Feminine Rising

A Soulful Yoga Retreat For Women
A 7-Day Eco-Luxe Retreat led by Dr. Laura Foster

February 6th-13th, 2021 

A sanctuary of wellness and serenity

Nestled between the lush jungle and emerald ocean is the eco-resort Xinalani, a sanctuary of wellness and serenity just outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Xinalani is set amidst 10 acres of unspoiled jungle on the pristine shore of Banderas Bay.

To say it is stunning is an understatement.

This women’s retreat celebrates authentic, genuine connection and all that you already are.

How often do you allow yourself the space and time to step back from the busyness and scheduling of your day-to-day life? For 7 days all your needs are taken care of for you. Get yourself to Puerto Vallarta airport and we will take care of the rest. Once you arrive at the PVR airport, we will arrange your transport from the airport to the marina and across the bay to this hidden gem.

This retreat is a beautiful balance between yoga, laughter, mindfulness, adventure and connection. Whether you are choosing to read a book in your hammock while sipping dark roast cinnamon coffee (yes, it’s a thing) or up early to watch the sunrise and walk the beach, this is your time.


As one of our repeat retreat destinations, we are excited to share not only the property but everything the area has to offer.

Xinalani has six stunning yoga spaces, a temazcal (ancient sweat lodge), beach club, lounge bar, sand terrace, oceanfront spa and an onsite restaurant that specializes in healthy, organic food.

What to Expect

Along with the extraordinary location and retreat sanctuary, your retreat will be highlighted with…

  • 1-2 daily yoga classes in one of the six open air yoga studios within the jungle or beside the ocean. We will often bookend our days with yoga in the morning and a restorative class later in the day.
  • We weave daily meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and mindfulness together PLUS two optional afternoon HeartSpark© seminars related to creating and cultivating a life that is uniquely designed for you, by you.
  • Most days you will have many hours of free time during the day that is perfect for exploring, swimming in the pool or ocean, hiking, napping, visiting the spa or sipping a cool drink while journaling in your hammock.
  • 3 buffet style meals per day that are organic, fresh, healthy and locally grown and prepared. Fruit, granola, eggs, tea & coffee are available at 7 am. Breakfast is served between 10-11 am, lunch between 1:30-2:30 pm and dinner from 7:30-8:30 pm. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. Fish or chicken options are served at lunch and dinner. There is a full-service bar with separate fresh snack menu available for purchase from noon onwards.
  • Some of the details of this retreat have been held back so that you can enjoy the element of being pleasantly surprised and graciously accommodated by Laura and the beautiful people of Xinalani.
Testimonial
"I have to say that this retreat week was the best thing I have ever done for myself. To spend a week focusing only on my needs was incredible. First of all the location was amazing. The yoga studios were amazing, especially the outdoor space in the morning and evening, listening to all of the birds, the monkeys and looking out over the treetops... Whether you are new to yoga or not, there was something for everyone and each class was different than the class before…This retreat combines self-care, camaraderie, personal growth with a small amount of challenge. And fun and great food! Thanks for an awesome week! Love Carolyn xoxo"

What's Included in the Price?

  • 7 night’s accommodation in rooms that are spacious, palm-thatched roofed cabins built on stilts. Each room is designed with, built and elegantly furnished by local artisans. You have the option as booking as a single and being matched with a suitable female roommate.
  • ​1-2 daily yoga classes led by Laura in one of the six open air yoga studios or beside the ocean. These classes are taught as all levels classes – accessible by all levels of attendees. There are also some late afternoon restorative yoga classes, therapy ball & fascia release classes. These yoga classes will be subtly infused with the learnings from our HeartSpark© sessions.
  • ​Two optional afternoon HeartSpark© workshops led by Laura. You can read more about HeartSpark© below.
  • ​Group waterfall hike, evening beach bonfire and salsa classes. Group excursions to Yelapa and a group Temazcal will also be offered for an additional fee.
  • ​Return transfer by taxi from PVR Airport to Marina Vallarta and return boat transfer from Marina to Xinalani Retreat.

What is HeartSpark?

What does the term HeartSpark© mean?

HeartSpark© is a phrase that represents the spark of energy that you feel squarely in your heart centre when you tap into the connection or experience that lights you up. Once you’ve felt it, there’s no denying that what’s vibrationally aligned with who you are is always speaking to you.

These sessions are fun, lighthearted and deeply enriching and often become the thing that most retreat participants remember most about our week away together.

