One week. No electricity. Full digital detox. 360 degrees of nature. A sanctuary for the senses. An immersion into the five universal elements. Fire. Water. Earth. Air. Energy. A journey into the fullness of your being.
In the tropical hills of Sayulita, we warmly welcome you to Haramara Retreat. A sacred and intimate seaside Mexican hideaway set in the Riviera Nayarit. A nourishing space for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body. This is MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL.
AIR
Gentle ocean breezes will bless you each day at Haramara. The element of air teaches us about expansion, circulation, and lightness. In yoga, the breath allows for spaciousness to open up in our body. This helps us gain strength, flexibility, and balance in the pose. In everyday situations, the quality of your breath informs whether we are feeling stressed or relaxed; focused or overwhelmed. When we practice awareness of the breath, we can deepen into any experience with more presence.
WATER
Water is a purifying, rejuvenating element reminding us to be in the flow of life. Drinking plenty of water is also an essential part of the body's cleansing and re-hydration process. It is often the final part of a self-care practice, especially when there has been a physical or energetic shift. On the outer level, letting the body submerge in water is naturally refreshing and calming to the nervous system. Your retreat will offer plenty of time to relax in the saltwater infinity pool or swim in the ocean from Haramara's private beach.
EARTH
The earth element creates our foundation and keeps us grounded. Our roots are a reflection of who we are and how we grow. Being rooted in self-care and self-love helps us stay on track. When we feel a lack of balance, it's a gentle reminder to reconnect to what gives us stability. This week is designed to slow your pace in life and disconnect from the outside world of news, social media, and doing— and hold more meaning in just being. We'll explore many ways to connect to our sense of safety and security, while increasing our full potential.
FIRE
Fire is the most stimulating of the elements. It has the power to transform, illuminate what needs to be seen, and release. We will engage in two special Mayan traditions to ignite the fire within us: a cacao ceremony and a Temazcal ritual. The cacao ceremony will activate the heart and allow energy to flow through. An open and present heart frees us from emotional blockages and past trauma. The Temazcal ritual will be led by a local healer who will guide us into the four directions. It'll be an experience of chanting, drumming, heat, steam, sweat, purification, and detox.
ENERGY
The symbol of the fifth element is a combination of the four triangles. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is identified as space, sky, or ether. Other traditions name it as spirit. It occupies the area around the other elements, and it's where mystery and magic resides. When we attune to the elements within and outside ourselves, we become more conscious beings living in balance, harmony, and fulfillment.
TAMMY HAYANO
Originally from California, Tammy has been living and traveling worldwide for over two decades. Tammy took her love of travel, teaching background, and interest in transformational experiences to start Hanuman Yoga Retreat. Since its launch in 2013, Tammy has led retreats in Bali, Thailand, Mexico, Hawaii, Vietnam, and California. Tammy brings a gentle, calm, and reflective approach and aims to work where people are at, instead of where they "should" be. Tammy offers several modalities for self-care, healing, and connection— Hatha Yoga,QiGong, JourneyDance™, Innerdance Energy Work, TRE®/tension-trauma release, Laughter Yoga, Family Constellations, and Craniosacral Therapy. Tammy's classes, workshops, and retreats consistently receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, BookYogaRetreats, and WeTravel. Tammy is a nomad currently based in Santa Cruz, California. Follow Hanuman Yoga Retreat on Instagram and Facebook.
Our past retreat participants have ranged in ages 20-60, men, women, various nationalities, single travelers, mother/adult daughters, couples, lawyers, artists, doctors, teachers, and everything else in between. :) The more diverse, the merrier! This is not a yoga or meditation boot camp! This is a retreat-- you have chosen to take a break, rest, restore, and care for yourself. If you do have yoga experience...the classes will still be gentle and/or moderate. This is the intention of the retreat.
There will be no electricity and no WiFi, and you're going to be okay! :D If necessary, plan ahead by notifying your loved ones and taking care of any tasks. You'll be surprised what benefits you'll receive from a digital detox.
The hillside property of Haramara has been designed like a nature trail with elevation. It'll feel like you are on a short hike walking from the restaurant to your room, going from the beach to the yoga shala. These are dirt paths, slightly narrow, with the occasional roots sticking up or a branch to duck under. It makes for a mindful experience— slowing down, taking in the nature, and keeping your cardio working!
We ask that you refrain from drugs, alcohol, or smoking during this retreat. Since we'll be detoxing A LOT physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically, it's not advised to replenish all that clear and cleansed space in your body with substances. :)
I have held retreats in Mexico every year for the past seven years, and I always look forward to being back. Mexicans are some of the most genuinely warm, good-hearted, and kind people you'll ever meet. I feel very comfortable traveling solo in Mexico, taking local transport, and eating at street stalls-- and that's without knowing any Spanish! Please don't believe any negative press about Mexico or Mexicans. I can assure you that you will be charmed by this country!
