The Art of Returning

The Art of Returning is a seven-night yoga retreat at Xinalani, an oceanfront retreat center in Quimixto, Jalisco, Mexico, just south of Puerto Vallarta. It is led by Jenny Kaufman and is open to all levels, with mixed-style yoga, rest and restoration, and a thread of growth and healing running through the week.

The retreat sits between the jungle and the Pacific Ocean, in a setting meant for slowing down and coming back to yourself, with the practical details of the stay taken care of around you.

What to Expect

The retreat runs seven nights. Xinalani describes the rhythm of its retreats as days that move between practice, nourishing meals, ocean time, restorative moments and space to simply be. Each retreat has its own pace, and the teacher shapes the practice, but the daily rhythm at Xinalani generally looks like this:

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

The retreat is mixed-style yoga, so expect a range of approaches rather than one single method, balanced with restorative time. Alongside the practice, Xinalani invites guests to explore wellness experiences, ocean adventures and nature, and to share the week with people who came for many of the same reasons.

About Jenny Kaufman

Jenny Kaufman is the teacher leading The Art of Returning. She guides the yoga and the shape of the week, bringing her own approach and perspective to the practice.

The Setting

Xinalani is an oceanfront retreat center between the jungle and the Pacific, with views over Banderas Bay. Guests can choose from several room types:

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

Meals are fresh and seasonal, served on the oceanfront terrace, and the property has a pool and a wellness area where massage can be booked.

Before You Go

This retreat is open to all levels, so no prior yoga experience is needed. Xinalani takes care of the stay, meals and logistics, so your time goes to practice, rest and the setting itself. Massages and other body therapies are available to book separately during the free hours of the day.