Hosting a wellness retreat in Mexico

Mexico is brimming with history, culture, beaches, jungle, and so much more to see. That’s why it’s the perfect location for any type of wellness retreat. From yoga and fitness to empowerment and art, Mexico offers a variety of backdrops that can support your retreat needs.

Whether you’re considering planning a destination retreat in Mexico or you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to arise, here is a comprehensive guide of locations, accommodations, and activities to help you get started and build the perfect itinerary for your community.

Best time to go to Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico depends on the specific region and activities you have in mind. Mexico is a large country with diverse geography and climates, so the weather and tourist crowds can vary significantly depending on the time of year and location.

Generally, the best time to visit most parts of Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from December through April. During this time, you can expect warm, sunny days with little rain, making it ideal for beach-going, cultural sightseeing, and outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and large crowds.

If you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable trip, consider visiting Mexico during the shoulder season, which runs from May to November. This period is divided into two sub-seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the hurricane season (June to November). While there may be some rainy days during the rainy season, the temperatures are still warm, and the landscapes are lush and green. Just be aware that hurricanes and tropical storms can occur in some regions during the hurricane season, so check the weather forecast before booking.

If you’re planning to visit specific regions, keep in mind that weather patterns can differ. For example, the Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, with temperatures remaining warm throughout the year. The best time to visit this region is during the dry season (November to April), while the rainy season (May to October) can be humid and hot.

For urban adventures in Mexico City and Oaxaca, the best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is mild and comfortable with low humidity. May and June can also be good times to visit, but expect occasional showers. July and August are the rainy season with daily thunderstorms and high humidity, while September and October can be great for experiencing cultural festivals but may also be rainy. November is mild and comfortable, and the city is decorated for the Day of the Dead celebrations, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.

Location, accommodations and amenities

When considering Mexico for a wellness retreat, you have a wealth of choices when it comes to location, amenities, and all the extras. Check out the options below to help you match the retreat vibe with the location’s atmosphere, connecting to the local culture and environment whenever possible.

Throughout Mexico, you can choose from the following accommodation types:

• High-end resorts: luxury rooms and amenities that can cater to wellness groups
• Brand-name hotels: large, corporate hotels that offer conference spaces, pools, and on-site food
• Boutique hotels and retreat centers: intimate and posh; most offer spaces and rates for wellness groups of all kinds
• Eco-lodges for all price points: nature immersions that can often cater to wellness groups and their needs
• Community hostels and guest houses: budget option for easy-going groups that are geared towards relaxation, yoga, and fitness

Regarding environment and vibe, Mexico has a few main themes:

• Beachside paradise: Chill on the shoreline and enjoy the sun and sand every single day
  • High-end/large resorts
  • Boutique hotels and eco-lodging
  • Retreat centers of all kinds
• Jungle immersions: Hidden hideaways in the lush greenery that focus on nature, pampering and relaxation
  • Luxury villas
  • Eco-chic and eco-friendly retreats
  • Hip hostels and guesthouses
• City living: Cultural connections and urban activities abound in downtown
  • Brand-name hotels
  • Historic guesthouses
  • Boutique hotels and villas

When it comes to food and amenities, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this magnificent country:

• Food options: Most resorts feature an all-inclusive meal plan and offer organic/local fare, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free spreads, and healthy additions such as smoothie bars and supplements. Hotel and retreat centers may vary, but most will offer different rates for different meal plans and will work to accommodate your group’s dietary needs.
• Cultural connections: No matter where you stay, you’ll find an array of cultural activities to choose from such as cacao ceremonies, temazcals, ruins tours, cooking classes, village visits, folk shows, and more.
• Adventure activities and historic sites: Along with culture, Mexico features a wide variety of things to do. You can connect with the Mayan world at hidden cenotes and archeological sites like Chichen Itza, or spend the day zip-lining and cave diving to name just a few.

While there are a wealth of possibilities when it comes to location choice, here are a few top options when creating a wellness retreat in exciting Mexico. These options welcome groups large and small and offer an array of accommodations and activities to ensure you and your community have a stellar experience from beginning to end.

Tulum

Vibe: Beachside paradise, cultural connections, cenote swims & jungle joy

Pricing: $$ – $$$$

Tulum is the most popular place in Mexico to host a wellness retreat, and it’s no secret why. You can sit on the beach, meditate at a secluded cenote, tour the historic Mayan ruins, stay active with an array of water sports, and eat up all the delicious local fare you can stomach.

Tulum is also a gem because it can fit an array of budgets. While it’s more expensive than some of the other beachside areas, you’re paying for peace and quiet, along with an array of nature options at every turn. From traditional cultural ceremonies to adventure activities, you can have it all in Tulum.

Activities

From beaches to historic sites, there’s a lot to see this in this part of the Yucatan. Here are some of the top activities that draw so many tourists to Tulum each year.

• Beaches
• Tulum ruins and markets
• Cenotes
• Nature parks for wildlife encounters, sightseeing, and kayaking/boating
• Snorkeling/diving
• Spiritual ceremonies (temazcal, cacao, etc.)

Bacalar

Vibe: Secluded lodging, tranquil vibes, water activities & jungle joy

Pricing: $$$ – $$$$

Located near the Belize border, Bacalar is a lesser-known gem, calling those travelers who want to truly get away from the world and enjoy a quiet respite in nature. Its Lake of Seven Colors offers an idyllic backdrop for yoga retreats and fitness fans who enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, and daily workouts.

There isn’t much to do in this tropical paradise, and that’s exactly the point, making it a stellar spot for any type of wellness retreat. You can lounge in the lake, spend the day at a cenote, cruise around the area on a sail boat, or explore the town and neighboring ruins site. Create your own schedule and find your bliss in this secluded paradise.

