Rest, Restore, Remember

A 5-day Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat During Dia de los Muertos
Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico | Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2026

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Special Offer

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January 23, 2026 | Only 10 Spots Available

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Step away from the busyness of everyday life and into mindful presence

Surrounded by jungle, sea, and sacred tradition, we invite you to feel your feet on the earth, breathe in the ocean air, and create space to nourish your body, quiet your mind, and return to yourself.

Pink and black mandala with a central Om symbol on a black background.

Here’s What Awaits You

  • A pair of black and teal headphones with a small teddy bear at the bottom

    Time in Nature

    Sleep to jungle sounds. Breathe with the Pacific. Practice where ocean meets forest. Let the Earth hold you

  • Icon of two blue diamonds and a hollow circle with two smaller dashes above it.

    Mindful Movement

    Morning and evening yoga. Meditation and breathwork. Space to pause and reset

  • A black logo featuring a water droplet at the top, a stylized boat or bowl shape in the middle, and a curved line at the bottom, all outlined in teal.

    Rituals & Ceremony

    Día de Muertos altar creation. Temazcal sweat lodge. Cacao ceremony

  • Silhouette of a person with a large question mark over their head.

    Gentle Exploration

    Sea turtle conservation. Sunset meditation. Jungle/beach walking meditation. Horseback riding (optional)

  • A cartoon illustration of a soda bottle pouring a liquid into a glass, with bubbles and a lemon slice.

    Healthy Meals

    A menu that combines fresh, locally sourced foods, Mexican traditon, and contemporary health-conscious (and vegan-friendly) cuisine.

  • An illustration of a graduation cap with an open book beneath it, symbolizing education or learning.

    And... time to do absolutely nothing

    Read a book.
    Float in the pool.
    Get a massage
    Sit and watch the sky shift.
    … because rest is sacred.

Reserve Your Spot
Colorful graphic with the Spanish text 'Día de Muertos' in purple, decorated with a pink candle, orange and pink leaves, and an orange flower.
A colorful Frebana altar decorated with marigolds, papel picado, and various traditional items, commemorating Día de los Muertos. The altar features skull figures, candles, flowers, and photographs, with a prominent painted skull on the floor, a cross and framed pictures on the wall behind.

Why Day of the Dead

A celebration of remembrance, love, and connection.

Día de Muertos isn’t about mourning. It’s about remembering. In Mexico, families welcome the memory of loved ones with marigolds, candles, food, and stories. It’s joyful, tender, communal, and full of life.

Together, we’ll explore this season through:

  • Building an altar

  • Learning the meaning of the altar’s elements

  • Candlelight remembrance

  • Gentle space for your own stories and celebration


This is a time to honor your loved ones and where you came from.

Colorful decorative representation of a flying bird with floral patterns on its body and wings on a black background.

Why Mazunte

Mazunte is a slow, wild, bohemian village on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, a place where time melts and nature sets the rhythm.

  • No resorts.

  • No rush.

  • Just ocean, jungle, and people who value a simple, meaningful life.

It is known for its sea turtle conservation, and Punta Cometa, which is the southernmost point of Oaxaca.

Colorful decorative illustration of a bird with flowers and dotted patterns on its body, set against a black background.

Meet Your Guides

Colorful decorative illustration of a bird with yellow flowers on its wings and a white face with pink details, set against a black background.
Melanie and Veronica on green grass, smiling and looking up at the camera.

Melanie and Veronica met during yoga teacher training and over time they bonded over a shared vision, to make the world a more loving, compassionate, and whole place. Both have a mindfulness and meditation practice in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn. Both have as strong connection to Mother Earth, finding healing in connection and gratitude.

This retreat is an offering born from that friendship and those values.

Melanie Adkison (on top) has been teaching yoga since 2015, with training in Yin, Restorative, Hatha, Vinyasa, Pure Power, Hot Hatha, Thai Yoga bodywork, and mindfulness practices. After 26 years as an educator, she now supports adults in slowing down, reconnecting, and cultivating presence.

"Years of depression and overwhelm left me disconnected from myself. Yoga and mindfulness helped me return to wholeness. This retreat is an offering from that transformation."

