Mexico is a country that is world-famous for its beaches, Mayan history, and delectable food. But when traveling a little off the beaten path, you can discover that Mexico is the perfect place to find healing, wisdom, and a way to restore balance to your life.
Going on a meditation retreat in Mexico allows you to embark on a potentially life-changing experience. With a backdrop of stunning natural scenery, in a place where its ancient practices have healed people for thousands of years, it’s the ideal place to be for those needing a break from city life.
Mexico’s meditation retreats are designed to help you improve your mental and emotional wellbeing, combining meditation practices with other forms of meditation such as yoga, Aguahara, Vipassana or sound bathing.
If you’re ready to make some positive changes to yourself and embark on a path of inner healing, then these are the best meditation retreats in Mexico…
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Why Should You Consider a Meditation Retreat in Mexico?
Chances are pretty good that you’ve heard all about meditation and all the benefits it can have on your health. Many people adopt meditation into their daily life to provide calmness, relieve stress, and sometimes even heal the mind after facing adversities. If you’re interested in some sleep tourism, then these spots are perfect too.
But finding the time to meditate can be difficult. Modern life is filled with pressures, demands, and to-do lists. Most of us are juggling family, work, friends, and chores, and that means putting the parts of the day focusing on you at the end of the list. Sometimes, there just isn’t time to maintain your physical and mental health.
Does this sound familiar to you?
Going on a meditation retreat is a way to remove you from the pressures and demands of day-to-day life, for a temporary escape where you can focus on you.
The point is to go away for a short while, learn and practice some skills, and come home and add them to your day-to-day life. It’s the time when you can focus only on yourself, growing, and developing your meditation practice.
What Can You Expect From a Meditation Retreat in Mexico?
When you go on retreat in Mexico, you can expect to be well looked after, no matter which retreats you choose. The point of a retreat is to allow you to focus on yourself, so they take away all the stresses from you so you can relax and do you.
However, you can expect levels of luxury to differ. Some have comfortable and basic accommodations and some have lavish suites, but relaxing and spending time in nature and reconnecting with yourself is always the focus.
Retreats are also located all over the country, from jungle retreats to beachside retreats. Typically, they are always located outside of the city in rural locations, as the quiet, natural surrounding aids with the meditation processes.
Being in Mexico, you can expect your retreat to offer delicious food, but it’s usual to be vegetarian or even vegan meals. Some retreats even include some food science like Arurvedya, so you can feed your body and soul with healthy, nourishing food.
Most retreats offer additional activities outside of their meditation practices, such as surfing, hiking, or exploring Mexico‘s top attractions. Some of these additional activities are included in the price, others are paid extras. Either way, you can always expect some downtime where you can do what you please.
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How to Choose the Right Meditation Retreat in Mexico for You
Luckily, there are so many options on offer that you can find a retreat that’s right for you – if you know where to look. When choosing a retreat, you’ll need to first think about what you want to get out of it.
Remember that the time you spend at the retreat is all about you. In fact, this is probably one of the few times in your life that is completely and utterly about your needs.
After you’ve done some soul searching, think about your skill level. Most retreats cater to beginners or intermediate levels, but if you have been meditating a while and just need a quiet escape then look for a more advanced retreat.
Once you’ve gone through this process, there you need to think about the more practical concerns such as…
Location
Mexico is a truly stunning country, home to historic landmarks and natural landscapes that will take your breath away. Some of the best retreats in the country are located close to some of these natural wonders.
However, where you stay in your Mexican retreat will also depend on your time. Remember that retreats are in rural areas, so if you don’t have time to go miles off the beaten path, then choose a retreat outside the city or in a coastal local on the Riviera Maya.
If you have time to spare, look for sanctuaries further afield. There are several popular locations for sanctuaries around Mexico; such as Yelapa, Akumal, Tulum, or Puerto Vallarta if you enjoy the beach, or San Miguel de Allende, Tepoztlán, or Oaxaca if you prefer the city.
Practices
Most meditation retreats in Mexico teach meditation skills that draw from a variety of cultures and influences. This will allow you to mix and match what you learn to find a practice that better fits your needs. It will also ensure that you learn something new while you’re on retreat, no matter how long you’ve been meditating.
Yoga is often combined with meditation at most sanctuaries in Mexico. Yoga is considered a form of meditation, through movement and breath work, so it’s nearly always a part of a mediation retreat. You’ll also find some retreats that offer Vipassana meditation or Aguahara as part of their offering.
You might also find some meditation retreats are spiritual retreats in Mexico, combining meditation with shamanic ceremonies and Temazcal (Mexican sweat lodges).
Some retreats also offer deeper practices, such as hypnotherapy and counseling, for those who are in need of some deeper healing.