Much of my coaching and group work centers around your heart spark. What’s coming up for you, right now? What stands in the way of living that life that is so uniquely meant for you? You’ll learn how to tap into your deep intuition and have that guide you more strongly and deliberately and how to confidently push back from the things that no longer resonate with you.

These HeartSpark© sessions involve an open discussion about where you are currently at, what feels most pertinent to you at this moment in time, strategies to connect to your most powerful, authentic self, journaling and group discussion. 

You’ll leave these sessions feels greater clarity around what’s right for you, confidence to more boldly own your life and more authentically and unapologetically show us as YOU.

These sessions are fun, lighthearted and deeply enriching and often become the thing that most retreat participants remember most about our week away together.

What's Not Included?

1. Airfare and travel insurance.
2. Optional excursions and spa services.
3. Alcoholic beverages.
4. Xinalani staff gratuities.

Testimonial
"Being a “newbie” to yoga, I was intimidated that it would be too advanced for meWell, I was completely wrong in my thinking. Many of us were beginners and at no point did I feel less than. The other part of the retreat is Laura’s heart spark session. It is truly life changing and inspirational. It’s a time to let go and think about what you really desire and want out of life. It’s an incredible journey you’ll take in just one week but introduce them into your life for good....It truly is a magical place with great energy and amazing people. I can’t believe that I almost didn’t go because of insecurities and financial guilt. Free yourself of these thoughts and treat yourself to a week that you’ll never forget! Pam

Your Accommodations

Stay in one of six luxury bedrooms in a custom post and beam lakeside “boutique hotel”
style cottage on Lake Muskoka.

1. DELUXE ROOM (2 single beds) – double occupancy only (You can book as a single and we will place you with a same gender roommate) – $2290 USD per person

Cozy rooms located near the beach and restaurant with ocean and jungle views. These rooms have two single beds, spacious bathroom, open air shower and a sitting desk.

If you are booking as a single registrant in this room, we will be placing you with a same gender roommate. We encourage you to happily say yes to sharing accommodation with the other amazing women that are saying yes right alongside you. If you are used to having your own space please be aware that there are many private, quiet areas on the beautiful expansive property and there will be ample time for you to find solitude if that is what you need and want during this retreat.

2. DELUXE ROOM (1 double bed) – single or double occupancy)

Single occupancy $2850 USD
Double occupancy $2290 USD per person

Cozy rooms located near the beach and restaurant with ocean and jungle views. These rooms have one double bed, spacious bathroom, open air shower and a sitting desk.

3. PETITE ECO SUITE (1 king bed + 1 roll away bed) 

Single occupancy $3100 USD.
Double occupancy $2400 USD per person

Small casitas equipped with 1 king bed and 1 single bed with pillow-top mattresses, luxury linen and beautiful mosquito netting. They feature a private terrace with ocean and jungle views, open air shower, hammock, zen sitting area and private bathroom.

4. ECO CHIC SUITE (1 king bed or 2 double beds) 

Single occupancy $3600 USD.
Double occupancy $2800 USD per person

High end room characterized by a spectacular ocean view and a unique zen-chic setting. Suites are 525 sq ft with a private terrace, hammock, sitting area, private bathroom with open-air shower, luxurious amenities and amazing settings. Best view. All beds have pillow top mattresses and gorgeous mosquito netting. Room is available as one king bed or two double beds.

The Investment

  • All rates are listed in USD and include all details listed in “Your Accommodations” section.
  • A $350 USD nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your spot in this retreat. Balance to be paid in full by Dec 1, 2020 or at time of booking, unless prior arrangements have been made. Payments will be made to Vision Travel Inc. with Credit Cards or USD cheque (bank draft or money order).
  • Retreat rates are non-refundable. If your plans change you may find a suitable replacement to take your spot ($150 USD admin fee). If we are able to find a suitable replacement we will refund your money less $150 USD admin fee.

The Food

Three delicious, organic homemade meals are available daily. Xinalani can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Please advise Cathy when booking if you have any special dietary needs.

The Yoga

Three delicious, organic homemade meals are available daily. Xinalani can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Please advise Cathy when booking if you have any special dietary needs.