Veronica Diaz (on bottom) is a yoga and, mindfulness practitioner, and self-compassion guide. Growing up in Mexico, she brings an authentic view of Day of the Dead as it was celebrated by her family.

"I’ve walked through depression and anxiety and have learned tools that changed my life through introspection, self-acceptance, and self-compassion.”

Where You Will Stay

You'll stay at Cocolia Boutique Hotel, an eco-retreat built in harmony with the land and designed to flow with nature. The entire property is solar-powered and collects rainwater, with open-air design that lets ocean breezes cool you instead of air conditioning. The architecture honors local materials and indigenous building practices. Each bungalow merges seamlessly with the environment, with private terraces, open-air showers, and locally sourced materials. The beach is only eight minutes away.

Not luxury in the traditional sense, luxury in the real sense: simplicity, nature, peace.

  • Eco-friendly, open-air designed bungalows

  • Ocean/jungle views

  • Private terraces & outdoor showers

  • King size beds (bring a friend!)

  • Private bathrooms

  • Saltwater pool

  • Chef-prepared meals (3x daily)

Colorful decorative candle with flame, featuring vibrant pink, blue, orange, and yellow patterns.

Bungalows

  • A bedroom with a large window overlooking greenery and the ocean, featuring a wooden bed with pink pillows and a canopy net.

    CIELO

    BUNGALOW

    A 581 ft² bungalow with panoramic views that embrace the horizon, this room offers light and openness, suspended between sky and sea. The private room features sliding doors that open to a private terrace and outdoor showers that immerse you in the landscape. A wild retreat where biodiversity reveals itself in all its essence.
    It comes with mosquito net, desk, towels, ceiling fan, balcony, and wifi (spotty).
    One King Size Bed

  • Outdoor space with a stone wall, string lights, and a view of green trees and the ocean.

    AGUA

    BUNGALOW

    Varying between 473 ft² and 581 ft² in size, these bungalows feature expansive Pacific views with a feeling of natural refuge. They have sliding doors that open to a private terrace and outdoor showers that immerse you in the landscape. Their cozy atmosphere provides the rest you need while surrounded by a natural setting.
    It comes with mosquito net, desk, towels, ceiling fan, balcony, and wifi (spotty).
    One King Size Bed

  • Sunlit indoor room with stone columns, a table with a tablecloth, chairs, a large white photo backdrop, and trees visible outside through large windows.

    TIERRA

    BUNGALOW

    A 473 ft² bungalow sIts on higher ground, inviting you to contemplate the jungle and its sounds. It has sliding doors that open to a private terrace and outdoor showers that immerse you in the landscape.
    It comes with mosquito net, desk, towels, ceiling fan, balcony, and wifi.
    One King Size Bed

Schedule Discovery Call
Two ceramic mugs of coffee on a wooden tray, with a small plate of cookies, a small bowl of sugar, and purple flowers in the foreground.
Living room with large windows, stone columns, a white canopy bed, a small table with a cloth, chairs, and trees visible outside.
Nighttime altar with lit candles, flowers, and embroidered cloths on the ground, indicating a traditional celebration or memorial.
An outdoor pool with a thatched roof structure, tropical plants, and a seating area with wooden chairs and a table, overlooking a green landscape.
Colorful display of traditional Mexican sugar skulls and confections at a Day of the Dead celebration.
Bathroom with concrete sink, wooden framed mirror, hanging pendant light, white towels, and decorative flowers.
Green peppers stuffed with meat and vegetables, topped with herbs, in a yellow sauce, garnished with dill, served on a white plate with black sesame seeds around the edge, placed on a wooden table.
Aerial view of a lush green forested hillside near the ocean with a few buildings partially hidden among the trees, and a sandy beach along the shoreline in the distance.
A bedroom with a bed covered by a mosquito net, a stone fireplace, a wooden table with flowers and fruit, and a window with blinds.
A memorial altar with numerous orange marigold flowers, lit candles, and a white cross, surrounded by people gathered for a remembrance event outside under trees.
A salad with mixed greens, sliced eggplant, edible flowers, and seeds in a white speckled bowl on a wooden table.
Swimming pool with pink lounge chairs, white towels, umbrellas, and lush green trees in the background.
A wooden tray holding two cups of black coffee, a teapot, a small plate with two cookies, a spoon, a small container of cream, and a small jar of sugar. There is a flower arrangement with purple and green flowers on the tray, and a dark fabric surfac
Outdoor scene with a drum, colorful cloth, vases, flowers, and musical instruments on a stone surface
Modern houses perched on a lush, green hillside surrounded by dense trees.
Colorful mural on a stone wall depicting a woman with feathers, a bird's head, and a child's face, with surrounding feathers and foliage.
Indoor restaurant with large open window showing trees and ocean view, wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery.
A small, gray baby turtle with a patterned shell and head is inside a clay pot with some sand and small pebbles on the bottom.
Outdoor shower with rain falling, overlooking lush green trees and a body of water in the distance, with a wooden chair and a rolled towel on it.
Aerial view of a sandy beach with waves crashing, rocky outcrop in foreground, and cliffs in the background during sunset.
Outdoor patio area with wooden furniture and lush green trees in the background, sunlight shining through the trees.
Five baby sea turtles on sandy beach moving towards the ocean.
Yoga mats placed on a wooden floor inside a hut with a thatched roof surrounded by lush green trees.
Sunset over the ocean with lush green trees in the foreground and rocky coastline.

