Baja Sur Mexico HSP & Introvert Eco-Retreat

An off-grid adventure of wildlife encounters, nature-based expressive arts, and true connection to the land and culture

January 28 – February 4, 2022

 

Baja Sur Mexico HSP & Introvert Eco-Retreat

An off-grid adventure of wildlife encounters, nature-based expressive arts, and true connection to the land and culture

January 28 – February 4, 2022

 

 

“There is wisdom hidden in nature that you will only learn from a whale watching you with her big, peaceful eyes.” – Planeta Libre

Connect with the extraordinary nature, wildlife, and culture of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula on an eco-arts retreat specifically for highly sensitive people and introverts.

Learn nature-based expressive arts and ecological knowledge from the retreat’s director in a remote, bio-diverse habitat of desert and sea.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico with mindful cooking and cultural adventures with our local guide partners.

Gaze into the eyes of a gentle giant gray whale in its natural habitat, the coastal lagoons of Magdalena Bay.

Meditate atop the natural dunes and nurture with yoga that embodies the flow of the sea and stillness of the earth.

Extend your stay with an optional add-on tour to snorkel with sea lions at the pristine Isla Espíritu Santo.

This retreat is for you if you welcome the opportunity to disconnect from some modern amenities in order to truly connect with the land and people of Mexico, while living in accord with principles of conservation, zero waste, and sustainable travel.

We’ve curated a truly special itinerary with some of the most amazing guides who truly care about the environment and its inhabitants, including you.

Book by November 15, 2021

Book Now

COVID-19 Safety

We take COVID-19 seriously and are striving to ensure safety for all travelers and residents of our host countries.

In addition to COVID-19 travel requirements set forth by the Mexican government and your home country, we require:

  • Proof of full vaccination sixty (60) days before the retreat start date
  • A negative COVID-19 test result within three (3) days before the retreat start date

Please read the full policy below before registering.

The Land & Space

Baja Sur is a unique destination for nature and wildlife lovers—where ancient desert meets incredible sea life. Nature encounters with whales and sea lions contrast with hiking and horseback riding through quiet deserts and canyons. Rich Mexican culture lives just north away from the overdeveloped lands of Los Cabos.

La Duna Centro Ecológico is a remote, peaceful ecology center with a mission “to inspire the protection and restoration of the natural community through collaboration, scientific research, ecological practices, spirituality, and art.” La Duna sits on a quiet coastline of desert dunes where you can listen to nature’s whispers and gaze upon the star-laced night sky. The center is off-grid, 100 percent solar-powered, and built upon principles of truly sustainable travel. La Duna is located 40 minutes from La Paz and less than 3 hours from Los Cabos International Airport.

Eco-Casitas: La Duna offers 8 simple desert eco-casitas with stone floors, stucco walls, and thatch roofs modeled after homes native to the region. Each casita can accommodate up to two people with either a queen or two slightly smaller than twin-sized beds. Each casita comes with solar-powered lamps, mosquito nets, and a side table.

Bathroom Facilities: La Duna offers shared bathrooms with two dry compost toilets, two showers, and two sinks (all separate). Hot water for showers is available, but we ask guests to keep their shower time short to conserve water and ensure enough hot water for everyone.

Solar Electricity: 100% of La Duna’s electricity comes from solar panels and there is electricity from 7am-10pm in the main areas (main palapa, kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, and kitchen). La Duna has solar lamps in each room that are not connected to the main system, so after 10pm, rooms and the toilets have illumination. There is a charging station for phones in the main palapa area. There is no WiFi on site any cell service is likely to be spotty or non-existent.

*You will have access to Wifi on Days 4 & 5 when we go to the Pacific Coast to see the gray whales, as well as a night of a few more amenities in your accommodations.

​Having attended two retreats with Melissa, I can say her trips are outstanding opportunities for HSP/Introverts to enjoy amazing places, practice yoga, eat gourmet-level meals, participate in discussions–plus have solo time. The relaxed pace is so much more enjoyable than typical group travel. Melissa is a delightful leader and skilled yoga teacher, with a sensitive energy and care for each attendee.

