a 5-day journey to renew, refresh & reinvent your life
September 17-22, 2024
Bacalar, Mexico
Bacalar (n.): ‘place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born’
If you are a woman navigating the complexities of midlife, balancing a career with caregiving and juggling multiple roles while still trying to figure out your own next chapter, then join us for a retreat where you will clear your mind, refresh your spirit and rekindle the joy, purpose and passion you deserve in your life.
Imagine…
You awaken to a brilliant sun rising over the turquoise lagoon.
Your spirit is lifted by by the gentle breeze caressing your skin and the melody of waves serenading your soul. Your heart fills with gratitude in this haven of tranquility. Your senses awaken to a world of possibility.
Picture yourself savoring the simple pleasures of life, with handwoven baskets brimming with fresh herbal tea and warm scones awaiting you each morning, a gesture of hospitality from our dedicated hosts.
It’s a scene of pure bliss, a sanctuary where you are cherished and cared for, leaving you rejuvenated and alive.
You reach for your journal to capture this transformative journey, a testament to the joy and liberation that comes from prioritizing your own well-being. This is more than just a retreat; it’s a revelation, a realization of the woman you’ve always aspired to be.
Goodbye to brain fog and the weight of years of stress and self-neglect.
Hello to the empowered, confident version of yourself standing at the threshold of possibility. Here, your dreams take flight, your words flow freely, and the life you’ve longed for becomes a tangible reality.
This is your moment. This is your awakening. This is the beginning of a journey to rediscover yourself, to embrace your true essence, and to design the life you deserve.
Welcome home — to the woman you’ve always been and the extraordinary future that awaits you. This woman is alive. This woman is YOU.
WELCOME TO BACALAR!
What Is Possible For You Here?
You’re a woman who’s ready to sign a new lease on life, write new chapters filled with exciting adventures, bold decisions, brave moves and exquisite self-care but something’s been holding you back…
You’ve been living the Should Life.
Every day there’s a fight between your heart and your head. You can hardly hear yourself think because there’s always a Judge Jenny sitting on your shoulder telling you what you should do, what you should say, where you should live and what you should be grateful for.
You’ve been living the Busy Bee Life.
You’re so busy doing too much, for too many, for too little in return that you never have time for yourself. Your schedule doesn’t reflect your priorities. You’re exhausted at the end of the day with no time left for the dreams that are most important to you.
You’ve been living the Caregiver Lucy Life.
You’re a woman who cares. You’re a care-giver. You’re everybody’s go-to for answers and free advice leaving you feeling drained, unfocused, and unappreciated. Your To-Do list is a mile long yet you can never find the time to finish anything you start because you’re always on-call fixing everyone else’s life.
Imagine how liberating it would feel to:
• Embrace the freedom to live authentically without the weight of other people’s expectations of what you should do or should be
• Summon the courage to carve out your own path, plant your flag of confidence in the sand and finally create a clear roadmap fueled by your passion for life
• Rediscover the joy of living in the present moment, trusting your intuition to guide you through the unknowns of life with patience, grace, and ease
• Wake up each morning with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, ready to tackle challenges head-on and embrace new opportunities with confidence
Welcome to a retreat designed to ignite your inner spark, awaken your true potential, and empower you to design the life you deserve.
Discover Serenity
Turn your care-giving into care-being. Witness a new way of walking in your life. Escape it all, while doing it all—all that matters most to you—in the oasis of Bacalar.
Who Can You Become?
You’ve spent thousands of dollars on courses, coaching, webinars and workshops but you’re still not where you want to be.
You’re ready to be Victorious not a Victim.
You feel trapped in a career that pays the bills but leaves you feeling unseen, unheard, and unfulfilled. You hit the glass ceiling and feel scared to stay, scared to leave and there’s no real end in sight. You need quiet time and space to find your light at the end of the tunnel again.
You’re ready to Slow Down so you can Speed Up.
Stress hormones yank you out of bed, fly you down the highway, speed you into the office and race you back home. There’s no end to your obligations and slowing down long enough to relax and unwind feels like an impossible goal. You need real time and real solutions to get your mind, mood, and metabolism aligned again.
Imagine a fresh new beginning where you:
• Step into the role of the architect of your own destiny, reclaiming your power and charting a course towards a career and life that truly fulfills you.
• Embrace the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and cultivate a sense of balance and inner peace amidst life’s demands.
• Break free from the limitations of the past and step boldly into a future filled with possibility, confidence, and self-assurance.
Join us in Bacalar to experience the kind of retreat that offers more than just temporary solutions or quick fixes.
Immerse yourself in a nurturing, supportive environment where you can delve deep into your innermost desires, confront your fears, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before.
Be Transformed
You will discover how vibrant and energized your body can feel without the stress that you’ve been experiencing for too long.
You will experience the profound shift from stress to serenity as you release years of tension and embrace a state of balance and inner calm.
You will delve deep within yourself to unearth the wisdom and intuition that have long been overshadowed by the demands of daily life.
You will immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, allowing its healing power to soothe your soul and illuminate the path forward.
It’s time to stop merely existing and start truly living.
Your Reinvention
You will gain clarity and perspective as you connect with the rhythms of the earth and sky, finding solace and inspiration in their timeless wisdom.
You will release the burdens of fear, doubt, and self-judgement that have weighed you down for far too long.
