Body Positive Yoga Mayan Riviera Mexico Adventure Retreat

May 12-18, 2019

Puerto Morelos, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Get ready to recharge and rejuvenate and have adventures at a 7-day, 6-night Body Positive Yoga Retreat in Mexico! The Mayan Riviera vibe is unique and if you’re looking for a mix of nature, culture, cuisine and beach then this Mexico yoga retreat adventure is the one for you.

Body Positive Yoga Mayan Riviera Retreat

Puerto Morelos, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
May 12-18, 2019

This event is for you if…

  • You’re an adventurous person who wants to check out a beautiful part of the world and try new experiences: yoga, snorkeling in a cenote, beach time, swimming with sea turtles, visiting Mayan ruins, and more!
  • You want to be around like-hearted people who will accept you without judgment
  • You want to practice yoga, but haven’t found a teacher that knows how to accommodate your unique body or you’re intimidated to step into a yoga studio
  • You want to strengthen your yoga practice with a teacher who knows non-conforming bodies and can help you find your own unique way to practice
  • You want an entire weekend packed with radical body positive conversation, joyful movement, and laughter
  • You want to have time away from the distractions and stress of everyday life – either alone or with your friends to rest, relax, and rejuvenate
  • You want a beautiful, rejuvenating time in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera

What To Expect…

You’ll fly in and out of Cancun but skip the tourist hustle-and-bustle for the simple homeyness and delicious eats in the local hamlet of Puerto Morelos. This tiny beach town is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world, a place where you can snorkel for hours or just relax on the calm beach, soaking up the rays.

This Mexican adventure is balanced as we juggle days of adventure with beach-chillaxing. Expect to dive in cenotes, swim with sea turtles, visit the ruins of Tulum and get a taste of local Mayan culture on a seva (service) day that brings the food and the fun.

Morning and evening yoga sessions keep you grounded while you have a chance to escape the grind and find gratitude in a laid-back, warm-watered, white sanded slice of paradise.

I’d recommend this retreat to a friend because it was such a nourishing experience – I felt my body and soul get stronger, I felt my intentions take a more meaningful shape, I felt refueled. Plus, all the lovely people there are so supportive and made me feel like I had found a new community.
Rose

Retreat participant

I felt like my world opened up and I was not limited by my body. I learned to make my body work for me and it was liberating. I also made lasting friendships and shared a lot of laughs!
Megan

Retreat participant

Our schedule

Schedules will vary slightly and final itineraries will go out about a month prior to departure. The schedule below gives you an overall picture of what your yoga retreat week will look like. 

Day One

  • Arrival into Cancun (CUN) International Airport
  • Transfer to Casa Om (approx 30min), check-in and unwind
  • Depending on arrival time, you can hit the beach or pool
  • Evening yoga class to unwind after travel
  • Group welcome dinner & opening circle

Day Two

  • Morning yoga & meditation
  • Rooftop patio buffet breakfast
  • Don your swimsuit and pack your camera for a day at the cenotes
    • Drive out to some lesser known cenotes and get some history and background on these sacred pools
    • Cliff dive (if you want) into the crystal clear waters
    • Snorkel through the cenote tunnels and float in the open air sink holes
    • Enjoy fresh fruit refreshments and plenty of gorgeous photo ops
  • Head back for early evening yoga
  • Chill down evening group dinner

Day Three

  • Morning yoga wake-up
  • Fresh group buffet breakfast
  • Free day to explore at your leisure
    • Head to the beach to relax or stroll and explore
    • Stroll into town
    • Relax by the pool, swing in a hammock or read and relax
    • Book a massage!
  • Early evening yoga
  • Rooftop evening dining

Day Four

  • Sun-greeting morning yoga
  • Delicious buffet group breakfast
  • Pack cultural-adventure spirit and head out to a local Mayan village
    • This cultural experience is a true chance to learn, share, and smile with the endemic Mayan locals
    • Get your chopping and tortilla making skills on as we help prepare the group lunch
    • Roll up your sleeves and help out in the community’s garden
    • Dig into the fresh food you helped make and the largest and most delicious guacamole ever made!
    • Time to thank our hosts with smiles and hugs
  • Head back for early evening yoga
  • Sunset rooftop dinner

