Kristin Butler has been practicing yoga since 1989 and teaching since 2011. Her retreat offerings include well rounded yoga philosophy and practicum for all levels. We are all beginners. Her intention is to bring peace, healing and balance to students.
My experience at Haramara was truly magical. The retreat is a sanctuary by the ocean, surrounded by nature and the soothing sound of waves. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the Haramara staff and our Lighten Up group.
Kristen and Mel created a week long, safe space with other incredible humans to explore our minds and bodies through; intention setting, all levels yoga(one session in the morning and one in the afternoon), breath work, tarot reading and a crystal grid, all aligned with the week's theme, Lighten Up. Our week started with an intention setting ceremony, where we wrote our intention on a piece of paper and placed it in a bowl. We each picked out an intention of someone else and held it through the week. This made me feel instantly connected to the group and valued.
Each day brought moments of peace and self-discovery. Whether savoring the delicious meals, a massage, a simple cup of coffee in a hand-painted mug or walking barefoot, silently through the trees to the beach, I felt gratitude and clarity. The yoga sessions, the ocean air, the whale watching (on a boat and from the pool), walks into town, and the beauty of the surroundings, grounded and connected me to myself in ways I never thought possible. Letting go of things that no longer served me.
Haramara is more than a retreat—it is a place for healing, growth, and deep connection with yourself and others. I left feeling lighter, refreshed, inspired, and grateful for every moment. Highly recommend for anyone seeking peace, purpose, and a truly transformative experience.
I loved this retreat so much that I signed up for the next retreat hosted by Kristen and Mel: Elevate & Evolve: A Retreat for Whole-Being Renewal.
This was my first time attending a yoga retreat with Kristin and Mel and it was outstanding. Haramara Retreat in Sayulita, Mexcio is a breathtakingly beautiful yoga retreat that offers a serene and rejuventating experience. The accommodations, though simple, are charming with oil lamps and candles, creating a peaceful ambiance. Kristin and Mel were the perfect retreat leaders offering a lightly structured day with yoga twice a day and outings that were incredibly memorable. The meals were delicious and more importantly the women they gathered together were exceptional. I will follow Kristin and Mel wherever they go in the world!
Wow!! I stopped in complete AHHHH!! to admire the incredible beauty around me and the ocean!! It's really something to be where humans chose to live in Harmony with nature, showing that we can! Combined with the best, local, organic, unique and filling foods every day!! With the most beautiful view of the ocean at every meal and at the pool!! The only thing that could make this better is being nurtured and in community with a group of beautiful humans, and all brought together in magic for a week of perfect, all-level, yoga practices, meditation, breath work, restoration, ceremony, and peace. It is not always peaceful to be at peace with new friends, an open air environment and no power. Walking and courses led by beautiful teachers, inside an out, embraced with customer service like no other, and the healing center!! Open air showers, completely in secret, protected at all times. I came home in a trance, hearing myself and the world with more space, empathy, plus a longing to eat well, walk in nature more and stretch, strengthen and quiet my monkey mind. A wise new friend reminded me, wherever we go, there we are... The ocean & walking barefoot, and all the above, brought me back home to myself. Thank you!
Thank you Jenna! We were so glad you could join. The secret sauce to a magical retreat is attracting compassionate, compatible people who raise the collective vibration! Thank you for sharing your energy with us and hope the peace and healing continues on and off the mat.
Would highly recommend for any mother-daughter duos. All of the yoga, meditation, and breath work classes were great for all skill sets. Fun activities in the area from hiking to paddle boarding and shopping. Great food, kind people, cozy rooms.
I had a great time. Excellent yoga and meditations, delicious food, comfortable cabins in a beautiful location. We had time for paddle boarding at nearby Lake Siskiyou, plus hiking, and exploring the main street in town. Kristin and Melissa are awesome, and Chef Santha was the best.