Activities

While you won’t find a high-energy vibe in Bacalar, there is still a lot here to occupy your time.

• Water sports (paddle boarding, kayaking, etc.)
• Yoga and relaxation
• Lakeside lounging
• Boating excursions
• Cenote swims
• Visit Kohunlich ruins or Fuerte de San Felipe
• Spiritual ceremonies (temazcal, cacao, etc.)

Oaxaca

Vibe: Cultural connections, historic city, secluded beaches & nature love

Pricing: $$ – $$$

Oaxaca can offer the best of both worlds — city living and beachside fun. In the city proper, you can wander around the ancient streets with its colorful colonial buildings, enjoying the markets, art galleries, local workshops, the food, and the welcoming vibe.

On the shoreline, especially in Puerto Escondido, you’ll find an array of accommodation types that focus on health, wellness, and body movement. This laid-back coastal area is also less crowded and less expensive than Tulum and Cancun. You can hang in one area or create a custom wellness retreat itinerary that will bring you from the city to the seaside and back!

Activities

A trip to Oaxaca can give you city vibes and beachside bliss with an array of things to do in both locations.

• Historic city and market tours
• Cultural connections (cooking classes, hands-on craft workshops, etc.)
• Beachside fun
• Water sports
• Mezcal distillery tour
• Visit Monte Alban ruins
• Spiritual ceremonies (temazcal, cacao, etc.)

Playa del Carmen

Vibe: Beaches, shopping, adventure parks & cultural connections

Pricing: $$ – $$$

Playa del Carmen rests between Cancun and Tulum. Offering the best of both resort worlds, you can find a quiet, five-star resort on the beach, you can hang at a posh hotel downtown, you can explore the shopping on fifth avenue, you can play at the surrounding adventure parks, and of course, you can party at the bars until the sun comes up.

This area features all types of lodging and budget options, along with different vibes to fit your needs. You can host a yoga class in the morning, ride ATVs in the jungle by lunch, and shop at the markets before a group dinner on the beach. From high-energy activities to restful resorts, PDC is a great choice for all retreat types.

Activities

In PDC, you can have every type of experience — from food to fun!

• Beachside fun
• Water sports
• Shopping and market trips
• Archeological tours
• Adventure parks
• Downtown restaurants

Cancun

Vibe: All-inclusive resorts, adventure activities, party vibes & popular hub

Pricing: $$ – $$$

We all know Cancun as the party spot of the Yucatán, bringing spring breakers to the area in droves for some beachside fun in the sun. But Cancun has a wealth of high-end resorts that can work perfectly for a wellness retreat, especially if you want a little party fun added into the mix.

By no means do you have to go out during your stay, but Cancun is the perfect place to see the Chichén Itzá ruins and play at the various adventure parks scattered throughout the area. Cancun is also the closest destination to the airport, making it the most accessible option in the Yucatán. This area may not be the best place for a chill yoga retreat, but fitness fanatics and empowerment groups may find the perfect balance of sun, fun, and inner/outer work here.

Activities

Cancun is known for spring breakers and adventure, but there is so much more to see and do!

• Beachside fun
• Boat/snorkeling excursions
• Archeological tours
• Adventure parks
• Clubbing/bars
• Downtown restaurants

Mexico City

Vibe: Cultural connections, history hotspot, foodie paradise & urban atmosphere

Pricing: $$ – $$$

Mexico City has a lot to offer, especially by way of gastronomy and cultural connections. Not only can you shop and eat, but you can also travel to ancient ruins and smaller towns to see the real Mexico, away from the tourists and resorts.

Here, you’ll be surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the city energy will fill your heart. You can stay at a high-end hotel/spa, hang at a chic boutique guest house, or simply rent a villa or apartment in the area to create your own retreat vibe.

Activities

This city features so much to do and see, especially when it comes to Mexican history and culture. Add a few of these activities into the mix!

• Food tours
• Shopping
• Archeological & history tours
• Bars & restaurants
• Cultural connections (Cocktail classes, cooking lessons, craft workshops, etc.)

Budget, pricing and markups

The first thing to consider when planning a destination wellness retreat is the price. Ask yourself these three questions to get started:

• What can your community afford to pay?
• What is your community willing to pay when it comes to a retreat?
• What type of location, services, and amenities will they expect?

Mexico can be a cheaper destination option, but cost boils down to three points: location, accommodation choice and markup.

Location and accommodation choice: There are a lot of affordable wellness options in Mexico, but location and accommodation will set the financial tone for the entire trip. Places like Cancun and PDC can offer varying prices, ranging anywhere from 1000 USD and up per person. These prices typically feature inclusive meal plans and some activities.

While Tulum is along the same coastline, the prices will be higher than that of Cancun and PDC. The resorts tend to be more exclusive and have more wellness facilities and treatment options. The same is true for Bacalar, which is secluded and features high-end resorts and glamping options only.

A great beachside option is Oaxaca. The coastline features more wellness-specific resorts and is far cheaper than the Yucatan. You’ll find the same pristine beaches, great food, and activities of all kinds with less tourists and lower accommodation prices.

When it comes to the city, you can save even more, but high-end resorts and brand-name hotels will still weigh down your budget. Guesthouses and smaller boutique hotels will help you save money, while also offering a more intimate environment for your community.

Markup: Within your pricing, you also want to consider your markup. Are you planning to take a large portion for your time, or are you considering a smaller fee with the option of add-ons to make a cut? You can create a stellar itinerary in Mexico for relatively cheap, leaving you a decent profit margin, depending on your community’s budget. Consider all the angles after you’ve decided on your accommodation.

If Mexico seems like the right choice for you, let’s get planning! Reach out to us with any questions, and we will help you create the perfect wellness itinerary in this cultural haven.

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