Since making the move back to Los Angeles, I have been itching for a short getaway. And when the opportunity was presented that involved yoga and coastal views all in a different country, it was a no brainer choice.
It was also also the first yoga retreat Derek and I attended together, one that we were able to share the entire experience together. I am grateful for this trip and everything that was entailed in it!
The Location: Baja off the grid
Baja off the Grid is an eco resort located in Baja California, Mexico – a two hour drive from San Diego and 45 minutes outside of Ensenada. The biggest landmark near by is the marine geyser La Bufadora, which was also where the closest town is. The resort is surrounded by secluded beaches, tide pools, cliffs, and hiking trails so there are plenty of (free) activities to do.
5 Days, 4 Nights: Yoga, Adventures, & CONNECTIONS
The group was picked up on a Wednesday afternoon in San Diego, a bunch of strangers all coming together for the teacher who was leading the retreat: Nam Chantterwynn. Everyone was connected to Nam in some shape or form yet we all did not know each other which I found to be pretty rad.
Side note: I had never met or even taken class from Nam before the retreat so this was a pretty big leap of faith I was taking.
I’m good friends with the yoga retreat organizer (LikeOmRetreats) who highly recommended Nam which I’m glad I decided to take the chance and attend the retreat.
In short, the days were filled with yoga and various movements, hikes, beach time, delicious home-cooked meals, lounging, hang out sessions, and any activity that called to you.
Everyday we woke up bright and early for morning yoga facing the ocean. And when the sun was on its way to setting, we were led through a yummy restorative and self-massage practice using props to support us. It was quite the experience to do yoga so close to the water, listening to the waves come in and out, without having to get all sandy. Incredible to say the least.
And being led by a teacher who is extremely keen about the body was such a treat. Nam’s expertise in hands-on adjustments, mobility work, Thai massage, and myofascial release was an eye-opening experience for me in the sense that there is always more to discover. The creativity in sequencing, use of props, and cueing made classes fun and challenging. We explored our range of motion in major joints, including weakest positions, and to be honest: it was humbling as hell. It inspired me to incorporate more end range conditioning into my own personal practice and in my classes.
Living off the grid, we were lucky enough to have our own chefs who not only had to accompany for a group of almost 30 people that included dietary restrictions and allergies but also had to get creative with their cooking. Michelle and Barry poured their hard work into the food they made, from early morning until late into the night. They didn’t want to waste any resources so whatever we didn’t finish, they would come up with a complete new recipe incorporating the same ingredients. I feel so truly blessed that I didn’t have to think about what to make for each meal and served with home-cooked deliciousness.
Community, Nourishment, Gratitude
Bonding as a group was so pleasant –– to share our time and energy together. We were creating adventures amongst ourselves and with the lack of technology, it had us all connecting on a deeper level because we were all in it together. We practiced yoga (including acro!), explored the nearby town, hiked to tide pools and secluded beaches, played games that involved spoons and a paper bag, scrambled on rocks, snapped photos together, and exchanged laughs and cheers.
At the end of it, we were no longer feeling like strangers and instead, a unique group that we can all remember sharing this retreat experience together. Everything else didn’t matter, just the present moment in each other’s company.
If you are looking to unplug and reset by the ocean, I recommend checking out Baja off the Grid. The location is absolutely stunning, sitting on a private cliff surrounded by the ocean and nature (views for days!). And shout out to @LikeOmRetreats for setting up the entire yoga retreat so I didn’t have to plan anything. From transportation, lodging, all meals (including plant-based options for my fellow vegans/vegetarians), activities to do (hiking, wine tasting, massage, horseback riding, jet skiing), and all the little details in between, I didn’t have to stress about anything one bit except to show up.
Have a fabulous week, friends!
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