6-day Ashtanga Yoga retreat in Yucatán, Mexico
Daily Ashtanga Yoga Mysore sytle, pranayama, and meditation
All levels of students are welcome
Immerse yourself in daily Ashtanga Yoga Mysore-style practice, Pranayama, and Meditation. And experience a moving cacao ceremony, Temazcal ritual and sound healing. This retreat is dedicated to cultivating a good connection to new beginnings and fostering our true-hearted intentions for the upcoming year.
Through our shared practice and collaborative spirit during the retreat, we nurture a sense of self-care and collective well-being. Drawing closer to nature provides healing and grounding, reinforcing our interconnectedness with one another and the planet.
One Breath of Yoga retreat space has the perfect surroundings to open yourself for connection and grounding. It offers a beautiful safe space held by a very joyful and loving team.
Each day will commence with Pranayama, chanting, and meditation, followed by Ashtanga Yoga Mysore-Style practice. Afternoons will be dedicated to meditation, cacao ceremonies, and mindfulness talks, with a special experience of the powerful Temazcal sweat lodge on a chosen day, and a sound healing journey too.
Our schedule also allows ample time for relaxation and exploration of the beautiful surroundings.
Bárbara Macías
Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama & Mindfulness
I have been dedicated to daily Ashtanga practice since 2008, initially delving into various yoga styles before my journey led me to Mysore, India, where I discovered Ashtanga Yoga. I have been teaching yoga since 2010 and have been running a Mysore program in Berlin since 2017. My studies have taken me to India, where I practiced at the KPJAYI with Sharath Jois and Goa with Rolf Naukojat and Sharmila Desai. Matthew Vollmer and Carla Vollmer have been my main teachers, and more recently, I have embarked for two years on a mindfulness Teacher Training certification program under the guidance of Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
Simon Knockton
Meditation & Mindfulness
Simon practices meditation and Buddhism. He studies within the Triratna Buddhism Movement. He has been learning from scores of excellent Buddhist teachers and mentors in the last years. He is passionate about sharing ancient wisdom practices in modern times.
Cacao Ceremony
Cacao has been used in ancient ceremonies by South Americans and the Maya for thousands of years. It has an active ingredient in it called theobromine — which can be translated to ‘Food of the Gods’.
Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing, but they don’t have hallucinogenic or “out of body” effects, unlike some of the other shamanic experiences. The ceremonies are rooted in helping to rebalance the energies within us and restore good health.
Through opening the heart, cacao enables us to hear our true selves, work through blockages and past traumas, dissolve any pent-up negative energy, and help us align with who we truly are.
Cacao is packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for cardiovascular health too. It is also renowned for releasing dopamine and endorphins in the body, which soothe symptoms of PMS as well as depression by boosting our mood.
Ale Sai
Cacao facilitator
With the gift of melting hearts, when Ale sings she embodies all the characteristics of Bhakti and devotion.
Having grown up with her father as a Kirtan player it has been a path that comes naturally to her. A space holder in Cacao, Kirtan, Temazcal and many other ceremonies it is an honor to have her as part of the Master’s team.
Temazcal
Temazcal is a type of sweat lodge that originated from pre-Hispanic indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word Temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli (“house of heat”) or possibly from the Aztec teme (to bathe) and calli (house).
The Maya, in modern-day Mexico, used the Temazcal as a place for both spiritual ceremonies and physical healing. They would enter the Temazcal for days at a time in search of the answers within themselves, exiting the ritual as newly profound beings.
In general, the Temazcal was viewed by the Mayans as the womb of Mother Earth. The structure itself is typically constructed from volcanic rock, cement, and clay and has a circular dome.
Volcanic stones are heated and placed in a pit inside. Up to 20 guests sit in the Temazcal and a Shaman (ancient Maya healer) performs a series of guided meditations targeted at cleansing and harmonizing the spirit.
Pamela
Temazcal facilitator
Certified in biomagnetism and breathwork therapies, Pamela began her journey with sacred medicines in 2006 with the church of Santo Daime. She then joined the Red Path in the Ixachilatlan fire performing different initiations such as the vision quest.
In Peru, Pamela continued her studies with the Shipibo Masters. She has been facilitating at Arkana Spiritual Center since 2015 and ongoingly supports the Sacred Valley Tribe Center in Pisac, Sacred Valley.
Sound Therapy
Sound healing therapy is a holistic practice that uses sound vibrations to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It can involve various techniques.
The therapy is based on the idea that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is made of energy and vibrates at certain frequencies. By using sound, practitioners aim to restore balance, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall health. Many people find sound healing beneficial for reducing anxiety and improving general well-being.
