Resources
Inspiring reviews from our retreat participants ❤️
If you enjoyed last weekend’s video testimonial, you’ll love these success stories from our retreat participants!
Alyssa’s review on Google:
“I had an amazing time on this retreat Anna created. It had all the components of a trip I was looking for and more. A very relaxing trip with new and adventurous excursions with also a learning aspect. Not only did I have so much fun, it also allowed me to think deeply about myself. I highly recommend Anna’s retreat if you are interested in what the retreat is providing.” Continue reading…
First retreat: a SUCCESS! Next retreat: January 2025✨
I hosted my first mental wellness retreat, and it was a huge success!
It took a year to plan, fill, and sell out this retreat, and everything went incredibly well. The biggest gain for me was the confidence and belief that I can do this, and do it really well.
All of my life experiences — my neuroscience background, the hustle from tech startups, Airbnb hosting, solo travelling, yoga teacher training — all contributed to the success of this retreat. And because of it, I’ve become a better experience curator, empathetic listener, and a safe space creator.
The 9 of us came together as perfect strangers, each bringing kindness, humour, and wisdom, and left, 8 days later as friends.
This retreat has taught me that (continue reading…)
A SOLD OUT RETREAT!
The best birthday gift to myself this year? Selling out my first mental wellness retreat!
If you'd asked me a year ago if I could envision this moment, the honest answer would've been no. Just the other day, a Facebook Memory reminded me that about a year ago, I took the leap and purchased the domain for Healing Journey Retreats:
The ultimate travel packing list
Happy Easter 🐰! This long weekend we’ve changed Airbnb’s in Tulum and had to pack and unpack our stuff. After having travelled to 90+ places in the world, and having had weekend trips as well as year-long journeys, I’ve gotten really good at packing.
Interestingly, longer trips don't necessarily equate to more luggage, as frequent laundry sessions become the norm. Conversely, weekend escapades for special occasions tend to require multiple outfit changes per day. The last factor for packing also depends on what the destination is — be it a 5-star all-inclusive resort, a hotel, a hostel, or an Airbnb for a weekend vs. 3 months — for example, do they have a hairdryer, and Tupperware? Continue reading…
1 spot left on the mental wellness retreat (April 21-28) in Tulum Mexico 😱!
Soooo we have ONLY 1 spot left on the Tulum Mexico mental wellness retreat this April (21-28th) 2024! It’s a triple occupancy room (meaning you’ll be sharing with 2 other lovely women) for $2497 USD. Is it going to be yours? If you’ve been on the fence considering, then this is the last chance to book it now!
Over the last week, two more people booked, bringing us to 7 retreat participants, and I am over the moon! 🚀🌝 Continue reading…
On yoga classes and toxic bosses
Yesterday marked a milestone for me: I taught my very first official yoga class, and let me tell you, it felt absolutely amazing!
Reflecting on this experience, I couldn't help but acknowledge the immense journey that led me to that moment. From completing my professional 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, to soaking up the wisdom of countless yoga classes I've attended as a student over the past 15+ years, every step played a crucial role in preparing me for that class.
YTT was essential for understanding the history, ethics, concept of sequencing, timing, consent, and safety of teaching yoga. The thousands of yoga classes from all over the world was eye opening for variety, nuances, wisdom, humility, and inspiration.
I saw myself drawing from all of the knowledge throughout this journey, learning from the best yoga teachers I’ve had the privilege of being a student of, and also the “what not to do” from the handful of bad classes and studios I’ve come across. Continue reading…
FAQs - mental wellness retreat
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Tulum Mexico mental wellness retreat in April:
🧠 Mental health issues often require long-term treatment, how can a week-long retreat help me?
🤨 I've come across wellness retreats pushing spiritual/religious practices, timeshares, or MLMs. How does this retreat ensure a different experience?
🧐 Is this area of Mexico safe?
💰 I'd love to join, but cost is a barrier. What are some options? Do you offer payment plans?
