February Get-Away in Puerto Vallarta
bring your other, bring your pals, bring your book
we’ll take care of the rest (+relaxation)
Saturday, February 15 - Saturday, February 22
the week
Easy rise… begin your days with peaceful morning yoga and breath work to balance all systems in the body. You’ll be led through a series of postures, accessible for any level of student, to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. Includes breath awareness, poses that open the body and energize along with deep recuperation and restoration. Practice with experienced Iyengar yoga instruction, progressive learning in a supportive atmosphere and community.
Nourish… a fresh, local and delicious lunch follows the morning practice to give you the fuel you need for the balance of your day. Self-serve fresh fruit, yogurt and granola available throughout the day.
Rest, relax, explore… leisurely afternoons and evenings are yours to enjoy. Lounge by the pool, sink your toes in the warm sand at the beach, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the town, explore the jungle. Puerto Vallarta offers a world of possibilities for your enjoyment.
This getaway is perfect for you and/or your plus ones.
The yoga practice portion of the getaway is accessible for any level.
Beginners or those completely new to yoga are welcome!
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 and lunch 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.
the schedule
Arrival | Saturday, February 15
2:00pm | Check-in
6:00pm | Welcome + Dinner
Daily Schedule
8:00 - 10:00 am | Recuperative + Revitalizing Yoga Practice
10:00 - 10:30 am | Tea Break
10:30 - 11:15 am | Restorative Yoga Practice + Breath Work
11:30 am | Lunch
Wednesday, February 19 | Day Off
Departure | Saturday, February 22
8:00 - 10:00am | Recuperative + Revitalizing Yoga Practice
10:00am | Brunch
Noon | Check out
the logistics
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 in the terminal just before 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 $20 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: Participants are required to have travel medical 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 having some Pesos and USD when you arrive as ATMs can periodically run out of money.
Accommodation, yoga practice and breath work, tea/coffee and lunch are included. Afternoon and evening activities and meals are not included. 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.
Props: please bring a yoga mat and any specific props you need for your practice. 3 blankets, 2 straps, 2 wooden bricks, 2 foam blocks, 1 bolster and a chair will be provided for each student.
the pricing | $1650 USD
Registration Deposit | $650 USD due upon registration to secure your spot.
Final Payment | $1000 USD due March 1 (an email reminder will be sent to you).
Waitlist names will be taken if we are full and in the case of cancellations. We will contact you if/when a space becomes available (please fill out the registration form and submit your deposit and we will refund you fully if a space doesn't open up).
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.
the teacher
Deanna Oliphant is the Director of CIY and has a deep respect and passion for the tradition of yoga and the culturing of intelligence and wisdom in body, heart and mind. She brings over 15 years of dedicated practice and community involvement to her teaching. She continues her training with Corine Biria, Jawahar Bangera, Ty Chandler and Sharoni Fixler. Deanna holds a Level 1 certificate completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC), mentored by Margot Kitchen and Sharoni Fixler. She served on the national Board of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada as Communications Chair. Her teaching style is vibrant, engaging, sincere and fun.