Currently, there is no COVID testing or quarantine required to enter Mexico. On your flight, you will be given a brief health form to fill out before landing at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Your temperature will be taken upon arrival at the airport. You will be picked up at the airport by Haramara's shuttle and taken directly to the hotel. We will group you according to arrival time, and you’ll be asked to wear masks and travel with windows open.
Haramara is located in Sayulita, in the state of Nayarit. Puerto Vallarta Airport is located in the state of Jalisco. Both regions have very low cases of COVID per 100,000 residents.
In early Sept. 2020, I personally visited Haramara and spent two weeks in Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta. My time there was wonderful, and it was the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Also, please check if your country, city, workplace, etc. will suggest quarantine after your trip.
In light of COVID, Haramara has put forth new procedures for sanitation and cleanliness. The property is fortunate to be almost entirely open-air. This means that fresh ocean air is constantly circulating (good!) instead of staying trapped in closed indoor spaces (bad!). February is a wonderful time of year to visit Sayulita. It is hot and sunny during the day, with cool mornings and evenings. Read here for Haramara's updated COVID procedures to ensure cleanliness and safety.
To book your spot, we ask for an initial $200 deposit. The final balance will be due on Jan. 28, 2021 (2.5 weeks before the retreat). These payments are fully refundable (minus $15 processing fee) under these conditions:
In the event that the retreat is cancelled by Hanuman Yoga Retreat or Haramara, you will receive a $1000 refund and the remaining paid amount can be used as credit for a future retreat. This credit will be valid for 3 years from Feb. 13, 2021. This credit can be used for any Hanuman Yoga Retreat at Haramara.
Once you purchase your flight and this retreat, you are responsible for purchasing travel insurance that will cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical/dental, and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Some of the most popular travel insurance providers are Allianz, GeoBlue, World Nomads, American Express, and Travel Guard. Your credit card or employer may also provide certain coverage. Check that the insurance has coverage in the event that:
You are responsible for the following:
Neither Hanuman Yoga Retreat nor Haramara are liable for any loss of personal property; your health condition during or after the retreat; or any matters in the event of a cancellation (ie. how it may impact your plans. )
The female dorm is spacious and has two shared bathrooms. Although it typically holds 8 beds, only 4 beds will be available to ensure more comfort. This is a great option for solo female travelers.
Triple room occupancy is 3 adults per cabana and one shared bathroom. This is a great options for solo travelers, a trio of friends, or family members. This is a room for men only.
Our all-inclusive package rates are per person, include tax and are priced below in USD. All casitas have Pacific Ocean views and are set on a hill. They have been designed to blend in with nature, combining simple elegance, seclusion, and comfort. Each cabana features ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower. Rooms do not have electricity, but come equipped with oil lamps to create an intimate evening setting.
Double room occupancy is 2 adults per cabana and one shared bathroom. Choose two twin beds or one king size bed. If you are a solo traveler, you will be placed with a roommate of the same gender. Please indicate the bed set-up in your booking. If you are booking for 2 people, please change the 'number of participants' to 2 in the option given.
Our all-inclusive package rates are per person, include tax and are priced below in USD. All casitas have Pacific Ocean views and are set on a hill. They have been designed to blend in with nature, combining simple elegance, seclusion, and comfort. Each cabana features ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower. Rooms do not have electricity, but come equipped with oil lamps to create an intimate evening setting.
The single room occupancy is one adult per cabana and ensuite bathroom. Treat yourself to your own exclusive sanctuary!
Our all-inclusive package rates are per person, include tax and are priced below in USD. All casitas have Pacific Ocean views and are set on a hill. They have been designed to blend in with nature, combining simple elegance, seclusion, and comfort. Each cabana features ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower. Rooms do not have electricity, but come equipped with oil lamps to create an intimate evening setting.
Please be sure to arrive at PVR (Puerto Vallarta International Airport) by 5 pm. It takes about 15 to 45 minutes to go through immigration. The drive from PVR to Haramara, Sayulita takes about an hour. If you will be arriving before the check-in time, no problem! You can leave your bags at reception and head down to the pool, beach, town, or relax in the lounge.
SAT., FEB. 13, 2021
3—7 pm: Check-in open
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Welcome ceremony
FEB. 14~19, 2021
7:30 am—9:00 am: Gentle/moderate Hatha yoga
9:00 am: Breakfast
11:00—11:45 am: Meditation
12:00 pm: Lunch
4:00 pm: Unique wellness modalities (1.5 hrs)
*Feb. 14: Cacao ceremony. Feb. 17: Temazcal
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Evening gathering (1.5 hrs)
FEB. 20, 2021
8:30 am: Breakfast
9:30 am: Closure
11:00 am: Check-out
Please book your flight to depart PVR after 2:30 pm. That will allow for an 11:30 am departure from Haramara; arriving in Puerto Vallarta at 12:30 pm. This will give you 2 hours to check-in at the airport. It is not a big or busy airport. However, it will allow time for you to get lunch or do some last minute shopping without feeling rushed.