You will nourish your body, mind, and spirit with wholesome, detoxifying meals crafted from the freshest ingredients straight from the garden to your table.
You will shed the layers of negativity and self-doubt,emerging lighter, freer, and more empowered than ever before.
You will discover the joy of creative self-expression as you carve out a space of your own at Akalki to paint, draw, sing, or simply bask in the beauty of your surroundings.
It’s your turn now. This is your time to reconnect with the essence of who you are and realign with your deepest passions and desires.
Discover paradise
Welcome to Bacalar, a place where time stands still long enough for you to hear the whisper of your heart again.
Bacalar is a hidden gem and an unrivaled feast for the senses. A quaint fishing village nestled in the southeastern region of the Yucatan, Bacalar is known for its mystical lagoon, magical sunsets and mesmerizing natural wonders.
Awarded the highest distinction of Pueblo Mágico (magical village) Bacalar derives its name from the Mayan language as Siyan Ka’an Bakjalal, translated to mean ‘place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born.’
Witness the majesty that only your eyes can behold.
Prepare to be spellbound by the breathtaking kaleidoscope of hues that dance across the Bacalar lagoon as the sun ascends, revealing a mesmerizing symphony of color transformations from cobalt blue to violet to aquamarine that will leave you in awe.
Leave your worries behind.
Breathe and savor the scene that invites you to officially unplug from the stress and chaos of modern life.
Your retreat to Bacalar is the oasis of time and space you’ve been yearning for to get clear about your next chapter and what matters most to you in your life.
Design Your Story
A new chapter of your life is waiting to be written.
This is your invitation to write a bold new chapter filled with adventure, creativity, courage, clarity and confidence you need to start living on your own terms. This time YOU get to be the director and producer crafting the story the way YOU want it to be told.
The studio and the stage are ready for you in Bacalar. You’ve sacrificed enough. It’s your turn now.
“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories… water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.”
~Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Discover Your Path
Join me in the oasis of Bacalar to touch the neglected areas of your life again.
Carve out a quiet space to become the artist and architect of your vision with pen and brush in hand.
Your Accommodations
You’re not just a traveler, you’re an explorer.
You’re a woman yearning to expand her horizons beyond the usual, forge meaningful connections and experience moments that linger long after your feet have touched the ground.
Akalki Holistic Center is a bespoke, boutique experience designed to inspire you, expand your mind, and delight your senses.
Akalki, which means “freshwater lagoon, source of vital energy” was created as a holistic center with the mission of reintegrating the human being into a harmonious state with nature, the community in balance and in a sustainable manner.
Sustainability and love of Mayan heritage is the pride of Bacalar.
Respect for the laguna and the land is abundant from beginning to end at Akalki. You will rest knowing that your accommodations have been thoughtfully designed using local materials, with palapas and natural ventilation in every suite on the laguna.
All lagoon villas and mangrove rooms are unique, each preserved with cool curtain light during the day and blackout at night, comfortable beds, abundant pillows, duvet covers, and flooring that begs you to be barefoot throughout your entire stay.
Mayan culture and symbolism is tastefully appointed in every room and throughout the property inviting you to slow down and be inspired.
King Lagoon Villa (Overwater Bungalow)
Option 1: One King Sized Bed (max 2 people)
Option 2: One King Sized Bed + 1 Single Bed (max 3 people)
Wake up to the perfect view of a stunning sunrise over the Seven Colors Lagoon in your own private lagoon facing villa. Enjoy a captivating sunset right from your own private deck. Delight in a long, warm, soothing shower in your fully equipped private bath without any of the interruptions you have at home. End the day with a warm cup of fragrant flower tea grown in the garden and delivered directly to your door. Relax in your king sized bed, beneath the starry skies, drifting asleep to the sound of gentle waves just steps away. This is what renewing your spirit looks like.
Amenities:
- Private bath with shower
- Hamak Hotels beds with 350 thread count sheets
- Organic feather pillows
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Tea tray and water
- Hammocks or deck chairs
- Laguna room collection bag
- Guest sandals for use throughout your villa
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife
- Yoga mat for use during your retreat
- Organic toiletries
- Palapa design, ceiling fan ventilation
Single Mangrove
Option 1: One King Sized Bed (max 2 people)
Option 2: One Queen Sized Bed (max 2 people)
Overlooking the Mangrove, steps from the lagoon and surrounded by the exuberant vitality of nature, these rooms are equipped with air conditioning, natural crafts and wide spaces, soft lighting and comfortable beds to ensure a deep restorative rest. If you are a nature lover, you won’t believe your eyes and ears as you awake to the sight of native hummingbirds and the stunning view of flora all around. With ample space in your private room to roll out your yoga mat, you can begin your day with peaceful movement, quiet meditation or a simple glass of flower tea grown in the orchard delivered straight to your room. What could be a better way to renew and refresh your life?
Amenities:
- Fully equipped private bath with shower
- Hamak Hotels beds with 350 thread count sheets
- Organic feather pillows
- Organic toiletries
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Tea tray and water
- Collection bag in villa
- Guest sandals for use throughout your room
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife
- Yoga mat for use during your retreat
- Ceiling fans and air-condition cooling
Double Mangrove
Two Queen Sized Beds (max 4 people)
Amenities:
- Fully equipped private bath with shower
- Hamak Hotels beds
- Organic feather pillows
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Tea tray and filtered water
- Collection bag in villa
- Organic toiletries
- Guest sandals
- Binoculars for viewing wildlife
- Yoga mat for use during your retreat
- Ceiling fans and air-condition cooling
Will This Be You?
