YOGA, SURF, SEVA with Kristen Swanzy O'Conner & Vanessa Morett
May 7-12, 2016; Sayulita, Mexico
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Days full of yoga practice and self-discovery, beach playtime, and leisurely relaxation are perfectly balanced with gratifying volunteer service in the beautiful fishing/surfing village of Sayulita, Mexico. This quirky tropical paradise, just about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport, provides the perfect setting for this unique mix of activity. Our experienced leaders/instructors- one of them a Sayulita local- ensure plenty of guidance will be available, while you also enjoy freedom to explore and enjoy spontaneous experiences.
The retreat itinerary allows you to customize your experience- whether you are seeking a deep restoration at an important juncture in your life, a relaxing vacation without the worry of details, or a chance to volunteer your skills and labor in solidarity with community, getting your hands in the dirt (or the paint)...this retreat is designed to provide you with ease and options. Introspection, connection, revelation- replete with yoga and surfing action- it's all available during this 6-day/5-night wellness vacation. |
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Location: Sayulita is located in a peaceful area of Mexico known as Riviera Nayarit, on the Pacific Coast just a bit north of Puerto Vallarta. This quirky fishing/surfing village is world's away from the day-to-day. Abundant with natural beauty, arts and crafts, and amazing food, the special pueblita of Sayulita has become a meeting place for in-the-know world travelers from across the globe seeking to live joyfully, in the moment.
The contrast between the quaint and the sophisticated, the beauty of nature and the human spirit, the remoteness and accessibility, provides the perfect environment for this experience of nourishment for body, mind, and spirit. 
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Accommodations: After days filled with yoga, adventure, vigorous play, blissful relaxation, and just a bit of hard work in service to our host community, we will sleep peacefully each night at the lovely Hotelito los Suenos, a sweet boutique hotel just a few minutes walk from the beautiful Sayulita beach. The hotel offers an open-air yoga studio, swimming pool, sundeck, and cafe on-site, as well as complimentary bicycles, boogie-boards, surf boards, stand-up paddle boards, and beach towels. Filtered water is also available on each level.
The cost of retreat is based on double occupancy in a room with two double beds (or one king-sized bed, if requested) and a bathroom. You may designate another guest with whom you'd like to share, or be assigned a roommate. If you prefer a private room or a full kitchen, you can opt to pay a premium fee (ask for details). 
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Yoga: Daily yoga asana practice, meditation, and yoga-inspired writing exercises will be offered in the lovely studio at Hotelito los Suenos and occasionally on the beach. Most mornings will start with a viniyoga/vinyasa practice, led by Kristen and assisted by Vanessa. Morning sessions will include writing/meditation prompts, in addition to both vigorous and restorative asana practice. Afternoon and evening practices will provide opportunities for more intensive Yoga Nidra, as well as exploration of Shadow Yoga and/or Acro Yoga.
All sessions are designed to stimulate discovery and awareness- within your body, within your mind and emotions, and within your interactions with other people and your surroundings. In these practices, you will move through fears and resistance to find connection to your own great power and capacity for love and gratitude. 
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Surf: Surfing and/or boogie board lessons will be available most days, learning from some of the best surf instructors in all of Mexico. Beginners will enjoy expert instruction from specialized surfing professionals, on a break that is known worldwide for being one of the most consistent and easiest for learning.
For those with more experience surfing, you will be provided advanced instruction on the breaks further north. Boogie boarding is also an option. And for those who prefer to sit back, relax, and watch the action- you will be provided a comfortable beach chair and umbrella to do just that, in a location that is conducive to people watching, enjoying the sound of the ocean, and popping into town in a matter of minutes. 
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Seva: We will take our yoga a bit deeper on this retreat, offering up our service- a few hours of physical labor- to honor the people and the place that infuse our experience with such vibrant energy. During this session, we will be dedicating our service to the building and maintenance of SayuParke, the local children's playground. This labor of love benefits the families who work and live in Sayulita- and the many children who have flocked to this village park from the time community volunteers first broke ground and installed a few features for climbing and swinging.
Our work project could include installation of play equipment, building raised bed/box gardens, painting, landscaping, or other maintenance projects to improve the safety and enjoyment of the space for local children and families. In total, we will devote approximately 5 hours for this project during our stay, including orientation and preparations. We will also be making a financial contribution to the project, from the proceeds of the retreat, and hosting a beach fiesta on our final evening, inviting members of the community who have contributed to the building of SayuParke to be our guests. 
