The turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the mystical land of the Maya will be our backdrop as we explore the alchemy of yoga through subtle layers of practice while cultivating strength, grace and skill.  Wake up to a dynamic practice of fluid postures incorporating circles, spirals, and energy awareness, which will set the foundation for seated asana, breath work, and meditation.   End the day with a nourishing yin and restorative practice to ease you into a restful sleep.  Throughout the week, we will unpack the symbolism of the Shiva Nataraja, the dynamic dancing form of Shiva, to help us dive deeper into our practice.

What’s more - imagine going barefoot for a week in the powdery white sand, swimming in the turquoise sea, sleeping under thatched-roof cabanas, waking up to the calls of tropical birds, enjoying delicious meals, reflecting under the stars.  Our sanctuary for the week will be Maya Tulum, a seaside wellness center on the beautiful Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, consistently ranked among the Top 10 Yoga Retreat Centers worldwide.  Optional excursions to the Mayan ruins, the Bio Reserve or the Cenotes will satisfy the more active soul.  

A tentative itinerary, subject to change, is as follows:

Saturday:
3:00 pm Onwards:                     Arrival  
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm:                    Dinner

Sunday – Friday (except 1 excursion day):
8:00 am - 9:00 am:                    Optional Early Morning Practice    
8:00 am - 10:00 am:                  Breakfast  
10:00 am - 12:00 pm:                Morning Practice
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm:                  Lunch
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm:                    Free Time
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm:                    Yin & Restorative Practice
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm:                    Dinner

One Free Day for Excursions:
Excursions are not included in the price of the retreat.   Please scroll below for excursion options.  There’s no yoga on that day.

Saturday:
8:00 am - 10:00 am:                 Breakfast
12:00 pm:                                  Checkout


Pricing
Pricing is per person with double occupancy and includes your cabana, 3 delicious meals a day (mostly vegetarian with seafood on certain days), 2 yoga classes per day (except on the day of excursion), and the unlimited ocean at your doorstep.  Airfare is not included in the pricing.  An extremely limited number of single cabana upgrades are available ($600 supplement).  Shuttles from the Cancun International airport are available through Maya Tulum for $80 per person round trip.

Garden Cabana - $1595 ($1795 after December 1)Ocean View Cabana - $1695 ($1895 after December 1)Beachfront Deluxe Cabana - $1895 ($2095 after December 1)Beachfront Super Deluxe Cabana - $2095 ($2295 after December 1)


Accommodation
All cabanas have beds with shimmering gossamer netting and provide a sitting area with cozy chairs, inviting coffee tables and tiled bathroom with open shower area and diverse views.  All are stocked with a supply of bottled drinking water, and are free of televisions, phones and alarm clocks.

Garden Cabanas:
Located in the lush tropical gardens close to the yoga halls, spa and steps from the beach, the Garden Cabanas are set behind the Oceanview Cabanas.  

Ocean View Cabanas:
Ocean View Cabanas sit just behind the beach front Cabanas and all have a partial view of the Caribbean Sea.  

Beachfront Deluxe Cabanas:
Beach Front Deluxe Cabanas are situated directly on the beach and have a crystal clear view of the sea.  

Beachfront Super Deluxe Cabanas:
Beach Front Super Deluxe Cabanas are slightly larger than the Beach Front Deluxe Cabanas.  They are situated directly on the beach and have a crystal clear view of the sea.  


Maya Tulum Beach
Maya Tulum is located on the Riviera Maya.  Right there between the pristine blue ocean and the emerald green tropical forests and jungles is nature in all its splendor.  The Riviera Maya offers endless possibilities to choose from:  tranquil sea coves and bays to rougher more open ocean; transparent lagoons and mysterious water springs with landmarks and vestiges of a culture thousands of years old; or the world’s second longest reef which stretches from Quintana Roo to Honduras.  Also there are a variety of beach and water sports to choose from with places offering all the infrastructure and services you need.  Or simply relax under the shade of a palm tree on the sandy white beach sipping a coconut drink, listening to the ever-present rhythms of the waves.