Michael F.

Day 1

Arrive at La Duna: All guests will need to meet in La Paz by 2:00 p.m. A private group shuttle will transport us to La Duna. We will arrive around 3:00 and have time to settle in before our opening circle at 5:00. The circle will include introductions, intentions, and setting group agreements. We’ll share our first meal together, and after dinner, Melissa will guide a restorative yoga and nidrā practice.

Day 2

Expressive Arts + Native Plant Canyon Hike: You’ll rise at your own pace and ease into a self-guided morning practice of your choosing: a sunrise meditation atop the dunes, mindful beach walk, or gentle sun salutes perhaps. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 and will be followed by our first Expressive Arts session with Gabriela (2-2.5 hrs). Lunch will be around 12:00 and then you’ll have time to relax. Around 3:00, you’ll have the option of a short canyon hike nearby to learn about native plans with our guide, Citlali. Upon our return, there will be time to relax and shower before dinner. After dinner, Melissa will guide a restorative yoga and nidrā practice to center you in the energy of the earth.

Day 3

Expressive Arts + Bioluminescence: Each morning you’ll rise and establish yourself in your own mindful morning practice. Following breakfast, we’ll have our second Expressive Arts (water element) session with Gabriela. After lunch, you’ll have free time to sit in a hammock or get a massage. We’ll have our first group reflection circle at 4:00, a gentle restorative yoga practice at 5:00, and an earlier dinner around 6:00. After dinner, you’ll have the option to head to a nearby beach (10 min) to see wondrous bioluminescence of the sea, which occurs through a chemical reaction that produces light energy within a living organism. We’ll follow this time with a bonfire and cocoa to warm you up.

Day 4

Fishing Net Weaving at Puerto Adolfo López Mateos: Following your sunrise practice and breakfast, we’ll leave around 10:00 to drive approximately 3 hours to Puerto Adolfo López Mateos, which is where we’ll base ourselves to see the gray whales the next morning. We’ll take a packed lunch to eat en route. When we arrive, you’ll have the option to learn how the local fisherpeople weave their nets or simply take some time to yourself to walk or relax. Depending on the energy and desires of the group, we may have a gentle yoga/meditation practice as a group before dinner or have a bonfire with a reflection circle after dinner.

Day 5

Gray Whale Watching: Following an earlier breakfast, we’ll head out into the coastal lagoons on small boats with our guides for one of the big highlights of our trip—the friendly gray whales of Magdalena Bay. It is only down here in Mexico where these friendly creatures actually come up to the boats for human interaction during their annual migration. Boats remain still and the whales come to the boats to scratch themselves. After our time with the whales, we will drive back to La Duna and stop for lunch en route. When we return, there will be a couple of hours of free time. Melissa will guide a gentle restorative yoga practice before or after dinner depending on timing and energy of the group.

Day 6

Expressive Arts + Cooking Class: We’ll return to our morning ritual of mindful sunrise practice. After breakfast, we’ll have our third Expressive Arts (fire element) session with Gabriela. We’ll then have a chance to cook with La Duna’s cook and caretaker, Malena, before we sit down to lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to enjoy some free time or a massage. Melissa will guide a gentle restorative yoga practice before dinner, and after eating, we’ll have our reflection circle around the bonfire.

Day 7

Expressive Arts + Free Time: This is our final full day. We’ll continue our rhythm with a sunrise self-guided practice, breakfast, and our last Expressive Arts (air element) session with Gabriela. You’ll have the remainder of the day to get a massage or simply drop in deep rest. We’ll have our closing circle around 5:00 before dinner and close with a final restorative and nidrā practice after dinnertime.

Day 8

Say Goodbye: We’ll awaken to our final morning moments at La Duna. It will be a leisurely morning and we will leave for La Paz at 11:00 to get our covid tests. We may say our final goodbyes to some group members, while others will stay for our add-on snorkel tour with sea lions. For those who plan to do the snorkel tour, you’ll have this day free to explore La Paz and then sleep in La Paz before our full-day tour the following day.

