SOLshine Retreat
Yoga | Meditation |Breathwork
Huatulco, MX | March 12-19, 2022
“So there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or
you can work on your freedom.” – Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul
THE CALL:
You are invited to an illuminating and rejuvenating week in personal retreat. This is an opportunity to step outside your busy day-to-day life, to listen deeply, and to be present to that which is seeking your attention. It is an opportunity to reconnect to your body, your breath, and to your inner resources and resilience.
In the midst of challenging times, this retreat is an opportunity to process and integrate that which has been surfaced by recent events, and to reclaim a foundation of well-being that supports physical health and vitality, emotional resilience, authentic engagement, and peace. Engaging the tools of yoga, breathwork, and meditation, as well as teachings from the great wisdom traditions, you will be guided in an experiential journey of embodied presence and clarified vision to help rediscover and strengthen your own guiding light and connection to spirit.
In addition to the rich retreat program, you will be nourished by the sun, sand, and sea, delicious and wholesome meals, and the connection and company of individuals who will be equally as delighted to sit together watching the sunrises and sunsets. Our retreat sanctuary for the week will be a luxurious oceanfront villa on the shores of Huatulco. The retreat space features sweeping ocean views, outdoor pool and securely gated grounds.
THE APPROACH:
The week is structured to serve your integrated, holistic well-being. Through the practice of meditation and contemplation of teachings from yogic and various therapeutic traditions, you will cultivate greater awareness, discernment, insight, and freedom from the unconscious movements of the mind. This supports an equanimity of being and more anchored presence in that which transcends the constant fluctuations of life.
The retreat will be rooted by somatically-focused practices of yoga asana and breathwork, facilitating reconnection to the body and optimal functioning of the body systems and nervous system regulation. You will unwind tension patterns in the body and reclaim vital energy that was previously bound in non-beneficial patterns of protection, limiting self-stories and beliefs, etc. This work supports grounded presence and resilience, and deep and compassionate regard for Self and others.
Plenty of free time is provided during the week for rest and integration. Take a walk on the beach and play in the ocean, read on the terraces and patio, soak up the sun by the pool, star gaze at night, explore the local area and share in connection and conversation with other guests.
Who This Retreat is For:
This retreat will resonate with those seeking a heart-centered, structured week of spiritual practice and down time to support personal (re)connection. The yoga will be accessible to all-levels, although more emphasis will be given to deepening awareness, as opposed to yoga basics and fundamentals. Some experience with meditation will be beneficial, but not required. While breathwork does not require prior experience, it can be physically and psychologically demanding, and is best suited for those who have a baseline of therapeutic/spiritual/mindfulness experience to provide relational context for what might arise in the journeys.
If you have any questions about the nature of the program and whether this retreat aligns for your desired intentions, please contact me and I’d be happy to schedule a time to connect by phone.
This is a non-denominational retreat. Stephanie draws upon the philosophy and teachings of various traditions (Yoga, Ayurveda, psychotherapy, etc.), as well as her personal experience, to illuminate awareness and invite inquiry.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE:
7:00am: Coffee/tea/juice
7:30-8:15am: Pranayama & Meditation
8:30-9:15am: Yoga
9:30am: Breakfast + Free Time
11:00-12:45pm: Embodied Practices & Informative Talks
1:00pm: Lunch + Free Time
5:00-6:30pm: Afternoon Practices & Talks
7pm: Dinner
We will have 2 days of excursions and one FREE day.
1. Boat tour to the various beaches and bays. Explore the beauty of the bays of Huatulco by boat. Go snorkeling in an underwater park and look for brightly colored fish before enjoying a seafood lunch, relaxation, and swimming.
2. Visit the famous waterfalls. Leave the beach in Huatulco behind for a day and head into the mountains of Oaxaca and adventure with a refreshing dip at the Llano Grande waterfalls – a magical place with crystal-clear waters. For the grand finale, enjoy a delicious traditional Oaxacan meal.