Maya Tulum Cuisine
Each meal is celebrated in an exquisite huge round cabana built with marble floors and white limestone walls.  Through its windoes you have a fantastic view of the coastline with the turquoise Caribbean Sea embracing the white sand.  The restaurant serves vegetarian and fresh seafood fare.  Anytime of the day you may order your favorite drink or smoothie from the bar.  Dietary requirements can be accommodated.  Special care is taken in the preparation and cleaning of all fruits and vegetables.


Weather
Plenty warm in the daytime, not yet too hot at night, and tranquil sea makes April the perfect time to be in Tulum.


Optional Activities and Excursions
Maya Tulum is an excellent location for activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.  Their reef is an invitation to discover an underwater paradise of colored fish, coral, and other marine life.  Below are a wide variety of half and full day tours that are suitable for everyone, ranging from snorkeling to catamaran sailing to see the “eyes” of the Tulum Ruins.  Prices are subject to change.  You can sign up for all tours at least 24 hours in advance in the reception of the resort.  A cancellation policy does apply.

COBA Ruins ($50):
Coba is located among five lakes in the middle of the jungle and was once home to about 50,000 people.  One of the most outstanding features of Coba is the incredible number of sacbe (elevated roads) that connect parts of Coba with other Mayan cities.  This tour is on Wednesday and starts at 9:30am and goes until approx. 2:30pm.

Cenote Dos Ojos ($55):
Meaning “two eyes,” Cenote is located 48km (30 miles) south of Playa del Carmen.  Enter through one of two separate pools and explore an intricate, and surprisingly clear, maze of caves and decorations.  This wonder is to experience its expansive cavern, which is considered to be one of the longest, and most decorated, underwater cave systems in the world.  This tour is on Monday and is from 1:30pm - 5:30 pm.

Aktun Chen & Cenote Xunaan Ha ($55):
Visit the 5 million year old Aktun Chen Caverns where one can enjoy thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, and natural sculptures.  While inside the caverns, you will learn about their formation.  Later, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Xunaan Ha Cenote (fresh water sink hole).  This tour is on Thursday from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.

Tulum Ruins ($40):
The Tulum Ruins sit atop white, sandy beaches on fortresslike limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast.  It is the only Mayan city to be found along the sea and was considered to be a trading center.  This tour is on Sunday from 8:30 am to approximately 12:30 pm.

Sian Ka’an Muyil Experience ($95):
Reaching these coastal ruins, a guide will show you the Muyil site and explain the importance of this ancient Mayan trading post and the importance of Ixel, the moon goddess of this city.  Once you meet your local skipper, you will embark on a 2 hour boat trip across the Wetlands.  Visit the secret Maya temple and jump in an ancient canal built by the Maya.  This tour is on Tuesday form 11am - 5 pm.

Yalku Lagoon ($55):
A calm, clear environment for beginner snorkelers.  The lagoon is inhabited by multicolored tropical fish and has nice coral formations.  The lagoon is a mixture of fresh and salt water and is refreshing after a long day at the beach.  It is a very special ecosystem, so please help to protect this resource by not wearing sunscreen or feeding any of the fish.  This tour is on Monday from 1:30pm - 5:30pm.


Travel Information
When booking flights to Maya Tulum, you will want to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN).  You can take a taxi from the airport that runs about $90 each way or you can take a local bus (to Pueblo De Tulum) that runs $7 each way (which in addition requires cab to the downtown Cancun bus terminal, then another cab to Maya Tulum Resort).  Maya Tulum can arrange a shuttle bus transportation for $40 per person each way - this is the recommended ground transportation.

To register or for inquiries, please contact danielle.lee.mf@gmail.com

Go to www.mayatulum.com for further information.  Their “About” page gives you a wealth information on what to bring and frequently asked questions and their answers.  “Spa” and “Tour” pages will offer you details of their world class spa treatments and great tours.  “Accommodations” page will give you descriptions and photos of different cabana categories.