Day of the Dead Yoga + Reverence Retreat Oaxaca
Day of the Dead : Yoga + Reverence Retreat
in Oaxaca, Mexico
Join us for the perfectly curated bespoke yoga retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico to celebrate the soulful tradition of Dia de los Muertos.
This unique yoga retreat in Oaxaca has been created to celebrate Mexico; its rich culture, delectable cuisine, stunning nature, artistic expression and its most reverent of holidays, the Day of the Dead. Soulful yoga practices will anchor each day along with fabulous adventures including traditional Mexican cuisine cooking class, artisanal mezcal distillery tours and tastings, excursions to visit local artisans like candle makers, rug weavers, and alebrije artists, healing massages, markets and shopping time will round out the days. Our lovely accommodations with swimming pool and temazcal are nestled just far enough outside the city to have a reprieve from the bustle of Oaxaca but close enough to experience all it has to offer. Join us to experience the rich tradition and culture in the heart of Mexico’s culinary gem. Your souls will thank you.
About
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
World-renowned for its bright flavors from the kitchen and for putting mezcal on the hipster mixology scene, Oaxaca City is one of our most sought-after destinations to date for a plethora of reasons. Firstly, of course, for the incredible Mexican cuisine lovingly crafted for generations over open flames and harvested fresh from the abundant fields nestled in the mountains and valleys of Oaxaca. Next, for the rich tradition of their local spirit, mezcal, made from the abundant agave plants of the region.
Of course, for the unique artisans and craftsmanship that is richly steeped in the culture from candle makers to rug weavers and the incredibly talented artists who create the adorable alebrijes creatures. And finally, to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a time when all souls gather to remember, honor and celebrate the memories and favorites of their loved ones lost. Altars are decorated with strongly scented marigold flowers believed to lure the dead back to this realm, with cut paper flags, beautifully decorated sugar skulls, plenty of fruits and local vegetables and spices, and even their favorite libations for the spirits to enjoy!
We honor our loved ones lost by bringing their photos and some of their favorite things to place on the altar we create together for this very sacred holiday. It’s such a different perspective on death, and we think that is so very special and important to revere in the opportunity to view death in a different way. It reminds us just how precious our time together on this plane is and to celebrate with fondness and a common bond those who have touched our lives so deeply.
Join us for the most unique yoga retreat to celebrate Mexico, its culture, cuisine, wonders of nature, and artistic expression in Oaxaca. Soulful yoga practices will anchor each day along with fabulous adventures including traditional Mexican cuisine cooking class, artisanal mezcal distillery tours and tastings, excursions to visit local artisans like candle makers, rug weavers, and alebrije artists, healing massages, markets and shopping time will round out the days. Our lovely accommodations with swimming pool and temazcal are nestled just far enough outside the city to have a reprieve from the bustle of Oaxaca but close enough to experience all it has to offer. Join us to experience the rich tradition and culture in the heart of Mexico’s culinary gem. Your souls will thank you.
Includes
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
includes :
7 nights in fabulous private villa accommodations
Yoga classes daily as per itinerary
All breakfasts and early morning coffee, tea, and snack before yoga
5 dinners together at the villa
Walking City Food Tour with tastings at some of the city’s best spots
Traditional Oaxacan Cooking class with lunch
Optional temezcal ceremony
75 minute healing massage
Artisanal Mezcal tasting and distillery tour
Catrina face painting and optional cemetery visits**
Excursion to the stunning mountain range of Oaxaca : candle maker demo and visit to local rug maker family. Lunch included.
Creation of our own Day of the Dead Altar
Excursion to visit artisans making alebrijes & to create your own. Lunch included on the copal farm.
All villa taxes and fees
What’s not Included :
Airfare and airport transfers*
2 dinners and any other meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary.
Any souvenirs you’d like to bring home with you (rugs, mezcal, pottery, candles, etc).
Staff gratuities are at your discretion. Housekeeping daily, massage therapist, and meal service suggested.
*We can arrange private or shared airport transfers for you when you forward us your flight itinerary. Pricing will depend on how many sharing the ride.
Itinerary
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
itinerary*
DAY ONE : October 28
1pm Arrival and check-in
Lounge by the pool, massages, relax, explore the neighborhood
6:30pm Opening circle, smudge and gentle yoga practice
8pm Dinner together at the villa
DAY TWO : October 29
8am Coffee, Tea and fruit available
8:30-10am Yoga Practice
11am-3pm Walking Food Tour of the city
Free time, massages, explore the city, shopping, lounge by the pool, relax
6:30-7:30pm Gentle Yoga practice
8pm Dinner together at the villa
DAY THREE : October 30
8am Coffee, Tea and fruit available
8:30-10am Yoga Practice
10:15am Breakfast
11:30am-7pm Excursion to the beautiful mountain towns of Oaxaca. Stops to visit a custom candle-maker, visit a family of rug makers in their shop and enjoy lunch with them, explore a Mezcal distillery to see the process in action and have a taste (or 6).
