This is a special invitation to join a retreat I have been lovingly shaping with a circle of talented, wise women at Mahai, a new oceanfront resort in Mahahual, Mexico, from February 21–27, 2027.
This retreat was inspired by the many women I know who are entering new seasons of life, with all the changes, questions, and possibilities that come with them. For some, that may mean the close of a rewarding career and the beginning of retirement, a leap into a long-held second career, becoming an empty nester, caring for aging parents, or navigating life after the loss of a spouse. For others, it may be the daily balancing act of work and home, alongside the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause.
Some women welcome these transitions, while others find them deeply challenging. And beyond that, there are the physical and emotional changes that can come with aging. Let’s just say the neck is not always cooperating.
My vision for this retreat is to gather extraordinary women to honor life, reflect on all we have created, and explore healing practices that support us as we grow into the Women of Wisdom we are becoming.
Each morning will begin by welcoming the sun, either with sunrise meditation or a sunrise paddleboard session, followed by an uplifting yoga and pranayama class. Afternoons will offer time to unwind by the pool or beach, enjoy adventures such as snorkeling or paddleboarding, and take part in a variety of workshops.
My friend and fellow yoga teacher, Cynthia Mathis, will join me in leading engaging workshops centered on this theme. We will also be joined by gifted women and teachers sharing their knowledge of herbalism and plant medicine, cacao, and womb wisdom. With sound baths and live music woven throughout the week, this will be a rich and collaborative experience of women supporting women.
Expect a week of inspiration, growth, nourishing food, yoga, meditation, connection, and community with like-minded women. There will be a strong focus on setting intentions, stepping into something new with faith, aging gracefully through natural methods, and finding joy in service. All of this unfolds in the beauty of nature, where you can soak in every magical moment in this tropical paradise and leave feeling rested, renewed, and radiant.
I was fortunate to attend a weeklong retreat at this brand-new retreat center last year, and every time I stepped outside my room, I was struck by the turquoise water and lush jungle surroundings.
MAHAI is a boutique healing and wellness sanctuary in the heart of Mahahual, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This premium off-grid property is powered by the sun and nourished by the rain. Created for deep rest, reconnection, and restoration, it invites guests to slow down and align with the rhythms of nature.
The property features 10 circular suites, each with a spacious, distinctive feel. Arches and handmade wood furnishings add a sense of understated luxury. Accommodation options include single rooms, double rooms, a triple room, quad room, and glamping.
The oceanfront swimming pool is ideal for relaxation, and the poolside lounge, hammocks, and comfortable chairs throughout the property offer many places to rest.
Yoga and workshops will take place either oceanfront near the pool and lounge area or in the beautiful second-story round yoga room overlooking the ocean.
The on-site chef prepares delicious meals for vegan and vegetarian guests, using locally sourced fruits and vegetables and highlighting regional cuisine. Three meals a day are included, shared in a dining room with sweeping sea views or enjoyed on the veranda.
Kayaks and paddle boards are available directly from the beach for exercise and adventure. Mahai is also known for excellent massage therapists and special spa treatments for hair, skin, and more.
If the room type you would like to book is not available, please add your name to the waitlist.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Final payments are due January 2, 2027.
For room descriptions and more photos go to:
To register or add your name to the waitlist, please click the button below.
Register Now
I recommend flying into Tulum Airport (TQO) for the most direct route, approximately 2.5 hours by car. Other nearby options include Chetumal Airport (CTM), about 2 hours by car, or Cancún Airport (CUN), about 4 hours by car.
On arrival day, shared group shuttles will be available from Tulum Airport (TQO) to MAHAI and from Cancun (CUN) to MAHAI. These are timed to match guest arrivals, so your wait will be no more than 2 hours.
Group Shuttle: $65–$130 USD per person (price varies by number of guests and airport)
For group transport on February 21, all arrivals to Tulum, Cancun, and Chetumal should arrive between 1 PM and 5 PM. Departures from Mahai Retreat on Saturday, February 27, will be between 10 AM and 2 PM.