Whatever yoga and meditation practices you indulge in on retreat, you’ll find they’re catered to all skill levels. Most retreats tailor their classes and approach to their guests’ level, so you whether you’re an expert, beginner, or somewhere in the middle, you’ll find a practice for you.
Price
The price of meditation retreats in Mexico range a lot in price. Some can be very cheap and some can be very expensive.
The primary driver of the price is luxury. The cheaper retreats tend to have basic accommodations that probably won’t have all the amenities that you’d enjoy back home. The more expensive retreats are more like resorts, with beautiful rooms, swimming pools and spas, and additional tours and activities on offer.
Typically, the longer the retreat the more expensive it is. You also need to consider how much the retreat plans for you – if you have a retreat that packs in tons of activities in your day, then it will cost more. But hey, it saves you organizing your own tours. So maybe it’s worth spending a little more?
Perks
You’ll find most retreats offer daily meditation practices, sometimes more than once a day. But you should also consider what other perks the retreat offers. If your retreat only offers one practice a day for an hour, well, what are you going to do with the rest of the day?
Some retreats offer activities as part of the package, from hiking trips to surfing lessons, or group walks in nature. You might also find retreats that have individual sessions, where you can receive personalized and tailored practices designed for you.
Some retreats also take their practices outside, such as in the rainforest or on the beach. These small little extras can have a big impact on your experience.
Duration
Whether you’re a busy professional who only has a couple of days or someone with time to spend diving deep into their practice, there’s a retreat for you in Mexico. The duration of meditation retreats varies from short but intensive 3 days to an immersive 49-day retreat.
The length of time does not necessarily mean you will learn more the longer you stay – a weekend retreat can be just as impactful, but you do get more practice the longer you stay.
Typically, most retreats tend to be about a week to 10 days, which is a healthy middle ground. This is enough time to truly relax, heal, and start working to enhance your health rather than just healing any damage.
The Top 10 Meditation Retreats in Mexico
Now that you know what to look for in a mediation retreat, it’s time to take a look at 10 of the best. These have been selected for the packages they offer, the standard of accommodation, value for money and the perks.
Best Overall Meditation Retreat in Mexico – 7 Day Yoga & Wellness Retreat in Nayarit
- $$
- Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico
This meditation and yoga retreat in Mexico offers more guidance and support than most to help you heal, recover, and find your strength and power.
During your stay, you’ll engage in hypnotherapy sessions and group discussions that will help illuminate the darker regions of your heart and give you the support and compassion you need and deserve to live your truest life.
All of this will take place in a beautiful natural area surrounded by the sea while you also work on your mind and body with yoga, meditation, and breathwork. You’ll also enjoy delicious vegetarian meals and guidance on nutrition and herbal supplements for a truly rounded experience and learning.
You’ll also stay in cute little beach houses, some with views of the ocean, the perfect base for those needing the calmness of the waves to send them to sleep.
Best Women’s Wellness Retreat – 8 Day Luxury Women’s Ki EMPRESS RISING
- $$
- Location: Yucatan
Sometimes, you just need to be around women to truly relax and focus on yourself, without outside distractions.
If you’ve never done this, you’ll revel in the sense of connection and sisterhood that can come from being in a group of like-minded women who are all seeking the same connection to self, each other, and the world.
This is a spiritual sanctuary for women who want to nurture the Goddess within, tapping into the sacred feminine force that is inside of every woman.
Through yoga, connection with other women, self-reflection, and practices that are unique to each group at this retreat, you’ll learn just how wonderful it can feel to be a woman!
Most Affordable Wellness Retreat in Mexico – 4 Day Chakra Journey Yoga Retreat
- $
- Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the amazing landscape and spiritual boost of this part of the world, then you’ll enjoy this retreat, which focuses on self-knowledge through reflection.
Despite the very budget-friendly price, you’ll enjoy a range of activities during your retreat that will help you access and express yourself and your unconscious self.
The activities range through authentic movement, meditation, Pranayama and chakra activation, and mindfulness practices.
Vipassana Meditation Retreat in Mexico – 8 Day RECONNECT: Wellness Retreat
- $$$
- Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Vipassana is one of the oldest meditation techniques in the world and was born in India. It’s a technique that teaches you to see things as they really are and you can learn this technique, or go deeper into it, during this meditation retreat in Mexico.
With a customized approach to every guest, this retreat offers individualized packages and one on one sessions if that’s what you need and want.
During your time, you can soothe your soul with a spa, do daily yoga, have energetic massages, or just relax by the ocean and let the sounds of the waves energize you and take you deeper into your own soul.
And while you’re there, you’ll learn to see and accept the world and your own heart for what they truly are.