Day Five

  • Morning yoga wake-up
  • Fresh group buffet breakfast
  • Free day to explore at your leisure
    • Head to the beach to relax or stroll and explore
    • Book another adventure
    • Relax by the pool, swing in a hammock or read and relax
    • Book a massage!
  • Early evening chill out yoga
  • Rooftop evening dining

Day Six

  • Rooftop breakfast
  • Early departure out to the Tulum ruins
    • Head out to these gorgeous seaside ruins before the influx of tourists
    • Walk through each section of the ruins with a guide to grasp the history, culture and influence of the Maya
  • Drive to the protected preserve for snorkeling with the (hopefully!) sea turtles
    • From the heat of the ruins, refresh in the Caribbean with a snorkel and fins
    • Swim out in this protected sea turtle preserve to hopefully spy some of these graceful guys
  • Early evening yoga class and closing circle
  • Final group dinner

Day Seven

  • Final rooftop buffet breakfast
  • Closing circle and goodbyes 
  • Transfer back to Cancun (CUN) airport and take off back home

What they’re saying…

“I was pretty skeptical about what to expect, despite having signed up on a last minute whim. I deal with social anxiety and struggle to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people. This was a great opportunity to challenge my own insecurities and do so in a supportive environment with other women who face the same internal conflicts.”

“Being in a community of intelligent, authentic and like minded, yet diverse women is exceptionally empowering. To know there are others out there that you can identify with, learn from, and share community with is so impactful and can be carried with you in everyday life wherever you go.”

“I didn’t think my second retreat could be better than my first. I have grown so much using my experience from my first retreat to the this second one. I maintained friendships, made new ones, deepened my connection with myself, others, and with my practice. It has taught me how to use what I feel on my mat and share it with the world. Most of all it has given me a place to calm my mind, feel confident, and be more authentic with myself. Loved every minute!”

I’ve never felt so safe, accepted, and cared for by a group of perfect strangers. The yoga workshops were perfectly accessible, even if it’s been a long time since you last practiced, and I learned more than I dreamed I would. Can’t wait for the next one!”

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Casa Om is a boutique yoga retreat center 16 miles (27 kilometers) south of Cancun International Airport. There are 11 bedrooms, a pool, a koi pond, 3 kitchens, and a 1000 sq foot (92 sq meters) yoga room.

All retreat rooms feature air conditioning, fans and mosquito netting (though with AC and/or a fan, the nets serve a more decorative function). All rooms are tastefully decorated and feature cool, sleek floors to chill down sand-hot toes. Private and beautiful bathrooms accompany all but two bedrooms. 

Casa Om is designated as a ‘dry’ yoga retreat facility. While we ask our yogis to respect that request on property, we’ll also tell you that the adorable (and yummy) Unico is across the street from Casa Om and is happy to hand you a cerveza while you chill on their beach front swings or garden patio.

Casa Om is a 1 minute and 29 seconds walk (at a moderate pace) to the beach. We are a 10 minute walk from restaurants, a grocer, and coffee shops.

ACCOMmODATIONS & Pricing

SOLD OUT:
communal room
Shared Bathroom

$1,895. The Communal Room has 3 bunks and an en suite bathroom.  To give everyone elbow room, we will only book three individuals in this space.

SOLD OUT:

Double Occupancy
Shared Bathroom

$2,095. These two rooms on the second floor have two twin beds each and share a bathroom.

Sold out
Double Occupancy
Private Bathroom

$2,195. Each room has two twin beds, en suite bathroom and the warm feel of the Mayan Riviera.  There are two rooms with one large bed for couples booking double occupancy (if available at the time of booking).

SOLD OUT

Single Occupancy
Shared Bathroom

$2,395. These two rooms on the second floor have two twin beds each and share a bathroom. 