Dinner on your own
DAY FOUR : October 31
8am Coffee, Tea and fruit available
8:30-10am Yoga Practice
10:15am Breakfast
Free time, massages, explore the city, shopping, lounge by the pool, relax
5pm Day of the Dead Alter creation (bring any photos and special items to add)
6:30-8:30pm Temazcal ceremony
9pm Dinner together at the villa
DAY FIVE : November 1
8am Coffee, Tea and fruit available
8:30-10am Yoga Practice
10:15am Breakfast
11:30am – 3:30pm Cooking Class with lunch
6pm Happy hour, Catrina face painting**
8pm Dinner together at the villa
9:30pm optional Day of the Dead cemetery visits+
**Please make sure to bring any costume items you’d like to don on the town for the celebrations. Inspiration can be found all over the web.
+Please note that in the case that the cemeteries are closed due to Covid restrictions, we will explore the city’s altars and decor on foot instead.
DAY SIX : November 2
8:30am Breakfast
9:30am – 7pm Excursion to visit Albrijes artisans, create our own art piece; enjoy lunch on the farm, stop along the way for typical Oaxacan black pottery
Dinner on your own
DAY Seven : November 3
8am Coffee, Tea and fruit available
8:30-10am Yoga Practice
10:15am Breakfast
Free time, massages, explore the city, shopping, lounge by the pool, relax; lunch on your own
7-8:30pm Closing circle and final yoga practice
8:45pm Closing Dinner together at the villa
DAY Eight : November 4
8am Breakfast available
Airport Departures+
+We can arrange private or shared airport transfers for you when you forward us your flight itinerary. Pricing will depend on how many sharing the ride.
*Our itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control while on retreat. In any case, we will take measures to provide a similar experience of the same high quality. Thank you for your flexibility if it becomes necessary.
Stay
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
accommodations
Our own private villa accommodations nestled in the countryside just 20 minutes by car to the historic center of Oaxaca and located on the way to the village of El Tule and the “Ruta de Mezcal”. Unique details and typical Mexican decor with attention to every detail adorn the house (home of the legendary Oaxacan singer Lila Downs and her mother), a rooftop swimming pool, gardens, sitting areas both indoors and out, dining area and chef’s kitchen(s) are all for our use during the retreat.
Beautiful bedrooms with interesting details and ensuite bathrooms are available as private king rooms or with 2 twin beds for sharing.
High ceilings and well planned ventilation provide coolness in the summer months and the perfect temperature in the fall.
The home has a traditional temazcal that we will utilize in ceremony if you wish to participate. It’s an incredible experience of purifying and cleansing as well as deep personal work as you move through the stages of the process.
Our yoga will take place in the porch area of the house.
Common areas include the gorgeous living room and two kitchens for all the amazing food that we will be enjoying and creating together.
Pricing
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
pricing
Private King or Shared Twin Rooms
These rooms have one king bed or 2 twin beds with private ensuite bathroom.
$3,995usd private king accommodation
$3,495usd per person shared twin bed accommodations
Shared Triple Rooms
These rooms have 3 twin beds with private ensuite bathroom.
$3,325usd per person for 3 people sharing
*You must provide your own bed mate for this option. We can pair roommates together but not people sharing a bed together.
We have limited space in our private villa so we ask that you please be open to sharing a room in order to accommodate all our guests. We can pair you with other travelers of the same gender looking to share a room.
Reserve
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
Reservations :
MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT HERE :
Deposits of $1,000usd are due to secure your space in the retreat. Please check availability with us for accommodations before making your deposit.
Roommates should book together. If you would like to share a room and do not have a roommate we will provide one for you if possible. In the case that there is no one to share a room we ask that you take a private room instead.
Please use the form below to submit your deposit.
BALANCE PAYMENTS :
The balance of your retreat (minus your $1,000usd initial deposit*) is due 90 days prior to arrival. All details with instructions for settling up will be emailed to you three months prior to the retreat.
In addition to credit card payments we also accept wire transfers, Zelle and Bitcoin. Please inquire for more details.
POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY
All payments are 100% non refundable and non-transferable. We recommend that you buy Trip cancellation insurance immediately upon making your initial deposit to cover any travel hiccups or complications that may arise between now and the time of your retreat. No exceptions are possible so please cover your trip by connecting with an insurance company that offers the right policy for you. Agents are available online to help with your specific needs. Cover your retreat here!
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
The acceptance of a verbal or written confirmation from YOGA & ADVENTURES WORLDWIDE (Y&AWW) constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed herein. Participants are responsible to be adequately insured, therefore Traveler’s Insurance is strongly recommended*. Y&AWW and its staff assume no responsibility nor liability for any delay, loss, damage, injury or accident with regards to persons or property which may be caused by fault or negligence of any third party vendor. This includes hotels, transportation providers, and local operators participating in part for our services. Y&AWW shall be held harmless for any expense caused by injury or accident, to any participants as well as any loss or damage of personal items while on our tours. We reserve the right to make any changes to services and itineraries, with or without notice, which may become necessary.
