Women Of Wisdom Retreat
February 21-27, 2027
This is an invitation to attend a very special retreat I have been curating with a group of talented and wise women, to be held at Mahai, a new oceanfront resort in Mahahual, Mexico, from February 21-27, 2027.
The impetus for this retreat came when I realized that many women around my age are approaching new chapters, challenges, and opportunities in their lives. Maybe it is the end of a fulfilling career and the transition to retirement, or perhaps a shift to a second career that has always been a passion, becoming an empty nester, caring for elderly parents, or adjusting to life after the loss of a spouse. And for those of you who are a little younger, there are the challenges of juggling work and home, along with the hormonal shifts that come with perimenopause and menopause.
Some of you may be celebrating these changes, while others may be deeply challenged by them. I haven’t even brought up the changes you may be dealing with regarding the effects of age on our physical and mental health. I don’t even want to get started on what is happening to my neck.
My vision for this retreat is to bring together a group of awesome women to celebrate life and all we have accomplished, and to learn and practice healing modalities that will support us as we flow into the Women of Wisdom we are.
We’ll start the day by honoring the sun with sunrise meditation or perhaps a sunrise paddleboard session, followed by an inspirational yoga and pranayama class. In the afternoon there will be time to relax at the pool or the beach, go on adventures like snorkeling or paddle boarding, and there will be several workshops to attend.
My friends and fellow yoga teacher, Cynthia Mathis, will join me to lead engaging workshops on this theme. Together, we will be joined by gifted, wise women and teachers who will share their knowledge of herbalism and plant medicine, cacao, and womb wisdom. Add in sound baths and live music, and it will be a collaborative and enriching week of women sharing and supporting one another.
It will be an inspiring week full of personal growth, delicious, nourishing food, yoga, time to meditate and clear your head of distractions, connection, and community-building with like-minded women. There will be a big emphasis on setting and manifesting intentions, taking a leap of faith into something new, aging gracefully with natural methods, and the joy of being of service. All while being surrounded by the beauty of nature and soaking up every magical moment in this tropical paradise, leaving you rested, renewed, and radiant.
About Mahai
I was blessed to attend a weeklong retreat earlier last year at this brand-new retreat center. Every day when I walked out of my room, the natural beauty of the turquoise water and lush jungle took my breath away.
MAHAI is a boutique healing and wellness sanctuary nestled in the heart of Mahahual, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is a premium off-grid property, powered by the sun and nourished by the rain. Designed for deep rest, reconnection, and restoration, this eco-conscious retreat center invites you to slow down and align with the rhythms of nature.
The property includes 10 circular suites which each have a unique, spacious feel. Arches and handmade wood furnishings create an experience of understated luxury. There are housing options for single rooms, double rooms, a triple room, quad room, and glamping.
The ocean-front swimming pool is perfect for relaxing or sitting in the poolside lounge and there are numerous hammocks and comfy lounge chairs around the property to relax.
The yoga and workshops will all be held either oceanfront by the pool and lounge area or in the beautiful 2nd-story yoga room in the round, which overlooks the ocean.
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
- 6 nights of luxurious accommodations at Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
- Fresh, nourishing vegetarian/vegan meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Sunrise breath and meditation sessions
- Inspirational morning yoga and pranayama practices with Maria (except for the Bacalar excursion day)
- Five workshops: Herbalism and Plant medicine with Cacao Ceremony, Blissful Breathing to create space for change in your body, mind, and spirit, Somatic Healing Techniques to reset the nervous system, Meditation with a Mala, and The Wild Apothecary
- Moon Ceremony with live music
- Womb Wisdom Ceremony
- Guided day trip to a sacred Mayan pyramid, and to Bacalar Lagoon – an adventure to one of the most magical bodies of water in all of Mexico.
- Guided Snorkeling trip – explore the MesoAmerican Reef just off the beautiful shores of Mahai
- Sunset and star gazing gatherings for reflection and connection
- Evening Musical Sessions that include a Restorative Sound Bath and live concert.
- Fire Circle
- Support with travel coordination and local transport
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
Mahai Penthouse Suite – 1 King Bed – $2,825 Single/$2,100 Double
Mahai Suite – 1 King Bed – $2,725 Single/ $2,022 Double
Ocean Suite – 2 Single Beds – $2,122 Double occupancy
Double Ocean Suite – 2 Double Beds – $2,122 Double occupancy
Quad Dorm – 4 single beds – $1,600
Glamping – $1,750 single occupancy/$1,600 double occupancy
Bring Your Own Tent – $1,500
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Final payments are due January 2, 2027.
For room descriptions and more photos go to: https://www.mahairetreat.com/stay
If the room option you want is sold-out, please place your name on the waitlist.
Getting Here
I recommend flying into Tulum Airport (TQO) for the most direct route, approximately 2.5 hours by car. Other nearby options include: Chetumal Airport (CTM) – approximately 2 hours by car, or Cancún Airport (CUN) – approximately 4 hours by car.
Shuttle Options
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.
- Group Shuttle: $65–$130 USD per person (price varies by number of guests and airport)
- 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.
- 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, a group shuttle to Mahai on February 21 will also be arranged. Or, come in two days early on February 19, and enjoy an optional guided tour of Tulum including the archeological site and cenotes.
I have been blessed to lead yoga retreats for over 12 years, and I know how incredibly powerful and magical it is to bring a group of women together for a week of spiritual recharge, relaxation, and adventure in a beautiful place. I hope you can join us for this week in Paradise.
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.
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!
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.
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. ✌🏼🫶🏼
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.
Countdown to Women in Wisdom Retreat
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)