Scroll Progress Bar — Devoted Heart Yoga
— Devoted Heart Yoga

Wild Spirit Retreat:  Yelapa, Mexico

With Lauren Hemley & Juliana Mitchell

October 26 – November 1, 2026
A week of movement, ritual, nature, and connection during the sacred season of Día de los Muertos.

Return to your wild, intuitive self.

Imagine waking to the sound of the ocean, practicing yoga overlooking the jungle, and spending your days immersed in nature, ritual, and meaningful connection.

Wild Spirit Retreat in Yelapa, Mexico is a 6-night experience designed to reconnect you with your body, your creativity, and your inner rhythm. Through daily movement, meditation, ceremony, and adventure, you’ll experience both deep rest and vibrant aliveness.

Our yoga sessions are a thoughtful combination of vinyasa, therapeutic, yin, restorative, and other modalities woven together to create a balanced nervous system. It is a harmonious blend of movement and intentional stillness, designed to nourish both body and spirit.

Held during the powerful seasonal window of Día de los Muertos, this retreat invites reflection on remembrance, gratitude, and the cycles of life — all within the beauty of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Set in the magical village of Yelapa — accessible only by boat — this experience offers a rare opportunity to step outside ordinary life and into something deeply nourishing.

This is a space to breathe, reset, explore, and remember what truly matters.

Spaces are limited and rooms are first come, first served.

Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate experience. Early booking is recommended.

What Makes This Retreat Special

More than a vacation — a transformational experience.

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    Daily yoga, meditation, and nervous system practices

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    Waterfall hike through tropical jungle

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    Boat excursion to a secluded beach

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    Traditional Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony led by a local practitioner

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    Día de los Muertos–inspired ritual and celebration

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    Ocean-view eco retreat center surrounded by nature

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    Intimate group atmosphere designed for connection

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    Time to rest, explore, and integrate

Yelapa, Mexico — Wild, Magical, and Off the Grid

Nestled between jungle mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Yelapa is a small fishing village accessible only by boat from Puerto Vallarta.

There are no cars, no roads, and no large resorts here — only cobblestone paths, ocean views, jungle hillsides, and a slower rhythm of life that feels both grounding and alive.

Yelapa has a raw, natural beauty that many travelers describe as magical, untamed, and deeply restorative. This is not a polished tourist destination — it is a place where nature leads and life unfolds more simply.

We will stay at Pura Vida Eco Retreat Center, a beautiful ocean-view sanctuary designed for wellness, connection, and relaxation. The property includes a yoga terrace, infinity pool, hot tub, spa services, and breathtaking views of the coastline.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel transported into another world.

A Note About Yelapa
Yelapa is wonderfully unique — and part of its charm is its simplicity.

  • There are no ATMs in the village
  • There are no cars — transportation is by foot or small boats
  • Most paths are cobblestone or dirt
  • Wi-Fi and cell service can be inconsistent
  • The environment is lush, natural, and sometimes rustic

We will provide guidance before the retreat so you feel prepared and comfortable.
For many guests, this unplugged atmosphere becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

WILD SPIRIT RETREAT

October 26 – November 1, 2026 | Yelapa, Mexico

DAY 1

ARRIVE

Arrival + time to settle in
Opening circle + gentle movement
Welcome dinner

🌕 Full moon meditation

DAY 2

RELEASE

Morning meditation + yoga
Explore the village
Group lunch in town
👉
Bodywork workshop:
An interactive experience where you’ll learn Ayurvedic bodywork techniques and receive supported stretching and healing touch. All participation is optional.
Evening stretch / yin

DAY 3

SOFTEN

Morning meditation
Waterfall hike + swim
Picnic lunch in nature
Afternoon rest + free time
Gentle evening movement

DAY 4

OPEN

Morning meditation
Light movement practice
Boat excursion + beach time
Afternoon free time
Evening yin / restorative

DAY 5

TRANSFORM

Morning meditation + yoga
Spacious afternoon to rest + reset
🔥 Temazcal ceremony: traditional sweatlodge
Quiet evening for integration

DAY 6

HONOR

Morning meditation + yoga
Flower crown making + face painting (optional)
Free time + integration
Closing circle

DAY 7

INTEGRATE + DEPART

Morning meditation + yoga
Flower crown making + face painting (optional)
Free time + integration
Closing circle

All activities are optional, with plenty of time woven throughout to rest, explore, and follow your own rhythm.

