5 Reasons Why My "Untame in Tulum" Mexico Retreat Is For You

The first time I went to the Mexican Jungle was 20 years ago. At the time, I stood at a big crossroads, knowing I didn’t want to continue the academic career I’d been pursuing for the last ten years, but with no clear idea of what was next—or how. 

The primal forest has been the backdrop of most of my childhood dreams. At age 5, my best friend Pedro and I took turns impersonating Mowgli, monkeys, leopards, and lions who grunted while hanging from my bunk bed in the elegant setting of my family’s Paris apartment. 

At 30, my grown up dream of Philosophy was no longer potent enough to carry me forth, so reverting to more primal archetypes seemed a propos. I searched online for “Mexican jungle” and found a yoga and creative writing retreat without walls or electricity tucked between the Sierra Madre and the pristine Pacific coast of Jalisco, Mexico. Perfect. It gave me everything I’d hoped for: rejuvenation, adventure, new perspective, community—and more: a Dharma, a mission, a life purpose. 

Since then I have become a creative writing instructor, published a novel, and become a yoga instructor. I have co-owned Delta Groove Yoga studio and lead DGY Kundalini Yoga Training School for 4 and half years. I have also led 18 international Yoga & Writing retreats in Mexico, France, and Costa-Rica.

In the past few years I had stepped back from international retreats. It takes a lot of passion and energy to make these happen, and mine had fizzled out with the Covid cancelations. Then, last year I really needed a change of scenery so I decided to go check out this new place I’d been following on social media because some of my favorite international teachers regularly posted gorgeous pictures from there. 

It was everything I’d hoped for—and more.

As a busy cancer-recovering 53 year-old, I am still a sucker for a good adventure, and nothing energizes me more than lush, vibrant greenery bustling with birds and friendly critters. I also long for a comfortable bed, an elegant decor, effortless access to warm turquoise waters, and a general atmosphere of EASE. Wearing very little clothes, barefoot in sugar white sand, daily yoga, and mindful, sustainable beauty everywhere are a pretty flawless recipe to achieve just that. Sprinkle some sacred ceremonies and ancient culture on top, and I'm in heaven.

Ikal Tulum Hotel ranks five shining stars on all counts. After 5 days there I felt 10 years younger; happier; more hopeful, whole, healthy—and sexy, too! It became obvious that I couldn’t pass sharing all this love with my yoga fam and community. 

So I took a wonderful group of yogis and adventurers back there last summer. When we left, I already knew I wanted to go back there as soon as possible. So I took in all the best aspects of our summer trip to design an even more unforgettable one for March 2026. 99% of our participants immediately signed up. It was sold out in a week. Then, in early October, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a radical mastectomy. I assumed I wouldn't be well enough by early March, so I canceled. The great news is that now, thanks largely to my yoga practice and amazing community of friends, students, doctors, and healers, I feel great. So the retreat is back on!!! But we had to adjust the dates and a few participants couldn't make the new dates. So there may be a spot for YOU.

5 Reasons Why My Untame in Tulum Retreat is for You:

1. PAUSE. Say good-bye to your mental load. Your mind can finally rest! There’s an itinerary, there are experienced teachers, and there’s delicious fresh food that you don’t have to prep or clean afterwards. Nothing to figure out, no problems to solve. Just be. 

2. RELAX. Your nervous system can finally regulate. Your body will soften, surrounded by natural beauty, soft white sand, warm turquoise water, impeccable room service, lush bedding, empowering yoga, and non-violent vibes all around. 

3. CONNECT. Enjoy being around people who only want what you want: Peace and Harmony. 

4. EXPAND. Experience a renewed sense of what’s possible—balance, beauty and bliss in the palm of your hand. Our sacred ceremonies will provide a safe container for your inner and outer exploration. Our no-pressure creative writing workshops will spark untapped reserves of playfulness and imagination.

5. RE-ENCHANT. Acquire simple tools and practices to bring the magic back home with you. 

Ikal Tulum Hotel is an Oasis inside Tulum’s protected & pristine National park, also known for housing Tulum's Mayan Ruins. It’s very easy to access. All you need to do is book your plane ticket. We'll put you in touch with a trusted shuttle service who will pick you up at the Tulum airport and drop you off at the hotel. You can have breakfast in Memphis, and lunch on the beach! I cannot wait to go back. I look forward to sharing all this love with you.

Curious to hear more? Schedule a free information call with me at valentinephilos@gmail.com!