Somatic Wellness and Adventure Retreat

Yelapa, Mexico
March 23 - 29, 2025
Somatic Wellness and Adventure Retreat™
Join James Knight, Founder of Gentle Somatic Yoga®, for a Somatic Wellness and Adventure Retreat™ for seven days and six nights in Yelapa, Mexico.

This beautiful seaside village is unique in many ways. James Knight has been coming to this part of the world for 30+ years (before running water and electricity). There are no cars or roads. You can only get there by boat taxi. Yelapa is home to a beautiful local culture, beautiful beaches, a 60-foot-high waterfall, and beautiful hikes into the jungle. It's a great place to relax, explore, and tune into each moment what choice will most nourish your soma.

This year, 2024, James led his first official spiritual and healing retreat in Yelapa. It was such a beautiful and transformative for everyone involved that he has re-booked the entire beautiful resort of Pura Vida, again. Same timing, but next year. Interesting that in 2024, it was a full moon while we were there, and in 2025, it will be a new moon.

Pura Vida can be accessed by flying into Puerto Vallarta (PV) airport, perhaps staying the night in PV to enhance your adventure, and traveling the next day via a 45-min boat taxi to Yelapa. We have a concierge service, provided by Pura Vida, that can arrange everything, so no worries. "Grace, Ease, and Flow" is a constant mantra for Gentle Somatic Yoga! 

The venue is a tranquil resort that has breath-taking ocean-front rooms, an open-air yoga studio, a salt water pool & jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, easy access to a beach, the most delicious cuisine, the kindest, caring staff…  and so much more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to de-stress, make new friends, and try new things… with options for:

  • Swimming in the infinity edge salt water pool, or relaxing by the shaded organic juice bar
  • Laying on the beach and swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean 
  • Tours to nearby islands for snorkeling and beach picnics
  • Exploring one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world
  • Massage and other nourishing spa treatments on-site
  • Nearby excursions with jungle hikes along a pristine river with waterfalls
  • Flower foot bath, cacao and other ceremonies
  • Sound healing with crystal bowls and other instruments
  • Sweat lodge (temazcal) facilitated by local indigenous Way Showers
  • Our closing circle includes a live DJ for dancing and meditation

Because there are no cars or traffic in Yelapa, it is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the natural beauty of the jungle meeting the sea. This is also an opportunity to eat delicious, organic vegetarian/vegan cuisine (gluten & dairy free, animal protein, and more options available by request) to feel nourished on every level).  Rates are in USD dollars and include accommodations, minimum of 2 meals a day, yoga and other somatic movement practices, many of the optional ceremonies, and more.  Airfare, land and boat taxis, gratuities for staff, and some of the activities listed below are added to your final tab, à la carte.

*** This is an inclusive Retreat. Everyone is welcome. All movement practices and activities are optional.  The sacred space that we hold is for everyone making nourishing choices for themselves. Our request is that all attendees use clear and respectful communication of what your needs are and we will do our best to accommodate them.***

 As mentioned above: James Knight has been to this part of Mexico for over 30+ years and his ongoing experience is that it has been a consistently safe place to travel. 



Enjoy watching this beautiful short video highlighting Pura Vida Wellness and Retreat Center

Pura Vida
ABOUT THE RETREAT CENTER and Yelapa

One of Mexico's top Wellness Resort & Yoga Retreats that is secluded & private.

This peaceful, secluded oceanfront resort is located a 10-minute scenic walk from a small Mexican Pueblo named, Yelapa. Pura Vida is located in a small bay within the larger bay of Banderas, where Puerto Vallarta is located. To get to Yelapa, you fly into international airport of Puerto Vallarta. To give you an idea, it is a 2–3-hour direct flight from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Getting to Pura Vida is an easy, safe and very picturesque journey. From the International Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), you take a 20–25-minute land taxi to the Playa Muertos pier. From here, it is about a 40-minute boat taxi ride to Yelapa. Since the last boat taxi is at 3pm, many people like to arrive at Puerto Vallarta a minimum of one day before, and spend the night (we suggest the Romantic Zone) before travelling to Yelapa. Somebody from Pura Vida will be meeting you upon your arrival in Yelapa at Playa Isabel to arrange to have your luggage brought to your room.

