The Week
We will focus on asana (postures) and pranayama (breath), developing a personal practice that meets your unique and individual needs. We will weave in relevant Yoga Sutras to intensify the practice and experience it physically, energetically and on the mental and emotional levels as well. Beginners are welcome along with more experienced practitioners.
Accommodations
We will stay at Casa Lalita, a comfortable and calming yoga center. It offers 6 rooms for double or single occupancy and a beautiful yoga room on the third floor which overlooks the Caribbean Sea just one block away. Casa Lalita features an outdoor kitchen with bottled water for cooking and drinking, hammocks inviting you to relax amidst tropical flowers, and outdoor eating space. Each room features tiled floor, private bath, ceiling fan, small refrigerator and a door opening into the garden area. A rooftop area provides a breathtaking view of the ocean to the east and sunsets over the mangroves to the west—an incredible space for an early morning yoga practice!
Schedule
The week begins on Saturday evening and ends the following Saturday morning. Wednesdays are free for you to immerse yourself in the culture or nature—visit the Mayan pyramids at Tulum, swim in a cenote, snorkel or scuba dive at the second longest coral reef in the world (just 300 yards offshore) or bask on the beach and swim in the ocean. Puerto Morelos still retains its quaint nature as a small fishing village where you can get around on foot, by bicycle or by taxi. There are interesting local shops, a good bookstore and a variety of restaurants to fit any budget and taste. All offer an opportunity to practice your Spanish with the villagers. Massage and bodywork are available nearby. We will gather to practice at 9 in the morning and again in the late afternoon for 2 to 3-hour sessions. On three days we will brunch together in the garden and on two days, we will gather together for dinner. For other meals, you can cook in the outdoor kitchen or try out local fare in one of the many small cafes and restaurants.
Retreat Leader
Maggie Kessell owns Riverbend Yoga Studio in St. Paul, MN, where she has taught for 10 years. She is certified through the Krishnamacharya Yoga and Healing Foundation at the 500 hour level, as well as through the American Viniyoga Institute. Maggie studies Yoga and Vedic Chant with Sonia Nelson of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT500, and has offered a 200 hour teacher training also registered with Yoga Alliance. This will be her 8th Annual Winter Retreat in Central America.
Questions?
Call Maggie Kessell at 651-292-1166