Day 9

Snorkel with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo: For those who book this add-on adventure, we’ll spend a full day (approx. 9am-4pm) on the water as we head to the white sand beaches and turquoise water of Isla Espíritu Santo to snorkel with curious sea lions among the coral reefs. Plan to rest on this final evening in La Paz and fly out the next day.

Meet Your Guides

Melissa Renzi (she/ella) is a Licensed Social Worker and Yoga Teacher who has been organizing and leading global retreats since 2016, and for introverts and highly sensitive people since 2017. Having lived and traveled around the world, Melissa is passionate about curating meaningful travel that truly connect guests to the land and people of each place. She believes that as highly sensitive introverts, we can experience the world as it is without overwhelm or depletion when we have supportive structures that move at a slower pace and group agreements that to tend to the needs of everyone. To date, Melissa has led retreats to Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Maine, and Tennessee with many repeat trips to some locations. At the forefront of Melissa’s mission is creating space for sensitive people to be seen and known while uncovering their given strengths as agents of healing for themselves and communities.

Gabriela Flores (she/ella) is the Director of La Duna Centro Ecológico. Gabriela brings her experience as an environmental educator together with her Sharing Nature and Expressive Arts certifications, and her love for the healing arts, to offer deep nature and self-immersion experiences that help us refocus and rekindle our soul intentions. She works closely with local conservation non-profits, youth leadership groups, and wellness retreats to share sustainable practices that transform and reweave our lives into nature. In this retreat, Gabriela will guide us through an Expressive Arts & Eco Arts curriculum that gives us access to the hidden language that exists within our embodied engagement with the earth.

Citlali Aguilar (she/ella) is a passionate naturalist guide who specializes in interpretation of cultural and environmental heritage of México. Citlali always enjoyed nature, but she became passionate about wildlife when she moved to the Baja Peninsula. Particularly interested in birds and plants, and an enthusiast of geology and natural history, Citlali works with the Rancheros of Baja California Sur in order to support cultural and natural conservation of the key ecosystems of the peninsula. When she is not guiding hiking, kayak, or snorkel expeditions she spends her time reading, visiting ranchos, cooking, and  learning new skills. Citlali is a co-founder of Planeta Libre Expediciones, has 9 years of guiding experience in Baja certified by SECTUR, and holds a certification as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and a degree in ecotourism.

INCLUDED:

  • 6 nights accommodation at La Duna Centro Ecológico
  • 1 night accommodation in Puerto Adolfo López Mateos
  • 3 healthy meals per day, most days
  • 4 days guided nature-based expressive arts program w/ Gabriela (Founder of La Duna)
  • Gray whale overnight excursion (transport, guide, boat, accommodation, some meals)
  • Fishing net weaving activity w/ local fishermen in Puerto López Mateos
  • Native plant canyon hike w/ Citlali (Guide & Co-Founder of Planeta Libre)
  • Bioluminescence nighttime tour w/ Citlali (includes wetsuits)
  • Cooking class w/ Malena, Cook & Caretaker of La Duna
  • Guided evening yoga w/ Melissa, most days
  • Facilitated reflection circles w/ Melissa, some days
  • Private return transfer to/from La Paz

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare to/from La Paz or Los Cabos Airport
  • Ground transportation from airport
  • COVID-19 Test to return to home country (approx. $40-50)
  • 1 dinner while in Puerto López Mateos
  • Travel insurance – “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage strongly recommended
  • Gratuities (approx. $60-80 USD in total for retreat center staff & guides)
  • Additional activities, transportation to/from extra activities, massages, souvenirs, etc.
  • Optional Tour: Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo (see tab!)

Immersed in a remote, majestic cacti forest along a coastal landscape, La Duna is completely off-grid and built with true sustainability at its core. This retreat is for those who welcome the opportunity to disconnect from some modern comforts in order to truly connect with the land and people of Mexico, while living in accord with principles of conservation.