If you prefer more flexibility, Mahai also offers private car service: Private Transfer: $200–$300 USD per vehicle (1–3 passengers). It is also possible to take a bus from either Cancun Airport or Tulum Airport to Mahahual, and then a taxi to Mahai.
The Mahai staff and I will help arrange the option that best fits your needs, and transportation costs will be billed separately.
If you would like to arrive a day early and stay in Tulum on February 20, a group shuttle to Mahai on February 21 will also be arranged. Or arrive two days early on February 19 and enjoy an optional guided tour of Tulum, including the archaeological site and cenotes.
I have been blessed to lead yoga retreats for more than 12 years, and I know how powerful it is to bring women together for a week of spiritual renewal, relaxation, and adventure in a beautiful setting. I hope you will join us for this week in paradise.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Susan: The new moon women of wisdom retreat was epic! From the moment I was met at the airport upon arrival to being dropped off for departure everything was arranged and handled with care. The retreat center, Mahai, was extraordinary. The views, the yoga room, the little niches throughout the property, the dock, the pool and the common room were all so welcoming and comfortable. My room was lovely and always filled with ocean breezes. The food was vegetarian and absolutely delicious; the colors alone were a sight to behold! The foundation of the trip was created by Maria Santoferraro's knowledge of yoga, women and well being. Each practice and session were designed for all participants to be able to join. We had some heart wrenching experiences as women shared their personal experiences. A community was quickly established and grew daily. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful that I participated in. I would join any trip organized by Maria. Every last detail was considered and everyone benefited.
Rebecca: I had a wonderful experience on Maria's Yoga Retreat at Mahai. She is an inspirational and spiritual leader. This was my fourth retreat with her and no matter where we are in the world I feel safe due her diligent planning and knowledge of our environment. Every morning meditation, workshop, excursion and evening program were meticulously planned so all of us could enjoy and feel free to discover what each event held for us individually as well as collectively as women. The accommodations and grounds at the retreat were gorgeous, clean and beautifully appointed. The vegetarian menu delicious and diverse. The staff at Mahai was endlessly helpful and kind. I highly recommend a visit!
Kathleen: Two words…Rejuvenating and Relaxing. I have gone to many of Maria's Northeast Ohio yoga retreats, but was unable to do her travel retreats. Until this brilliant Mexican retreat at Mahai. Everything about Mahai is exquisite, from the tropical grounds to the comfortable rooms, to the delicious meals, and the welcoming staff. Maria chose well when she decided on this gem of a retreat. Maria planned our daily activities, yoga and meditation, and every day had either workshops or excursions. It was the New Moon, so many of our workshops revolved around ways to transform our lives. The excursions were memorable- snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an idyllic trip to a beautiful turquoise lagoon in Bacalar. The common denominators in all of Maria's retreats that I have attended are the amazing women that I always meet, most of them repeat retreaters, and I learn something new every time I'm with her. Maria is such a joy to be with; her yoga retreats are always uplifting and transformative. I can't wait till the next one.
<
Expansive and elegantly appointed, this suite offers a serene sense of space and privacy, making it an ideal sanctuary for rest and renewal. Inside, you’ll find a king bed and a comfortable daybed, creating a versatile setting for solo travelers or those sharing the experience. The highlight is the private rooftop terrace, where you can take in sweeping ocean sunrises and glowing jungle sunsets from the comfort of your own elevated escape.
Designed as a luxurious retreat within the retreat, this suite invites slow mornings, quiet reflection, and peaceful evenings under the sky. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of wellness activities or simply savoring the beauty of your surroundings, the atmosphere is both refined and restorative. With its generous layout and exceptional views, it offers a memorable stay that blends comfort, elegance, and a deep connection to nature.