Testimonial
"The Heart Spark was an eye opener for me as how to take even better care of myself and therefore everyone around me benefits from the "better, happier, more positive me". It has only been 3 days but I have been smiling more, nagging less, [and] thinking positively....I have even set up my own little space for morning routine complete with a salt (candle) lamp, a little Buddha, a positive saying displayed and a healing stone. All in all, I am so happy that I had the opportunity to spend a week at such an inspiring retreat in a beautiful country and gorgeous resort. Pura Vida!" Mary Pam

Hey. I'm Dr. Laura

For over a decade I have been creating experiences for women to truly “retreat” – whether it’s for a weekend or for a week – in extraordinary places that are deeply inspiring.

In the busyness of our everyday, it is difficult to hear, feel, connect and bear witness to what your soul knows to be true. Retreats allow your heart and head to connect in a way that you may have never
experienced before so that when you leave you feel grounded, connected and powerful in your being.

My retreats vary in theme and location but all of them marry my passions of incredible locations, inspiring land/people/places, a sense of playfulness and creativity, adventure, multiple doses of introspection, lighthearted presence and a deep sense of connection between participants and most importantly, within.

It is my knowing that we are all divinely created as perfect beings. Nothing about my retreats will endeavor
to change you; rather, the experience will cultivate a deeper appreciation of who you already are and a remembering and a calling back of the parts of you that you feel disconnected from.

Past participants often remark that when they leave my retreats they leave feeling more purposeful in the way they move about their life, they feel more aligned in their decisions and have more clarity around what feels right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome all beginner yogis and no experience is necessary. Xinalani has all the necessary yoga mats and props so it is not necessary to bring any special supplies unless you have a special relationship with your yoga mat. On a side note, please ensure you can perform moderate exercise and are aware that Xinalani is located on a hill with many steps to get to and from room/restaurant/yoga classes.

 

If you are a single registrant – awesome! We have found that over 50% of the individuals who sign up for our retreats are coming alone so do not worry if this is something you’ve never done before. We may arrive solo, but we will move throughout the week as a mini-tribe of beautiful souls. Many of the people you meet during this weekend will likely become life-long friends.

Absolutely, the food at Xinalani is healthy, organic food. They are able to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most food sensitivities. Please enquire when you are booking with Cathy.

To be completely wowed and leave feeling like you’ve given yourself the biggest gift ever. That’s a bold statement – we know, but after hosting many retreats in various settings we are accustomed to the magic that happens in a retreat.

Retreats are inherently different than vacations. On the surface it may look a lot like an all-inclusive style vacation, but once you arrive you’ll start to settle into the glorious routine of taking space and time to unroll your yoga mat, breathe deep, expand outwards and enjoy the process that unfolds. The workshops and classes are like icing on a soulful adventure.

Bring your open heart and sense of fun and you’ll be sure to have an incredible time (and if you feel inspired to truly unplug – be prepared to set down your technology while you are here).

Please note that Xinalani is only accessible by boat and boat transfer is included in our retreat pricing. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred by taxi to the pier of Marina Vallarta (15 min) and transferred by boat from Marina Vallarta to Xinalani Resort. The resort is 12 miles south of Puerta Vallarta (PVR) airport.

To allow for adequate transportation to and from the resort, ensure that your flight lands in Puerta Vallarta (PVR) no later than 4 pm on Feb 6, 2021 and flight departure is no earlier than 11 am on Feb 13, 2021. Cathy Wassermann is able to help you with all the details if you would like.

Testimonial
"Soul Inspired. That's a perfect explanation of how I feel after spending a week in Costa Rica. Very few of us knew each other, but by the end of the week some new friendships were being formed. Each morning we leisurely gathered around the pool, to sip coffee or tea, chat, laugh and connect with each other. Then we headed off to learn how to effectively meditate then do some yoga. In the middle of the day we were able do as we liked. As you can tell, I am so very glad that I made the decision to go. If you are even considering doing this retreat, I would tell you to do it. You won't regret it. " Denise R.

Reservations

THIS RETREAT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT.

For Reservations & Enquires, please contact the people below.
Our reference number for this retreat is TICO #50023504

Questions About Retreat Program
 (or you just want to say hello):
Dr. Laura Foster:
laura@soulinspiredgurl.com

Booking Retreat & Travel:
Booking is through Cathy Wassermann
Email: cathy.wassermann@visiontravel.ca
Phone: (289) – 344-0089

Bookings will be made through our travel partner Wassermann Retreats, an affiliate of Vision Travel Solutions, 328 Guelph Street, Georgetown, ON L7G 4B5, TEL 905.873.2000 ext. 1232 or
direct 289 344 0089