Oceanfront Yoga and Adventure Escape in the Mayan Riviera

Wake up to the sound of the ocean, then head to the rooftop yoga shala for a morning practice overlooking the Caribbean. Copal Retreat pairs two daily yoga and dance classes with excursions to nearby Mayan sites and natural wonders, balancing activity with plenty of time to relax by the pool or in a hammock.

The week kicks off with a shamanic sound bowl therapy session, setting a calm tone. Two excursions are included: a trip to a cenote, and an afternoon and evening at Xcaret Ecopark. There's also a one-hour beach massage and a night out to experience Playa del Carmen's famous Fifth Avenue (transport for the night out is not included).

Beyond the organized activities, guests are free to explore the area independently. The host can help arrange extra tours, like a Temazcal ceremony or a day trip to nearby Akumal for diving. The villa itself provides plenty of downtime, with a pool, ocean views, and equipment like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for use.

The retreat is run by Copal Retreat's local Mexican hosts, who aim to share the energy of their culture. Group size is limited to between 4 and 15 participants, and the teachers work with all skill levels, making it a flexible experience whether you're new to yoga or have a long-standing practice.

The setting

You stay in a private villa on a secure, private compound with direct access to the beach: white sand, coconut groves and turquoise Caribbean water right in front of the house. There is a swimming pool in the grounds and a magnificent terrace above the ocean where the sunrise and sunset yoga sessions are held. Stand-up paddleboards and bicycles are yours to use, and a dive school is a few minutes away for anyone who wants to get in the water properly.

Meals are prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, and the whole week is built around being looked after: you are pampered, fed well and given the space to unwind and let the stress go.

What's included

Two daily one-hour yoga and meditation practices (sunrise and sunset on the rooftop) Six nights in a private oceanfront suite at the villa Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily by the in-house chefs (one dinner out in Playa del Carmen not included), with snacks, fresh fruit, water, tea and coffee all day One-hour relaxation massage Welcome ceremony with Mexican cuencos (sound bowls) Cenote excursion Mangrove, kayak and snorkelling excursion Evening out in Playa del Carmen (transport and dinner at your own cost) Bikes, paddleboards and snorkel masks to use throughout Group airport transfers from and to Cancún (CUN) on arrival day 14:00–18:00 and departure day 10:00 Help arranging domestic transfers, trip extensions and travel information for the Riviera Maya

What's not included

Flights to and from Cancún 5% tax Gratuities One dinner out in Playa del Carmen, and transport to and from it (option to stay in Paamul instead) Alcoholic drinks Travel insurance (recommended) Additional Mayan ceremonies and extra experiences Airport transfers outside the group windows (Copal will help arrange one at your cost)