3. FREE DAY! This day is open to you for whatever you like...shopping, exploring, etc. The morning will begin with meditation, yoga and breakfast and the rest of the day is your oyster! Afternoon yoga - 5pm and dinner - 7pm will be offered on the free day if you would like to join).
Day 1 will commence with a welcome circle, dinner and socializing.
Day 8 will be our day to say goodbye. Morning mediation, yoga and breakfast will be offered.
LOCATION & GETTING THERE:
HUATULCO | OAXACA, MEXICO
Huatulco is located in the southern portion of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. Located oceanside of the Pacific, this tropical setting provides the perfect environment for deep inner work and a warming of the soul. The retreat space features an intimate experience, with an indoor living space and kitchen, luxurious pool, decks from the rooms, safely gated community, and a gracious and attentive staff. During free time, support your integration with time at the beach , journaling from your chaise lounge overlooking the ocean, swimming in the pool, experiencing the local culture, or receiving a phenomenal healing massage experience at one of the local Temazcals (sweat lodges).
Huatulco is a breathtaking coastal escape. Found where the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean on Mexico’s western boundary, this spectacular stretch of coastline boasts nine bays, 36 beaches, and has served as a natural playground for generations.
This stretch of coastline arguably offers some of the best, if not the most accessible, bays and beaches to be found along Mexico’s Pacific coastline. In fact, Huatulco offers some of the best coastal scenery available anywhere. Cliffs and rocky shores separated by calm bays with sandy beaches provide breathtaking landscapes.
Not all bays and beaches are accessible by land, however. In fact, the majority of them are only accessible by boat which allows you to experience some pristine beaches, fishing, awesome diving, and snorkeling. If you don’t have a boat, no worries. The good news is that a some of the best beaches/bays are road accessible, only a short walk or drive away.
Taxis are the primary mode of transportation in this small community. The prices are geared toward the local population and are more than reasonable, cheap in fact. Three or four dollars can take you across town.
Retreat Location
Essence of Huatulco
The weather is great, the people are friendly, the crowds are somewhere else, and your money goes a long way. Huatulco is peaceful, quiet, safe, quaint. It is know for its cleanliness and environmental protection. It has been awarded the Green Globe Certification for its dedication to economic, social and environmental management.
Huatulco, México is the perfect place for the eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious traveler.
Flights. Airports & Transportation
You will likely have a stop at the Mexico City airport before taking a short 1 hour flight to Huatulco (HUX-Bahias de Huatulco International Airport ). Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will clear customs and head to your gate to Huatulco. If your luggage is checked all the way through to Huatulco, you will collect it there, otherwise you will collect it at the Mexico City airport and re-check it in before heading to Huatulco.
The retreat location is a short 20 minute drive from the airport. Cabs are very reasonable and a ride to the retreat should not cost you more than $300 pesos. You can find cabs right out the doors of the airport, but they are a little less expensive if you take 3 minutes to walk up to the street. Renting a car is not really necessary.
LODGING:
Accommodations are available for up to 8 guests (see retreat pricing below) at the retreat villa. Huatulco also offers may luxurious and spacious AirBnb accommodations, that are amazingly affordable and walking distance to the retreat location. Stephanie has a multitude of options to recommend. You also have the option to share a accommodations with multiple guests to save on costs.
Please message Stephanie if you would like her recommendations.
nourishment:
Huatulco's cuisine is truly phenomenal. The retreat will be sourcing local ingredients and feature a deeply wholesome menu that will also include vegetarian options. Sensitive care is taken to accommodate special diets, including vegan, gluten-free, and other allergies. Needless to say, you will be nourished well and enjoy beautiful Mexican and international dishes prepared with love.
ACTIVITIES:
Upon arrival at Huatulco, you can sign-up for additional activities during your free time (some excursions do have a minimum participant requirement). While typical excursions in the area include relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, paddle boarding, biking, cooking classes, and more.
