Release. Relax. Reconnect

Release. Relax. Reconnect is a seven-night yoga retreat at Xinalani Retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, led by Gena Foreman and Stacy Whittingham. It suits yoga students of any level who want a week of vinyasa, yin, breathwork and yoga nidra in a tropical setting, with room to do as much or as little as they like.

What to Expect

Each morning begins with a 90-minute class that is slow, grounded and creative, with breathwork woven into the flow. Evenings close with a gentle restorative practice, a yin or Kauit session, or a guided yoga nidra meditation. All classes take place in open-air tropical yoga studios.

The days are loosely held. Morning coffee and snacks are set out from 7:00 am, yoga and breathwork run from 8:15 to 9:45 am, and breakfast follows from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Lunch is from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, the evening practice from 5:15 to 6:45 pm, and dinner from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. The long stretch in the middle of the day is yours.

Many people use it for excursions, which include hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding, whale watching and snorkeling. Others read, nap, book a massage or walk the beach. The retreat is also meant to be a way into Mexican culture and into the ocean, mountains and jungle around the center.

About Gena Foreman

Gena Foreman has more than 25 years of experience as a student, teacher and mentor, and teaches vinyasa, yin, breathwork and yoga nidra. Her classes blend informed yoga postures with attention to breath (pranayama) and healthy energetic alignment. Her instructions are clear and concise, with modifications offered for injuries and special needs. She has worked with corporations, professional athletes, incarcerated and marginalized youth, and people in addiction recovery, and she is on staff with Dignity Health as lead instructor at the Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center.

About Stacy Whittingham

Stacy Whittingham teaches vinyasa, yin, Kauit and breathwork. She works within the Bhakti tradition, so music and devotion play a supporting role in her classes. She hosts yoga retreats at home and abroad and is a co-owner of Leap Yoga in Folsom, California. She also offers workshops on "Practicing Kitchen Yoga" and the preparation of whole and living foods.

The Setting

Xinalani Retreat sits on the coast near Puerto Vallarta, and guests arrive by boat. Airport transfers and the boat ride to the retreat center are included. Accommodation is for seven nights, with choices that include big and small palapas shared by four, deluxe rooms (open air or air-conditioned), an Eco Chic Suite with open air, and a Beach Casita with air conditioning. Palapas are quadruple occupancy, and the suite and casita are offered at double occupancy. The deluxe rooms are available for double or single occupancy.

Three meals are served daily, described as healthful, along with coffee, tea, fruit and granola.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels. Classes are slow and grounded, and modifications are offered for injuries and particular needs. Teaching is in English.

Included are your accommodation, meals, daily yoga and meditation classes, airport transfers with the boat ride, all taxes, and use of a kayak and snorkel equipment. Day excursions such as hiking, horseback riding, whale watching and guided snorkeling are not included, nor are spa treatments and massages on site. Travel to and from the airport beyond the listed transfers is not covered unless confirmed otherwise.