Women Of Wisdom Retreat

February 21-27  &  February 28-March 6, 2027

Mahai Retreat – Mahahual, Mexico

Week 1: Only 2 rooms left!

Week 2: Now Welcoming Reservations

This is an invitation to something very special.

I’ve been dreaming about and curating the Women of Wisdom Retreat with a group of talented and wise women, and I’m so excited to bring it to life at Mahai, a beautiful oceanfront retreat center in Mahahual, Mexico.

The idea for this retreat came from something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: the incredible amount of wisdom we gather as women simply by living our lives.

We’ve loved, learned, worked, cared for others, navigated change, taken chances, made mistakes, celebrated victories, experienced loss, reinvented ourselves—and grown wiser through all of it.

And now many of us are entering new chapters of our lives. Maybe it’s retirement or a new career, an empty nest, caring for aging parents, navigating perimenopause or menopause—or simply beginning to ask ourselves, What do I want more of in this next chapter of my life?

Some of these changes are exciting. Some are challenging. And then there are those little reminders that we’re getting older. I don’t even want to get started on what is happening to my neck. 😉

But here’s what I know: there is so much life still to be lived.

I created Women of Wisdom as a place for us to come together and celebrate that—to step away from our everyday responsibilities, reconnect with ourselves, learn from one another, have some adventures, laugh a lot, and make space for whatever wants to come next.

This isn’t a retreat about fixing yourself or becoming someone new.

It’s about celebrating the woman you already are—and giving her a beautiful week in Mexico to breathe, move, play, rest, connect, and dream.

What Your Week Will Feel Like…

Wake up to the Caribbean Sea and start your day with sunrise meditation, breathwork, or perhaps a paddleboard session on the water.

From there, we’ll gather for inspirational yoga and pranayama designed to help you feel good in your body, quiet your mind, and reconnect with yourself.

Afternoons will have plenty of room to breathe. Relax by the pool or on the beach, grab a paddleboard, go snorkeling, take a nap, read a book—or join one of the special workshops being offered throughout the week.  Learn from women sharing traditions and practices ranging from herbalism and plant wisdom to meditation, somatic healing, breathwork, sound, movement, and ceremony.

And because this retreat is about joy as much as it is about wisdom, there will be adventures, music, ceremonies, delicious food, laughter, meaningful conversations, and plenty of time simply to enjoy being in a beautiful place with an awesome group of women.

You can do as much—or as little—as you want. This is your retreat.

My hope is that you’ll soak up every magical moment in this tropical paradise and return home rested, renewed, and radiant.

Two Weeks. Two Unique Experiences.

The heart of the Women of Wisdom Retreat is the same for both weeks—yoga, meditation, connection, adventure, nourishing food, time to relax, and the magic that happens when an awesome group of women comes together.

Each week also has its own special lineup of teachers, workshops, and experiences, so you can choose the week that speaks to you.

Your Home for the Week

Mahai is a boutique oceanfront healing and wellness sanctuary tucked into the lush Caribbean landscape of Mahahual, at the southern end of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

The first time I stayed here, I knew it was someplace special. Each morning I stepped outside my room to turquoise water, palm trees, and the sounds of the Caribbean and it took my breath away. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful setting for a Women of Wisdom retreat.

Designed for rest, reconnection, and restoration, this intimate eco-conscious property gives us the rare opportunity to spend an entire week surrounded by nature.

The property includes just 10 circular suites, giving the retreat an intimate feel. Rooms range from private ocean suites to shared accommodations and glamping options.

And throughout the property you’ll find hammocks, lounge chairs, quiet corners, the oceanfront pool, and plenty of places to disappear for an hour with a book—or simply stare at the Caribbean.
Yoga and workshops take place either beside the ocean or in Mahai’s beautiful second-story round yoga room overlooking the sea.

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The on-site chef will create delicious meals that cater to vegan and vegetarian diets, using locally sourced fruits and vegetables and focusing on regional cuisine. Three meals a day will be provided, and we will share them together in a dining room with sweeping sea views, or you can sit outside on the veranda to enjoy your meal.

I loved having a fresh coconut waiting on the table for me to enjoy at every breakfast.

