Three Trees Yoga & Macanche Bed & Breakfast present: 2012 Maya Yoga Retreat February 26th - March 4th, 2012 We are fast approaching the end date of the Mayan Calendar. What does this mean for us as modern peoples and what did the ancient Mayans anticipate for these times? The Mayan Calendar has long been admired as a marvellous feat of astronomy and mathematics with a far-reaching vision of the distant future. Join us in the Yucatán to visit the ancient sites and explore first-hand some of the many interpretations of the end of the long count.

This retreat will feature yoga and exploration of the Mayan ruins as well as ample downtime to enjoy this tropical paradise poolside or in a hammock. Breakfasts will include fresh fruits grown on site; dinners created under the guidance of Alfred Rordame, co-owner of Macanche, will be international in flavour but feature the freshest local ingredients.  Vegetarian options are offered at every meal. For lunch, choose from a variety of restaurants in the town of Izamal (close to the retreat site), or near any of the excursion sites that we visit during the week. 

We recommend flying into Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan on Friday, Feb. 24 or Sat., Feb. 25th and staying in a hotel in downtown Merida. Transportation to local hotels is easily accessible right outside the airport. Transportation will then be provided from downtown Merida to Macanche on Sunday, Feb. 26th at 1pm. There is a lot to see and do in vibrant downtown Merida so come early and enjoy the “city of peace.” Merida is known for its clean, civilized streets and safe environment. Visitors are welcomed by friendly locals who are deeply proud of their tradition of civility and tranquillity. Merida offers many dance and music events which are often free and held outdoors. The concierge at your hotel will be able to direct you to local festivities. Read more about Merida online at www.yucatantoday.com

If you prefer to fly into Cancun, and stay in the Riviera Maya prior to the retreat, we will be happy to help arrange transportation to the retreat site for a small additional fee.

Most people will probably decide to return home on Sunday, March 4th, 2012. The outgoing flights to the United States leave very early in the morning from Merida. We will provide an early snack breakfast and transportation back to the Merida airport leaving at 4:30am. However, if you prefer to stay at Macanche for a night or two following the retreat, we can make arrangements for an extended stay. Additional nights will include breakfast but not dinner and will be priced as shown below. Transportation charges back to the airport will apply if leaving later than the rest of the group. Kids 12 and under get a $200 discount off the retreat prices below.

Continental currently has the best connections to Merida but AeroMexico and US Airways may also offer some flights that will work for you.

If you have specific questions regarding this retreat, please call Jeni Martinez, retreat coordinator at 253-906-7573.

Seven night package includes:

• Comfortable accommodations in a Mayan style room with a private bathroom
• 7 delicious breakfasts featuring fresh tropical fruits and 6 gourmet international dinners with the freshest local ingredients
• 15 hours of yoga and yoga-related classes taught by experienced yoga instructors, Jeni Martinez and Emily Navar, in an open-air palapa
• Guided tours to Mayan ruins in Coba; Tulum; Xochen and Ek Balam, exploring some of the interpretations of the end of the long count Mayan calendar with Alfred Rordame, an expert in the study of Mayan calendrics, archeo-astronomy, the Mayan language and the foundations of Mayan Spirituality and Cosmology and Mayan elder and Master teacher of Mayan Glyphs and culture, Don Pedro Pablo.
• Leisure trips to the cenotes (underground swimming caves) in Cuzuma and to the Gulf Coast Mangrove forest to see wild flamingoes
• Use of natural rock bottom pool

Pricing:

Per person pricing:

(Ground transportation for tours is included; airfare and entrance fees for the excursions are not included.)

Single Occupancy: $1525 (limited availability)

Single Occupancy w/o yoga: $1250

Additional night including breakfast: $75 (if you are staying over Sunday, March 4, 2012)

Double Occupancy: $1245 pp

Double Occupancy no yoga: $965

Addt’l night: $36

Triple Occupancy: $1175pp

Triple Occupancy no yoga: $900 pp

Addt’l night: $30

Quad Occupancy: $1155 pp

Quad Occupancy no yoga: $880 pp

Addt’l night: $25 pp

Visa & MC accepted; $350 deposit required to register (including $50 non-refundable admin fee.) Second payment of $350 is due Nov. 15, 2011. Balance is due by Jan. 15th. No refunds after Nov. 15, 2011.

Passports are required for international travel. Apply early to avoid paying rush fees. Participation in retreat is limited; reserve your space early by calling 253-815-9642 or register online. 

Registration

Register here online or by calling 253.815.9642

Visa & M/C accepted. Payment plans available upon request.

About the Instructors

Jeni Martinez, BA E-RYT, has been teaching Hatha Yoga since 1990 and is the co-owner of Three Trees Yoga. The tropical weather and delicious food; the slower, peaceful pace; the opportunity to explore the Mayan ruins and the friendliness of the local people have brought Jeni and her family back to the Yucatan year after year.

Emily Navar, RYT, LMP, Certified Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, co-owner of Macanche, teaches an Iyengar & Kundalini influenced yoga with a deep understanding of the body from years as a dancer and a licensed massage practitioner.

Alfred Rordame, co-owner of Macanche, is an expert in Mayan calendrics, archeo-astronomy, the Mayan language and the foundations of Mayan Spirituality and Cosmology. In addition, he is an intrepid explorer of Sanskrit, Vedic philosophy, Jyotish (Vedic astrology) and the science of yoga.

2009 Yucatan Retreat	Chill Time
Outside of the B&B	Spectacular Scenery

Here’s what past participants have said:

"Everything worked well- no overstatement. The yoga was careful, varied, tailored to suit everyone’s needs. Emily and Jeni are both super knowledgeable; good at explaining the ideas behind the practice and what to be mindful of as we worked. The lodgings & grounds of Macanche are a lovely refuge. The food was overwhelming in quality, variety and visual appeal- irresistible. The new friends we made have been a source of nourishment and joy, too. I don’t want to leave!"
Pat G.

"The retreat was beautifully planned and organized. I felt cared for and comfortable in spite of the language barrier and new routine. We were like one big extended family that really functioned well! The yoga was just the right pace and amount. I loved yoga in the palapa. The side trips were all worthwhile. Our guides were outstanding."
Diane W.

"Everything worked well. I would revisit everything on the itinerary."
Sally K.

"I would like to do it all again next time! Jeni & Emily are both wonderful teachers and compliment each other well. The food! The excursions! The drivers and the guides! The group/flow/connections were a joy."
Naomi G.