Deep Renewal Mexico Retreat
A week to balance the systems of the body, reconnect with yourself, rest, relax and explore.
February 22-27, 2027
*Arrival February 21
the week
Practice with senior Iyengar yoga teachers in a supportive atmosphere and community. Precise, warm instruction that meets you where you are and leaves you feeling genuinely different in your body.
This week is for any level of student (beginners welcome!) and includes fresh, local meals. Enjoy afternoons lounging by the pool, sinking your toes in the warm sand at the beach or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Puerto Vallarta.
The kind of week that gives you something to carry home.
This retreat is accessible for any level.
Beginners or those completely new to yoga are welcome!
“It was my first retreat. I worried: Would I be able to “keep up?” Would the teachers be nice even when I couldn’t do stuff? Would I get bored/tired with the long classes? None of the above…. Ty and Sharoni were incredibly kind and supportive, and I LOVED every minute of all the classes. I found the practice interesting and was so nourished by it. When it was hard, Ty and Sharoni were always there with a jolly helping hand. I’ve been home a week now, and I feel longer! Stronger! I came home to life’s complexities with greater equanimity and calm. Can’t wait for another retreat.”
the practice
Rejuvenating Morning Openings
Rhythmic sequences that systematically and progressively relax and awaken the whole body. Unlock the joints, create traction and remove strain and stiffness. Move toward deep calm and vibrancy.
Pranayama - Resting in Breath
The practice of mindful breath awareness and conditioning the breath. Explore techniques designed to gain awareness of the respiratory process while observing the connection between the breath, the mind and emotions.
Afternoon Renewal Practice
A practice that begins with a short discussion of yoga philosophy and moves into a practice of traditional poses that develops upon the morning’s work and includes restorative inversions.
the location
The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities makes Puerto Vallarta a super backdrop for our getaway.
PV is home to stunning beaches with soft sand and clear waters. Relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or take boat tours to explore the bay and nearby islands.
The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including lush jungles, mountains, and the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay. There are opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and exploring waterfalls.
PV has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Its Old Town, known as Zona Romantica, features charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, visit art galleries, and witness vibrant festivals during your afternoons and evenings.
The region surrounding PV is a haven for ecotourism. You can visit nature reserves, such as the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (a favourite of past participants), to witness diverse plant and animal species, including exotic birds and butterflies.
The city comes alive at night with its lively nightlife scene. You'll find numerous restaurants offering live music, traditional dance performances, and entertainment.
the place
Casa Dulce Vida is centrally located just blocks from the famous Cathedral de Guadalupe, the beach, popular shopping and restaurants.
The casa was designed after an Italian Villa, with spacious rooms, 14 foot ceilings and tall arched windows. It’s a collection of 7 separate suites each with a well-equipped kitchen and private entrance. Most have private patios with views of the town and bay and some overlook the pool and tropical gardens. Accommodations are spacious and will be shared.
A large swimming pool, tiled from imported Venetian red mosaic, is a welcoming refresh on hot afternoons with lounges and chairs available for resting and reading. The main terrace has one of the best views in the town for taking in the evening sunset.
A little history of the Casa…
Local Architect Javier Esqueda who lived a few blocks away until his death in 1994 built Casa Dulce Vida in 1963. The Casa was built in the style of an Italian Villa for a Frenchman Jacques Derney.
Jacques Derney was living in Mexico City working with the National Museum of Anthropology when he first came to visit Puerto Vallarta. He fell in love with the charming fishing village & decided to build a home & move here. The intent behind the design of the property was that the largest suite was his private domain. When friends came to visit he could retain his privacy by having them stay in one of the other suites. Other unique design details of the casa are the high ceilings & system of airflow via the open arches above the doors and wind vents. The walls are very thick and in some areas double walled. This creates a natural cooling system.
the menu
We’ll share tea, lunch and dinner together, dining al fresco on the patio. Meals are fresh, vegetarian and nourishing, made with local ingredients. A tea break will be offered between morning practices. Enjoy homemade masala chai, herbal tea or coffee.
Fresh, washed fruit is available throughout the day along with self-serve yogurt, granola and herbal tea/water. All fruit, vegetables and food is washed/cooked with filtered water and microdyne. We are able to provide options for all dietary restrictions.
Participants will be responsible for arranging their own lunch and dinner on Wednesday after the morning practices. Dinner will be served on the arrival day and brunch will be served on the departure day after the openings practice.
the schedule
Arrival | Sunday, February 21
2:00pm | Check-in
6:00pm | Welcome + Dinner
Daily Schedule
7:30 - 9:30 am | Rejuvenating Morning Openings
9:30 - 10:15 am | Tea Break
10:15 - 11:00 am | Pranayama - Resting in Breath
11:15 am | Lunch
4:30-6pm | Afternoon Renewal Practice
6:45pm | Dinner
Wednesday, February 24 | Afternoon (after Pranayama) & evening off for rest and sightseeing
Departure | Saturday, February 27
7:30 - 9:30am | Rejuvenating Morning Openings
9:45am | Brunch
11am | Check out & Departure
Some guests arrive a day early or leave a day later to enjoy extra time or to take advantage of better flight options. If this is your plan, please get in touch—we’ll be happy to help you arrange affordable accommodation.
Wednesday is an afternoon/evening off for rest and sightseeing after the morning openings and pranayama practice. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own lunch and dinner on this day. In previous years, participants have ventured to Boca, Yelapa, San Sebastian, Sayulita and Bucerias for the afternoon. Participants have also enjoyed the Vallarta Botanical Gardens which has beautiful grounds to explore and a restaurant serving up delicious options for lunch. Puerto Vallarta has a number of interesting shopping places, market choices and dining options. There is also a recommended massage studio nearby that participants have enjoyed on the day off. We are happy to organize reservations or ride shares for those who would like to see the area.
the pricing
$1850 USD
Pricing includes classes, accommodation and mentioned meals / refreshments. Limited to a group of 20 students.