Kayaks and paddle boards are available to take you straight from the beach into the water for exercise and adventure. I can also testify that Mahai has amazing massage therapists and special spa treatments for your hair, skin, and more.

What’s Included

Your retreat includes:

  • 6 nights at Mahai, an intimate oceanfront wellness sanctuary in Mahahual, Mexico
  • Three fresh vegetarian/vegan meals each day while at the retreat center
  • Daily morning yoga, breathwork and meditation with Maria, with the exception of the Bacalar excursion day
  • Featured workshops, with a different collection of experiences offered during Week 1 and Week 2
  • Moon Wisdom Ceremony with live music
  • Restorative Sound Bath
  • Live concert with dancing on the final night of retreat
  • Fire Circle Ceremony
  • Guided excursion to a sacred Mayan site and Bacalar Lagoon
  • Guided snorkeling excursion on the Mesoamerican Reef
  • Sunset and stargazing gatherings
  • Support coordinating airport transportation and local travel

Choose Your Week

WEEK 1 workshops— February 21–27

Herbalism & Plant Medicine & Cacao Ceremony
The Wild Apothecary
Blissful Breathing
Somatic Healing Techniques
Meditation with a Mala
Womb Wisdom Ceremony

WEEK 2 workshops — February 28–March 6

Herbalism & Plant Medicine & Cacao Ceremony
The Wild Apothecary
Voice Activation & Cacao
AquaQi Flow
Meditation with a Mala

What’s Not Included:

  • Travel to Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
  • Alcoholic beverages (this is an alcohol-free retreat)
  • Massages or other treatments
  • Food will be off-site during excursions. Lunch on the day of the Bacalar excursion will be on your own.
  • Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance (REQUIRED)
  • Souvenirs
  • Any extra tips you’d like to give the staff

INVESTMENT

Coming on your own? You are absolutely welcome! If you’d like to share a room, I may be able to match you with another retreat guest.

Not sure which accommodation is right for you? Email me at maria@dailydownwarddog.com and I’ll be happy to help you find the best option.

WEEK 1 • FEBRUARY 21–27, 2027
Only 2 rooms remaining

Double Ocean Suite
2 double beds
$2,122 per person • double occupancy
1 room available

Mahai Penthouse Suite
1 king bed
$2,825 • single occupancy
1 room available

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Final payments are due January 2, 2027.

WEEK 2 • FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 6, 2027
Choose the stay that feels right for you

Mahai Penthouse Suite
1 king bed
$2,825 • single occupancy
1 available

Double Ocean Suite
2 double beds
$2,122 per person • double occupancy
1 full room available
PLUS: 1 female roommate spot available

Ocean Suite
2 single beds
$2,465 • single occupancy
or $2,122 per person • double occupancy
1 available

Quad Dorm
4 single beds
$1,600 per person
4 spots available

Glamping
$1,750 • single occupancy
$1,600 per person • double occupancy
1 available

Bring Your Own Tent
$1,500 per person

Currently sold out: Mahai Suite. If your preferred accommodation is unavailable, please add your name to the waitlist.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Final payments are due January 2, 2027.

VIEW ROOM PHOTOS & DESCRIPTIONS

Getting Here…

Once you’ve booked your retreat and your flight, we’ll help coordinate your transportation to Mahai.

Tulum International Airport (TQO) is approximately 2½ hours from Mahai. Cancun (CUN) is 4 hours from Mahai, and Chetumal (CTM) is 2 hours from Mahai.

Shared group transportation will be coordinated on arrival and departure days whenever possible, based on guest flight times.

Week 1 arrival: February 21
Week 1 departure: February 27

Week 2 arrival: February 28
Week 2 departure: March 6

Shared shuttle transportation generally ranges from $65–$130 USD per person, depending upon the airport and number of passengers. Private transportation is also available.

On Arrival Day, shared group shuttles will be available from Tulum Airport (TQO) to MAHAI and from Cancun (CUN) to MAHAI. These are scheduled to align with guest arrival times, so you’ll wait no more than 2 hours for your ride.

