ITINERARY

Day 1
Welcome to our Mexico Culinary Retreat. Just a few hours by air from most North American cities, prepare to be swept away into a different world, where life slows down and you can relax, cook, practice yoga, and experience another culture. We’ll pick you up at Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta and take a scenic drive past beaches and jungle to get to our base for the week, a retreat nestled in the jungle overlooking the ocean.

Here we'll stay in gorgeous, rustic cabanas that look out on the bay or jungle. Depending on when your flight arrives, you'll have time to check out the beach, relax and chat on the communal terrace, or just kick back in your cabana. In the evening we'll get together for the first of many delicious dinners as we watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2
After this morning’s healthy and delicious breakfast (try the delicious homemade granola with yogurt – it will make you look at granola in a whole new way), we’ll take a short walk to the town of Sayulita, about 30 minutes away. Depending on the wishes of the group, we can either walk along the road, or take the more challenging but scenic route along the beach, up and over some rocks. We’ll wander around this charming fishing town and stop for a cold drink on the beach as we watch the surfers, kayakers, and fisherman share the waters of Sayulita’s beautiful bay. If you are intrigued by the surfing or kayaking, you will have an opportunity to book these optional activities over the next few days.

We’ll then head back to the retreat for lunch, followed by some free time to relax or take a dip in the ocean. In the late afternoon we’ll gather for our first cooking class with Chef Hugo in his open air kitchen overlooking the ocean. Following an orientation to the kitchen, we’ll dive right into learning some Mexican classics like guacamole and fresh ceviche.

Days 3 & 4
In the morning we’ll enjoy a yoga session together, meeting up at the yoga pavilion with 360-degree views of the ocean and jungle. After breakfast, the morning is yours to relax on the beach, head to the spa, or enjoy an optional surf class or kayak tour. In the late afternoon we’ll gather in the kitchen for our cooking classes, focusing on several dips and salsas, salads - and our favorite, the shrimp pancakes with mole.

Day 5
This morning after our regular yoga class and breakfast, we’ll head to the local Thursday market at La Penita. Chef Hugo will teach us about the produce and show us how to select the best varieties. We’ll also enjoy a tour of the local coffee roastery and learn how the local ice cream is made. By now you’ll be hungry for lunch, and we’ll head to a nearby town to enjoy a freshly cooked late lunch at a beachside restaurant.

Day 6
Today we’ll enjoy our final yoga class. After this week's yoga, you may never want to experience it anywhere else! After breakfast we’ll head to the local fish market with Chef Hugo to select our catch for dinner. In our final cooking class this afternoon we’ll prepare for our farewell feast, a barbeque and bonfire right on the beach.

Day 7
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we’ll take you back to Puerto Vallarta’s airport for your flight home. You’ll take your recipes with you, ready to show off your newfound skills back home.