The vibrant resort town of Puerto Vallarta brings together all the wonders that Mexico has to offer: luscious jungle and rugged beaches, a paradise for water sports and marine life, and above all, a prevailing feeling of deepest calm. Here are five revitalizing yoga retreats in this tropical playground on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Yoga retreat at Playa Xinalani (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
Cradled between Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains, Puerta Vallarta in the state of Jalisco boasts glistening azur waters and warm weather all year round: conditions irresistible to yogis seeking to combine sun salutations with snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking. The sun-kissed allure of high season between December and April is ideal if you hope to experience some whale watching during your retreat, but may mean more crowds and higher rates. If you don’t mind a few tropical showers, you can save on flights and accommodation while enjoying a hotter climate in the rainy season from June to October. A myriad of sumptuous beachside villas offer uplifting retreats, with no prior experience necessary in order to soak up the physical and emotional benefits of dedicated practice in such a blissful setting.
8-Day All-inclusive Yoga, Massage, Meditation, and Hiking Retreat
Beyond Yoga Retreat: sound healing (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
At Beyond Yoga’s retreat on the secluded beach of Conchas Chinas ( meaning ‘Chinese shells’), prepare for a week of intensive yoga with a welcome massage at the in-house spa. The eco-friendly treehouse villa offers panoramic views of ocean and jungle between classes at sunrise and sunset, guided by expert international teachers on the shala’s light-drenched deck. Jacuzzi or infinity pool? Take your pick. If you can bear to leave, you will be accompanied by the local team on excursions to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vallarta: snorkelling and swimming at Los Arcos Marine Park, a guided hike to local waterfalls, and sun salutations in the remote cove of Mismaloya Beach. A plant-based diet, a series of wellness workshops and a healing sound bath ensure the health benefits continue long after the ocean sweeps away your sandy footprints. From US$1,499 / 8 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
8-Day Holiday Yoga Retreat with Martin Scott at Xinalani
Xinalani retreat with Martin Scott (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
Secreted away on a leafy hill atop a private beach accessible only by boat, the ethical and sustainable eco-resort of Xinalani in the village of Quimixto has fostered meaningful connections to wildlife and to the local community in Puerto Vallarta. With the sound of the ocean and the call of macaws gently punctuating morning and afternoon yoga on the jungle deck, you may spend ample down time unwinding in the temazcal sauna, plunge pool, sundry hammocks, or swimming with dolphins. Thatched roofs and open-air rooms and showers complete the glamping experience, along with three healthy meals with local ingredients every day. Martin Scott’s creative vinyasa sequences will invigorate anyone hoping to deepen their practice. From US$1,925 / 8 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
6-Day Women’s Ayurveda, Yoga, Nature, Self Love and Sound Healing Retreat in Jalisco
Equilibrium Resort’s stunning yoga shala (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats / Awakened Heart Retreats)
Ideal for women travelling solo through Mexico, this holistic yoga retreat high in the Sierra Madre mountains takes place in the village of Boca de Tomatlán in the south. Equilibrium Healing Resort and Spa boasts mineral-rich, warm and cool spring-fed pools to soak in, a varied Ayurvedic menu of three daily vegetarian meals and detox juices, and a spa service with skin treatments to enhance your yogic afterglow. The hatha yoga classes include elements of breath work and ecstatic dance. Designed for digital detox, featuring stunning contemporary architecture inspired by nature, the yoga shala looks out into the jungle, while teacher Malka Russel soothes participants with sound healing vibrations. From US$1800 / 6 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
5-Day Luxury Men’s Retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Zen Casa men’s yoga retreat in Puerto Vallarta (Photo: Book Retreats)
For any hombre who has felt a little intimidated about being the most rigid yogi in a class full of bendy women: Zen Casa’s all-male retreat is for you. In a spacious, traditional hacienda on the south shores of Puerto Vallarta, classes offer a chance to explore morning yoga, fitness and pranayama breath work, alongside stress reduction workshops and sound bath meditation led by Francisco Ramos, an experienced and compassionate yoga teacher. A selection of spa treatments will allow you to cleanse and relax in between invigorating classes, while nourishing Mexican cuisine prepared by an in-house chef will fire up the tastebuds and metabolism. Puerto Vallarta may be a tranquil haven by day, but there is much to be said for the local nightlife, which you will enjoy in optional trips to the LGBT-friendly Zona Romantica in town. Zen Casa also encourages participants to forge lasting bonds in a non-judgmental, open-minded environment. From US$1,550 / 5 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com
29-Day Transformation: Mental Health & Healing Retreat in Mexico
This Transformation Retreat combines yoga and Gestalt psychotherapy (Photo: Book Retreats)
Anyone wishing to spend a longer stretch of time in paradise, and looking for something a little more comprehensive than a traditional yoga retreat, may benefit from this month-long physical and mental overhaul combining yoga and Gestalt psychotherapy in the chic Conchas Chinas-Amapas neighborhood. In addition to 24 yoga sessions throughout your stay, you will be guided on a journey of deep reflection, taking part in meditative hikes, art therapy, journaling and group activities. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that all this life-changing self-care takes place in vast treehouse villas overlooking the Pacific, with a plant-based culinary experience designed to nourish you inside and out. From $4,999 / 29 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com