SOLD OUT

Single Occupancy
private bathroom

$2,595. These two single bedrooms have either a queen bed or a king bed and both have en suite bathrooms.

THE FOOD

At Casa Om we run a full gourmet vegetarian kitchen. We offer extensive Mexican, Thai, New American, and Lebanese food options. All dishes are prepared with a healthy yogic lifestyle in mind. We offer gluten free and vegan options as well. When you visit us, you can have all your meals at Casa Om or customize it so you can explore restaurants in the area as well.

Our head chef, Eduardo, is a former restaurateur; he brings more than 10 years of professional cooking experience to Casa Om. He is passionate about food and his cooking classes are a favorite amongst our visitors. Those passionate about cuisine will find a like-minded soul. What our visitors have to say about our cooking:

“Eduardo’s cooking is spectacular. It brought such a fun and healthy component to our retreat. He makes excellent yogi tea and prepares the best fresh juice. His vegan tamales and mexican food is the best in the area. Not only is he a great chef but he also helped us get familiar with puerto morelos which was very kind.” –Tony

“Eduardo is such a big part of the success of our retreats at Casa Om. He makes delicious fresh juices and yogi teas, prepares the best Mexican food in town, and creates healthy yogic menus that make everyone feel bountiful, beautiful and blissful! He and his staff are so kind and helpful, and working with him was so easy! In fact, his cooking was so amazing that on our first retreat, our guests demanded he give them a cooking class, and his presentation was so delightful that many called it the high point of the retreat. I couldn’t imagine a better chef at Casa Om.” –Ramdesh

What they’re saying…

“How powerful community can be. It was so wonderful being around women who were committed (even at different levels) to achieving body peace. I love looking at our bodies together and witnessing the power that we hold to heal ourselves and each other. I think what Amber does is so important in holding space for us to find one another and lead us through example, wisdom, kindness, and humor.”

Amber is a very effective teacher. She’s incredibly bright in a non threatening kind of way. I like the way she asks follow up questions. I like that she isn’t afraid to politicize the body or take a public stand against white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, heteronormativity, and other systems of oppression.”

Loved all the tips about attending yoga classes. Loved all the modifications. Loved the poses. Loved the jokes. I think you’re rad!”

I learned so much and reaffirmed a lot of what I had already learned and was feeling weak on. It was great to be able to learn from Amber and so many other knowledgeable women. The session on body image/opting out of diet culture was a great primer and overview of everything. It was great to talk about how all of these systems of oppression work together and to realize how radical body positivity really is.”

MEET AMBER

Hey, I’m Amber Karnes, creator of Body Positive Yoga.

Yoga has been an integral part of my decade-long journey toward self-acceptance and body positivity – making peace with my body and helping others to do the same.

If you want to feel wonderful and free in your unique, powerful, (imperfect) human body for a whole week, this retreat is for you. You’ll join a group of likeminded, body positive folks who will accept you without judgment. Together, we’ll create a safe container to explore our feelings around yoga, body image, and radical self-acceptance.

I will lead you through low-pressure, judgment-free, beginner-friendly yoga classes. My body positive yoga style is a gentle, slow flow with plenty of strength-building opportunities as well as time for self-study.

Morning classes will build heat and prepare you for the day, and in the evening, we’ll find stillness and calm with restorative poses as well as guided meditation.

We’ll also have plenty of adventures, good food, fun in the sun, and time to relax and have some laughs.

Come meet your new BFFs in the gorgeous Mayan Riviera and celebrate the body you have today!

If you want to learn more about me, go here.

This event is sold out!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

Visit this link and select your accommodations. A $500 deposit will secure your spot. Booking is done through The Travel Yogi website. Please read and understand the Terms & Conditions before you register.

