Mexico’s East Coast ~ The Yucatan and Quintana Roo
This area of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean is magical, with pristine turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, rich Mayan culture, flavorful cuisine, and much, much more! The energy here is perfect for a retreat setting, offering the space and natural environment essential for reflection, contemplation and depth for your experience.
Should you decide to retreat here, we can also offer personal recommendations for alternative therapeutic experiences such as: Family Constellations, Massage and Energy work, Mayan Sweat Lodge (temazcal) and Tarot and Mayan Astrological readings. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are particularly exceptional at the coastal location!
Satya Retreats is excited to have recently added our signature “Hacienda Experience” retreat offering! Imagine bringing your group to a 17th century Hacienda, rich with culture, tradition, elegance and tranquility. These journeys are considered to be a blend of both cultural and spiritual retreats or immersions and are one of a kind! Just outside of Yucatan’s capital city of Merida are a variety of Haciendas with whom we are currently partnering. Drop into a time warp and experience this unique offering…
Isla Mujeres
A stunning 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun’s Puerto Juarez, Isla Mujeres is a charming island and fishing village only 5 miles long and ½ mile wide. With its “pueblo” like feel, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and lively downtown area which offers a variety of cafes, ethnic restaurants and shopping… this sweet little island has something for everyone!
Ferry boats run from the island and Puerto Juárez/Gran Puerto on the mainland. The island is popular with day trippers, but activity quietens down in the evening after the tour groups leave. To the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and to the west the skyline of Cancún can be seen across the clear waters.
The island of Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs such as the one located in Garrafon Park, which is an area popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving. The Cancun underwater museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western coast of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for the rehabilitation and breeding of them. This facility is open to the public.
Akumal
Akumal is a small town located approximately 1.5 hrs south of Cancun, Quintana Roo, and approximately 20 minutes north of Tulum, Our chosen property is perfect for smaller groups. This venue is an oasis of peace and prosperity, embraced by lush green forest, a few minutes from the breathtaking Akumal beaches. Born a boutique hotel, in an intimate setting surrounded by nature; trees, flowers, butterflies, birds, crickets, fireflies and stars all around. True Eco-luxury in a remote area in the jungle, yet only 10 mins from the pueblo of Akumal. Our hosts are spectacular; people who know the true meaning of hospitality and serve up everything with love! The chef is phenomenal.
The jungle’s energy has a stillness that is unique and unlike any other.
This area of Mexico is rich with history, culture and natural beauty: Mayan ruins, magical cenotes (a natural underground sinkhole), visits to the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean beaches and an optional Temazcal (Mayan Sweat lodge ceremony led by a local Shaman). Here you can create an offering that blends Retreat offerings with a Cultural Immersion.
Tulum
81 miles south of Cancun, Tulum is known for its long stretches of virgin-like beaches, small town and stunning Mayan Ruins overlooking the Caribbean. The town now houses more restaurants and shops and has become home to many Italians and other foreigners. Tulum is known for its “laid back” and peaceful vibration. It’s the perfect setting for those wishing to do very little, and simply be.
Here you will find some of Mexico’s best beaches, ideal for diving and snorkeling. Tulum also has freshwater cenotes, passageways to underground rivers. A must-see! Visit the craft markets or watch the Mayan Pole Flyers as you walk around town. A walk up Tulum Beach Road takes you to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Punta Allen. The main god honored at Tulum is the “diving god,” or “Descending God,” depicted on several buildings as an upside-down figure above doorways. Tulum’s history and sacred land makes for yet another magical retreat destination!
Mérida
Mérida is the cultural heart and soul of the Yucatan. With a history starting with the Maya, leading to Spanish conquistadors and continuing with henequin plantations, this historic city offers you insights into a rich culture, incredible cuisine and friendly people! Mérida will give you an understanding about Mexico you will not find anywhere else.
Mérida was founded in 1542 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo, after marching across the peninsula from the Mayan port of Xel-Ha. Mérida has one of the largest centro historico districts in the Americas, with large and small colonial homes lining the city streets in various states of restoration and renovation. The historical center of Mérida is currently undergoing somewhat of a renaissance as more and more people are moving into the colonial buildings and reviving their former glory. Mérida is a cultural hub of the Yucatan with multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, theatres and stores. The beautiful colonial buildings encouraged the development of the vibrant cultural and artistic center. Music and dancing play an important role in the day-to-day life of its residents, and live performances can be seen frequently in the square and other venues around town.
Western Yucatan Beaches
A unique Mayan style yoga and wellness retreat hotel located in the protected Celestun Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula’s western beaches, offers Mexico yoga retreats in a new ocean view yoga and wellness retreat center. Just a 1.5 hour’s drive west of Merida, Satya offers the option of spending a day or 2 in this beautiful, colonial city on either end. This destination offers Mayan bungalow suites, new yoga and spa wellness center, and other facilities which were planned with respect for maintaining the original tropical native vegetation, leaving an intact eco-system. The endless white sand beaches are covered with thousands of seashells.
Nestled on a 3 mile virgin white sand beach, the sea is tranquil, very shallow, and has abundant aquatic life. There are a great variety of flowers in the hotel area. You will be able to see them by visiting the hotel’s interpretative paths…
Valladolid
An elegant colonial town founded in 1543, Valladolid is 100 miles inland from Cancun, and also 100 miles from the beautiful city of Merida. In addition to its beautiful town square, colonial architecture and nearby cenotes (natural caves containing wells nestled in tropical lush foliage), Valladolid also offers local tours to ancient Mayan ruins such as Ek Balam and Chichen Itza. This area of the Yucatan is often added in as a side-trip, and can also be taken either prior to or following the actual yoga retreat. Satya Retreats is happy to help coordinate a few extra days of a more historical journey for you and your retreat participants should this be of interest to you!
Bacalar
Known as the “lagoon of 7 colors” (“Laguna de los Siete Colores”), is located in the southernmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula near the border with Belize. It is still a sleepy town, perfect for the eco-minded traveler who seeks escape from the larger, more developed areas of the northern part of the Peninsula.
This breathtaking lagoon is a huge expanse of shallow water, with very soft white sand. It presents a slight swell of barely noticeable blue tones where the composition of the crystals present, generates a soothing energy which is perfect for retreats!
Satya Retreats is partnering with retreat properties that can be described as sanctuaries for relaxation and healing, of unique beauty and comfort, located on the shores of the pristine waters of this exquisite body of water.
Immersed in the jungle, away from the noises of the city and surrounded by paradisiacal views, fresh waters, jungle and mangroves, Bacalar is home to a large number of exotic and beautiful animals and vegetation.
This lagoon is part of a lagoon system approximately 55 kilometers long that connects with the Chetumal Bay through the Hondo River and the Chaac estuary.