Renee
She grew up in Norway but has lived most of her life abroad pursuing the many passions in her life. After a successful career in film production, she now turns all her life skills into creating powerful experiences for people to grow and heal. She is an incredible space holder who brings so much joy and love into everything she does. She has over 500 hours of certification in yoga, movement, and sound healing. She is also deeply passionate about breath-work and ice baths. Some of our retreat guest’s favorite workshops! She is a master manifester with so much wisdom to share.
Food
At One Breath of Yoga, we have an exclusively raw vegan-ayurvedic food diet - with the occasional exception. We encourage our guests to try and participate as much as they can with our eating program. After morning yoga enjoy a super healthy brunch. We have a large super smoothie, fruits, or porridge served around 11 a.m., then in the evening, we have the main meal of the day.
As the main meal be prepared to have your mind blown by all the possibilities of raw food cooking. Raw doesn’t have to be just cold, we use our dehydrator machine to create some truly epic dishes.
Guests are of course welcome to eat extra food in between these meal times (we will also provide you with mixed nuts to snack on), however, we invite you as much as possible to try and stick to our daily food ritual, as we believe it is the best way to support your health while on your stay.
FOKO
Raw vegan & ayurvedic chef
Foko is our very own private chef and the wise master of our medicinal food. His passion started as just a 12-year-old boy when he was trained by everyone’s favorite chef – his grandma.
Suddenly he was rising through the ranks at a private cooking agency while simultaneously practicing yoga under his teacher Michael Stewart, founder of Shanta Vira Yoga.
In 2018 his cooking took a more conscious path and led him to study Ayurveda. He offers Ayurveda consultations during our Retreats.
Accommodation
Immersed in the Mayan jungle, and a peaceful neighborhood with cabañas and apartments One Breath of Yoga retreat space invites the guests to experience an Ashram way of life, whereby we practice being mindful and quiet, in order to go deeper into your spiritual practices and introspection.
Location and things to do
The retreat will take place in Puerto Morelos, Yucatán, Mexico. Puerto Morelos is a beautiful little fisherman village in the Caribbean of the Riviera Maya.
The ashram is located in the jungle, where quietness provides great energy for deep introspection and personal work. The ashram is very close to the village where guests may want to dip into the Mexican culture. The beaches of Puerto Morelos are also very close, with beautiful white sand and crystal water.
This culturally rich area is steeped in the ancient traditions of the Mayan civilization, featuring archaeological wonders, captivating cenotes, excellent snorkeling spots, and idyllic white sandy beaches.
Experience the rejuvenating waters of cenotes, natural pools with incredibly pure and transparent water, perfect for refreshing and invigorating your spirit.
Discover the allure of Puerto Morelos' renowned snorkeling sites, showcasing the mesmerizing beauty of the world's second-largest coral reef, drawing visitors from around the globe.
For those seeking to explore on foot or by bike, we can recommend scenic routes that allow you to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Delve into the local shopping scene, brimming with opportunities to peruse traditional craftwork at various artisanal shops. Don't miss the vibrant Thursday night market, where talented local artisans and craftsmen showcase their creations.
Indulge in a culinary adventure by dining at the many exceptional eateries in the area, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Allow us to recommend a selection of dining establishments sure to satisfy your palate.
Treatments
The retreat offers a selection of therapies by the One Breath of Yoga family. They are not included in the retreat price you will need to book them separately. Read more
When
Friday 3rd January – Thursday 9th January 2025
Check-in 3pm & Check-out: 12 pm
Price and booking
850€ per person
Final places still available
Price per person includes daily yoga, food as described, 6 nights of accommodation, a cacao, temazcal and sound therapy ceremony. Each person or couple has their own room. Registration is made with full payment.
Partners who would like to join but who do not want to take part in the full programme are also welcome. And children too are also very welcome. Write us for more details about this.
And if you have any other questions please write us at info@mysoreshala.com.
Cancellation policy - Full refund: made if you cancel up to 45 days before check-in - 18.11.24 - minus 75 € administration fee. 50% refund: made if you cancel between 44 and 10 days before check-in. Zero refund: if you cancel 9 days or less before check-in.
Getting there
If you are flying from abroad the easiest way is flying to Cancún international airport and from there you take a taxi. The retreat center is 25 minutes away. You can also fly to Tulum airport and the ashram is 2 hours by car from there.
Contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is the retreat led in?
The retreat will be led in English. Barbara and the ashram team speak Spanish too.
How many people will join the retreat?
We have reached the minimum number of participants for the retreat to go ahead and the maximum number of participants that can join is 20.
Do we need to bring a yoga mat?
Yoga mats are provided at the ashram. You are very welcome to bring your own too.
Are other yoga props such as blocks provided?
Other yoga props are not provided. In the Mysore Ashtanga practice props are not used and posture variations are made to accommodate each body type. You can bring a block or meditation cushion to meditate on if that is supportive for you.
Are airport connections available?
Incoming airport pick ups can be booked for roughly 700 Mexican Peso / 35€. We will organise onward connections with everyone at the end of the retreat.