What's included in my ticket price?
  • Morning yoga (on all but one morning)
  • Yoga classes every evening
  • Swimming, diving and playing excursion to two cenotes (dive into the crystal clear water and float in ancient pools)
  • Morning swim with the sea turtles at Akumal (all turtles, fish, smiles, snorkels, flippers and life vests included)
  • Visit to the Tulum ruins (geek-out on a fully guided history of this ancient culture and structure)
  • Hands-on cooking, culture and gardening seva (service) visit to a local Mayan community (get hands-on and in as you help cook a traditional lunch and contribute to the garden that supplies the good greens)
  • Comfort-lux accommodations at the Casa Om yoga retreat center
  • Buffet breakfasts daily
  • Vegetarian dinners (this is a meat-free and alcohol-free retreat center)
  • Transportation to and from Cancun (CUN) airport
  • WiFi
What's not included in my ticket?
  • Airfare to Cancun
  • Lunches (except at the Mayan village)
  • Additional excursions
  • Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Gratuities
Can I make payments?
Yes! Of course. Once you’re booked you’ll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice; you can use it as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date.

Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.

What if I need to cancel?

Please carefully read the terms & conditions and cancellation policy before booking. Booking is handled by The Travel Yogi. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance immediately after booking.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. citizens will need a passport to visit Mexico, but no visa is required at this time.  Passports will require at least one blank page for an entry stamp.  Entry information can change so please visit the State Department page for up to date information.

Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. The Travel Yogi (the company we are booking this retreat through) strongly advises everyone to purchase travel insurance in connection with all bookings. While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you purchase, as a general rule, this type of insurance may provide coverage for a variety of losses which you may incur relating to a booking, including losses relating to trip cancellation, illness, injury, theft, lost or damaged property, etc.

Be aware that, except for the limited refund rights outlined in Sections 10, 11 and 12 here for various cancellation scenarios, you are 100% responsible for any losses, penalties, fees, or other financial consequences arising out of any booking or trip, or the cancellation or interruption of any booking or trip (including, by way of example, costs related to airline tickets and fees, passport fees, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). For all of these reasons, we urge you to purchase travel insurance promptly following booking.

What airport should I fly into?

Please fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Transfers will be arranged from the airport only.  Arrival transfers will only be offered for flights arriving between the hours of 1pm and 5pm on arrival day and flights departing between 10am and 2pm on the departure date. It’s about a 30-40 minute ride to the retreat center from the airport.

When should I arrive and depart?

In order to take advantage of transfers to Casa Om, please note: arrival transfers will only be offered for flights arriving between the hours of 1pm and 5pm on arrival day and flights departing between 10am and 2pm on the departure date.

How far are the rooms from the yoga & dining space? Are there lots of stairs?

Casa Om is a quaint, charming little space, but please be aware, there are many stairs. There’s no elevator to go from floor to floor, so that’s something to consider.

There’s a pool on the ground floor, along with a number of rooms (so you can request a ground floor room if you’d like).

On the second floor there’s a inside dining space, an outdoor patio and some more rooms. On the third floor, there’s the yoga space.

Finally, on the fourth/top floor/rooftop, there’s the main outdoor dining space where you’ll have your meals.

There’s no pressure or rush to get up and down the stairs, so you may take them at your own pace. But you will need to be able to navigate several flights of stairs to get to the dining space.

Is the retreat center's seating friendly to larger bodies?
Yes, there are are a variety of seating options in the common areas. There’s bench seating for meals.
Are the life vests and snorkeling gear friendly to larger bodies?
There are life vests of all sizes, yes, but there also options for other flotation devices if you choose to also go with another floaty (like a float ring).
I'm new to yoga. Will I be able to keep up in the yoga classes?
Yes! Amber specializes in adaptive, inclusive yoga practice for diverse body types. This is low-pressure, judgment-free yoga led by a woman who isn’t a “typical” yoga teacher. I welcome you into this practice!
Each day will feature an early morning gentle yoga class with pranayama (breathing) and meditation practice. In the afternoon we’ll learn in more of a workshop-style with the teaching geared toward personalizing the yoga practice to your unique body!
How much walking is required on the various outings?