Yoga & Adventures Worldwide, its affiliates, retreat facilitators, hotels, third party vendors, and tour providers, the ownership, or staff, of course, cannot be held responsible for events that are outside of our control. There are no refunds as per our cancellation policies. We highly recommend that all of our guests secure a quality travel insurance that will cover them for ANY event which may cause for a change of travel plans, or for ANY unfortunate event including but of course not limited to:
– Transportation delays, cancellations or changes due to strikes, labor disputes, or lockouts from airlines, boats, ferries or any type of transportation.
– Any inconvenience or complication caused by bad weather, storms, and hurricanes : a direct hit, near miss, or significant threat of a hurricane strike
– Government/political actions, events or situations; threats or acts of terrorism, acts of war or declared war.
– Personal health issues or personal situations in general which may affect travel plans
– Any loss, theft or damage of personal items at any stage of your trip
– Any accident causing injury during any stage of your trip
– Travel restrictions or illness associated with COVID-19.
All travelers may join our retreats “at your own risk”, but should continue to take precautions such as wearing masks in public, avoiding crowds, maintaining social distance and washing hands frequently. Any Covid testing will be determined by the countries through which the traveler must pass. All testing requirements are at the travelers expense and are not included in our packages. Please stay up to date with current travel related requirements.
We require that you are covered with medical insurance while on retreat. Please check your health insurance policy regarding treatment outside your home country in the rare case you would need care while away from home. Most policies have coverage for emergencies and we ask that you submit proof of this coverage when prompted. If you do not have a policy that covers travel medical, we recommend that you speak with an agent to see what is best for you. Insubuy has many options for coverage. Please consult with the agent to make sure the plan you choose covers medical care in the country you are visiting. We will ask for proof of medical insurance prior to the retreat.
By submitting payments toward your retreat you accept these Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions regarding the details of this retreat please feel free to contact us to set up a call or to receive further info via email.
Travel Tips Guide
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Yoga + Reverence Retreat
Travel Tips Guide :
Travel :
The closest airport to our retreat villa accommodations is Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) also known as Xoxocotlán International Airport. Airport transfers and flights are not included in the retreat package. If you would like us to arrange a ride to and from the airport for you please submit your flight details.
Weather :
Days are typically pleasant this time of year with temps in the 70s F. Evenings cool off in the desert as the sun goes down so a sweater and jeans at night make things comfortable. There is a swimming pool on the roof of our villa so make sure to pack your swimsuit if you’d like to take a tip during the day!
Bring :
For our night out at the cemeteries and face painting, you should check around online for some inspo for a costume.…at least a flower crown would be nice or a big hat and a dress if you’re feeling festive! There may be items you pick up while in Oaxaca if you make the time as well. We have our favorite local artists coming to do face painting for us so all you’ll need is the attire. The weather at night can be a bit chilly so please plan your outfit accordingly.
For our altar for Dia de Muertos, we will be creating together a traditional offering with flowers, candles, cut paper, typical fruits and vegetables, chocolate and breads. We ask that if you’d like to bring along something to symbolize your loved ones who have passed that you please do so in the form of a photo (framed or a copy), any items that they particularly enjoyed in life (like a favorite game, or a cigarette or whatever trinket might be close to your heart). We will build our altar slowly over the days leading up to Nov 1 and 2nd and each person will have some private time to add their muertos. This is a very special time and we are really looking forward to sharing it with you all in this unique way.
Please plan to bring your yoga mat and any props you use while practicing.
Footwear : Streets are cobblestone and relatively uneven in the city; the walking we do on excursions is fine in a sandal or tennis shoe. There is no strenuous walking on this retreat.
Tipping :
Tips are not included in your retreat package and we encourage you to tip anyone who has made your retreat more comfortable and pleasant. Our villa has daily maid service in the rooms, grounds keepers and an overnight guard onsite. We have private chefs cooking all our meals at home, Sonia who leads our cooking class and our food tour as well as Julio who drives us all around town. If you like we can collect tips in one lump sum and then divide them amongst everyone who makes the magic happen behind the scenes. You can contribute your gratuity at any time on retreat but we will present it all together at the final dinner to the staff.
Recommended amount for the 7 nights is 1000-1500 Mexican pesos.
The massage therapist can be tipped directly. We recommend between 100-200 Mexican pesos per treatment.
Thank you so much in advance from them. You will see what a fabulous job they all do for us!
Hydrate :
The altitude of Oaxaca City is at about 5000 feet. We recommend hydrating well prior to arrival and drinking lots of water for the first few days if you are sensitive to higher elevations.
