Return to Joy

Return to Joy is an immersive wellness retreat for people who want to slow down and reconnect with themselves through the harmony of spirit, mind, and body. It is led by Maria Fregeau, an embodiment coach and retreat facilitator, and takes place at Xinalani Retreat near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The program weaves embodiment practices, yoga, reflection, and meaningful connection with time outdoors, and it is open to anyone ready to let go of what no longer serves them and remember the joy within.

What to Expect

The days combine practice and adventure. Mornings begin with coffee and snacks, followed by a morning embodiment practice. Daily yoga and meditation classes are part of the stay, and an afternoon integration session gives space to reflect on what has surfaced.

The sample day runs roughly like this:

- 7:00 am to 7:30 am: morning coffee and snacks
- 8:00 am to 9:30 am: morning embodiment practice
- 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: wild dolphin excursion
- 10:00 am to 11:00 am: breakfast
- 11:00 am to 2:30 pm: hidden-gem coastal hike and snorkel
- 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: lunch
- 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm: afternoon integration
- 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: dinner

Beyond the yoga and embodiment work, the retreat includes a wild dolphin excursion, a hidden coastal hike paired with snorkeling, a jungle trek, kayaking, and a restorative spa experience with massage. The intention is that you leave lighter and rejuvenated, with practical tools for bringing more presence and alignment into everyday life.

About Maria Fregeau

Maria Fregeau is an Embodiment Coach, Integration Specialist, Movement Mentor, and retreat facilitator. She brings more than 25 years of experience as a bodyworker and 15 years as a yoga teacher, along with a lifelong connection to nature. Her retreats blend embodiment, movement, reflection, and adventure, and her work invites people to slow down, trust their inner wisdom, and remember the joy that has always been there.

The Setting

The retreat is held at Xinalani Retreat on the coast of Jalisco, near Puerto Vallarta. Guests arrive with airport transfers and a boat ride to the retreat center, both included.

Accommodation comes in several styles, so you can choose your own level of comfort:

- Quadruple occupancy: Big Palapa (open-air) or Small Palapa
- Double or single occupancy: Deluxe Room (open air or air-conditioned), Eco Chic Suite (open air or air-conditioned), or an air-conditioned Beach Casita

Three healthful meals are served each day, along with coffee, tea, fruit, and granola.

Before You Go

The retreat is designed as an all-inclusive stay. The rate covers selected accommodation, all meals, daily yoga and meditation classes, airport transfers and the boat ride to the retreat center, kayak use, snorkel equipment, a massage, the jungle trek, the wild dolphin tour, and all taxes. An early reservation savings is also offered for those who book ahead.

Because the schedule includes a coastal hike, snorkeling, kayaking, and a boat excursion, come ready for active days in the water and outdoors.