That depends on the location, day, and each person’s wants and needs. This trip can be as adventurous (or as relaxing) as you want it to be. There’s options to back out when you wish or take a break. Most outings feature easy to moderate walking, hiking or swimming. 

Tell me about the food.

This is a vegetarian retreat center and meat is not served. Eggs will be provided at breakfast for protein needs and some dinners may feature fish or seafood. Any dietary need or restriction can be accommodated (except adding meat), provided that you notify us at least four weeks in advance.

Is there alcohol on the property?

This is a dry retreat center, so they do not sell alcohol on property and ask that it not be brought into the rooms. For those of you who would like to partake, there is a sweet little restaurant/bar across the street that stretches out to the beach and would be happy to help you out with a libation in your hand and your toes in the sand.

Is this retreat only for women?
No. This retreat is open to anyone who wishes to attend. Folks of all genders are welcome. 
I've never been to a retreat and I'm worried I won't fit in. Help!
If you’ve never been to a retreat, it might seem intimidating, but I work extra hard to make sure this retreat is a safe, judgment-free, fun space for everyone! Humans of all shapes, sizes, and abilities will be celebrated and accommodated, and you’ll be sharing space with other likeminded folks who are interested in self-acceptance, self care, yoga, nature, creative thought, and body positivity. Folks who have attended my previous retreats have told me they made friendships that have lasted for years!
Do most retreat participants come alone?

Many of our guests do come alone. By the end of their stay they usually have made some great new friends.

Can you help me find a roommate?

If you are traveling solo but do not want to pay the higher price for “single occupancy,” then you should notify us at the time of booking. We will do our best to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender in order to accommodate the request for the lower “double occupancy” rate.

However, if we are unable to match you with a roommate as of the due date for final payment, then you will be charged the double occupancy rate plus a “single surcharge” equal to 50% of the price difference between the single and double occupancy. If we are able to match you with a roommate after the final payment (including the “single surcharge”) has been made, then we will happily refund the “single surcharge” to you. We make no promise or guarantee that we can match you with a roommate (for the double occupancy rate) on any given trip.

Does the retreat center have WiFi?

Yes, there is free WiFi at the retreat center.

Are we on the beach?

This gorgeous yoga retreat center is directly across the street from the beach. It is in a residential, less touristy, section of town and gives you the best of both worlds; a quiet street for window shopping your way into town or a white sand beach across the street for relaxing, strolling and swimming.

Is there swimming?

Naturally! Of course, there is the warm, clear ocean, but there is also a lovely pool at the ready. And don’t forget our water days as we splash down in the cenotes and snorkel with sea turtles.

What do I need to bring?
We’ll send you a complete packing list before the retreat, but you don’t need any complicated or fancy items. We’ll be bringing comfortable, casual clothing, a bathing suit, and stuff we need for the beach and outdoors (like sunscreen and bug repellant). We provide mats and props for the yoga practice.

What they’re saying…

I felt more open and free than I’ve ever felt in my life. Never have I felt more comfortable with myself and my surroundings than I did that weekend. I’ve taken this sense of self-acceptance and love with me and have reflected on my experience daily. I’m trying to keep those good vibes alive!”

“I feel like I have made friends for a lifetime at the retreat. As women we all have similar issues and to hear you are not alone and that we have shared experiences is a beautiful thing.”

“I enjoyed this retreat immensely. The friendships I made, the yoga I learned, and the experience will stay with me a lifetime. My practice feels more my own now and I feel comfortable continuing what I learned and incorporating it into my current and future practice. Amber is a phenomenal teacher and makes yoga feel like a natural part of life. Your feedback and your guidance made me feel good about yoga and my body. Anne-Marie and Lisa were exceptional and I hope they come back next year. There help and their corrections were key in helping me learn and grow as a yogi!”

I felt extremely safe and the modifications that were given were very helpful to my overall practice. Also, the physical adjustments were key to helping me understand what a pose should truly feel like and I feel that I can now get myself to the correct pose(s) more successfully.”