Spaces are limited and rooms are first come, first served.

Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate experience. Early booking is recommended.

What’s Included

Everything you need to fully relax and receive.

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 3 daily meals (fresh vegetarian cuisine with optional animal protein add-on for $50)
  • Daily yoga, meditation, and embodiment practices
  • Guided waterfall hike
  • Secluded beach boat excursion
  • Traditional Temazcal ceremony with local facilitator
  • Día de los Muertos–inspired ritual experience and celebration
  • One group dinner at a local restaurant
  • One casual group lunch in Yelapa
  • Round-trip airport transportation from Puerto Vallarta
  • Boat transfers to and from Yelapa
  • Use of pool, hot tub, yoga terrace, and retreat amenities
  • Unlimited filtered water, tea, and coffee

    Not Included

    • Airfare
    • Spa services
    • Personal purchases
    Accommodations & Pricing

    Staying at Pura Vida Eco Retreat is an experience unlike any other. Nestled in a jungle hillside at the ocean shore, these rooms offer breathtaking views of the Pacific and Yelapa Bay. Many accommodations are designed in a traditional open-air style with only three walls, allowing for a deep connection to nature and fresh, unpolluted air.

    For more photos and a closer look at our sanctuary, visit the Pura Vida Eco Retreat website.

    Comfort & Sustainability
    Our beds are fitted with organic metal-free mattresses, organic bed sheets, hypoallergenic pillows, and mosquito nets. Each private bathroom is equipped with a waterfall shower, hot water, and natural stone details.

    A Healing Sanctuary
    Pura Vida is a center dedicated to meditation, healing, and personal transformation. Alcohol, drugs, and loud music are not permitted to maintain this sacred environment. There will be plenty of opportunity to go into town if you wish to have a drink.

    Accommodation Options Include:

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      Private Room or Casita:

      Single queen or king bed options (some with A/C).

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      Double Occupancy:

      Shared room with two queen beds and private bath.

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      Shared Palapa Loft:

      Open-air loft with four queen beds and a large terrace.

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      Shared Palapa:

      Open-air cabin with shared bathroom.

    Retreat Pricing

    Each room is unique and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Shared Rooms
    $2,220 – $2,550
    Private Rooms

    $2,650 – $3,200

    Pricing varies based on room type, view, and bathroom configuration.

    All pricing includes accommodations, meals, excursions, transportation, and all retreat experiences.

    Exact room selection and availability can be viewed at checkout.

    Spaces are limited and rooms are first come, first served.

    Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate experience. Early booking is recommended.

    Travel Information

    Guests will fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

    Getting There

    From the airport:

    • Group transportation will be provided to the marina (~35 minutes)
    • Boat transfer to Yelapa (~45 minutes)

    Please note: boat rides can be lively depending on ocean conditions. Guests prone to motion sickness are encouraged to bring Dramamine or similar remedies.

    Full travel details will be provided after registration.

    Puerto Vallarta (PVR) by late morning or early afternoon

    Recommended Flights

    To support a smooth and coordinated arrival, we recommend booking flights that arrive into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) by late morning or early afternoon.

    For those traveling from the New York area, there is a convenient direct flight from Newark (EWR) arriving around 11:00 AM local time, which aligns well with our group transfer schedule.

    If you are traveling from another location, we recommend choosing a flight with a similar arrival window so you can join the group transportation and boat transfer to Yelapa.

    For departure, we will arrange a group transfer from Yelapa around 8:30 AM, which pairs well with afternoon return flights from Puerto Vallarta.

    Detailed travel instructions and coordination will be provided after registration to ensure a seamless journey.

    About Your Teachers

    Lauren Hemley

    Lauren Hemley is the founder of Devoted Heart Yoga and has been guiding students through movement, meditation, and nervous system practices for over a decade. Her teaching blends strength and softness, structure and intuition, creating spaces where students can reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways.

