It is the setting, as much as the retreat center itself, that creates the magical environment that lifts participants out of their daily routines and concerns, and immerses them in a simpler, more sane way of being in the world.

The village and the entire valley are cut off from civilization by the Sierra Madres. The roads coming down the coast from Puerto Vallarta, stop 10 miles short of Yelapa. The only access into the village is by boat or by horseback over mountain trails.

Throughout the valley there are no cars or motorcycles. Bicycles only made their first appearance in Yelapa in 2000, but are still rare. Most kids still prefer to walk or ride their horses.

At Los Naranjos there are no telephones, TVs, faxes, or even electricity. It is the absence of the modern world that makes this experience so rare and so magical.

Participants are often amazed at how quickly they adjust to this simpler lifestyle, and how little they miss electricity. At night the valley and surrounding mountains are so dark that the sky lights up with stars. Dinner is served by candlelight, and candles placed along paths through out the grounds lead participants back to their rooms at bedtime.

The schedule for this week is based upon Charles' vast experience of leading retreats and upon his love for and intimate knowledge of the village and the surrounding area.

Each day is full of activities that will challenge even the most enthusiastic students with Hatha Yoga classes, a variety of meditations, workshops, discussions, excursions to waterfalls and island reefs, and much, much more.

The most important thing to understand about the schedule is that EVERYTHING IS OPTIONAL! At right, Max (one of our students from the February 1999 retreat) exemplifies this philosophy by napping during one of the yoga classes.

All levels of students are welcome. First time yoga students will feel perfectly comfortable working alongside more experienced students. There is always at least one, and often as many as three, additional yoga teachers assisting Charles with his retreats. This means lots of personal attention for each participant. While one teacher works with beginning students, another teacher is free to challenge the more advanced students.

We hope you will be able to join us for eight days and seven nights of Hatha Yoga, meditation, visualization, workshops, discussion groups, vegetarian cooking, and the renewing pleasures of Yalapa's clear blue waters and lush, bird-filled mountains.

QUOTES AND EVALUATIONS FROM PREVIOUS RETREATS

"This is an excellent retreat for anyone wanting to practice yoga for the first time, or the experienced student who wants some fine tuning."
Participant, November 1999 Yoga Retreat

"My self consciousness and inexperience with yoga did not matter a whit. I found a quiet slow pleasure in the movements."
Gayle Miller, Spring 1997 & Spring 1998 Retreats.

"As an M.D., having practiced medicine for 25 years, I have become acutely aware of the critical importance of integrating body, mind and spirit if one is to achieve wholeness and lasting health.... This workshop was for me a magical experience and indeed a sacred endeavor."

Dr. Don Charles Wukasch, Spring 1998 & Spring 1999 Retreats.

"In light of your request for honest feedback, I've thought about what I might change, or what you could do to improve the seminar. The answer is: nothing. I'm at a loss for any negative comments. Moreover, I am at a loss for a description to accurately convey the richness of the event.... daily meditation; unique yoga instruction, demonstrations and exercises; live music by candlelight; interesting speakers; a tropical paradise carved in the midst of a jungle; distinct, comfortable accommodations; warm, friendly, accepting people; fresh, handmade meals prepared three times a day with snacks in between; hiking; horseback riding; waterfalls; snorkeling adventures; artisans and craftsman; and sunshiny picture perfect weather. It was beyond my expectations, and I can't fathom wanting for anything more. 
Thanks to everyone who contributed. It was a completely satisfying retreat and vacation. I truly enjoyed time I spent with you, Charles, and the entire participating group. I laughed, I cried, I learned, I grew, and will always remember and regard my trip to Yelapa as one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Thank you."

Kristin, participant from Spring 2005

"Even with no experience, I felt completely at ease in the same room with others who had been involved in yoga for years. I left with confidence, energy, and a new group of friends!"
Ruth Kline, participant from Spring 1996 Retreat.

We hope you will be able to join Charles MacInerney in Yelapa, Mexico, for this upcoming Hatha Yoga & Meditation retreat.