Eco-Casitas: La Duna offers 8 simple desert eco-casitas with stone floors, stucco walls, and thatch roofs modeled after simple homes native to the region. Each casita can accommodate up to two people with a queen or two twin beds. There are solar-powered lamps (no electricity) in each room and a side table. Mosquito nets are also provided (although there are no mosquitoes). Weekly linens and towels are provided. You will need to bring beach towels. Daily maid service is not provided in the rooms.

Bathroom Facilities: La Duna offers shared bathrooms with 2 dry compost toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks (all separate from each other). there is also a third bathroom in the facilitator’s room, which will be available for guest use during the day. Showers are heated on demand, and it takes about 20 minutes to heat the water, so you will need to be prepared to wait for it to be heated. There is sufficient hot water in the heaters for everyone to have a short shower.

Solar Electricity: 100% of La Duna’s electricity is from onsite solar panels and there is electricity from 7am-10pm in the main areas (palapa, kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, and kitchen). There is a charging station for phones in the main palapa area with a 110 ac/dc plug (Mexico plugs are the same voltage as Canada/USA and require no adapter). There is no Wifi on site and very limited cell service. La Duna has solar lamps in each room that are not connected to the main system, so after 10pm each room and the toilets have illumination.

Minimalist Packing: The casitas are simple and do not have a lot of space for excess luggage and belongings. If you intend to share a casita, we ask that you kindly commit to bringing minimal luggage (daypack & small suitcase or backpack). Consider this as a camping trip with beds.

Booking Your Spot: Availability is limited – a $400 deposit secures your spot. Prices are per person.

Register by November 15, 2021.

Before registering, read the section at the bottom of the webpage to review our COVID-19 Safety Policy & Cancellation Policy.

  • Double Occupancy – Two twin beds, shared bathroom facilities – $1,775.00/person (6 in total)
  • Single Occupancy – Queen Bed, shared bathroom facilities  – $2,175.00/person (5 in total)

Snorkeling Tour w/ Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo

Extend your adventure and join us for a full day among the pristine waters and beaches of Isla Espíritu Santo, as we visit a sea lion colony, snorkel coral reefs, and encounter plentiful wildlife surprises along the way.

Included in this add-on excursion:

  • Round-trip boat transportation
  • Naturalist guide (Citlali)
  • Snorkel equipment and life vests
  • Healthy lunch
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks

DATE: February 5, 2021
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (approximate)
COST: $140.00

Note the following before booking:

  • You’ll need to plan for 2 extra nights in La Paz on Fri 2/4 and Sat 2/5 (before/after tour) and fly out on Sun 2/6.
  • We will offer hotel recommendations to fit your budget. These costs are at your expense.
  • Sea lions may curious and approach you, but swimming toward or touching them is not permitted.
  • Boat rides from one site to another can range from 30-90 min. This tour is not for those who get sea sick.
  • Though the boat offers some shade, we advise bringing a long-sleeve shirt and hat for sun protection.
  • This add-on does not include snorkeling with whale sharks. If you want to do this while in La Paz, we can connect you to a separate tour.
You have two airport options:
 
La Paz International Airport (LAP) is located just outside the city of La Paz and is 40 minutes from La Duna.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is at the southern tip of the peninsula and is 2.5 hours to La Paz or 3 hours to La Duna.
 
Here’s a map for your reference.
 
Arrival: Due to La Duna’s remote location and lack of cell service, taxis may have difficulty finding the location. We’ll provide a group shuttle to La Duna, which will leave La Paz on 1/28 at 2:00 p.m. We may offer more than one meeting point. One of these will be Aquamarina B&B.
 
Departure: On our last day, we’ll leave La Duna at 11:00 a.m. in a group shuttle and arrive to La Paz by 12:00 p.m. At this time, we will take you to a local clinic to obtain a COVID-19 test (at your expense) for return to your home country. Though the tests have a rapid turnaround (less than 1 hr), we recommend allowing at least 2 hours for results to be safe. You should plan your return flight so that it departs from La Paz after 5:00 p.m. If flying out of Los Cabos, we recommend you stay the night near this airport and depart the next morning (2/5). There are tests available in both airports as well but the cost may be higher.
 