“This retreat was the ‘Turning 50’ gift that I needed. I discovered an inner strength I have never known. I stepped out of my comfort zone, tested and pushed myself. I tried things I’ve never done before. I met awesome people and let go of thoughts and things I truly needed to let go. I am so proud of the Me I am right now. I’m stepping into my new year determined to keep designing the life I deserve!” ~ Toni Robinson, 2023 Retreat Guest
Your Cuisine
Gastronomy (n.): the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich, appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating.
In Mexico, it’s all about experiencing the spice of life in every sense of the word.
In Bacalar you will say goodbye to your grab-and-go, eat in a hurry lifestyle and quickly fall in love with the farm-to-table experience of mouth-watering lemons, red ripe strawberries, fresh salad greens topped with ripe avocados hand picked straight from the Akalki Holistico Center orchard and garden. Locally baked breads and farm fresh eggs, delicious Oaxacan cheeses, spicy salsas and hand made tortillas that are staples in Mexican cuisine will be available at every meal.
“Que tu alimento sea tu medicina”
Let food be thy medicine
The agonizing stress of counting calories and answering the ‘what’s for dinner’ question will melt away as you discover how the ritual of slowing down long enough to enjoy fresh meals will energize your body, clear your mind and help you create the new relationship with food you’ve been yearning for.
You’ll be amazed (and inspired!) by the fresh simplicity of Mexican cuisine when you feast on Ceviche Mexicano, a healthy and delicious recipe of shrimp drenched in an aguachile sauce seasoned with cucumber, serrano pepper, and coriander, topped with fresh avocado and red onion. How about delighting your taste buds with fresh salmon marinated in Axiote Mexican sauce served with a mix of grilled pineapple and onion?
Clean, locally sourced ingredients made into delectable recipes that are served with love and enjoyed with laughter and unforgettable conversations will reveal how possible it is to make peace with your plate again.
You will be inspired by how easy it is to turn the most basic recipe into a bold, rich flavorful feast by adding a few fresh herbs and simple spices that you’ll have the opportunity to harvest from the garden and bring back to Chef Conie to prepare especially for you at La Botika. Food frustration will be kicked to the curb, for good!
Want to enjoy the sunrise with a naturally sweet fruit smoothie delivered straight to your lagoon villa or relax in the evening with a cup of warm medicinal tea made from orchard grown herbs and flowers? No problem.
All nourishing meals, refreshing beverages, and delicious desserts are yours for the asking and included in your retreat. The Buddha Bar is dedicated to people who like to slow down and enjoy their life through easy drink recipes with local, healthy and organic products. Enjoy a different one every day.
On the shores of the Seven Colours Lagoon you will bear witness to the deceptively simple principle of food as art, medicine, and culture. As you nourish your body and mind with delicious food that tastes good, looks good, and feels even better, you’ll put an end to food-frustration and gut-wrenching, guilt-ridden cravings to genuinely heal your body and reinvent yourself as a soul-connected woman who slows down to eat with joy, self-love, awareness and intention.
The Living Classroom
Akalki is not simply a resort. Akalki is a living classroom. You will be surrounded by rich biodiversity that reveals itself in the vibrant hues of exotic birds, the delicate flutter of butterfly wings, and flora that blooms—like your dreams—everywhere.
Nature in the Yucatan is a living, breathing narrative that intertwines with the pulse of ancient traditions. Embrace the call of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where lush mangroves cradle the delicate balance of life, and the whispering wind carries the tales of the Mayan people, etched into the landscape like hieroglyphs of old.
At Akalki, nature transcends the ordinary, offering a sanctuary where time slows, spirits soar, and the connection to the earth’s wonders is as profound as the wisdom embedded in its architectural masterpiece, The Mother Earth Temple.
Carve your new path, write your next story, where the unique quality of nature of the Yucatan becomes a transformative journey into the heart of the extraordinary.
Daily Themes & Your Itinerary
Your retreat begins the moment you register. You’ll receive a special invitation to join our free, private Design The Life You Deserve® Virtual Community to connect and bond with the like-minded women who are travelling with you. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet former retreat guests who will share their powerful retreat transformation stories with you.
In the virtual community you’ll receive weekly retreat updates, inspiring readings, pre-retreat gifts, and journal prompts that explore the following themes and kick of your self-discovery journey. Why? Because we want you to have the resources and support you deserve to get excited and inspired! We’ll dive even deeper into these themes when we arrive at our oasis in Bacalar.
Pre-Retreat Dinner: Meet, Greet, Dine & Delight Beneath A Beautiful Caribbean Sunset – Navios, Mexican Seafood Fusion Waterfront Restaurant, Quintana Roo, MX
Bacalar Arrival + Blessing The Circle: A Sacred Ceremony to Set Our Intentions, Clear Emotional Energy and Lay Fertile Ground for Our Time Together.