Spacious and serene, this suite is designed for restful stays and slow, restorative moments. A king bed offers generous comfort, while the inviting seating area creates a calm spot to unwind with a book, enjoy a quiet pause, or simply settle into the peaceful atmosphere. The oversized rain shower adds a refreshing touch to the experience, bringing a sense of ease to your daily routine.
Step outside into the private garden, where a hammock invites you to stretch out, breathe deeply, and enjoy time in nature. Whether you are looking for a place to reflect, recharge, or take a gentle afternoon nap, this suite offers a soothing setting that supports relaxation from morning to evening. Thoughtfully arranged and beautifully tranquil, it is an ideal choice for guests who value privacy, comfort, and a softer pace of stay.
Spacious and serene, this suite is designed for restful comfort and unhurried moments. A king bed invites deep sleep, while the comfortable seating area offers a calm place to read, unwind, or simply enjoy the stillness. The oversized rain shower adds a spa-like touch to the experience, creating a refreshing start or a soothing end to the day.
Step outside into the private garden, where a hammock provides the ideal spot for quiet reflection, a peaceful pause, or a gentle afternoon nap. With its thoughtful layout and tranquil atmosphere, this suite offers a sense of privacy and ease that feels both restorative and inviting.
Whether you are looking to slow down, recharge, or enjoy a more meditative stay, this space supports a relaxed rhythm from morning to night.
Designed for comfort and ease, this suite offers flexible sleeping arrangements with either one king bed or two single beds, making it well suited for different travel styles. A cozy daybed nook adds an inviting place to unwind, read, or simply enjoy a quiet moment during your stay.
Step outside to your private covered porch, where gentle ocean breezes create a calming atmosphere throughout the day. The seating area provides an additional space to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings, making it easy to slow down and settle into the rhythm of the coast.
With its thoughtful layout and serene setting, this suite is ideal for guests looking for a restful retreat with a light, refreshing seaside feel.
Designed for relaxed coastal living, this inviting room features two matrimonial beds, a cozy daybed, and a desk for moments when you need to write, plan, or simply pause. A private porch opens to breathtaking ocean views, creating a peaceful setting to begin the day with fresh air or unwind as the sun goes down.
With its comfortable layout and tranquil atmosphere, this room is a wonderful choice for sharing time with a friend or loved one while still enjoying plenty of personal space. The combination of practical furnishings and scenic surroundings makes it easy to settle in, slow down, and enjoy the rhythm of the sea.
Whether you are looking for a restful stay or a serene place to reconnect, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, privacy, and unforgettable views.
Designed for travelers who enjoy a sociable atmosphere, this comfortable shared room offers four individual beds with signature bamboo sheets for a restful night’s sleep. It’s an easy, practical choice for guests who want to connect with others while still enjoying a sense of comfort and privacy in their own bed.
With convenient access to shared facilities, the room supports a relaxed and uncomplicated stay, making it ideal for solo travelers, friends, or wellness guests looking for a welcoming communal setting. The layout encourages a friendly, low-key environment while maintaining the essentials needed for a comfortable retreat experience.
Simple, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged, this dorm room balances connection and rest in a way that feels both easy and enjoyable.
Settle into a cozy yet spacious glamping tent designed for a comfortable stay close to nature. Each tent offers either two twin beds or one king bed, along with a seating area and carpeted floors that add a soft, welcoming touch. Thoughtfully arranged for relaxation, these tents provide a restful space to unwind after a day of retreat activities.
Conveniently located just steps from the showers and bathrooms, the tents make daily routines easy while still offering the charm of an outdoor-inspired setting. Whether you’re traveling solo or sharing the space, this accommodation blends simplicity, comfort, and a sense of calm for an enjoyable stay.
Maria Santoferraro
Cynthia Mathis
Coastal Road Mahahual - Xcalak km 5.6, Lote 501-f-9, Sin Colonia, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
Mahahual
Sun, Feb 21 – Sat, Feb 27