**For those who book the optional add-on Snorkel w/ Sea lions Tour, we recommend you get your test on 2/4, take the open-air tour on 2/5, and fly on 2/6.

INCLUDED:

  • 6 nights accommodation at La Duna Centro Ecológico
  • 1 night accommodation in Puerto Adolfo López Mateos
  • 3 healthy meals per day, most days
  • 4 days guided nature-based expressive arts program w/ Gabriela (Founder of La Duna)
  • Gray whale overnight excursion (transport, guide, boat, accommodation, some meals)
  • Fishing net weaving activity w/ local fishermen in Puerto López Mateos
  • Native plant canyon hike w/ Citlali (Guide & Co-Founder of Planeta Libre)
  • Bioluminescence nighttime tour w/ Citlali (includes wetsuits)
  • Cooking class w/ Malena, Cook & Caretaker of La Duna
  • Guided evening yoga w/ Melissa, most days
  • Facilitated reflection circles w/ Melissa, some days
  • Private return transfer to/from La Paz
     
     

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare to/from La Paz or Los Cabos Airport
  • Ground transportation from airport
  • COVID-19 Test to return to home country (approx. $40-50)
  • 1 dinner while in Puerto López Mateos
  • Travel insurance – “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage strongly recommended
  • Gratuities (approx. $60-80USD in total for retreat center staff & guides)
  • Additional activities, transportation to/from extra activities, massages, souvenirs, etc.
  • Optional Tour: Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo (see tab!)

Immersed in a remote, majestic cacti forest along a coastal landscape, La Duna is completely off-grid and built with true sustainability at its core. This retreat is for those who welcome the opportunity to disconnect from some modern comforts in order to truly connect with the land and people of Mexico, while living in accord with principles of conservation.

Eco-Casitas: La Duna offers 8 simple desert eco-casitas with stone floors, stucco walls, and thatch roofs modeled after simple homes native to the region. Each casita can accommodate up to two people with a queen or two twin beds. There are solar-powered lamps (no electricity) in each room and a side table. Mosquito nets are also provided (although there are no mosquitoes). Weekly linens and towels are provided. You will need to bring beach towels. Daily maid service is not provided in the rooms.

Bathroom Facilities: La Duna offers shared bathrooms with 2 dry compost toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks (all separate from each other). there is also a third bathroom in the facilitator’s room, which will be available for guest use during the day. Showers are heated on demand, and it takes about 20 minutes to heat the water, so you will need to be prepared to wait for it to be heated. There is sufficient hot water in the heaters for everyone to have a short shower.

Solar Electricity: 100% of La Duna’s electricity is from onsite solar panels and there is electricity from 7am-10pm in the main areas (palapa, kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, and kitchen). There is a charging station for phones in the main palapa area with a 110 ac/dc plug (Mexico plugs are the same voltage as Canada/USA and require no adapter). There is no Wifi on site and very limited cell service. La Duna has solar lamps in each room that are not connected to the main system, so after 10pm each room and the toilets have illumination.

Minimalist Packing: The casitas are simple and do not have a lot of space for excess luggage and belongings. If you intend to share a casita, we ask that you kindly commit to bringing minimal luggage (daypack & small suitcase or backpack). Consider this as a camping trip with beds.

Booking Your Spot: Availability is limited – a $400 deposit secures your spot. Prices are per person.

Register by November 15, 2021.

Before registering, read the section at the bottom of the webpage to review our COVID-19 Safety Policy & Cancellation Policy.

  • Double Occupancy – Two beds, shared bathroom facilities – $1,775.00/person (6 spots)
  • Single Occupancy – Queen Bed, shared bathroom facilities  – $2,175.00/person (5 spots)

Snorkeling Tour w/ Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo

Extend your adventure and join us for a full day among the pristine waters and beaches of Isla Espíritu Santo, as we visit a sea lion colony, snorkel coral reefs, and encounter plentiful wildlife surprises along the way.