Renew Your Mind: Silence Your Inner Critic and Start Creating A Vision of The Life You Really Want
Refresh Your Spirit: Sacred Mayan Medicine to Quiet Your Heart, Calm Your Mind and Nourish Your Spirit (WORKSHOP)
Reclaim Your Spark: Living Your Vision With Story Boards (WORKSHOP)
Restore Your Magic: Creating Simple Rituals That Make the Ordinary Sacred Again
Behold The Goddess Ixchel: Optional Post-Retreat Group Excursion to Mayan Ruins of Isla Mujeres (Sightseeing & Tour of Goddess Ixchel Statues & Temple)
Go Deeper: Private Sessions To Enhance Your Experience
Option #1: Story & Studio Time With Angel
Feeling stuck, stalled and disconnected from the life you imagined? That’s why you’re going on retreat – to start thinking like a designer! The secret to a long and happy life is to live with purpose every day. Living a life with meaning and purpose can make you happier, healthier, more content, and more resilient through hard times.
As a published author Angel will help you excavate the empowering, overarching themes of your life to jump start the creation of your unique story board.
In the serene oasis of Bacalar, you’ll learn the principles of life design and gain the tools you need to begin creating your unique story and storyboard to design the life you desire and deserve. Combining breath exercises that help you relax, written prompts that help you visualize, and creative tools that help you explore, you will design a living, breathing storyboard that helps you connect and commit to what is most meaningful to your life right now.
Schedule a one hour private studio session to get unstuck and start living a life filled with meaning and purpose. Multiple sessions can be booked. Must be prescheduled with your general registration.
Option #2: Awaken Your Qi
Does the stress and strain of modern life have your head spinning and your body crying for help? From stiff, aching joints to migraines and headaches, your body has innate intelligence to help and heal itself. When your Qi flows freely, you experience health, creativity, and vitality; however, when Qi cannot flow smoothly, pain, stiffness, and imbalances occur.
In this private session with Angel you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice basic Qi Gong movements that improve circulation, nourish vital organs and improve energy and vitality in your body. You’ll also learn how simple self-massage will help you regulate your nervous, scattered thoughts, improve your breathing and digestion and help you nourish the Qi in your body. (45 minute sessions. Must be prescheduled after registration).
Option #3: Private Photo Shoot
Self-care extends beyond just inner healing. It encompasses celebrating your journey too. Capture the precious memories of your transformative journey to Bacalar in your own private photo shoot!
Pre-schedule this unique experience and leave with timeless images that reflect moments of empowerment, self-love, and the radiant woman you are. Contact us directly after registration for pricing and scheduling details.
Bonding + Friendships
For centuries women’s wisdom has been handed down through myths, tales, and stories. The ritual of women holding space for other women to be seen, heard, held, valued, and validated is as old as time itself.
Every moment you are alive has potential for a story. From small incidents to sweeping changes, heartaches to hijinks, stories live within you and are opportunities to connect. They make us laugh, cry, think deeply, reimagine the world, contemplate how we are alike and celebrate how we are different.
As the sun sets over the lagoon we will create the bond of friendship as we cool off in the lagoon and revive the ancient feminine practice of gathering, sharing, caring, and healing.
Each night we’ll play a fun game of storytelling that will spark memories you didn’t even know you had! You’ll carry those stories into your dreams as stars paint the night sky and use your creativity to weave those memories into the story board design of your new life!
“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories… water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.”
~Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
All Inclusive Group Experiences
RISE & SHINE DAILY T’AI CHI
Feeling stiff, achy, and low on energy? Discover the ancient Chinese practice of T’ai Chi that blends gentle movements with focused breathing and meditation, promoting balance, flexibility, and inner calm.
T’ai Chi is well known to help improve circulation, reduce mental stress, and enhance mental clarity. T’ai chi and qi gong also cultivate mindfulness, allowing you to reconnect to your body and emotions, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and inner peace.
Join us as the sun rises over the lagoon. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-being, nurturing your body, mind, and spirit in breathtaking Bacalar.
REVITALIZE & THRIVE: JUICING FOR WOMEN’S HORMONAL HEALTH
Can something as simple as juicing help you shed pounds, tame hot flashes, curb your cravings, and make you feel more energized throughout your day? Yes it can! You’ll enjoy this delightful guided tour of the Akalki Orchard to learn the ancient secrets of Mayan medicine that women of the Yucatan have relied upon for centuries. From taste-testing edible medicinal plants, herbs, and flowers to plucking your own fresh fruit straight from the vines you’ll have everything you need to create your own apothecary back home and make juicing a permanent part of your life!
ROOTED REMEDIES: PLANT MEDICINE FOR WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Your body is always changing throughout your life. During midlife, however, fluctuating hormones combined with environmental toxins, heavy metals, nutrient-poor foods, and life stress can easily lead to the symptoms that cause us so much distress: hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, and irritability. But there is help!
You deserve a healthy body and solutions that actually promote healing.
Indulge in this hands-on workshop were you’ll delve into the world of plants, tea infusions, and extracts specifically for midlife women. Led by Bacalar native, Venice Miranda you’ll discover the medicinal properties of each plant and learn how to work with these gentle giants to provide solutions for deep sleep, low libido, brain fog, hot flashes and more.
Craft your own calming aroma sprays to bring home, a soothing blend designed to transport you back to the retreat’s tranquil atmosphere whenever you need a moment of calm. Explore the art of tea blending with a specially curated mix of dry herbs aimed at boosting your immune system. Discover the secrets of preparing a small alcohol tincture packed with digestive and metabolic benefits. Elevate your self-care routine and embrace the healing power of nature in this immersive workshop experience.
UNLOCK YOUR DREAMS, UNLEASH YOUR WINGS: CATAMARAN SAILING TO BIRD ISLAND & CENOTE ESMERALDA
In Bacalar, we don’t call it the catamaran, we call it the ‘Chill-Maran.’ You didn’t come all the way to Bacalar to be stressed out! Relax and chill on a cozy, rustic private catamaran tour of the Seven Colors Lagoon, the most breathtaking sight in the Yucatan Peninsula. Witness the stunning shades of blue and green as you journey to must-see Pirate Channel and centuries-old freshwater cenotes. Let your dreams take flight as you catch sight of fascinating wildlife and migratory birds. Sway and dip in the cool waters of the lagoon at Bird Island!
MANDALAS DEL MUNDO MAYA
The word “mandala” means “circle” or “totality” and is of Sanskrit origin, a language spoken in ancient India. The Tibetans define it as “that which surrounds a center.” When the mandalas are drawn, one enters a circular symbolic world that is, at the same time, a sacred space of protection; personal symbols are created that are essential to find inner balance and thus find comfort, healing and inspiration.
Mandalas are helpful tools for meditation. Coloring mandalas can help potentiate the positive states of peace, joy, creativity and confidence, as well as counteract the negative states of fear, stress, sadness, and mourning.
Enjoy quiet time on your own with pre-printed Mayan mandalas to color or use for your personal meditation practice during your retreat.
Relax, Renew, Refresh:
Quiet Indulgences On Your Own
Healing Massage
Enjoy total relaxation for body and mind with healing massages and spa treatments. The Akalki Healing Center is the perfect oasis of calm where you can de-stress and revitalize in a comfortable, pleasant and natural environment. Treatments are based on herbal, detoxifying and purifying oils of which you can inquire prior to booking your appointment.
Temazcal
Enjoy the delightful experience of a steam bath in an igloo-shaped hut with ancestral prehispanic ceremony and cacao. Temazcal is believed to help detoxify your body, release endorphines and strength the immunologic system. Contact the Akalki reservations desk when you arrive to schedule this personal experience.
Sound Healing For Deep Rest
Join the Bacalar community as they gather weekly for this soul-nourishing experience at the Seven Colors Lagoon and let the healing power of sound wrap you in serenity and bliss. The enchanting sound healing session offers a sanctuary for relaxation and renewal, where ancient instruments and soothing vibrations harmonize to restore balance to your mind, body, and soul.
Experience profound relaxation, release tension, and awaken your senses to a higher state of consciousness, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace life’s journey with renewed vitality.
Daily Yoga
Enjoy the delightful experience of a steam bath in an igloo-shaped hut with ancestral prehispanic ceremony and cacao. Temazcal is believed to help detoxify your body, release endorphines and strength the immunologic system. Contact the Akalki reservations desk when you arrive to schedule this personal experience.
Kayak, Swimming, Snorkeling
Relax, wind down, refresh, and renew in the crystal clear waters of the Seven Colors Lagoon. Bacalar is one of the few places in the world where you can marvel at stromatolites – some of the oldest living life forms on earth. These curious structures that look like rocks are actually living fossils that grow very slowly, and they are only found in only a few precious waters on Earth.
Your Bonuses
- Get excited about your retreat before you leave home by meeting and greeting fellow travelers in my private members-only community. Receive up-to-date travel info, get tips on how to prepare and make the most of our time together.
- Get your creative juices flowing for the vision you have for your life. Get your bonus download of the Design The Life You Deserve Journal filled with journal prompts to help awaken your intuition, inspiration, and motivation.
- Build a deeper connection with everyone on two pre-trip Zoom calls. Get directions on how to set your intention, clear your mind and begin the process of reinvention before you take flight. Join these casual connection sessions to learn how to quiet your inner critic, silence your Judge Jenny and move into your place of power before you leave home.
- Keep the momentum of your reinvention going when you arrive back home with three months of private community membership – FREE. Avoid getting pulled back into old limiting mindsets, weave your new learnings and experiences into your life, and get community support to solidify your renewed and refreshed life.
What’s included:
Here are some of the delightful experiences waiting for you…
- A quiet oasis sanctuary at the farthest tip of the Yucatan peninsula (single and double occupancy) on the private and secluded grounds nestled on the Bacalar lagoon
- Traditional, organic Mexican meals made fresh daily – five delicious breakfasts, four mouth-watering lunches and five delectable dinners – plus fresh herbal tea, coffee, fresh squeezed juices and bottled water at any time of the day.
- Private lagoon access to swim, snorkel, kayak or simply lounge on your own
- Daily gatherings for classes, nightly fireside circles and lots of deep connection and creative conversation all week!
- Powerful sacred opening ceremony to help you set your intention for a profound inner journey.
- All water activity fees such as kayaking and paddle-boarding.
- Group transportation to and from the airport at designated times, arriving on September 19th & departing on September 23rd.
What’s not included:
These are some of the not-included things you cover yourself…
- Your round-trip airfare from home
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (REQUIRED)
- Personal taxi transport to the airport outside of scheduled group transport
- Between-meal snacks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Taxi transport and entrance fees for any private, individual trips
- Souvenirs, phone calls, spa services, taxis, laundry, etc.
- Personal medical travel insurance for accidents or injuries (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)
- Amex, Visa, MC or USD to pay for your optional experiences that are not included in the retreat
Her Story, In Her Own Words
Jill McMullen, Retreat Guest 2023
“Angel talks a lot about what it feels like to be “on the other side of fear.” She encourages you to not just think about it but see it and feel it. That is powerful. My time in Bacalar on retreat with Angel allowed me to imagine what my life could be like “on the other side of fear” … on the other side of the internalized fears that had become traveling companions in my life. I created a story board that mapped my life journey on paper, highlighting the forks in the road where a heightened awareness lead to momentous decisions.
When it came time to design my future, I envisioned the steps I would take and I embodied that step-by-step commitment by climbing all the way to the top of the Mother Earth Temple: experiencing the levels of earth, water, air and fire. This no small feat as there many twists and turns in the climb, just as there are in life. When I finally reached the top and was able to see beyond myself to the landscape and the lagoon way out in front of me I also envisioned the future that I am creating moment by moment. My retreat with Angel was a real gift. I am definitely in a new place, designing the life I deserve!”
Toni Robinson, Retreat Guest 2023
My retreat in Bacalar marked a new chapter for me, signaling the end of my role as a caregiver. Despite being single and childless, caregiving was ingrained in me—I was always checking in on others, lending a listening ear, and offering guidance. I also realize that this was a role I assumed on my own, that set others’ expectations of me. As I was going through the grief and trauma of my mother’s death, my caregiver spirit felt depleted. It was then that I noticed that very few people were there to pour back into me.
I had been quietly following Angel on social media. On one of my many sleepless nights, I saw her advertisement for the retreat, and it sang to my spirit. The next day I shared the link with two close friends, who agreed it was tailor-made for me. Encouraged, I reached out to Angel, and our conversation solidified my decision to attend. Before I knew it, I had booked a plane ticket.
Being in Bacalar aroused a sense of freedom. A certain carefree calmness, and kindness to myself. This picture represents a strength that was awakened to be a caregiver to myself and a confidence of “I Know I Can Do It.” During the retreat, we crafted vision boards—a practice I had previously dismissed as trivial. But, while I was creating mine, I realized this was a practice of visualizing goals, in the guise of dreams and carving a mental path to what Could Be. Some things seemed outlandish, but others felt more attainable.
Since leaving Bacalar with my vision and story board, I began to focus on three of the items individually: peace of mind through self-focus, securing a new living space, and pursuing a new job. Remarkably, all three have materialized. Now, as I contemplate the rest of my visions, each time I review them, the feeling of the warm loving sun, the feeling of self-strength in the picture, and the sweet waters of Bacalar wash over my spirit, invigorating me to continue designing the next self-fulfilling scene, in the good life that I deserve.
What You’ll Take Home
- A clearer vision of what you want more and less of in your life so you can start living with inspiration and intention
- A deeper connection to your own inner wisdom and intuition
- A greater sense of gratitude for the chapters you’ve closed and the chapters you are now prepared to write
- A refreshed perspective about what is possible for you in your life
- A renewed sense of excitement for making meals that energize your mind and nourish your body
- An inner sense of calm that that you can weave into your career, your relationships and every area of your life
- A relaxed, rejuvenated and re-inspired body, mind and spirit.
- An exciting sense of optimism and inspiration so that you can start living life without judgement and negative-self talk
- Deep connections with a group of creative, inspired, women who share your excitement about life
- A more heart centered appreciation and connection to nature and the beautiful planet we call Home
- A newfound love for Mexico, Mayan wisdom, and the people of an amazing country
- Incredible memories (and pictures!) of your new friends and one of the most fascinating regions of the Yucatan Peninsula
- The spirit of Wild Woman who will no longer be denied!
This retreat is absolutely for you if:
- You’re a professional woman ready to write new chapters filled with exciting adventures, bold decisions, brave moves and exquisite self-care
- You want to live your life without paralyzing fear and exhausting negative self-talk
- You want to let go of the Should Life and start making decisions that prioritize what you really want in your life
- You’re eager to feel more clarity, confidence and a sense of calm so that you can make wiser, bolder, bigger decisions
- You’re open-minded and welcome the opportunity to get quiet enough to identify where you may be getting in your own way
- You enjoy solitude while also learning and growing with others
- You often feel that there has to be a better way to live.
- You long to connect more deeply with other women
- The very idea of this retreat sounds like the medicine you’ve been searching for!
This retreat is NOT for you if:
- You already have your life completely figured out
- You know exactly what you want your next chapter to be and you have a master plan for getting there
- You are calm, cool and collected and life is working just fine for you
- You’re not comfortable with the idea of traveling to a foreign country
- You’re looking for a vacation filled with non-stop activities and excursions
- You’re not interested in group circles or learning with other people
- You don’t like being in warm, tropical climates
- You prefer trips that go 100% as planned, all the time
“I love the Design the Life You Deserve® Vision Board workshops and I can’t wait for your retreat. I was so impressed with what you presented and the beautiful group of women that attended. It was so much more than a vision board, it was the story of my life. Learning to be gentle and discover self love and self compassion is fascinating. Your workshop came at the best time for me and being in community makes everything I’m learning even better. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, Angel. I can’t thank you enough.” ~ Linda R.
Your Retreat Leader, Angel
Like so many women my life has been filled with false starts, sudden surprises and sacrifices that are too many to name. Balancing a full time career in healthcare, working twelve hour night shifts while raising two children and running a household was no easy task. While my children are far from their diaper days now, I vividly remember the piercing pain of sunlight in my eyes as I veered onto I-95 from downtown Baltimore after those long twelve hour nights, the afternoons I’d sit at the kitchen table with one eye open and one eye shut while trying to teach the ‘new math’ to one and oversee the science fair project of another, the Sunday nights when when my weary body would take over and I’d collapse in bed only to wash, rinse, and repeat the same routine week after week.
For as much as I treasured being a mother and wife I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that there were days I wondered what happened to my life. It seemed that every part of my existence was centered around motherhood and parenting. What happened to that blissfully happy couple in the silver frame on my bedroom nightstand? How had we become two ships passing in the night?
From swimming meets to soccer games to constant sideline chatter about the kids and their long list of activities I longed for the space and time to be creative, explore my own interests, and do the things that made Me, me. As the children grew older and their worlds grew larger I realized that I desperately needed a contemplative corner of my own.
I discovered retreats through friendships with other women who understood the absolute necessity for having intentional solitude woven into the fabric of their lives. As I was told then and deeply believe now – time alone makes time together, better.
As Ann Morrow Lindbergh wrote in her timeless bestseller, Gift From The Sea, “…for life today in America is based on the premise of ever-widening circles of contact and communication. It involves not only family demands, but community demands, national demands, international demands on the good citizen, through social and cultural pressures…and so on. My mind reels with it. What a circus act we women perform every day of our lives. It puts the trapeze artist to shame. Look at us. We run a tight rope daily. This is not the life of simplicity but the life of multiplicity that the wise men warn us of. It leads not to unification but to fragmentation. It does not bring grace; it destroys the soul.”
I design retreats for women who want to create another rhythm to their lives; a rhythm filled with creative pauses and the fertile space needed to create a new relationship with themselves.
Whether her need for retreat is to overcome a self-defeating mindset that’s been holding her back in life or to have quiet time to draft the first pages of her memoir, Design The Life You Deserve® Retreats are sacred, intentional gatherings for women to reclaim their own Wildish nature and re-enter their worlds renewed, refreshed, reinvented and reimagined. It is also a giving forward of the gift I so lovingly received.
Your Teachers In Bacalar
Venice Miranda
Horticultural Specialist
Roger, M.
Horticultural Specialist/Orchard Manager
FAQs
1) Bacalar is beautiful but how is this different from a vacation?
Bacalar is indeed a wonderful place to visit but a retreat is not a vacation. A retreat is an opportunity for you to disconnect, reconnect and invest in YOURSELF. If you are looking for a long list of daily excursions, parties, clubs and shopping for souvenirs, this retreat experience is not for you.
2) Why Bacalar? Are these actual photos of what it looks like?
Glad you asked! Bacalar offers an opportunity to step away from the ordinary and everything you’ve already seen and done. It is not your ‘been there, done that!’ kind of place. Bacalar is one of the world´s true natural treasures with turquoise freshwater, white beaches, cenotes, jungle, mangroves, unique ecology, culture, and history. Its breathtaking scenery is still little known by international tourism. Laguna Bacalar is filled with stromatolites, the world’s oldest fossils, some of which are over 3.5 billion years old – a sight to behold!
Transparency, honesty, and integrity are our core values at Seva Health and The Seva Institute. These are not stock photos. These are actual images of Laguna Bacalar and the retreat itself. Everything you see here is what you will see at Akalki – and so much more.
3) What is the exact itinerary?
Your experience in Bacalar will include all of the unique experiences that we’ve outlined above while also leaving room for flexibility based upon weather conditions, safety conditions and the overall synchronicity of our retreat group. In general, we gather for meals, daily T’ai Chi, story board design time together, pre-paid private tours and evening Laguna Circle. Gathering helps us to create the kind of bond that is unique to the retreat experience. There is ample time every day to rest, enjoy solitude, wander and explore or have a delicious snack or beverage delivered to your private suite.
4) What if I need a roommate to help cover the cost of this? Can you help me find someone?
As much as we would like to help with pairing roommates, we also know that retreats are very personal, private experiences. We encourage you to share this page with friends or family who may be ready to write a new chapter in their lives also. Your comfort and safety matters and we want you to have the time and space you need to truly feel transformed.
5) I always travel with my spouse/partner. How do you manage couples for this retreat?
There are many exciting retreats uniquely designed for couples however this retreat is designed for individual experiences and we invite you to consider coming on your own. Retreats are an opportunity for you to slow down and get quiet enough to hear your own inner voice again. The more you’re able to be present and focus solely on yourself, the more you will gain from this experience.
6) I feel concerned about travelling with strangers.
Your personal journey actually starts as soon as you register, and you’ll get to know everyone in the virtual pre-retreat meetings held in Angel’s private community, The Seva Circle. During those relaxed, casual meetings you will have plenty of time to connect with others, start building relationships, and share dreams and excitement about the upcoming trip! On top of that, there will be several meet-and-greet sessions via Zoom to allow you time to break the ice and meet the ones who will be joining you. The group and the venue are intimate and the space is private. Rest assured, this is a safe space for you to be YOU.
7) What if I choose not to participate in one of the activities?
No problem! Every person experiences retreats differently and we are here to honor your choices for YOUR experience. That being said, every aspect of this journey has been selected and arranged with a greater purpose and mission in mind. It is intended to assist you in the transformation you desire, and you won’t want to miss even a step along the way.
8) What are the exact dates of the retreat and where should I book my flight?
The formal retreat begins Monday evening, September 16th with a meet and great dinner at our arrival hotel in Cancun. On Tuesday, September 17th we will journey to Akalki and, once we are settled in, engage in an intention setting ceremony.
All retreat activities will end on Sunday morning, September 22nd and will conclude with a closing intention sealing ceremony.
We will check out of Akalki on Sunday morning, September 22, 2024 and travel back to our original arrival hotel, minutes from Cancun International Airport.
Suggestion:
Book your flight into Cancun International Airport (CUN) arriving on Monday September 16, 2024 later than 4PM and departing anytime after 5PM Sunday 22, 2024.
Given the travel time from Bacalar to Cancun, you might also wish to secure an overnight accommodation in Cancun on Sunday, September 22, 2024 and plan to fly home on Monday September 23, 2024.
As long as you arrive on time, once you’ve cleared customs and officially step onto Mexican ground, you’ll be greeted by Angel and her retreat coordinator. From there on, you’ll be taken care of throughout your visit.
If you’re adventurous and have some time, an optional group trip on Sunday, September 22 to nearby beautiful Isla Mujeres is well worth your time. We will travel to Isla Mujeres together by short ferry for shopping, dining, and more breath-taking sight-seeing. Please note, however, this is not included in the formal retreat.
9) Is it safe to travel to Bacalar, Mexico?
Like travelling to any country, basic common-sense guidelines apply such as staying with your group, monitoring your luggage, not wearing flashy jewelry, keeping your wallet secured and so on. Bacalar is very safe. At each of our Zoom trip preparation sessions we’ll give you some common-sense guidelines to follow and U.S. State Department updates.
As long as your flights are within our recommended times, you’ll be taken care of from the moment you pass through immigration.
Our pre-trip documentation will give you all the information you need – such as bringing a refillable water bottle for filtered water, packing a simple essentials travel kit, and leaving your valuables at home.
10) Can the resort manage dietary restrictions and food allergies?
Absolutely!
Please let us know your needs at least two weeks before the retreat, and we’ll be sure to communicate your needs. If what you need is not available at Akalki, we will let you know, and together we’ll work on finding a solution.
Please clearly state any food or environmental allergies and intolerances you have, along with your dietary preferences and send to angel@sevahealthgroup.com
11) Do I need travel insurance?
Definitively, YES. We highly recommend medical AND travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage. Be sure to read the fine print and COVID-19 policies as every policy can differ greatly.
12) What is the weather like?
Bacalar is located at the furthest tip of the Yucatan region, primarily jungle. It can be hot during the day and cool at night.
In September, the average temperature is high 72°F (22°C) and low 52°F (11°C), so you can expect very pleasant temperatures during the day, but be sure to bring something warm for the evenings.
Given that it is the Yucatan region there is a significant possibility that it could rain in the afternoon, and when it rains it pours. As much as possible we time our daily activities to stay out of the rain, but make sure to bring proper attire like a poncho and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet just in case.
13) What do I pack?
When you start packing for this incredible adventure plan for comfortable and casual unless YOU want to take pictures wearing something pretty like a summer dress. You will not need not be needing anything dressy like heels or fancy jewelry so feel free to leave all of that at home.
Layers are the perfect approach to Mexico in general. Dressing in layers is also a good way to protect yourself from the sun and also allows you to warm up if there’s a slight evening chill. Since there’s a possibility of rain at any time, you might want to include a light rain poncho or jacket and sturdy water-repellent walking shoes. We will review all of this information at our Zoom pre-retreat sessions.
14) Will I be able to get a cell phone signal to stay in touch with my family and friends?
Yes, you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones. Cell phone signals are readily available in Bacalar however signals can be ‘spotty’ at times. But more importantly, remember that this is an opportunity for you to disconnect to reconnect. Remember the reason you are going on retreat in the first place! The less ‘wired’ you are the more you’ll get from this transformational experience.
15) What about COVID-19?
Your safety and wellbeing are very important to us! We will adhere to all COVID-19 travel requirements at the time of travel and will keep you informed of any Mexican government and US State Department updates.
At the time of this writing (March 2024), there are no requirements for vaccination or masks on this retreat, but you’re always welcome to wear a mask if you like. We will be providing N-95 masks and will also have some rapid Covid tests on hand if needed.
If you choose to room with someone please have a conversation with that person directly about their vaccination choices as we will not be providing any pre-screening before the retreat.
Akalki Holistico Center routinely complies with any new health and sanitary requirements. Please contact Akalki directly for specifics if you’d like to know more. Also keep in mind that we don’t give refunds if you have to cancel, which makes it all the more important that your travel insurance includes Covid-related cancellations.
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE AT REGISTRATION CHECKOUT