Yoga & Writing Retreats in Mexico

Yoga and writing retreats in Mexico with Charles MacInerney in the small fishing village of Yelapa, Mexico, 45 minutes South of Puerto Vallarta by boat.

Charles will lead the yoga, and will be assisted with the writing response groups by Blake Walton.

Blake, in addition to being an excellent massage therapist, is also a gifted writer, and has been assisting at the Mexico writing retreats for the last 8 years.

Charles is trained in the AWA (Amherst Writers & Artists) method of leading writing groups and retreats. He has collaborated on over 40 yoga & writing retreats in Texas, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Massachusetts and Mexico. Charles is an expert at combining, body, mind and soul into a truly unique experience that attracts those who love yoga and writing from around the world.

Surprisingly, many of the participants are yoga students with little writing experience, and many are writers with little yoga experience. Under the sure hands of Charles the yogis fall in love with writing, and the writers with yoga.

The setting is lush, jungle at your fingertips, wild turkeys and parrots in the trees. Writing circles are held in the gardens of Los Naranjos, surrounded by giant boulders, citrus trees, flowers and tropical plants, all nestled into a valley and flanked by mountains. During ample free time, students are encouraged to explore. Waterfalls, beach, snorkeling, native art and restaurants are within reach from the retreat center by foot or burro (the primary means of transport in Yelapa). And most important, three wonderful meals a day arrive from the skilled hands of April Jones without decision or effort on participants' part.

Wake to the sound of a sea of roosters. Hear proprietor Jarrett's flute in the dusk, discover yoga in the soft air, the surprises your writing has for you, and new friends eager to hear.

Testmonials

“After just 2 years of doing this, I find it to be the most valuable, therapeutic, and hilariously funny thing I do all year. The combination of Jarrett's beautiful setting, the magnificent people who participate, and of course the warmth and genius you and Charles provide-make for an unparalleled experience. The way you make it such a safe and nurturing environment we can't help but let ourselves be broken open to the richness of all there is to experience within ourselves and each other.” Jane Bowling, Louisville, KY (Mexico, 2003)

”Being in a jungle on a river near the ocean with gorgeous crazy birds singing in every tree was a rich setting for the gentle deep work of yoga and writing. I was able to go to places inside of me that aren't normally accessible.” Gayle Miller, Austin, TX (Mexico, 2002)

“It was a magical time away and it has also spurred me back into a regular writing practice at home… When I got home lots of people asked how my trip was, and the response that always came to me was that I was lucky to spend the week in a beautiful place, but luckier still because it was a week spent with extraordinary people. Your leadership skills are a great example/role model for me.” Bridget Boland, Chicago, IL (Mexico, 2003)

“Yelapa is a magical place... and the people they draw to their retreats are full of a beautiful energy and spirit. A truly wonderful experience.” Arianna Romairone, New York, NY (Mexico, 2004)

“Yelapa, the writing, the yoga, Los Naranjos together brought us closer to our own hearts than works, even brilliant ones, can tell. I love this retreat, the moments of fear, of sadness, of exquisite magic-all.” Peggy Gillespie, Belchertown, MA (Mexico, 2004)

“... a combination of magic and the most super experience of groundedness. I have never had a more loving, generous experience with a group. Thank you from the essence of my heart.” Caryn Markson, Northampton, MA (Mexico, 2004)

“... It is a magical experience that has to be lived to be fully understood.” Lydia Nettler Khan, Northampton, MA (Mexico 2004)

About Los Naranjos and Yelapa...

Charles feels a strong connection to this village and the entire valley, and returns twice each year to lead retreats here. The entire valley is cut off by mountains from civilization and lives quite peacefully without phones, or roads. Transportation is by foot, or by donkey - there are no motorcycles or cars in Yelapa. In fact, electricity only arrived in Yelapa in 2001, and parts are still without electricity.

A participant from the February 2000 retreat noted, while relaxing at one of the local restaurants and watering holes, that the most common conversation among Americans who were staying in Yelapa, was the topic of what day of the week it was. It is this simpler way of life that has drawn Charles to return again and again to Yelapa. Over the years, he has made many friends among the artists, musicians, writers, healers and assorted characters who call Yelapa their home.

When the retreat center that Charles used on his first two retreats in Yelapa closed unexpectedly, it was these friends who live in Yelapa that stepped up on very short notice to help create a space to host the February 2000 Yoga & Writing Retreat. Thus was born Los Naranjos, a private home with beautiful gardens that was converted into one of the most beautiful retreat centers in the world.

The owner, Jarrett Lewis, had long dreamed of opening their home and grounds to small groups in order to share what everyone in Yelapa considers to be the most beautiful gardens in the entire valley. Right: Los Naranjos Retreat Center.

Charles attracts an interesting mix of students. There are usually a few students with experience in both writing and yoga, and a few with no experience in either.

All levels of students are welcome, and all are made to feel comfortable in both the writing and the yoga. Although most participants choose to participate in all of the various activities and exercises, students are encouraged to consider the entire retreat as free time.

It is common to find a student napping in a hammock, or hanging out at the beach while others are participating in a workshop or class.

Charles is a master at creating safe environments from which even the most tentative students find the courage to write from the heart and share their unique voice with the group.

Charles is usually assisted by at least one other yoga teacher with whom he works closely to ensure that new students get a solid introduction to the basics, and learn how to adapt each exercise to meet their needs and abilities, while more advanced students are challenged and encouraged to take their practice to a new level.

We hope you will be able to join us for Eight days and Seven nights of Creative Writing, Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Visualization, vegetarian cooking, and the renewing pleasures of Yelapa's clear blue waters and lush, bird-filled mountains.