Nourish Body, Mind and Soul on México’s Riviera Nayarit!
with local Cooking Teacher Marina Buendía and Certified Yoga and Qi Gong Instructor Elise Constantine
Learn Traditional Mexican Home Cooking and Gastronomy with local Cooking Teacher Marina Buendía at La Cocina de Marina, her outdoor teaching kitchen surrounding by jungle views and exotic gardens. Vegan options offered (let us know ahead of time).
Enjoy twice daily Gentle Somatics Yoga + Qi Gong led by Certified Instructor Elise Constantine in one of Mar de Jade’s air-conditioned oceanview studios — or outside under the shade of a vine-covered pergola.
Stay at award-winning Mar de Jade Resort and Retreat Center includes 3 buffet farm-to-table meals daily (with many vegan and gluten-free options), all-day coffee/ teas/filtered water, amenities including pool, hot tubs, beach loungers, etc. NOTE: Gratuities, airport shuttle, drinks at the bar, optional excursions/activities, air travel and ground transportation to/from the resort are NOT included in the cost.
Mar de Jade is an award-winning and guest favorite retreat and resort that Marina and Elise have collaborated with for years! See the Google reviews here
Rest & Relax with a stroll on the beach, a siesta in a hammock, a dip in the pool, a tropical cocktail (or mocktail) at Mar de Jade’s La Palapa Bar, a healing spa treatment or massage. . . ahhhh
Optional excursions and activities to be determined (extra cost)… Might include a guided trip to Mar de Jade’s permaculture farm, local artist’s studios/artisan market, coastline boat trip, birdwatching, etc.
Typical oceanview guest suite at Mar de Jade
About your Retreat Leaders:
Marina and Elise have been friends for a decade. When not cooking or practicing yoga/qi gong together, we enjoy sunrise swims in Chacala Bay, chatting over cafecito and hiking up the local volcano! We are both bilingual English-Spanish. Retreat sessions will be primarily in English, but with lots of Spanish for inclusivity’s sake and to infuse the sessions with Mexican culture.
Marina y Maíz (corn)
Traditional Mexican Cooking Teacher Marina Buendía
“A native of Mexico City with a Oaxacan Mexican mother and a Spanish (by way of Morocco) father, I have 40+ years experience as a cook and I am especially interested in the anthropologic and cultural origin of food and ingredients such as CORN (tortillas, masa preparation in all of its forms, tamales, tejuino, etc.), CHILE (both dry and fresh, regional names, seed exchange). and SALSAS (endless varieties!), NOPALES, QUELITES, LOCAL HERBS & SPICES.
My professional background as a teacher has given me the tools. As a young mom, my children were my first students (and teachers). Then, I taught friends, neighbors, acquaintances and now everyone who might be interested in sharing my passion.”
Cooking Class Curriculum:
Learn to choose fresh local ingredients in a homey and relaxed environment with a bilingual cook who will share tips and Mexican cuisine secrets
Live the experience of cooking in an outdoor kitchen surrounded by jungle views and exotic gardens that add to the visual pleasure
Step-by-step hands-on process that can be enjoyed by both experienced cooks and beginners
Elise in one of Mar de Jade’s oceanview yoga studios
Certified Yoga & Qi Gong Instructor Elise Constantine: “I have been collaborating with Mar de Jade since 2014 as a spa therapist and somatics teacher (yoga and qi gong). With 20+ years of experience as a New York State licensed massage therapist, National Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor, and Certified Qi Gong Instructors, I have taught students of all levels and backgrounds in a variety of settings including international retreat centers, Manhattan yoga studios, outpatient hospital clinics, prenatal and postpartum mothers, athletes and outdoors at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. In each session, I hope to guide students to find ease in their bodies, minds and spirits with safe, fun, gentle practices. My greatest teacher and guide is Mother Nature as reflected in the movement of creatures big and small, the relationship between the elements, and the constant ebb and flow of both inner and outer energy. On a personal note, I have been exploring México and working on my Spanish fluency for the past decade. My teachings are infused with Spanish language, poetry and lyricism in a way that is accessible to all. In my experience, the tropical splendor of Chacala, Nayarit combined with Mar de Jade’s serene setting makes this the perfect retreat venue. When not in México, I can be found in New York City and the Omega Institute in upstate New York.”
Sample Daily Schedule:
7:30 - 8:30 - Gentle Somatics Class with Elise
8:30 - 9:45 - Breakfast Buffet at Mar de Jade
10 - 12 - Cooking Class with Marina at La Cocina de Marina or Food-Related Excursion, e.g. Farm Tour
1:30 - 2:30 - Lunch Buffet at Mar de Jade
3 - 5 pm - SIESTA tim (enjoy the beach, pool or a nap)
5 - 6 - Gentle Somatics Class with Elise
6:30 - 8 - Dinner buffet at Mar de Jade
8 pm - bedtime - Chat & Relax, play games, artistic activity, have a cocktail or mocktail, surprise activities. Then sleep deeply to the serenade of tree frogs and the ever-present waves.
REGISTRATION INFO:
STEP 1
Reserve for your accommodations directly with Mar de Jade. Room price varies, depending on the type of room you choose. Subject to availability.
STEP 2
Pay Instructor Fee Directly to Workshop Facilitators. Contact Elise Constantine at eliseconstantineyoga@gmail.com. Elise will answer any questions you have, provide more information and will send you links to payment methods. Payment to be made via Venmo (works only with USA bank accounts) or PayPal (USA and international accounts).
Instructor Fee = $ 500 USD (option to pay $250 USD deposit with remainder to be paid before March 1, 2025)
Discounted Instructor Fee for Mexican Nationals (must hold a Mexican passport) = $450 USD (check current conversion rates)
STEP 3
Book your flight to and from Puerto Vallarta. Mar de Jade can coordinate shuttle service from the Puerto Vallarta airport (additional cost).
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations before or on March 1 to receive a refund MINUS $50 USD processing fee.
No refunds for late cancellations March 2nd or later.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: AS WITH ANY TRAVEL, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.