We will have two excursions included with the retreat. A boat trip to the various bays and beaches, with snorkeling and a chance to see whales and dolphins. We will also visit the local coffee plantations and waterfalls.
PRICING:
8 day 7 night retreat: $1,397 - Accommodations not included
8 day 7 night retreat - accommodations included (ocean views)
- Private Room & Bath: Starting at $3,347/per person
- Double Occ. room & bath: Starting at $2,697 per person
The rate includes, daily meals, retreat programming, 2 scheduled excursions (boat/beach snorkeling trip & waterfall trip), onsite amenities (WiFi, pool), private meetings with Stephanie & Erin Browning.
These Rates DO NOT include: Airfare, some accommodations, airport transfers on the arrival and departure dates, optional excursions and activities, yoga mats or props (mats will be available for purchase at the retreat), taxi transfers to and from retreat location, meals on free days out of the villa, or some excursions.
Deposit: A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot, with balance payment due 30-days prior to departure (February 11th, 2022). If you are registering after February 11th, the full payment will be due upon registering.
March 2022 | SolShine Mexico Retreat
$500 Deposit
ADDITIONAL Q&A FOR YOUR PLANNING:
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Can I swim in the ocean? Yes! The local beaches and coves are perfect for swimming and other water sport activities.
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What travel documents do I need? You will need a valid passport, and for those coming from the US and Canada, no visa is required. It's always a good idea to bring extra color copies of your passport, and passports can be left in room safes.
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What time should I arrive and depart? If possible, aim to arrive on Saturday before 4pm. The retreat will begin with an opening circle at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 7pm. For departures, plan to leave Saturday afternoon or anytime thereafter at your leisure. The retreat concludes with breakfast at 10am on Saturday, with pranayama/meditation and yoga practice prior. Due to the intimate nature of the retreat container, I do not allow arrivals after Sunday of the retreat start date.
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Should I get travel insurance? For international retreats and travel, it's always recommended to have travel insurance.
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What type of currency should I bring? Cash, in pesos and credit cards. There are ATMs in the area so it's easy to get extra cash for anything you might want to enjoy on retreat. Taxi's and many services are cash only.
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What type of electric outlets are used? Should I bring a hairdryer? If you are coming from the US or Canada, your electronics will work without an adapter (all of North America uses the same standard plug for 110V connections). Please note that the AirBnb's usually have hair dryers, but if you NEED one, please bring your own. It is also quite warm in Huatulco and you may find no desire for a hair dryer.
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How do I get from the airport to the retreat center and around town? Taxi or car rental. For taxi the least expensive rides are located just outside of the airport grounds near the main road. Simply exit the airport and a short walk down the street will find you numerous taxis. Taxis at the airport charge about 50 pesos more than outside the airport.
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What Covid-precautions and safety measures can I expect? While there is a risk of exposure in travel, Huatulco and the retreat location has safety protocols in place to support the health, well-being, and comfort of retreat guests. In addition to actions noted below, this retreat is limited in capacity to ensure ample space between guests group session. At the beginning of the retreat, we will discuss some additional group efforts (allowing distance between individuals, and communication protocols to ensure every guest is supported and empowered to speak their desires around spacing, etc.
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Employee training for enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and personal hygiene (frequent hand-washing and hand-sanitizing).
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Employee temperatures will be taken at beginning of each shift. They have a stay-home policy for any employee displaying symptoms or an increased temperature as per WHO guidelines.
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Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the property.
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Cleaning staff will follow best practices including extra sanitizing for high touch items.
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Kitchen staff will wear protective masks, hair covering, and gloves inside the kitchen.
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Some meals may be served plated. In some cases, meals may be served buffet-style, with the retreat staff serving requested portions while guests stand at a distance.
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Social distance encouraged and sliding glass doors will be open to increase ventilation.
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Sanitizing of yoga mats and props after each use.
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Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer will be freely available for our guests to clean their equipment and hands.
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Any remaining questions? Please contact Stephanie to inquire!