Want a little more privacy during your retreat? Select this single supplement add-on and have a room all to yourself.
Hi! I began my journey into Yoga while at Bennington College while studying Italian Language and Theater. I became certified to teach in 2010 and completed her 500hr Yoga Alliance accredited certification with Laughing Lotus Yoga School New York in 2016. I am the author of Foundational Yoga Flow and love to share my passion for yoga thorough teacher trainings, classes, festivals and retreats!
Embark on a 5-day transformative journey of nourishment, renewal, and connection at the tranquil Ekumal retreat center amidst the lush jungles of Akumal, Mexico. This retreat, thoughtfully curated and led by the passionate Collette Hill, is a powerful blend of wellness practices, cultural immersion, and introspective solitude, all designed to invigorate your spirit and align your energy. Embrace a journey brimming with transformative experiences, including guided meditations, yin yoga sessions, sound healing, introspective journaling, and vibrant vinyasa flows. Beyond the mat, explore the mystical Coba Ruins, engage in a traditional temazcal ceremony with a local shaman, and learn a new skill during a hands-on cooking class.
This retreat is a unique opportunity to reset and reflect, to deepen your connection with your inner spirit, and to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Through shared experiences, you'll connect with a like-minded community and the vibrant pulse of nature. As the journey concludes, you will leave this retreat feeling recharged, realigned, and deeply connected to your authentic self, carrying the thriving spirit of this transformative retreat into your daily life.
Arriving at the airport, you'll be greeted with the vibrant pulse of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the air alive with a potent vibration that signals the beginning of your wellness journey. From the moment you step off the plane, you're invited to let go of the familiar and to step into the realm of discovery, the opening chapter of your revitalizing adventure. From here, you'll catch your transfer to the beautiful sanctuary of Ekumal.
Be welcomed into a realm designed for deeper connection with self, nature, and community. Ekumal's tranquil oasis is nestled in the verdant heart of Akumal's tropical jungle, a sanctum where the usual rhythms of life give way to a soothing pulse. Enjoy some free time to get settled and acclimate.
When the sun sets, we’ll gather together for a nourishing welcome dinner to celebrate the start of this wonderful retreat. From here, our journey truly begins in the form of a Cacao Ceremony, where we’ll honor this medicinal drink, opening our hearts and minds to new perspectives and joys. Head to bed with the soft sounds of the jungle lulling us to a restful sleep.
Awaken to the soothing symphony of the jungle, the dawning sun painting the sky in soft hues. Guided by Collette, start your day bathed in the tranquil energy of the morning, the silence punctuated only by the soft hum of nature's awakening. In the serene atmosphere, we gather to explore our inner landscapes through an invigorating Vinyasa practice, each movement an intentional dance of energy and breath. Your body feels energized, your spirit uplifted, and you are ready to nourish yourself with a delightful breakfast.
Post-breakfast, a very special group excursion awaits. Today, we pay a visit to the ancient Coba Ruins. This site pulsates with echoes of a time long past, inviting contemplation on our own fleeting yet significant journey through life. The stories etched in stone serve as a grounding reminder of our shared human legacy and our continual pursuit of self-understanding and connection.
When we return to the retreat after lunch, enjoy some moments of free time to fully embrace peace, reset, and reflect. As the day transitions into evening, we’ll gather around a wholesome dinner, our bodies and hearts satiated, our minds at peace, and our spirits aglow with the light of authentic connection and growth. The night ends with a tranquil sound bath, where we can release negative energy and realign our minds, bodies, and souls, to the rhythm of the universe.
As the sun ushers in a new day, the first light filtering through the lush foliage, we are once again called to our morning meditation and Vinyasa practice. This ritual invites us to greet the day with gratitude and presence. Each breath becomes an echo of your inner symphony, resonating with the energetic vibrations of life itself. The practice culminates with the sun in full bloom, setting the stage for a nourishing breakfast.
Before and after lunch, you have free time to enjoy the spoils of the eco-retreat. This time will serve as an open canvas for your own creative expression and personal exploration. Perhaps you find yourself strolling the jungle paths, sharing moments with your fellow retreat companions, or diving deeper into your journaling practice. The choice is yours, and each moment is ripe with opportunity for fulfillment.
The evening ushers in a sense of communal gathering - a hands-on cooking lesson that brings us an atmosphere of laughter and learning. Discover the vibrant flavors and traditional techniques of Mexican cuisine, with recipes a testament to the local culture's reverence for nature and native flavor. This session will segue into a lovely communal dinner. Each bite is not just a meal, but a celebration of the day, of our shared experiences, and of the continual process of self-discovery and growth! As the night ends with Yin Yoga, we complete another day of perfection and magic here in Mexico.
As day breaks, the natural symphony of the jungle serves as a backdrop to our morning meditation and vinyasa flow. Led by Collette, we journey through breathing routines and postures that embody alignment, vitality, and rejuvenation. This daily ritual becomes our opening embrace to the day, inviting each of us to tap into our higher selves and to re-energize. A wholesome breakfast follows, offering sustenance for the body and soul.
Your morning then will be filled with an ancient ritual of Temazcal, said to purify the body, mind, and soul. With the help of a local shaman, we will experience this traditional practice, releasing what no longer serves us. A nutritious, vibrant lunch follows, keeping our bodies well-nourished and our energies high.
In the afternoon, the pace shifts to a soothing gentle yoga practice coupled with sound healing. This powerful combination aids in releasing stored tension, promoting healing and harmony within. We close out our final night with one last shared dinner, a time of true reflection and unity.
A farewell breakfast kicks off the day, infused with the vibrant flavors of the region and the nourishing essence of our journey. Over this meal, there is a shared understanding that although this retreat is coming to an end, our journey continues to unfold. We leave not as we came, but as renewed versions of ourselves — vibrant and deeply connected. We will then depart our sanctuary, carrying our experiences, insights, and newfound friendships with us. As we leave the jungles of Mexico behind, we carry within us cherished memories, unforgettable experiences, and an invigorating sense of fulfillment towards our higher self. Travel safe.