Getting There

Fly into Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) on Friday, October 30, 2026. We'll have a van waiting to take the group to Mazunte together (about 1.5 hours along the coast).

We will depart Mazunte to Puerto Escondido on Tuesday, November 3 for flights home.

All ground transportation between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte is included in your retreat cost. You just need to book your flights to/from Puerto Escondido.

Once you're registered, we'll send recommended flight times so the group can coordinate arrivals and departures.

Winding mountain road going to Mazunte surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Sample Daily Rhythm

Colorful decorative illustration of a bird with floral patterns on a black background.
Sunset over a rocky coastline with the ocean waves and a few people on the cliff edge.

6:00 Wake Up
7:00 Morning yoga & meditation (Gentle Flow)
8:30 Breakfast
9:30. Nature-based activity
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Free Time or Scheduled Activity
5:00. Dinner
6:00 Free Time
7:00 Evening Yoga & meditation (Yin/Restorative)
9:00 Quiet Hours

Daily offerings gently rotate so your body, mind, and spirit have a natural arc from arrival to departure.

  • "I have consistently attended Melanie’s yoga classes over the past couple of years and have found each session to be exceptionally beneficial and rewarding. From the first class, I noticed her ability to foster a welcoming environment inclusive of every individual, and has provided valuable personal support during my journey. Her ability to make every session meaningful and useful to my entire being is something I deeply appreciate. I began practicing yoga in my late 50s, and as a result, my mental health has never been better. I incorporate yoga breathing techniques into my daily routine to effectively manage stress at work and in my personal life. I also utilize other learned mindfulness practices to slow down, cultivate awareness before reacting, and practice gratitude for each day. Physically, I feel more energized and stronger, with a newfound willingness to push past my comfort zone. I’m incredibly thankful for Melanie's guidance and amazed at the progress I've made on my personal journey through attending her yoga sessions."

    — Cathy B.

  • "Melanie is a firm favorite in my book, who brings experience and fun to her yoga classes. She also has great people skills and relates to students at whatever level they may be at in their yoga journey. I have personally benefited greatly from her teaching ability, with measurable improvements in my flexibility, balance, and have had great fun in the process. I have also benefited from personal sessions of Thai Yoga bodywork with Melanie and highly recommend this form of yoga, no matter your level of yoga proficiency. It is a unique combination of teacher-administered stretching and massage movements."

    — Keith M.

  • "A genuine heartfelt Thank You to Melanie! When I attended your Yin yoga class for the first time as a beginner student, you were so welcoming, accepting, caring, and compassionate, which made it a comfortable environment. Your Yin yoga classes have been extraordinarily beneficial for me in several ways, and I continue to look forward to attending your classes. At the end of each class, I find myself present, relaxed due to the massage techniques you incorporate with the yoga postures, more flexible, peaceful, and grateful for the day, which helps give me the courage to continue practicing Yoga. You are such a well-rounded and talented Yoga Teacher, and you have made a difference in my Yoga journey. Thank you again for your willingness to teach and to share your yoga knowledge with each of your students."