  • WEEK 1 – For group transport on February 21, all arrivals to Tulum, Cancun, and Chetumal should arrive between 1 PM and 5 PM. Departures from Mahai Retreat on Saturday, February 27, will be between 10 AM and 2 PM.
  • WEEK 2 – For group transport on February 28, all arrivals to Tulum, Cancun, and Chetumal should arrive between 1 PM and 5 PM. Departures from Mahai Retreat on Saturday, March 6, will be between 10 AM and 2 PM.
  • Prefer a more flexible option? Mahai also offers private car service: Private Transfer: $200–$300 USD per vehicle (1–3 passengers)It is also possible to take a bus from either Cancun Airport or Tulum Airport to Mahahual, and from there a taxi to Mahai.The Mahai staff and I will work with you to schedule the option that best meets your needs, and bill separately for the transportation costs.
  • If you would like to arrive a day early and stay in Tulum on February 20/26, a group shuttle to Mahai on February 21/27 will also be arranged.

I Hope You’ll Join Us

I’ve been leading yoga retreats for more than 12 years, and there is still something magical to me about what happens when a group of women steps away from everyday life and spends a week together.

We practice. We learn. We explore. We rest. We laugh. We eat beautiful food. We have adventures. And somewhere along the way, women who arrived as strangers begin to feel like a community.

My intention isn’t for you to leave this retreat as a different person.

It’s to give you enough space to reconnect with the person who was already there.

I would love to share this week with you.

Maria

If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The new moon women of wisdom retreat was epic! From the moment I was met at the airport upon arrival to being dropped off for departure everything was arranged and handled with care. The retreat center, Mahai, was extraordinary. The views, the yoga room, the little niches throughout the property, the dock, the pool and the common room were all so welcoming and comfortable. My room was lovely and always filled with ocean breezes. The food was vegetarian and absolutely delicious; the colors alone were a sight to behold! The foundation of the trip was created by Maria Santoferraro’s knowledge of yoga, women and well being. Each practice and session were designed for all participants to be able to join. We had some heart wrenching experiences as women shared their personal experiences. A community was quickly established and grew daily. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful that I participated in. I would join any trip organized by Maria. Every last detail was considered and everyone benefited.
Susan

I had a wonderful experience on Maria’s Yoga Retreat at Mahai. She is an inspirational and spiritual leader. This was my fourth retreat with her and no matter where we are in the world I feel safe due her diligent planning and knowledge of our environment. Every morning meditation, workshop, excursion and evening program were meticulously planned so all of us could enjoy and feel free to discover what each event held for us individually as well as collectively as women. The accommodations and grounds at the retreat were gorgeous, clean and beautifully appointed. The vegetarian menu delicious and diverse. The staff at Mahai was endlessly helpful and kind. I highly recommend a visit!
Rebecca

Two words…Rejuvenating and Relaxing. I have gone to many of Maria’s Northeast Ohio yoga retreats, but was unable to do her travel retreats. Until this brilliant Mexican retreat at Mahai. Everything about Mahai is exquisite, from the tropical grounds to the comfortable rooms, to the delicious meals, and the welcoming staff. Maria chose well when she decided on this gem of a retreat. Maria planned our daily activities, yoga and meditation, and every day had either workshops or excursions. It was the New Moon, so many of our workshops revolved around ways to transform our lives. The excursions were memorable- snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an idyllic trip to a beautiful turquoise lagoon in Bacalar. The common denominators in all of Maria’s retreats that I have attended are the amazing women that I always meet, most of them repeat retreaters, and I learn something new every time I’m with her. Maria is such a joy to be with; her yoga retreats are always uplifting and transformative. I can’t wait till the next one.
Kathleen

Every detail for the Women of Wisdom retreat was well planned and thought through. Mahai was absolutely lovely from the accommodations to the delicious fresh food. Including each of the gentle caring people that had presentations, held ceremonies and made our stay there special. Maria lead gently with many opportunities for movement and learning ~ what a joy! We ate, sang, danced, explored new experiences, re-learned ancient wisdom, and went deep. I say “thank you” for the love, compassion and respect we all shared. ✌🏼🫶🏼
Kelly

The Yoga Retreat at Mahai Retreat Center was incredible! The yoga, the staff, the accommodations and setting were all fabulous! It was like being in our own little “slice of paradise”. Thank you for this fantastic experience.
Cherie

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