Na Balam Yoga Retreat, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Near the Ferry Dock, Isla Mujeres

Paddle Boards, Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Clothesline

Na Balam, Triangle Pose

Isla Mujeres, Local Tacos

Latte at Na Balam Cafe

Isla Mujeres, Eastern Coast

Isla Mujeres Staircase

Na Balam, Palapa, Tree Pose

Na Balam Beach, Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres, Flowers and Fruit for Sale

Isla Mujeres, Flower Calling

We love Ziggy at Cafe Cito, Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is home to amazing people, delicious nourishing food, and healthy colorful beaches.

Starting each day with yoga helped us establish an energized yet releaxed energy for the day as well as the individual opportunity for each of us to attune to a natural rhythm.  The prana (vital life force) and vibrancy of the nature surrounding us enhanced a sense of shakti- powerful, positive energy.

Breakfast each day at Na Balam included green detox juice, lattes or cha., fresh baked breads, homemade granola and yogurt with fresh fruit, and eggs with chaya (a green like spinach). When we could not finish our food, Ponchito (pictured above) was sure to help!

We spent afternoons exploring the island on foot or golf-cart, visiting Mayan ruins, resting on the beach, practicing meditation, and reading. Every moment is and was an opportunity to practice yoga off the mat, to be present, as relaxed as possible, and aware.

The inward journey that accompanies twice daily yoga practice, and true relaxation on retreat, tends to last longer and be more effective than other vacations.

Before exploring the island for dinner, we practiced late-afternoon yoga in the beautiful Yoga Life studio at Na Balam. Each session began with a journal question to help us clarify personal goals. This is an age-old technique in yoga and other disciplines to transform thought into written word and by extension, into physical reality.  The asana flows I led included a Warrior series, the Moon Salute, Hip Opening, and on the last day, we practiced Partner Yoga & Yoga Nidra. The consistent theme was conscious alignment, relaxation through the breath, self awareness, acceptance, and love.

The evenings were star-lit and warm. Our flavorful exotic dinners tended to be accompanied by laughter  the rhythm of the gentle sea. I cherish this time we shared.

When we return to Isla Mujeres for the next retreat, we will not only enjoy the island and our personal time there but we’re making arrangements to give back as well by doing yoga with a local girls organization and helping with an animal-rescue organization.

Read more about this and other Jane Yoga retreats | View the entire Photo Album from this retreat

If you’re interested in attending this retreat next, please email jane@empvt.com- Namaste