    — Amy S.

  • "We had a wonderful evening Yin class with Melanie that left us relaxed and refreshed after a day of driving.”

    — Jenny R.

  • “Thai massage was a foreign concept that I had never heard of before. However, being that Melanie was guiding the massage, I was willing to give it a try. Having a Thai massage was both the best and weirdest experience I have ever had in regards to massages. I would advise anyone and everyone to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Melanie is both kind and knowledgeable in Thai massages. Enjoy the new discovery!”

    — Marty N.

  • "I love the idea that Restorative Yoga can be as easy or as hard as I desire on any particular day. Restorative yoga with Melanie is something I look forward to all week. Melanie has a way of making everyone feel welcome, her voice is calming and she takes the extra time to make sure everyone is practicing to their own needs. Maybe this isn’t fair to other instructors but I compare every other instructor to Melanie. So far some have come close but in the end they aren’t Melanie:)"

    — Stacey G.

This Retreat Is For You If...

  • You’re a woman 40+ and have a strong longing to come back to yourself.

  • You're tired of putting everyone and everything else first and need some time where the only person you're responsible for is yourself.

  • You have no major mobility limitations and can walk 15-30 minutes on uneven terrain.

  • You are either a beginner or a seasoned yogi.

  • You're starting to wonder if there is more to life than your to-do list and the roles you play.

  • You want to experience a deep connection with nature..

  • You want cultural immersion, not tourism, and you're curious about ancient traditions.

  • You would like to be in community with other people who value real conversations.

This Retreat Is Not For You If...

  • You need luxury amenities, room service, or air conditioning to feel comfortable.

  • You prefer fast-paced itineraries packed with activities and lots of sightseeing.

  • You're looking for an intense physical challenge.

  • You're not comfortable with cultural ceremonies or practices outside your own tradition.

  • You need guaranteed WiFi and reliable cell service throughout your stay.

Investment

CIELO

$3,537
Shared Occupancy

At Only $3,037
Until Jan 23


+$700 if private room

AGUA

$3,237
Shared Occupancy

At Only $2,737
Until Jan 23


+$700 if private room

Popular

TIERRA

$2,937
Shared Occupancy

At Only $2,437
Until Jan 23


+$700 if private room

Payment Options:

  • Option 1. Pay in full

    • First 2 participants to register will receive a complimentary Thai Yoga Bodywork session
      with Melanie (to be scheduled before the retreat)

  • Option 2. Monthly Payment Plan:

    • Deposit: $500 (non-refundable, due at registration)

    • Divided into equal monthly payments

    • All payments must be complete by June 15, 2026

What's Included:

  • 4 nights accommodation at Cocolia Hotel

  • Room selection is first come first serve

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Morning and evening yoga

  • Día de Muertos Altar creation and ceremonies and other cultural experiences

  • Turtle release, temazcal (sweat lodge), cacao ceremony

  • Walking meditation in nature

  • Round-trip airport transfers from Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM)

What's NOT Included:

  • Flights to/from Puerto Escondido

  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Personal expenses and tips

  • On-site massage ($100 per person)

  • Horseback riding ($100 per person)

Cancellation Policy:

  • $500 deposit: non-refundable

  • 60+ days before retreat: 50% refund of balance paid

  • Less than 60 days: No refund

  • Your spot is transferable to another person at any time

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of illness, family emergency, or unforeseen circumstances. Set up and appointment for further details.

Secure Your Spot

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No experience is required—just an open heart and a willingness to explore. While we will move our bodies, this retreat is about so much more than physical flexibility; it is about resting, eating well, and clearing your mind. If you are a beginner, you will feel completely held and supported. If you are an advanced practitioner, you will find the space to soften and enjoy the practice.

  • We understand that unexpected things happen, and we genuinely hope you can join us! To secure your spot and cover the non-recoverable expenses of planning an intimate retreat (like securing the venue and catering), we have the following policy in place.

    Deposit and Refund Details

    • $500 Deposit: Your initial deposit of $500 is non-refundable. This secures your spot and is applied toward the total retreat price.