    Lauren’s retreats are known for their warmth, depth, and transformational impact, combining embodiment practices with real-life integration.

    Juliana Mitchell

    Juliana Mitchell is the founder of Living Now Yoga and brings a compassionate, grounding presence to her teaching. Her approach supports students in cultivating awareness, resilience, and connection through mindful movement and breath.

    Juliana’s calm, supportive energy helps create a retreat environment where participants feel safe to explore and grow.

    This Retreat Is For You If…

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      You want meaningful time away from daily responsibilities

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      You enjoy yoga but don’t need to be advanced

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      You crave nature, connection, and inspiration

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      You want both rest and adventure

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      You are open to reflection and personal growth

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      You want to reconnect with yourself in a supportive community

    Many participants come solo — and leave with lifelong friendships.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need yoga experience?

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    No — all levels are welcome. Practices will be accessible and adaptable.

    Can I come alone?

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    Yes. Many guests attend solo and quickly connect with the group.

    Are flights included?

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    No, flights are not included. You will fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR).

    How do I get to Yelapa?

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    Group transportation and boat transfers are included and coordinated for you.

    Do you accommodate dietary needs?

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    Yes. Meals are vegetarian with an optional animal protein add-on for $50. Dietary needs can be accommodated.

    Is there a payment plan?

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    Yes. A payment plan is available after the initial deposit.

    Should I purchase travel insurance?

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    Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended.

    Is Yelapa comfortable?

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    Yelapa is beautiful and natural. Expect a rustic, open-air environment with simple, comfortable accommodations.

    Accommodations & Pricing

    Staying at Pura Vida Eco Retreat is an experience unlike any other. Nestled in a jungle hillside at the ocean shore, these rooms offer breathtaking views of the Pacific and Yelapa Bay. Many accommodations are designed in a traditional open-air style with only three walls, allowing for a deep connection to nature and fresh, unpolluted air.

    For more photos and a closer look at our sanctuary, visit the Pura Vida Eco Retreat website.

    Comfort & Sustainability
    Our beds are fitted with organic metal-free mattresses, organic bed sheets, hypoallergenic pillows, and mosquito nets. Each private bathroom is equipped with a waterfall shower, hot water, and natural stone details.

    A Healing Sanctuary
    Pura Vida is a center dedicated to meditation, healing, and personal transformation. Alcohol, drugs, and loud music are not permitted to maintain this sacred environment. There will be plenty of opportunity to go into town if you wish to have a drink.

    Accommodation Options Include:

    • N

      Private Room or Casita:

      Single queen or king bed options (some with A/C).

    • N

      Double Occupancy:

      Shared room with two queen beds and private bath.

    • N

      Shared Palapa Loft:

      Open-air loft with four queen beds and a large terrace.

    • N

      Shared Palapa:

      Open-air cabin with shared bathroom.

    Retreat Pricing

    Each room is unique and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Shared Rooms
    $2,220 – $2,550
    Private Rooms

    $2,650 – $3,200

    Pricing varies based on room type, view, and bathroom configuration.

    All pricing includes accommodations, meals, excursions, transportation, and all retreat experiences.

    Exact room selection and availability can be viewed at checkout.

    Spaces are limited and rooms are first come, first served.

    Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate experience. Early booking is recommended.

    Payment & Cancellation Policy

    A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
    Payment plans are available and can be customized. The default price for the payment plan is set at $2500 but will be modified based on the actual price of your room selection. All balances must be paid in full by September 26, 2026 (30 days prior to the retreat).

    Cancellation Policy

    • Cancellations made 60+ days prior to the retreat are eligible for a refund minus the deposit
    • Cancellations made within 60 days of the retreat are non-refundable

    If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another person with approval.

    Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

    Imagine Yourself Here

    Waking up to the sound of the ocean
    Moving your body with the jungle around you
    Sharing meals, laughter, and meaningful connection

    A week where you don’t have to rush, perform, or hold it all together

    Just breathe, soften, and remember who you are

    Your Wild Spirit is Waiting

    Spaces are limited and rooms are first come, first served.

    Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate experience. Early booking is recommended.