10 Jun Experience the Magic of a Yoga Retreat in Mexico with Indra’s Grace

Ever wondered what it’s like to escape to a serene paradise for a transformative yoga retreat? Join us as we share the story of one of our students who embarked on an unforgettable journey to Mar de Jade in Mexico. Discover how the warm hospitality of the Mexican people, combined with the nurturing yoga practices led by our dedicated teachers, created a life-changing adventure. Dive into this heartfelt account and see why our retreats offer a unique and enriching experience you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

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By: Jennifer Wagle

I had wanted to go to Mexico for a yoga retreat for a long time, and I was so excited when it was finally time to leave. Why Mexico? Several yoga retreats are offered through various studios at different locations worldwide. And why Indra’s Grace?

When I arrived in Mexico, I remembered how much I loved the Mexican people, their friendly smiles, and their polite, subtle manners.  Even through customs, with crowds of weary travelers, the Mexican authorities were courteous, helpful, and efficient.

With my fellow traveler, I met our ride to Mar de Jade, a vibrant young lady whose easy manner and beautiful smile put us at ease; she was kind enough to have ice-cold water for us.  We drove through the countryside, seeing a beautiful, lush jungle and some of the things a poorer community has: Dusty, unpaved roads, junked cars, and dilapidated buildings. But looking past the obvious, you could see the vibrant fruit markets and the inviting roadside open-air restaurants and taverns that made you want to stop and order food.  I was so impressed with some of the new highways being constructed and the apparent care our driver took to ensure we arrived at our destination safely.

After a 90-minute journey, we arrived at Mar de Jade, a haven of tranquility amidst a lush tropical paradise.  The vibrant shades of green, the sweet scent of flowers, and the rhythmic sound of the surf greeted us. The majestic ocean, just a step away, beckoned us to unwind and savor the moment.

As we checked in and were taken to our rooms, I noticed the attention to detail with every step I took. The exposed aggregate concrete had river rock inlaid to form a pattern that changed as you walked. The simple line of river rocks leading to your room bloomed into a flower or symbol.  The flowers, trees, and plants were artfully placed along walkways bordered by bent wooden railings.  Travertine tile and painted concrete steps took me to my room.  The room, large and comfortable with a king-size bed, a generously sized bathroom, and a handmade wardrobe, had plenty of space for my belongings.  The floor was red Mexican tile, and everything was clean and welcoming.  The large bi-fold window was opened to the ocean breeze.

The resort was founded by Dr. Laura Del Valle, a woman who wanted to find a way to support the local health clinic and the surrounding population, which had only known poverty and hopelessness. She started the health clinic to enrich the lives of those in the community. A wellness/retreat center was the next step, and then she needed access to organic produce and quality food, so the farm came into being to support the food needs of the resort.  The food served three times daily at the resort is so good and filling.  There is a wide variety of options, and so much is done to accommodate any food allergies or intolerances you may have.  Soon, it was clear that a school was needed for the children, and a Montessori school was opened with nearly all students attending on a well-funded scholarship program.  Being here and knowing all the work that went into the development of the property and its positive impact on the area only made me want to be a part of it all.  On their website, https://mardejade.com/volunteer/, you will find several opportunities to volunteer and immerse yourself in the language and local life.

If you rise with the sun early in the morning, you can help yourself to hot coffee or a variety of teas with all the options of sweeteners and any milk, dairy or non-dairy, that a person could want.   There is homemade bread to make toast with, peanut butter made from peanuts grown on the farm, and marmalades made from the fruit harvested on the farm.

Our yoga retreat started with an opening circle, and each day included a variety of practices, meditations, and pranayama. Each session was carefully and thoughtfully planned and taught. Each day, I was reminded that my body, my practice, and my work were for me and up to me. In our practice, I am constantly reminded to ask my body what it needs and instructed to move from the place of need to the place of well-being.

Whether taught by Sandra or Jenny, the morning practice was inviting, nurturing, and honoring the body that was not quite awake. When it was time for our afternoon practice, we would move our bodies to music or with asanas, and several times during the week, we were immersed in meditation practice. Our evening practice was slow and thoughtful and took us into restfulness.

While this was a yoga retreat, there was plenty of downtime to explore the beach, swim in the ocean, visit the pools, or get to know fellow attendees.  Excursions were available, or you could walk to the nearby town, a short distance away, by following the shoreline.  As I have mentioned, the resort itself is beautiful, and just sitting, breathing in the ocean air, and watching the waves move to the shore and out again is the pace I prefer to move at, and I believe salt water heals all.   The sunsets are beautiful as you look out over the ocean. Our evening practices from the studio we were in had tall, expansive windows and doors that framed the sunsets perfectly and were breathtaking.  It doesn’t matter where I am in the world; I try to watch the sunset.

So why Indra’s Grace? Radical compassion is consistently offered, and we all need more compassion to heal and offer our healing selves to the collective that we are part of. All of the classes taught, that I have taken, are taught by well-trained, knowledgeable, caring teachers.  This type of nurturing and healing practice of yoga brings out the best in all of the practitioners whether it is in the studio or at a retreat.  Sandra and Jenny each bring a wealth of knowledge from different schools of yoga to all.  Pranayama is taught and this is the only studio I have been to that teaches pranayama. Most of all, I feel that I am cared for and that I receive the best yoga experience I could ask for.