    • 60+ Days Before Retreat Start Date: If you need to cancel 60 or more days before the retreat, you will receive a 50% refund of the remaining balance paid (the total amount you have paid, minus the $500 non-refundable deposit).

    • Less than 60 Days Before Retreat Start Date: We are unable to offer any refunds for cancellations made less than 60 days before the retreat begins.

    Transferring Your Spot. Your spot is fully transferable to another person at any time. If you can find someone to take your place, they can simply pay you directly after the initial interview with Veronica, and we will update the registration details at no cost.

  • The period around Day of the Dead (late October/early November) marks the transition from the rainy season into the dry season, making for ideal retreat weather.

    Here is what you can expect:

    • Daytime: Warm and sunny, with average high temperatures typically in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit (28°C–32°C). This is perfect for morning yoga and relaxing by the ocean, but you’ll want to seek shade during the mid-day sun.

    • Evenings: Warm and breezy. The temperature drops slightly into the low 70s Fahrenheit (21°C–24°C). You will be very comfortable in light, flowy clothing for dinner and evening ceremonies.

    • Rain: We are leaving the rainy season, so while there is always a chance of an afternoon shower, major rain is uncommon. If it does rain, it usually passes quickly, leaving the air feeling fresh and clean.

    Packing Tip: We recommend packing light clothing that breathes well, swimwear, and perhaps a very light shawl or long-sleeve top for cooler mornings or to protect your skin from the sun.

  • For U.S. citizens arriving by air, the requirements for entry into Mexico are simple. You need two main documents:

    1. A Valid Passport: Your passport must be unexpired and valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico.

    2. The FMM Immigration Form: You will receive and complete this official visitor permit, from your airline or upon arrival at the Mexican airport. You must keep the stamped portion safe, as you need it to leave the country.

      For the most up-to-date and official information on entry requirements for all travelers, we highly recommend checking the official U.S. State Department’s page on Mexico travel:

    https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html

  • While travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Mexico, it is the best way to protect the investment you’ve made in yourself and this retreat. Travel insurance acts as your safety net against the unexpected.

    What Travel Insurance Covers

    A good policy for a retreat in Mexico should include, at a minimum:

    • Trip Cancellation Coverage: This is vital. It can reimburse you for the non-refundable costs of the retreat and your airfare if you have to cancel for a covered reason (e.g., unexpected illness, injury, or a family emergency).

    • Emergency Medical Coverage: Most domestic health insurance plans do not cover you internationally, and private Mexican medical facilities often require payment upfront. This coverage is crucial if you fall ill or get injured while traveling.

    • Emergency Medical Evacuation: Since Mazunte is a smaller, remote location, this coverage is essential. It covers the high cost of transportation to a major city or back home if a serious medical emergency occurs.

      When purchasing a policy, we advise you to:

      • Plans: Plans can vary from $50,000 to $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $250,000 or more for Emergency Medical Evacuation.

      • Trip Cancellation: Ensure the coverage limit is equal to or greater than the non-refundable cost of the retreat and their flights.

      • Adventure Activities: If you choose to include activities such as horseback riding, you may want to consider a plan that covers "Adventure Sports.”

      Pro-Tip for Comparison: Instead of going to each site individually, you can use an online comparison tool like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip. These sites allow you to input their trip cost, dates, and ages to compare quotes from all the top providers side-by-side, making it easy to find the best policy and price for your specific needs.

  • As of early 2026, No Restrictions for Tourist Areas or bans for Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, or Huatulco (which includes Mazunte). Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory/.html for more information

    We recommend you sign up to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which is a free service to allow U.S. citizens to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact you in case of emergency. https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step

    Veronica’s family live in Mexico and has contacts with government officials in case of any emergency.

    Please feel free to set up a call to talk about it some more, if you need to.

We keep this retreat intentionally small to protect the intimacy and energy of the group. Before accepting deposits, we ask everyone to schedule a brief call with Veronica.

We'll answer your questions to make sure the retreat feels right for you.

If you feel aligned, we'll send you booking instructions and you can reserve your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit.

How to Join Us

Colorful decorative illustration of a flying bird with floral patterns.
Schedule Your Call

“We are all one and we are also one with nature,
we are one body.”

— Zapotec Teaching, Oaxaca Mexico