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Other Activities: In the middle of retreat, we will enjoy a half-day fishing/snorkeling/surfing excursion- a day to relax, have fun, and explore the nearby islands and pristine beaches of Nayarit, with highly experienced local boat captain and guides.
We will enjoy AcroYoga play and optional circle time during the excursion. During free time throughout the retreat, options abound for recreation and leisure on the lovely beaches of Sayulita; on the veranda and near the pool at Hotelito los Suenos; and the bars and cafes in Sayulita provide fabulous people-watching, wonderful fresh whole food snacks, and artistic mixology. There are several beautifully curated shops and galleries to peruse and pick up local handicrafts and other mementos. You can borrow a bicycle from Hotelito to explore the surrounding jungle or jump in a cab and head to nearby San Pancho for a change of scenery. Any which way, you will not be bored or lack for activity choices- in fact, you might want to consider extending your stay, in order to circle back to some of the gems you will find along the way. 
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Meals: Delicious breakfast is provided at Hotelito each morning- smoothies, granola, yogurt, and entree specialties, all prepared with fresh local ingredients. Most days include a hearty group meal together (lunch or dinner), prepared by a local chef, with options available to meet dietary needs of guests.
On days with no group dinner, guests are provided meal vouchers to use at their choice of several fine eateries in the village. Most dietary limitations and preferences can be accommodated, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, pescetarian, vegan, etc. For a quaint village, Sayulita has a fairly sophisticated palate, and often receives rave reviews in travel columns internationally for the plethora of healthy eating options available in such a small town. 
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Retreat Leaders: We are thrilled to offer a special treat for this session of Yoga, Surf, and Seva- not one, but TWO acclaimed yoga instructors:
Kristen Swanzy-O'Conner and Vanessa Morett.
Kristen Swanzy-O'Conner and Vanessa Morett.
Kristen Swanzy-O'Conner serves as director of instructional programs at Maya Whole Health Studio, bringing a vast array of knowledge in a variety of yoga and meditation traditions (as well as Pilates). Kristen has developed a strong following at the studio and beyond with her bright passion for teaching and her dedication to her students. Kristen has guided multitudes into appreciation for yoga and their own beloved bodies, including many who have come to her initially feeling broken and ashamed about the state of their fitness and lives. Her compassionate approach to teaching is often cited by clients as a key to their healing and positive growth, inside and out. Kristen is an experienced retreat leader, having developed and led the popular Yoga & Nature:: Refresh Your Perspective retreats in the North Cascades several times each year. Kristen will be leading evening Nidra practice and morning Viniyoga and Vinyasa, along with writing and meditation exercises to deepen the benefit of your practice, and she will be providing thematic continuity and her joyful participation throughout all aspects of the retreat experience.
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Vanessa Morett serves as the yoga program manager at the beautiful Hotelito los Suenos in Sayulita, where we will be lodging and enjoying our studio yoga practice each day. With nine years experience, Vanessa brings pure joy, playfulness, and humor to her teaching, alongside a respect for alignment and awareness that has become the hallmark of practice under her guidance. Living and teaching in an environment that brings yoga-lovers from around the world, Vanessa has gained accolades for her ability to provide intuitive and engaged instruction, regardless of language barriers and the span of experience levels she might have in any class she teaches. Vanessa is fluent in English and Spanish- and the languages of body and facial expression, too. Vanessa is a lifelong learner, always bringing new and interesting workshops to Sayulita to expand her own knowledge and share with her students. She will be offering evening studio and beach practice, incorporating AcroYoga, Ashtanga, and YinYang Energy Balancing Method and providing adjustments and insights during morning sessions.
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Retreat Cost:
$1690, includes: 5 nights lodging; daily breakfast and 1-2 additional meals daily; daily yoga practice and surf lessons; all other group activities (snorkeling, fishing, surfing, excursion to Marietas); and a donation towards the volunteer action projects (SayuParke/Sea Turtle Rehab). Single room upgrade, $300 extra Airfare/Ground Transport Not Included Annual Maya Member Discount. Inquire In Studio. $200 deposit for registration/reservation Balance due April 16, 2016 |
For more information or to register, contact studio@mayawholehealth.com, call 425-271-0200, or click on link below:
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