Included in this add-on excursion:

  • Round-trip boat transportation
  • Naturalist guide (Citlali)
  • Snorkel equipment and life vests
  • Healthy lunch
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks

DATE: February 5, 2021
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (approximate)
COST: $140.00

Note the following before booking:

  • You’ll need to plan for 2 extra nights in La Paz on Fri 2/4 and Sat 2/5 (before/after tour) and fly out on Sun 2/6.
  • We will offer hotel recommendations to fit your budget. These costs are at your expense.
  • Sea lions may curious and approach you, but swimming toward or touching them is not permitted.
  • Boat rides from one site to another can range from 30-90 min. This tour is not for those who get sea sick.
  • Though the boat offers some shade, we advise bringing a long-sleeve shirt and hat for sun protection.
  • This add-on does not include snorkeling with whale sharks. If you want to do this while in La Paz, we can connect you to a separate tour.
You have two airport options:
 
La Paz International Airport (LAP) is located just outside the city of La Paz and is 40 minutes from La Duna.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is at the southern tip of the peninsula and is 2.5 hours to La Paz or 3 hours to La Duna.
 
Here’s a map for your reference.
 
Arrival: Due to La Duna’s remote location and lack of cell service, taxis may have difficulty finding the location. We’ll provide a group shuttle to La Duna, which will leave La Paz on 1/28 at 2:00 p.m. We may offer more than one meeting point. One of these will be Aquamarina B&B.
 
Departure: On our last day, we’ll leave La Duna at 11:00 a.m. in a group shuttle and arrive to La Paz by 12:00 p.m. At this time, we will take you to a local clinic to obtain a COVID-19 test (at your expense) for return to your home country. Though the tests have a rapid turnaround (less than 1 hr), we recommend allowing at least 2 hours for results to be safe. You should plan your return flight so that it departs from La Paz after 5:00 p.m. If flying out of Los Cabos, we recommend you stay the night near this airport and depart the next morning (2/5). There are tests available in both airports as well but the cost may be higher.
 
**For those who book the optional add-on Snorkel w/ Sea lions Tour, we recommend you get your test on 2/4, take the open-air tour on 2/5, and fly on 2/6.

Melissa was organized, accommodating and a beautiful person to connect with. She made the retreat exceptional. It was great to be surrounded with like-minded people, as we all felt we could easily open up and genuinely be ourselves. 

Jessica M.

The introvert/HSP focus made for the most congenial travel I’ve experienced with a group. The itinerary was carefully planned to include meaningful visits to local initiatives and important archaeological sites, as well as building in a perfect amount of personal time for us introverts to use to re-charge or explore on our own.

Bridget B.

Melissa is way more than just a trip organizer, she goes above and beyond to connect people together and creates an atmosphere of open-mindedness with other travelers, local people, and local experiences.

Stephanie K.

Join us for a peaceful adventure with people who get you!

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy, Cancellation Policy (below) & Yoga International Retreat Agreement.

January 28 – February 4, 2022

COVID-19 Safety Policy
We take COVID-19 seriously and will be following public health guidelines from our countries of origin and host country of Mexico, which we understand will continue to change by the time this trip takes place.
 
We request that for the safety of all guests and residents of Mexico that you be willing to abide by safety protocols put forth by MNR Retreats, LLC, our partners, and the Mexican government, including wearing a mask, if required or strongly recommended at the time of travel.
 
For the safety of guests and residents of the host country, we require all travelers to provide:
  • Proof of full vaccination sixty (60) days prior to travel
  • A negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result within the three (3) days prior to travel
As of September 8, 2021, Mexico’s land entry remains closed to non-essential travel, but air travel is allowed. Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country.
 
The U.S. requires a negative COVID-19 test for anyone traveling by air to the United States, including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, and regardless of vaccination status. All airline passengers to the U.S. must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three (3) calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the ninety (90) days preceding travel.
 
