Mexico Retreats

March 10-16, 2012

La Manzanilla is a quiet little fishing village about 3 hours south of Puerta Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico. There are about 1,200 people in the village built along a 5 km firm, sand beach  in Tenacatita Bay. The beaches on Tenacatita Bay are safe to swim  There are some small coral pocket beaches close to the village with good snorkeling in clean, clear water. There are no large hotels or developments and some lovely walking in the area. There is a lovely laid back tranquility for a yoga holiday or retreat.

The holiday begins with your flight to Manzanillo, a city one hour south of La Manzanilla. We will pick you up at the airport and within an hour have you at your accommodations in La Manzanilla. First you can swim at the beach and then the group will meet over dinner at local restaurants with delicious seafood, local, Asian and vegetarian dishes. The rooms are spacious but simple. There is a palapa that is lovely for sunrises and sunsets. The location is close to the main zocalo (town centre) and the beach. There is a fairly large communal kitchen for our use. Most rooms are doubles but there are also singles.Some of our yoga practice can be done in the morning on the palapa or on the beach.

The day begins at 7AM about sunrise with a half hour of breathing practice, pranayama, Qi Kung and morning meditation. There will be a fruit and tea break and then a 2-hour yoga class. Morning class has more energy so we’ ll be doing sun salutations, standing asanas and remedial work for injuries, ending with savasana or corpse pose. We will break the more difficult poses into manageable pieces.   Emphasis will be on creating a strong but fluid structure and working with strengthening limitations. Beginners will be able to follow  the routine. We will create a daily practice for everyone to take home.

After our morning class we will break for brunch, a meal of fruit, salads, and eggs.  We take a long midday break to walk swim, nap and get on with holidaying!

We meet again about 4:30 PM for a more restorative yoga session, pillows and blankets required. Inversions will be taught and many sitting poses. After we finish we’ll enjoy sunset at the beach and perhaps another swim and get ready for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The evenings could include some group activity like massages, occasionally there is local live music.

I will be available to give massages in the midday. At the end of the week arrangements can be made to stay on or do more sight seeing in the area. The lovely colonial city of Colima is close by and of course Guadalajara offers big city sights and Mariachi culture. The Costa Alegre of Mexico offers a rich array of possibilities.

Retreat Fees & Terms:

$1200 (CAD) per person per week in shared room & bathroom based on double occupancy

Most people are happy to share a room and if booking a shared twin room, we will put you in a room with a same sex person. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 Cdn is due for each person upon registration. Full payment is required 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the retreat. Numbers are limited to 14 people.

The price includes :

  • twice daily yoga
  • Daily Meditation and Qi kung
  • 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
  • 3 meals per day
  • unlimited herbal teas, water, and coffee at dinner
  • use of yoga mats, blankets, blocks and bolsters

The price does not include:

  • airfares
  • travel insurance
  • airport transfers
  • bike hire or optional excursions and activities
  • massage and other therapies
  • other travel related expenses

Contact Brenda for more information - bdempseyyoga@gmail.com