Roots & Renewal: A Retreat of Rest, Ritual & Remerging
Merida/Chicxulub, Mexico
February 28th- March 5th, 2026
Retreat in Mérida & the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
Slowly emerge out of the winter months and into spring, on this sacred journey to the Yucatán. The healing waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the vibrant soul of Mérida hold space for deep rest, remembrance, and renewal. Guided by the changing season and the wisdom of the land, we’ll soften winter’s grip and gently awaken into the light of spring - open, grounded, and alive.
At the heart of this retreat is the reverence for Mayan tradition, ancient, rooted, and profoundly alive in the landscapes and people of this region. From a heart-opening cacao ceremony led by a local Mayan medicine woman to a floating sound journey in a sacred cenote, we’ll engage with rituals passed down through generations, designed to restore balance between self, spirit, and nature. You’ll stay in a tranquil beachfront home just steps from the sea, with space to rest, reflect, and realign. In the quiet moments, you’ll remember what it means to listen deeply, to the land, to the ancestors, and to the voice from within that knows exactly when and how to bloom.
Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, is known for its rich Mayan heritage, colonial architecture, and lively cultural scene. Celebrated as one of the safest regions in Mexico, the area offers a welcoming atmosphere, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly through colorful markets, historic landmarks, and warm local hospitality. While popular destinations like Cancún and Tulum often cater to tourists, Mérida invites the traveler, offering a deeper immersion into the region’s rich culture, history, and daily life.
Tentative Retreat Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrival & Check-In at the retreat home
(Transportation to/from Mérida Airport included within a two-hour window) **Airfare not includedGet Settled into your room, explore the grounds, jump in the ocean, take a swim in the pool, and relax.
Evening Sunset Circle
Day 2: Grounding & Ceremony
Morning Yoga & Meditation
Gentle movement and breathwork to ease into retreat mode.Free Time on the Beach
Rest, journal, swim, or simply soak in the sun and sea.Optional - Late Afternoon: Traditional Cacao Ceremony
Step into a sacred space as we gather for a heart-centered Traditional Mayan Cacao Ceremony, led by a local Mayan medicine woman. This ancient ritual, used for centuries by the Maya, helps deepen connection with the spirit, the earth, and each other. Centered around cacao — the sacred plant medicine known as the “Food of the Gods” — this experience invites emotional release, gratitude, and clarity. Cacao is the pure, minimally processed form of the cacao (chocolate) bean, rich in antioxidants, minerals, and natural compounds that gently open the heart, enhance emotional awareness, and support spiritual connection. Unlike modern chocolate, ceremonial-grade cacao is prepared with intention and consumed as a warm, bitter elixir that nurtures both body and spirit.
Day 3: Water Healing & Renewal
Breakfast at the hacienda
Journey to a Private, Sacred Cenote
Experience a transformative visit to a sacred cenote nestled in nature. Begin with a floating sound bath session led by a local wellness guide—the fusion of sound and water promotes deep relaxation and inner renewal.
Afterward, enjoy time to swim, swing, or simply unwind in this tranquil sanctuary. A traditional Mayan lunch, lovingly prepared by a local family, is included.Evening Beach Bonfire
Relax by the ocean under the full moon/lunar eclipse.
Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Mérida
Morning Yoga Class
Free Time by the Sea
Sunrise walks, ocean dips, or soaking up the sun.Afternoon & Evening in Mérida
In the afternoon and evening we will explore Mérida’s vibrant streets and browse the lively local markets before gathering for a group dinner in town. Afterwards, we will visit La Gran Plaza, where the city comes alive with music, color, and candlelit reverence.
Day 5: Rest & Reflection
Morning Restorative Yoga Class
Day of Rest & Relaxation
Open space to integrate, reflect, or simply be.
Optional massages available.Evening Closing Bonfire on the Beach
Day 6: Closing & Departure
Morning Closing Circle
Departure for Merida Airport
Where we’ll be staying…
We will be retreating to a beautiful, tranquil beachfront home. The house is steps from the warm sand and calm clear water of the Gulf of Mexico and located in a scenic part of the Yucatán Peninsula, between the vibrant port town of Progreso and the laid-back beach village of Chicxulub. This quiet area, about 35 minutes from Merida, is known for its easy access to beaches, cenotes, and small fishing communities, making it a perfect gateway to both cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Your Yucaton, Mexico Experience Includes…
6 days/5 nights accommodations
Airport transfers to/from Merida International Airport. **Airfare is not included.
Morning yoga and meditation classes with Sara Nelson
Themed sharing circles
All meals/snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included except for one dinner out in Merida.
Day in Merida, Capital of the Yucatan.
Excursion to Ancient Cenote with floating sound bath and traditional Mayan lunch
Full moon beach bonfire
Traditional Mayan Cacao Ceremony with local medicine woman.
Two Pricing Options:
(4 spots left)
Double Occupancy Rooms (two beds in a shared room)- 5 monthly payments of $399 or one payment of $1999
Single Occupancy Private Room with private bathroom- 5 monthly payments of $480 or one payment of $2200
$400 deposit secures your room. Additional payment plans available for all rooms. Reach out to Sara@thesoljourney.com when you are ready to book!
A little bit about your host…
Hi, I am Sara,,,
I work with people and organizations who are doing transformational work, in their personal lives and the world around them.
Nothing lights me up more than when I can support people in realizing their own power to create change.
Growth, authenticity and service are the values that guide me toward my vision of gathering those who are committed to reimagining new ways.
I found yoga, mindfulness and mediation while I was battling with Postpartum Depression and Grief. I promised, as I discovered these tools in my own recovery, I would learn how to share with other women. I am now an ICF Certified Life Coach, Yoga Teacher, Women’s Circle Facilitator, Empowerment Retreat Leader and the Co-Founder of Meet us On the Frontlines, a non-profit connecting individuals who want to make a difference with those on the frontlines of community care.
I believe we all have something that is needed in the world right now. A unique gift, skill, idea or vision given to us for a reason and love supporting women as they discover their own voice and power.
✨“If not you, who? If not now, when?”✨.
**Retreat Experience Curated in Collaboration with The Geographic Gypsy
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that because retreats are limited to a small number of attendees, to allow for a more personable, intimate experience, our cancellation policy is in place to help us work together sharing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.
1. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
2. Hold deposits are transferable to another attendee found and assigned by original attendee.
3. Full balance due 4 weeks before start date of retreat unless otherwise noted.
4. Cancellation requests submitted within 30 days of retreat date, 50% of total
amount (less deposit) will be refunded.
5. Within 14 days of your retreat: sorry but no refunds given, no exceptions.
6. Any refunds allowed will incur a 3% processing fee.
No one books a retreat with the intention of cancelling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance (see below) and that it is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policies. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat, or for arriving late or leaving early. We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance. We encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance in order that your trip fees will be covered should you or your family have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip. Trip insurance should also be purchased to cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident while on the retreat. Most travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation.