Align Retreat

Align Retreat is a seven-night yoga retreat at Xinalani, an oceanfront retreat center on the coast of Jalisco, Mexico, just south of Puerto Vallarta. It is led by Dawne Sullivan and Claudette Beetles and combines aerial yoga with fitness and strength-focused movement. It is open to all levels, so it suits people who want an active week of practice beside the Pacific without needing prior experience.

What to Expect

Align sits in the Strength & Movement category, with aerial yoga and fitness as its main threads. Each retreat at Xinalani has its own rhythm, and the center describes days that move naturally between practice, meals, ocean time, rest and open space.

The general daily flow at Xinalani looks like this:

- 8 AM: morning yoga by the ocean, all-levels and meant to move, energize and awaken the body
- 10 AM: breakfast with fresh tropical fruit, homemade pastries, Mexican favorites and lighter options
- 12 PM: free time to swim, rest by the pool, use the wellness area or book a massage
- 2 PM: lunch on the oceanfront terrace
- 5 PM: a slower session such as restorative yoga, meditation, cacao or a mindful practice
- 7 PM: sunset over Banderas Bay, then dinner of fresh local cuisine and homemade desserts

Your retreat leaders shape the specifics of their own week, so the exact sessions may vary from this outline. The idea behind the week is to give your practice more time and attention than it usually gets at home, and to leave space for wellness experiences, ocean activities and time in nature if you want them.

The Setting

Xinalani sits between the jungle and the Pacific Ocean, and the rooms are built to take that in. Guests can choose from several categories:

- Beach Casita: the most spacious and private option, steps from the beach, with a king bed, a private terrace with plunge pool, ocean views and A/C.
- Eco Chic Treehouse: an open-air stay above the jungle with a king bed or two double beds, a private terrace with hammock, and ocean and jungle views. A/C or open-air options are available.
- Deluxe Room: a cozy room with a king bed or two twin beds, a private terrace with a small hammock, and jungle and ocean views. A/C or open-air options are available.
- Small and Big Palapa: shared open-air palapas with four or eight individual beds and a private terrace, the most accessible way to stay.

Meals are prepared on site and served with ocean views, and the center takes care of the stay and daily details so guests can spend less time organizing and more time being present.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels. Align runs for seven nights. Your room, the meals described above and the daily practice schedule are part of the Xinalani experience, while massages and some other wellness offerings are extras you can book during your free time. Because the center is near Puerto Vallarta, many guests plan their travel through that city.