Yelapa is one of the few remaining places on Earth where the original inhabitants still reside on, own, and control their own land. As a "comunidad indigena", Yelapa is a land grant or reservation legally set aside and protected for its indigenous people. The land is held collectively by the community. 
DETAILS

Pura Vida is a retreat center with an overarching intent for participants that are on a journey of self-care and finding balance in their lives.  The services offered are oriented towards personal transformation, healing, spiritual awakening. Staying here is an experience unlike any other. The individual accommodations are "palapa style" and are positioned on a jungle hillside that that overlooks the ocean.

Most of the rooms have breathtaking views of the ocean and Yelapa Bay. Many are an open-air style with only three walls allowing for a view of the ocean and jungle - offering security, privacy, and fresh unpolluted air.

Their beds are fitted with organic metal-free mattresses, organic, hypoallergenic pillows, organic bed sheets and mosquito nets. Fully enclosed rooms with air-conditioning are also available. 

All rooms are spacious and individually designed with soft white LED lighting – good for the eyes and health. Each bathroom comes equipped with a waterfall shower, and most have natural stone and artisan tiled walls. 


EXPLORE 

SLEEP - 8 unique room accomodations options:
*One Queen bed, open air palapa, shared bathroom, and ocean view

*One Queen bed, open air palapa style loft, private bathroom, and ocean view

*One Queen bed, open air room, private bathroom, and ocean view

*One Queen bed, air conditioned room, private bathroom, and ocean view

*Two Queen beds, open air room, private bathroom, and jungle & ocean views

*Two Queen beds, air conditioned room, private bathroom, and jungle & ocean views

*One King bed, one Queen bed, air conditioned room, private bathroom with panaroramic ocean views. 

*Four queen beds, open air palapa with large terrace, private bathroom, and gorgeous ocean view
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Save your room accommodation
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HANG SPACE
The poolside smoothie bar offers delicious fruit and vegtable elixers, espresso, and healthy snacks. All smoothies are made with fresh, organic ingredients. 

Swim in a refreshing salt water infinity-edge pool, soak in a warm jacuzzi with great views, and afteward relax in the lounge chairs, under the sun or shade from the palm trees, and daydream...
EAT & DRINK
Eating is an act of celebration at Pura Vida. They cook with love, and believe that every meal should be an opportunity to nourish both body and soul. After all, food is one of the main sources of prana: the vital life energy that fuels our physical and mental wellbeing.

Meals are primarily organic and plant-based, and always wholesome and nourishing. Their food is gluten-free, sugar free, and vegetarian, always with vegan options. Also, fish, shrimp, and/or chicken is offered at an additional cost, at every meal, and can be added to your tab for your convenience. If you prefer this option please let GSY and/or Pura Vida know in advance, as brining in fresh protein needs to be planned for. 
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LIFESTYLE-BY-DESIGN
SELF-CARE AND OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ACTVITIES
SNORKELING
CEREMONIES
SOUND BATH
SELF-CARE
MASSAGES
EXPLORE
JUNGLE HIKES
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Somatic Wellness and Adventure Retreat
Yelapa, Mexico ~ March 23-29, 2025
About Your Facilitator:


James Knight has been an E-RYT, CHSE (Certified Hanna Somatic Educator by the The Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training), and Integrative Therapist for 30+ years. He is one of the early pioneers to bridge yoga with Somatics (1990's). His passion is to inspire and encourage others to live a fulfilling life of physical, emotional and spiritual freedom.

From his combined experience as a lifelong yogi, intuitive bodyworker, psychotherapist, and movement educator, James founded a method of integrating what he discovered to be the most progressive, life-enhancing techniques into an embodied practice of mindful movement. Gentle Somatic Yoga® (GSY) was born out of years of exploring means of connecting with the deepest aspects of himself.


