choosing to invest in community wellness, local business, and future leaders. Through the Moai Program, your retreat becomes part of a much bigger story of connection, care, and collective well-being.