Settle into a restorative escape in Playa Chacala, a peaceful haven on the Pacific Ocean where body and spirit can truly exhale. Led by experienced yoga and meditation teacher Dr. Betsy Rippentrop, this retreat unfolds in Riviera Nayarit, a stunning bay framed by golden sand, coconut palms, and lush tropical jungle. With the steady rhythm of the ocean nearby, each day offers immersive yoga practices designed to open the heart, alongside generous free time to follow your own inner pace.
Throughout the retreat, Betsy will offer daily sessions that invite deeper embodiment, thoughtful reflections on living life more fully, and supportive restorative practices for self-healing. In the midst of busy modern life, it is easy to feel stretched thin and overwhelmed. Stepping away from familiar routines creates space to reset the nervous system, reconnect with joy, and allow the body, mind, and spirit to rest in a profound way.
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7:30 am-8:30 am: morning walk or optional practice
8:30 am: Breakfast
10 am – 12 pm: Yoga or excursion time!
1:30 pm: Lunch
4:30-6:30pm – Class time on most days
6:30 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Relax/Socialize
Refund less deposit ($695) before October 15, 2026. No refunds after October 15, 2026. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
If you place a deposit, the balance due will be set to charge in equal installments starting the month after deposit through October 2026, unless other arrangements are made. Participants will be required to sign the application and liability waiver to participate on this trip.
We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like TRAVEL GUARD AND TRAWICK policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), coverages for expenses incurred due to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical. Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.
Dr. Betsy Rippentrop
Betsy Rippentrop, PhD is a licensed psychologist and certified yoga and meditation teacher who brings together science, psychology, mysticism, and spirituality in her teaching. She skillfully supports people in developing greater awareness of both body and mind, with a special gift for translating psycho-emotional ideas into felt, somatic experience. With nearly 20 years in clinical practice and 14 years as the owner of Heartland Yoga, she has also written numerous academic papers on the mind-body connection and is the author of Chakra Healing: Renew Your LifeForce. Betsy teaches courses and retreats nationally and internationally, and appears weekly on her podcast, Tend Her Wild. For more info on Dr Rippentrop, visit . [[READ MORE ABOUT BETSY]]
Feb 20-20, 2027
2 day event
Daily Schedule:
Set high above the coastline, this room offers a graceful blend of comfort and classic Mexican style. Rich textiles and custom-made mahogany furniture create a warm, timeless atmosphere, while the bright, airy layout invites you to slow down and take in the view. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private balcony, where sweeping ocean vistas become part of your daily rhythm.
Inside, the room is thoughtfully appointed for a restful stay, with a comfortable sitting area and a futon that can be converted into an extra bed when needed. Each room also includes an en-suite bathroom with natural bath amenities for a simple touch of wellness and ease.
Please note that these rooms are located on high floors and require steps to access. For larger groups, a limited number of two-bedroom Ocean View suites are available.
Designed with comfort and character in mind, these rooms offer a peaceful stay surrounded by tropical greenery. Each one opens onto a private terrace with views of the lush vegetation, creating a calm setting to unwind and reconnect. The interiors come in two distinct styles: a Mexican-inspired design featuring natural rock walls and hand-painted mosaics, or a bright Mediterranean atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows that invite in natural light and a refreshing breeze.
Every room includes a spacious en-suite bathroom with natural bath amenities, adding a thoughtful wellness touch to the experience. Set on the ground floor, the rooms are easy to access via a few steps or a ramp, making them a convenient choice for guests with mobility needs. With their inviting design and serene surroundings, these rooms are well suited for a restful and relaxing stay.
Designed for one or two guests, this room offers a relaxed and comfortable stay with views of either the garden or the jungle. Its bright, cheerful Mexican textiles and vibrant colors create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the overall design keeps things simple, cozy, and well appointed.
Each room includes an en-suite bathroom stocked with natural bath amenities, adding a thoughtful touch to your daily routine. Located on both the ground and third floors, these rooms are available in either jungle-facing or garden-facing settings, allowing guests to choose the environment that best suits their stay.
Whether you are traveling solo or sharing the space, this is a practical and pleasant option for those who value comfort, charm, and a peaceful connection to nature.
Designed for guests who want a simple, spacious stay, these large loft rooms work especially well for families or groups of three to four sharing dorm-style accommodations. The lower level includes either a king bed or two twin beds, along with a private bathroom, while the loft above is reached by a spiral staircase and offers two twin beds. In some rooms, an additional futon bed is also available on the main floor for extra flexibility.
Depending on the room, views open either toward the gardens or the jungle, adding a peaceful natural backdrop to your stay. Please note that the loft is not recommended for children under 5 years old or for guests with mobility issues. Minimum occupancy is 3 people, including children.
Dr. Betsy Rippentrop