 This Retreat INCLUDES:
  •    Selected accommodation
  • 2 - 3 healthy meals a day (some days/nights we are in town or on excursions and you will pay a la cart)
  • Coffee and tea available before breakfast
  • Daily Gentle Somatic Yoga and meditation classes
  • Flower foot bath
  • Sound healing with crystal bowls
  • Cacao ceremony
  • Jungle upriver adventures to waterfalls and swimming holes
  • Closing circle with DJ and dancing
  • And a few other surprises along the way... 

This Retreat does not include:
  • Smoothie bar (open 8am - 6pm) by the pool - you can open a tab and pay with a credit card at the end of the retreat
  • Concierge service to arrange transportation (land and boat taxi's) to and from airport to Yelapa
  • Overnight in Puerto Vallarta - before and after the retreat - highly recommended (we can help arrange this for you). It is also an option to arrive and/or stay late at Pura Vida if rooms are available
  • Meals when away from the retreat center - James offers plenty of time and space to encourage your own explorations while on retreat 
  • Spa treatments: Watsu, holistic breathwork, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, Reiki (energy work), ozone therapy, body scrubs, facials and more...
  • Temazcal ~ sweat lodge led by local indigenous healers (highly reccommended)
  • Guided waterfall hike up the main river surrounded by lush jungle, exotic flocks of birds, and other flora and fauna
  • Boat trip to Majahuitas Beach - great snorkeling, walk and rest on a pristine beach - bagged lunch can be arranged
  • Boat trip to Marietas Islands - great snorkeling, swim to Lovers Beach, ceviche on the boat
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DAILY SCHEDULE (Wednesday is a free day after the movement class)
Before 8am

Morning coffee / tea
8am - 9am

Breakfast
9:15am to 10:45am

Gentle Somatic Yoga class
10:45 - 1pm

Free time, spa treatments, & possible group activity
1pm - 2:30pm

Lunch (somedays off site)
2:30pm - 6:30pm

Free time, spa treatments, & possible group activity 
7pm

Dinner 
Proposed activities:

Sunday through Friday

  • Sunday: Flower foot bath and opening circle
  • Monday: Cacao Ceremony
  • Tuesday:  Temazcal - sweat lodge
  • Wednesday: Free day, however options are: walking meditation upriver, or guided hike to jungle waterfall, boat ride to nearby island w/snorkelling, or boat taxi to botanical gardens
  • Thursday: Sound Healing with crystal bowls and other instruments
  • Friday Evening: Dinner celebration, closing circle, & DJ for guided meditation and dancing!

PLEASE NOTE: These are the all-inclusive prices for single and double occupancy. It is recommended that you book your stay with a friend/partner for double occupancy.

If you want to be put on our "match list" book single occupancy and select, "I would like to share a room if possible - please match me" below in checkout form.


Below, you will be able to secure your space on the retreat with a $500 deposit. If you want to ensure a particular room reservation, please know that you can make a full or partial payment on the exact room you would like to reserve at checkout.

5 of the units below are enclosed with air conditioning. These will be offered on a first come, first served basis with room reservations. The photos below are examples of the accommodations offered with the various amenities in each room-- they are even more magical in person!

Email CustomerCare@gentlesomaticyoga.com of you have any questions about our updated reservation process.
Watch short below of our 2024 SWAR to Yelapa

**Special Note for Room #1 offers TRIPLE occupancy (left) and QUADRUPLE Occupancy (Right) as an option due to the ample size and layout of this stand-alone palapa.

If you want to save your room preference, please select the box in the green section above the room you want -- specifying SINGLE (left side) or DOUBLE (right side) occupancy based on the number of participants you will be sharing your room with.

If you would like to proceed with just securing your space on the retreat without your room preference guaranteed, you can scroll down to pay your deposit only and we will put you on our roster. We will send a confirmation email and follow up with your retreat reservation and details. We can do our best to save the room you have in mind, but can only guarantee the exact room when their is a partial or full payment on that room.

