Custom Yoga & Breathwork Retreat in the Riviera Maya

This private retreat is run by Michael Gannon, a teacher who left advertising in the late 1990s and spent a decade studying in India with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He's authorized to teach the Ashtanga system and has led classes in over fifty countries. Gannon runs Yogaloft in Playa del Carmen, a yoga school guests often describe as one of the most beautiful they've seen. His teaching covers Ashtanga, Power Vinyasa, and a range of breathwork and meditation techniques.

What makes this different from a group retreat is the total flexibility. Before you book, you have a discovery call to talk about what you're looking for. Maybe you're dealing with stress, maybe you want to go deeper into your Ashtanga practice, or maybe you just need a few days to switch off. The program gets shaped around that. If you want a cold-pressed juice detox, that can be arranged. If you want to focus purely on breathwork, that's possible too.

Accommodations vary by location. Casa Awakening at El Cuyo is a private center perched on white sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are rooms with king beds and en-suite bathrooms, or larger ones with two queen beds and direct access to the beach. The jungle locations place you in nature, with simple, comfortable spaces that keep you close to the sounds of the forest. Each property has its own character, but all are chosen for their calm atmosphere.

The area itself is a highlight. The Riviera Maya offers cenotes—natural swimming holes with crystal-clear water—where you can swim and join a guided meditation. There are beaches, jungle trails, and the nearby towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen for exploring. Gannon knows the region well and can point you to off-the-beaten-path spots or arrange activities like horseback riding through the Yucatán countryside.

What's included

- Accommodations - Daily healthy breakfast - Other meals as added to your program - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathwork) classes - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - Parking - WiFi connection - Guided meditation at a cenote (if chosen) - Evening bonfire gatherings - Mezcal tasting 'Atomic Guru' (optional)

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Additional meals (lunch and dinner, unless pre-arranged) - Cold Pressed Juices Detox Plan (optional add-on) - Flights - Travel insurance - Additional activities (ice bath, kite-surfing, horseback riding, Temazcal ceremony)