Registration Deposit = $850 USD (due upon registration)
Final Balance = $1000 (due January 15, 2025)
To secure your space please submit your registration deposit and registration form via the buttons below when registration is open. If we are at full capacity we will notify you immediately and your deposit will be sent back to you. These retreats tend to fill up quickly. Waitlist names will be taken in the case of cancellations and we will contact you if/when a space becomes available.
Cancellations
Participant cancellations up to 60 days are subject to a $100 USD admin fee and within 60 days of the retreat are subject to waitlist availability and/or a $250 USD admin fee.
what to bring
Please bring the following for practice: 1-2 dense blankets, yoga mat, water bottle and writing material. Bolsters, chairs, straps, foam chip blocks, wood bricks and extra blankets will be provided.
The climate is tropical and semi-humid with an average temperature of 29C. Please bring comfortable, casual and light clothing. Shorts or tights and t-shirts or tanks for practice. It can be cool in the early morning and in the evening, a light sweater may be required.
Please bring insect repellent (if you are sensitive to mosquitoes) and sunscreen.
the logistics
February/March is part of the high season in Mexico. WestJet and Air Canada flies direct from several Canadian and US cities to Puerto Vallarta and Air Transat has charter flights. Seat sales do come up every so often.
Many airlines fly directly into Puerto Vallarta from many major Canadian and US cities. Please contact us if any help is needed with travel arrangements. After clearing customs at the Puerto Vallarta airport, look for the airport cab/transportation kiosk outside of the terminal when exiting. Use official taxis only, do not go with anyone saying they can give you a free ride. Purchase a one-way fare per person to the casa address below. Please show this address to the cab driver, as much can be lost in mispronunciation. The fare will be approximately $30-35 USD.
Casa Dulce Vida
Calle Aldama #295
El Centro
Tel: (011) 52-322-22-210-08 or from Canada: 780-628-2908
Email: liveit@dulcevida.com
Health Insurance: It’s recommended that travel insurance be obtained. Some credit cards automatically cover you with travel insurance.
Immunization: Please check with a travel clinic in your city about recommended immunizations.
Money: The official currency is the Mexican New Peso. USD is accepted in most places. There are ATMs close to the Casa. We recommend bringing some Pesos or USD as ATMs periodically run out of money.
Connect with other retreat participants. Share photos, travel to/from the airport, etc. Join the Puerto Vallarta Retreat Group on Facebook.
Laundry can be taken to a trusted contact - a 10 minute walk from the Casa.
A group gratuity of approximately 950 Pesos ($55 USD) per person will be collected to thank the Casa staff. Additionally, gratuity for the chef is welcomed and left to your discretion.
Karma duties are asked of each participant and include meal set up/take down.
the teachers
Ty Chandler
Originally from Saskatchewan, Ty made her home on the West Coast of Canada in 1983. Ty has been studying yoga since the late 80s and brings her years of dedicated practice, precision and devotion to her teaching. Her vibrant, warm personality and generosity along with her focus and discipline bring light to her students and her community. As a teacher, Ty helps students find the gifts of yoga through committed study and practice.
She supports and encourages each student to examine and refine their relationship to themselves using the tools given in the Iyengar practice. Infused with enthusiasm, devotion and detail - she helps students connect to the discipline of yoga where insights are revealed and a path towards holistic health are found.
Ty resides in Victoria where she studies, teaches and also serves on the PD and Teacher Training committee at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria. She is a long time student of Shirley Daventry French. Since 2001, Ty has made multiple trips to India (Pune and Bellur), as well as 14 visits to Blacons and Chaise Dieu, France to study with Faeq and Corine Biria. Since the pandemic she continues to study with many other luminaries in the Iyengar method. She has taught workshops throughout Canada and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore and Costa Rica. Ty is certified at Level 3 (Sr. 1 in 2017), a national assessor and serves on the Education Round Table for Iyengar Yoga. Keeping the heart open, she is a dedicated practitioner of Bhakti music. Bhavantu Sound continues to share Kirtan music on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands.
Sharoni Fixler
Sharoni resides in Calgary, Canada and is the founder and Director of CIY. She began her yoga studies in 2002 and met Faeq Biria in 2007, who profoundly inspired her in the subject. Sharoni has taken many trips to study with Faeq and Corine Biria at Blacons, Chaise Dieu and various places in North America, Asia and Israel. She completed her teacher training under Margot Kitchen and continues to work locally with Norman Sjoman on the advanced asana practice. Norman is a Sanskrit scholar and studied with Yogacharya BKS Iyengar in the late 1960s, before RIMYI (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute) was founded. Sharoni currently trains with Corine Biria and Jawahar Bangera and has taken multiple trips to Pune, India, to study with the Iyengars.
Sharoni has a degree in philosophy and has a lifelong interest in spirituality and human potential. She brings intensity, enthusiasm and joy to her teaching and encourages dedication and insight. Sharoni believes in the transformative power of the practice to illuminate our living.
She serves as an assessor for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC) , a member of the Education Round Table and President of the Board of Directors. Sharoni is also a mentor for apprentices and teachers in Calgary. She was a demonstrator and editor for Eyal Shifroni's book, Props for Yoga IV: Backbends. Sharoni holds a Level 3 Iyengar yoga teaching certificate.