*If you want to know what a room would cost for more than 2 people or if only single occupancy is listed below, please email us at customercare@gentlesomaticyoga.com with the number in your party and your room inquiry. 
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Room #1: $1,981 ~ Triple Occupancy* (2 payments of $740 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 4 queen beds w/loft, private bath, ocean view. This is the only room well suited for 3 or more guests, so the check out options are adjusted for price per person for 3 but can be adjusted to your party size by request.
*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #1: $1,884 ~ Quadruple Occupancy* (2 payments of $692 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 4 queen beds w/loft, private bath, ocean view. This is the ONLY room with 4 separate beds and enough space to host a small group of friends or family in one unique palapa. The pricing has been adjusted here to reflect 4 people sharing the lodging and all participating in the retreat. 
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Room #2: $2,401 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $951 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, with partial ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #2: $1,996 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $748 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, partial ocean view. 
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Room #3: $2,611 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,056 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #3: $2,101 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $801 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view.
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Room #4: $2,671 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,086 after $500 deposit)
**Enclosed, w/AC, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle and ocean views - - this room is closest to the yoga studio.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #4: $2,131 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $816 after $500 deposit per person)
**Enclosed, w/AC, 2 queen beds, private bath, private bath, jungle and ocean views .
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Room #5: $2,431~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $996 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle and ocean views.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #5: $2,011 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $756 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle and ocean views.
*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #6: $2,311 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $906 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle view
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Room #6: $1,951 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $726 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle view.
*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #7: $2,671 Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,086 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, w/kitchenette, ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #7: $2,131 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $816 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, w/kitchenette, ocean view
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Room #8: $2,731 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,116 after $500 deposit)
Enclosed w/AC, spacious 1 king 1 & 1 queen bed, private bath (large shower area that opens to the main room without curtains (ask for additional photos), incredible ocean view, terrace w/seating
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Room #8: $2,161 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $831 after $500 deposit per person)
Enclosed w/AC, 1 king 1 & 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view, terrace w/seating. *Features an organic, open-layout shower in the room.
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Room #9: $2,611 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,056 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #9: $2,101 ~ Double Occupancy  (2 payments of $801 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view
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Room #10: $2,671 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,086 after $500 deposit)
**Enclosed, w/AC, 2 queen beds, private bath, jungle and ocean views.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #10: $2,131 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $816 after $500 deposit per person)
**Enclosed, w/AC, 2 queen beds, private bath, private bath, jungle and ocean views (photo below shows Rm. # 10. Other photos avail. upon request)
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Room #11: $2,401 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $951 after $500 deposit)

Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view.  Photo shown below is Rm. #11 (Rooms #'s 2, 11, and 13 are similar, but unique.)

*More photos are available upon request*

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Room #11: $1,996 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $748 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view. Photo shown below is Rm. #11 (Rooms #'s 2, 11, and 13 are similar, but unique. Photos avail. by request.)

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Room #12: $2,611 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1,056 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #12: $2,101 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $801 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 2 queen beds, private bath, ocean view
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Room  #13: $2,401 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $956 after $500 deposit)
Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view.

*More photos are available upon request*
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Room #13: $1,996 ~ Double Occupancy (2 payments of $748 after $500 deposit per person)
Open air, 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view
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Room #14: $2,161 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $831 after $500 deposit)
Open air small loft, 1 full size bed, private bath, ocean view, small terrace.
*More photos are available upon request*
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Room  #15: $2,071 ~Single Occupancy (2 payments of $786 after $500 deposit)
Open air, small room, 1 queen bed, shared bath, above juice bar (Bar open 8 am - 6 pm), ocean view
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Room  #17: $2,611  ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1056 after $500 deposit)
Enclosed, w/AC, small room, 1 queen bed, private bath, ocean view.
*More photos are available upon request*
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Room  #18: $2,611 ~ Single Occupancy (2 payments of $1056 after $500 deposit)
**Enclosed, w/AC, small room, 1 queen bed, unique private bath, ocean view.
Please enter your information below to secure your room and spot in the retreat. We will inquire if there are rooms available.
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Our cancellation policy is as follows:  Deposits are due upon registering.  In-person event deposits are non-refundable. If the event you are registered for is more than 90 days out, partial refunds for the remaining payment may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, based on our retreat/training venues policies.  There are no refunds if you want to cancel if your event is scheduled in less than 90 days.
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