Beachfront Yoga Retreat at Xinalani: Seven Days of Yoga, Nature and Mexican Flavours near Puerto Vallarta

Xinalani sits on its own stretch of beach at Quimixto, a small village south of Puerto Vallarta that you reach by boat from the marina. The property is built into the hillside: a main palapa for meals, six yoga studios scattered up and down the slope (some with panoramic views, one right on the beach), and a set of casitas and suites connected by stone paths and stairs. There's no road access, so once you arrive, everything you need is on site. After dark, the place is lit by lanterns and the stars; the loudest thing you'll hear is the ocean.

The yoga programme is the anchor of the week. Most retreats here follow a similar pattern: a 90-minute class before breakfast, then a longer evening session, with one or two afternoons left free for an excursion or simply lying on the beach. Classes are held in the open-air studios, so you're practising with the sound of birds and waves. Styles vary by teacher — some weeks are Iyengar-focused, others vinyasa, restorative or a mix. The listed retreats are taught by visiting teachers from Mexico, the US and Europe; each brings their own approach, but all are experienced and most have been running retreats for years.

When you're not on the mat, there's plenty to do without leaving the property: kayaks and paddleboards are available, there's a small gym, a temazcal (sweat lodge) for traditional ceremonies, and a spa offering massage and body treatments. Hiking trails lead up into the jungle behind the resort, and you can walk to a nearby waterfall. Boat trips can be arranged to snorkel at Los Arcos, see whales from December to March, or visit the village of Yelapa. The staff can also organise horseback riding on the beach.

Meals are included and eaten together in the main palapa, usually at long communal tables. The kitchen serves Mexican and vegetarian dishes using local produce and seafood, with options at every meal for vegans and anyone with dietary restrictions — you just need to tell them in advance. Breakfast is often a buffet with fruit, eggs, beans, chilaquiles and fresh juice; lunch and dinner might include fish tacos, vegetable enchiladas, pozole, or grilled catch of the day with rice and salad. There's no bar scene here — alcohol is available but not a focus, and many guests choose to skip it.

The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious. People come alone, as couples, or in small groups of friends, and by day two most people know each other's names. It's not a party place and it's not a silent meditation bootcamp — it's a week to move, eat well, sleep deeply and spend a lot of time looking at the ocean. The retreat is all-inclusive: accommodation, three meals a day, yoga classes, and use of the beach equipment are covered in one price, so you don't have to think about money once you're there.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a casita or suite - 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes (usually 2 per day) - Use of kayaks and paddleboards - Boat transfer from Puerto Vallarta marina to Xinalani and back - Filtered drinking water - Wi-Fi in common areas - Daily housekeeping

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers in Puerto Vallarta (taxi to marina) - Alcoholic drinks - Spa treatments and massages - Optional excursions (snorkelling, whale watching, horseback riding) - Temazcal ceremony (sometimes included, check with operator) - Laundry service - Personal expenses and tips