Virtual Vacation: Xanalani Yoga Retreat

Xanalani Yoga RetreatXanalani Yoga RetreatXanalani Yoga RetreatAs someone who’s always planning her next trip – whether a monthly work trip to NYC, or an annual international vacation, 2020 definitely threw me for a loop. I hadn’t really had anything planned pre-pandemic, except a last minute yoga retreat at Xinalani in Mexico I had booked for mid-March. But when the beginning of the pandemic hit, I cancelled at the last minute – but luckily Xanalani Yoga Retreat, offered a few other sessions we could reschedule for later in the year. I picked the latest possible date I could, the last week in October, and crossed my fingers that things would be better and I might be able to go.

Well, as we all know, things definitely didn’t really get better, and I racked my brain trying to decide if I should go. I hadn’t been on a flight since February, and the resort was in Puerto Vallarta, in an isolated beach about an hour boat ride away from civilization. I debated it with the two women I was going with (one of my mom’s best friends who’s always been like a second mom to me and one of her best friends), and we decided to go for it, just a few days before we were planning to leave. And while it was definitely an adventure, it was a much-needed, pleasantly socially distanced vacation that we all were desperately in need of.

We felt more comfortable traveling to Xinalani yoga retreat than other places because the yoga retreat center is completely outside at all times. From the cabins we stayed in, to where we ate, to the yoga classes, everything was open air – and while there were usually about 50 people staying there at one time, there were 5 of us during our stay – including the three of us that traveled together. And it was a magical time – as someone who has a hard time relaxing and unplugging from work, I felt magically relaxed after being there for a day (not the usual 3-4 days it takes me on vacation, when by the time I’m relaxed it’s almost time to go home!). Xanalani Yoga Retreat Xanalani Yoga Retreat There were so many highlights from the week long trip, but here were a few of my favorites:

Highlights from our Xanalani Yoga Retreat:

  • Morning and afternoon yoga classes with the staff instructors at Xanalani Yoga Retreat, all  who were all truly incredible. You can either go with a yoga studio on a retreat, or go to classes with their staff yoga instructors, which we ended up doing and loved.
  • Spending warm days on our own private beach that was beautiful. It was nice to feel socially distanced, and feel like we had our own little cute beach to ourselves. There was even a hammock on the water that you could swim to and spend the afternoon in.
  • Trying out Aerial yoga for the first time, at the recommendation of one of our new friends we met there. It was an amazing (slightly scary) feeling being upside down, only supported by cloth as you got fully stretched out!
  • Drinking coconuts by the ocean, and then a few margaritas at night.
  • Eating a pescatarian/vegan diet for a whole week with their incredible chefs that make 3 course meals for every meal. I finally had to learn how to say “I’ll take a half portion” in Spanish, even though it pained me to do so since everything was so delicious.
  • Meeting new friends from around the world – including the sweetest yoga instructor friends from San Francisco, and another visitor from Seattle who joined our little pod of friends.
  • Becoming friends with the very sweet staff at Xinalani Yoga Retreat, and learning more about their culture and life outside of Puerto Vallarta. Next to us there was a village of about 50 people, and most of the staff lived there and had spent most of their life in the same 5 mile radius. It was nice to see how the resort was helping give back to the their village and the families who lived there. And our bartender had the cutest little kids who he gave us daily updates on 🙂
  • Having the best massage of my life – open air, looking over the ocean. My masseuse had magic hands, and my back was definitely in need of some help after spending the last 7 months working from my dining room table!
  • (Mostly) unplugging for a whole week!

Xanalani Yoga Retreat While I definitely don’t have any plans to travel anytime soon, it was really nice to finally get away for a week and fully relax and recharge. The scariest part of traveling was honestly going back to an airport – and I had full on layers of serious masks (and a very stylish face guard!) to try to keep me germ free throughout traveling. I would say the lack of social distancing at the airport was the most stress inducing part of the trip, so I’m planning to avoid airports for as long as possible (and likely drive everywhere until things are starting to get better).

But all in all, I’m happy I went – and happy that I was able to find a relatively socially distanced trip to make it a little less stress inducing. I’d definitely love to go back to Xanalani Yoga Retreat in the future, and I couldn’t recommend it enough for anyone who wants a yoga retreat in one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I’ve ever visited.  Xanalani Yoga RetreatHope you enjoyed this little virtual vacation, as much as I’ll enjoy looking back on it and pretending I’m not in freezing Chicago 😉 If you’re interested in Xanalani Yoga Retreat, feel free to send me an email at charminglystyled@gmail.com! Their website is here, but happy to answer any questions you might have <3

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