Wellness Escape: 6-Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat on the Shores of Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico

The retreat runs from Monday to Saturday. Check-in begins at 3 PM, and the opening circle is at 5 PM, so the first day is mostly about settling in and meeting the group. From then on, each day follows a similar shape: an early morning yoga practice, breakfast, a workshop or free time, lunch, more free time for the lagoon, and an evening yoga or meditation session before dinner. The teaching is led by Brittany Atlas and Janine Daboub, both Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 teachers with a combined few decades of experience. Classes are described as suitable for all levels, with props provided, so you don't need to be flexible or experienced to join in. One difference from many retreats is the option to skip sessions altogether—the hosts repeatedly say this is your retreat, and all activities are just offered, not required. Midweek there's a full Day of Tranquility, which is exactly what it sounds like: a day with no scheduled group activities, completely free for you to fill as you like. The Akalki Holistic Center itself is a purpose-built retreat space with a yoga shala, gardens, and the lagoon right at the edge of the property. Rooms are either garden-view or overwater lagoon villas, all with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The food is prepared on-site with local ingredients, with three meals a day plus tea and coffee available throughout. You can also add on spa treatments, a temazcal sweat lodge ceremony, or a ride on the property's solar-powered sailboat for an extra cost.

What's included

- 5 nights boutique luxury accommodation at Akalki Holistic Center - Airport pickup and drop-off from Chetumal International Airport - 3 nourishing meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Twice daily yoga and meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathwork) in the practices - Specialty workshops, 'Day of Tranquility', and opening & closing ceremonies - Guided tour of the Akalki Temple and Food Garden - Final night bonfire, live music, and celebration dinner - All taxes, exchange rate fees, and gratuities - Yoga mats and props provided

What's not included

- Airfare - Travel insurance (required) - Visa fees - Additional spa treatments (massage, bodywork, facials) - Temazcal sweat lodge ceremony - Solar-powered sailboat excursions - Kayaking rentals - Additional activities not in the itinerary, excursions, or food outside what's listed