A surf and yoga retreat is a magical, divine adventure; the effect of which can be experienced in no other way. It’s the simple wonder of sitting on a surfboard at dawn, knowing you will improve on the days before and that you will emerge from these waters a changed woman. It’s the mystic tradition of flowing through age-old yoga asana, just as people have been doing for millennia before you. It’s the splendor of sitting amongst the forest and beaches in far-flung, remote corners of the world, meditating amongst the calm and stillness. The combination of these ancient arts bestow anyone daring enough with a serenity and sense of bliss that few can find elsewhere.
While the elements remain the same, SwellWomen’s newest surf & yoga retreat in Punta de Mita, Mexico, is decidedly different. In fact, Mexico as a whole is vastly different from anything we’ve been taught to believe that it should be, or that it once was. The small little surf town of Punta de Mita, sheltered by the larger tourism towns of Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita on either side, delightfully defies all expectations — a myriad of bright, woven colors it might be, but you’ve never seen a tapestry like this! The traditional warmth of the Mexican people combines with the sights and smells that we all love to create a spot against the sea that seems to exist independently from the rest of the world; in its own, delightful orbit.
In Punta De Mita, ‘wellness’ is defined a little differently. Wellness that results from good nutrition, physical exercise and treating your body like a temple is held in high regard — of course — but not at the expense of spirit. Spirit, here, is that energy that shoots through your veins when making a spontaneous decision. The inherent glow that comes from looking around you and seeing nothing but friendship. The pulsing vibe of dancing in a way that is fully dictates by your body; in which your mind fully gives into the whims of its corporeal being. The flush that comes from one, maybe two margaritas — rimmed with sugar and salt, because every vacation deserves a little sweetness, doesn’t it? Here, it is believed that fun and laughter are the key to vibrating higher and living life a little more in-line with our true wants and desires.
The idea is called ‘Detox To Retox,’ and The W Punta de Mita has it mastered. The W Punta de Mita, site of SwellWomen’s new Surf & Yoga Retreat, is not a quiet and mystical abode lost amongst the jungles and trickling rice paddies of the east. It’s an grand resort with astounding beachfront access that boasts an unendingly sassy personality: the W Punta de Mita, with all of its glass windows and sugar sand-inspired decor, knows what you really want — and by god, The W is going to make sure that you get it. A high-vibing energy intertwines itself into every aspect of retreat living, from their raw ceviche bar to their very own Spice Market, to even the dance parties that can (and often) appear out of the blue, at any moment. As with anything in Mexico, music is essential and you can hear traditional and modern tunes in any corner of your environment… and usually, just when you need it most.
Even though you’ll be experiencing yoga at a dedicated spot on the W’s vast property (complete with astoundingly azul beach views or wild jungle views) and you hop into the charter boat directly from the small village, those are by far not the only things to do in Punta de Mita. Besides experiencing a spin on tradition Central Mexican cuisine that sends your tastebuds to new heights, guests can choose to leave the property and head to neighboring Sayulita to take part in some non-wave water sports, like kayaking and SUPing through Mexico’s lush interior waterways. Even the boat ride itself, from our take off spot in town to our own select surf break, is an adventure in and of itself (oh yes, we’re talking whales!). SwellWomen’s very own surf instructors, who know the area and its waves like the backs of their hands, know exactly where to go to give you the surf experience that you need. Surf progression isn’t optional— it’s inevitable.
In Mexico, the focus is on fun and love and light; soul-expanding happiness and mind-melting joy — but with the combination of healing arts, such as yoga and massage (one luxury massage in included with every SwellWomen retreat, and discounts for those booked after), guests are still treated to the lingering benefits of the wellness retreat that they have come to know and love. Enjoy yourself fully for a short retreat of 4-5 nights, then return to find yourself renewed and reinvigorated, ready to channel this fast-moving energy into your projects back home.
For those located in North America, it’s a retreat spot nestled right in your own backyard — why not give Punta de Mita a chance?