Best Yoga and Meditation Retreat – 6 Day Energizing Tribal Tulum Personal Yoga Retreat
- Price: $1,000 +
- Location: Tulum
If you’re looking for an intimate and rejuvenating retreat, Tribal Tulum’s six-day yoga experience is a perfect choice. With small classes that honor your individual needs each day, it allows you to deeply relax and unwind in a tranquil setting.
You will be able to unlock the potential of your yoga practice with their skilled teachers, who can guide you through any type of style that best suits your needs.
At Tribal, you have the freedom to select your desired yoga style and time slot from their extensive class schedule. They have a plethora of classes available including Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa flow, Yin Yoga, and Restorative practices that will satisfy all preferences. For those interested in exploring further into their practice journey – they offer special private classes.
Allow yourself to be open and explore all possibilities as you discover newfound flexibility in your life!
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View on Booking.comBeachside Meditation Retreat in Mexico – 7 Day Personal Transformation Retreat
- $$
- Yelapa, Jalisco, Mexico
There’s nothing like the magic of the ocean to remind us of the infinite nature of the universe and the smallness of our own lives. Being near the ocean while you’re on retreat will also give you the chance to relax to the sounds of the waves and maybe do some water activities as well.
During this retreat, you’ll be exposed to a variety of practices from evening meditation to breathwork, watsu, and energy work sessions.
You’ll also focus on different modalities of yoga to find the movements that speak to your soul and your body. And you’ll also get the chance to participate in an authentic Mexican sweat lodge ceremony led by a local shaman.
Best Meditation Retreat in Mexico for Couples – 5 Day Romantic Couples Tantra and Intimacy Retreat in Mexico
- $$$
- Location: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Why not choose a spiritual retreat that offers the kind of luxury that you probably don’t enjoy very often in your everyday life? Relax in beautiful surroundings during your retreat while you work through a time of transformation by learning communication and sensual massage techniques.
The goal of this retreat is to help you learn new relationships and tantric intimacy skills that will deepen the connection between you and your partner.
Located within a super luxurious resort on the beachfront, you will be able to reconnect, explore and enjoy one another’s company in total paradise.
Best Meditation Retreat for Solo Travelers – 7 Day Holistic Healing Retreat
- $$
- Yelapa Beach, Jalisco, Mexico
This retreat is located in Yelapa, which has the perfect beach environment and small-town feel just 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. This is a truly beautiful part of Mexico and is filled with lots of natural areas for you to enjoy and explore during your stay.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy a private room and lots of classes and chances for activities so that you can stay occupied and make new friends.
The classes cover a wide range of breathwork sessions to group consciousness classes as well as daily yoga classes that focus on exploring the different forms and the different meanings of yoga. There are also evening meditation classes and an authentic Mexico sweat lodge ceremony led by a local shaman that you can attend.
And when you’re not in class, you can explore the hidden beach, take trips out to the Marietas Islands, snorkel, or go hiking on your own or with the new friends that you make at the retreat.
Long-Stay Meditation Retreat in Mexico – 29 Day Mental Health & Emotional Healing
- $$
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Sometimes you need more time. More time to rest, heal, shed bad habits and learn about yourself. Sometimes, a few days isn’t enough and you need to go on a retreat for a longer period to overcome trauma, undo dis-ease, and learn a new way forward.
This meditation retreat in Mexico will help guide you through that process to reconnect, be present, and start coming to peace with whatever has happened in your life.
The practices are rooted in Gestalt therapy and overseen by psychotherapists to help you regain your mental clarity and strength during your stay. This won’t be an easy retreat, with the therapies supported by intensive yoga and meditation practices, but if you need more healing and support, then it’s the best option.
Private Meditation Retreat in Mexico – 7 Day Private Healing Retreat
- $$$
- Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico
The real luxury of this retreat is all the time, attention, and support you’ll get during your learning and healing! It’s the ideal place to go if you need a private break, would like to reconnect with yourself, or just need guidance on where to go next in your life and journey.
During your stay, you’ll have everything in place to make real progress, from massages to beauty treatments, hypnotherapy sessions, life coaching, and classes on the most effective mind-body techniques.
This is the type of retreat where they’ve spared no expense to give you everything you need to achieve wellness, so make sure you enjoy and make the most of it!
Don’t forget insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Meditation Retreats in Mexico
Going on a meditation retreat in Mexico is undeniably the best way to reconnect with yourself and find a way to add meditation to your day-to-day life.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and lose time for yourself, so a retreat is the best way to take a temporary step out of this life and into something transformational.
If you’re not sure what retreat is right for you, I recommend you look back at my overall favorite retreat. This is a week-long retreat on the stunning Mexico beaches and is designed for all skill levels. If it’s your first retreat, this will be a great starting point.
Are you considering a meditation retreat in Mexico? Let us know in the comments.
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