It is your responsibility to obtain and tender any and all necessary documentation required by MNR Retreats, LLC, our partners, the Mexican government, and your home country, including but not limited to:
  • Proof of vaccination
  • A negative COVID-19 test within three (3) days prior to retreat start date
  • A negative COVID-19 test within three (3) days prior to travel to home country
*Should your home country require a negative COVID-19 test for your return, as does the U.S., you should plan to allow time on 2/4 for testing and we will provide support in obtaining a test. The cost for this test is your responsibility and can range in price, but generally costs about $40.00-$50.00.
 
We strongly encourage and recommend that you take precautions in the ten (10) days prior to your retreat to reduce the risk of a positive COVID-19 test. Please do not make the journey to your retreat if you’re feeling unwell for any reason.
 
We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to your lack of proper travel documents, including proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and other documents that may be required by the retreat venue. We strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you must cancel for any reason, including COVID-19.
Cancellation Policy

Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.

In the event that a retreat must be cancelled due to a COVID-19 related reason, MNR Retreats, LLC reserves the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments, less any non-refundable, non-transferable fees including but not limited to airline, train, bus, entrance tickets or permits purchased by Company on your behalf for the previous booking, will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates.
 
Trip Cancelled by Participant
  • All deposits are non-refundable.
  • Remaining balance must be paid 90 days before trip start date.
  • If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.
-More than 90 days before retreat start date, receive a refund of your trip payment, excluding your deposit.
 
-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 25 percent of the price of your retreat, excluding the deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, and you’ve paid in full, $1500 may be applied toward a future retreat. 
 
-15-59 days before retreat start date, 25 percent of your payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 75 percent of the price of your retreat. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, $500 may be applied toward a future retreat. 
 
-If you cancel 14 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. 
Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend and encourage the purchase of travel insurance. If your concerned about cancellation due to COVID-19, we recommend purchasing “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage. Here’s an overview with some key considerations: “Travel Insurance & Coronavirus”

Passport & Visa
Mexico requires a current passport that will be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your travel dates. Mexico does not require a special visa to enter. 
Group Size & Demographics
This group will have a maximum of 13 people in total including my partner, who will be assisting, and me.
 
Every retreat varies, but we have had guests from age 18 to 78. The average age tends to be in the 45-55 age range. The majority of guests tend to identify as women, but all genders are welcome. We are committed to creating a retreat experience that values the dignity of each person. We actively promote awareness and sensitivity toward differences in race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and disabilities.
 
Though accommodations may not be ideal for physical disabilities, please reach out to discuss your specific needs. We will do our best to work creatively to accommodate as best we can.
Weather & Climate

Late January to early February is a dry, cooler season in and around La Paz. Daytime temperatures in Fahrenheit are typically in the 70s and nighttime temps can drop down to 60s or even 50s, so there is no need for air conditioning. Our gray whale excursion will be on the Pacific Coast where it can get windy and chilly on the water. Please pack layers!

When viewing the bioluminescence, you will be provided with a wetsuit and snorkel equipment. With the cooler temperatures, you’ll also have the option to put just your face (not hair) in the water.

Food & Alcohol

La Duna’s caretaker, Malena, tailors the menu to each group and provides a rainbow cuisine of Mexican and international flavors. Meals consist of plentiful fruits and veggies, and may also offer eggs, fish, and chicken upon request. Please inform us of your dietary preferences and restrictions so that we can plan accordingly.

La Duna does not serve or sell alcohol, but you may purchase alcohol in La Paz if you wish. We trust our guests to decide whether to consume alcohol. These retreats draw a mix of people who will have an occasional alcoholic drink or not drink at all. It’s never a party and tends to be a non-issue.

Smoking and illegal drugs is not permitted on the property.

Hotels in La Paz

Aquamarina and Casa Juarez are both quiet, small B&Bs with friendly owners and swimming pools. They’re right around the corner from each other.

Hotel Catedral is also a nice hotel with a rooftop pool and huge breakfast. If you book at Hotel Catedral, ask for a room in the back of the hotel away from the atrium, as the atrium can get noisy at night.

We will be providing some budget-friendly recommendations soon.