😬 I’m concerned about traveling with people I don’t know.
Why did I create this retreat?
On the who, what, when & where train, we’re at the why now — WHY did I create this retreat?
I created this retreat out of my own healing journey with mental health recovery. ❤️🩹
Over the past decade of working in the tech industry, I went through cycles of burnout, anxiety, and depression.
From the latest one, I decided to spend 3 months in Mexico, hoping this escape from Canadian winter would help my mental health.
Coming out of the Cancun airport — feeling the sun on my face, warm air in my lungs, seeing lush green palm trees and flowers blossoming in full colour — my anxiety began to lift. Continue reading…
When & where is the retreat?
Short answer: April 21-28th, 2024 in Tulum Mexico!
In 2017, I ventured to Tulum for a dear friend's destination wedding, and Mexico instantly captivated me with its charm—the weather, nature, people, food, and the mesmerizing cenotes!
Little did I know, Tulum would become my healing sanctuary in 2023 and the birthplace of Healing Journey Retreats.
Discovering its rich Mayan heritage and mystical energies only deepened my connection to this sacred land, making it the perfect setting for my mental wellness retreats.
When searching for the perfect retreat venue, I sought more than just a typical all-inclusive resort or bustling hotel.
That's when I discovered Dora Resort— a serene oasis tucked away in the heart of Riviera Maya's jungle, a mere 15 minutes from Tulum.
As a true retreat venue, this gem offers a tranquil sanctuary away from the crowds. Continue reading…
Who is the Tulum Mexico wellness retreat for?
Last weekend I wrote about the WHAT of the April Tulum Mexico retreat — what it the retreat about, what does it entail, what will we do, what’s included — and now, let’s talk about: WHO is the retreat for?
If you've been through some tough times lately and you're looking for more than just a vacation, this retreat is for you.
While all-inclusive resorts have their appeal, sometimes you crave something more mindful, cleansing, and rewarding.
You’d gladly trade the all-you-can-binge-eat and-drink for a healthier journey that includes self-reflection and inner growth.
Moreover, by the time you return home, you'll not only feel rejuvenated and refreshed but also enriched by the bonds forged with a close-knit community of supportive, kindred spirits. Continue reading…
Hola from Mexico 👋🏻 and only 3 spots left on the retreat 😱!
Last Sunday I visited Dora Jungle, the venue for my upcoming April mental wellness retreat in Mexico 🤩 I was wowed by the photos months ago but it’s even more beautiful in person 😍
And just when I thought things couldn't get more exciting, I woke up on Monday to find that two more people had signed up for the retreat! We're now at 5 participants, and depending on room types, there are only up to 3 spots left. So, be sure to secure your spot for this transformative retreat now.
I can’t wait to host my retreat here with my fellow healing journeyers ✨ Continue reading…
🔥 Beat Burnout: 3 Game-Changing Strategies for Reclaiming Your Spark! 🔥
Whether you’ve experienced burnout or are looking to prevent it, join Laurie Bedard M.A., CCC, CCTP — a certified therapist & psychology professor — in this empowering online workshop as she walks through an essential plan to conquer burnout.
Drawing from her 25 years of experience as both an educator and a mother of five, she'll explore practical solutions that you can implement now, next, and ongoing. Continue reading…
Why Wellness Retreats? Improve your mental health and reset & recharge with us in Tulum Mexico 🌴 this April 2024
Sometimes, traditional methods like yoga, therapy, self-care tips and travel can only take us so far on our healing journey. What if there was an immersive mental wellness retreat that encompassed all these elements? A retreat where you can dive deep into evidence-based skills taught by certified therapists, surrounded by nature, in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Learn valuable techniques to effectively manage burnout, stress, worry, and anxiety symptoms, even long after the retreat ends. You'll also discover the power of a supportive community that understands and uplifts you, even after you've returned home.
If you're curious or passionate about self discovery, personal growth and sustainable healing, this retreat is for you. Continue reading…