Baja Sur Mexico HSP & Introvert Eco-Retreat

      La Paz, BCS, Mexico

      MR
      Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
      • Email address verified
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      75 reviews
      Jan 28 - Feb 4, 2022
      Group size: 8 - 11
      Baja Sur Mexico HSP & Introvert Eco-Retreat
      La Paz, BCS, Mexico

      Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      75 reviews

      Jan 28 - Feb 4, 2022
      Group size: 8 - 11

      About this trip

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


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


      Learn nature-based expressive arts and indigenous knowledge from the retreat’s founder 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 Isla Espíritu Santo.


      This retreat is for you if you welcome the chance 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.

      Cancellation Policy & Retreat Agreement

       Please read our Yoga International Retreat Agreement for full terms & condition.


      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.   

      Accommodation - PLEASE READ

      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. 

        

      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.

      Location & Getting There

      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 located 40 minutes from La Paz and less than 3 hours from Los Cabos International Airport, so you may fly into either of these two airports.
        
      -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. 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.
       

      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. 

      Optional Add-On: Snorkel w/ Sea Lions

      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.

      FAQs

      What’s included

      • 6 nights accommodation
        at La Duna Centro Ecológico
      • 1 night accommodation
        in Puerto Adolfo López Mateos
      • 3 healthy meals per day
        Most days, except for 1-2 while seeing gray whales
      • Expressive arts program
        4 days of nature-based arts w/ Gabriela (Founder of La Duna)
      • Gray whale excursion
        transport, guide, boat, accommodation, some meals)
      • Fishing net weaving
        w/ local fishers in Puerto López Mateos
      • Native plant canyon hike
        w/ our guide Citlali
      • Bioluminescence tour
        includes wetsuits, snorkel gear, and paddleboards
      • Mexican cooking class
        w/ Malena, Cook & Caretaker of La Duna
      • Evening yoga
        w/ Melissa, most days
      • Reflection circles
        w/ Melissa, some days
      • Private return transfer
        to/from La Paz

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
        to/from La Paz or Los Cabos Airport
      • Ground transport
        to/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.
      • Snorkel w/ Sea Lions
        Optional add-on: Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo

      Available Packages

      Single Occupancy (shared bathrooms)

      Queen bed in a simple eco-casita with stone floors, stucco walls, and thatch roofs. Includes solar-powered lamp, mosquito net, side table, and weekly linens/towels.


      Shared bathroom facilities offer 2 dry compost toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks.


      Prices are per person.


      $2,175
      Double Occupancy (shared bathrooms)

      Twin bed in a simple eco-casita with stone floors, stucco walls, and thatch roofs. Includes solar-powered lamps, mosquito nets, side table, and weekly linens/towels.


      Shared bathroom facilities offer 2 dry compost toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks.


      Prices are per person.

      $1,775
      Deposit: $400

      Available options



      Itinerary

      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. 

      Your Organizer


      MR
      Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
      75 reviews
      Melissa Renzi (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker & Yoga Teacher who has been organizing retreats since 2016. She believes that highly sensitive introverts can travel and experience the world as it is without overwhelm when we have supportive structures that move at a slower pace and group agreements that remove social pressures. At the forefront of Melissa's vision is creating space for sensitive people to feel seen while uncovering their strengths as agents of healing for themselves and communities.

      Reviews

      It was a nice retreat with good food and fun people.
      By Gaye W for Portugal Retreat for HSPs & Introverts on Oct 10, 2023
      A truly sweet and deeply nourishing experience I didn’t know how much I needed. The structure of daily yoga and meals taken care of, plenty of down-time, comfortable accommodation and dreamy setting and opportunity for connection to self and others in a more natural and authentic way - such a rewarding gift Melissa and her support offer to those of us in need of a reset, release, reconnect, reinvent, reignite. The ability to create and maintain and hold space for participants to experience what they came for is a special gift. I will be taking the deep inner peace I found with me forward.
      By Stephanie R for Portugal Retreat for HSPs & Introverts on Oct 10, 2023
      This is my second trip with Melissa and was exactly what I needed! A beautiful location, the ability to choose my level of engagement, interesting food and lovely people made for a wonderful retreat. Melissa & Steph provided and created a welcoming atmosphere that let me relax after several years of high-intensity pressures. I cannot thank them enough for all of their work in putting this together and leading the group! Thank you! I will definitely be joining a future HSP & Introvert retreat.
      By Katherine B for Portugal Retreat for HSPs & Introverts on Oct 04, 2023
      Melissa was a perfect guide for our HSP community. She went above and beyond to provide a fantastic experience. Many of us would not have dared taken on this adventure into a foreign country where we do not speak the language without a guide we could trust. Melissa brought us together for a life-changing opportunity to soak in the beauty, recharge and relax, and connect to the rich culture and people of Guatemala. I would highly recommend Melissa's retreats for introverts and highly-sensitive people who want the joy of travel and the security of a great guide who has their best interests at heart.
      By Stefany R for Guatemala Cultural Retreat for Introverts & HSPs on Jan 25, 2023
      This retreat was exceptionally well-organized, and all events and accomodations were top notch. Melissa's leadership and concern for our well-being and enjoyment was always evident. Every day was a positive, enriching and rewarding experience.
      By Elizabeth H for Guatemala Cultural Retreat for Introverts & HSPs on Jan 23, 2023
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