Movement in the Morning

We will start each day with a Pilates inspired movement class to prepare your body for the day ahead.  Ada Wells will bring her decades of movement and rehab experience to cater to the needs and requests of the participants.

Depending on the group, we may keep things simple with more mat based work with small balls, rings, towels, etc as props.  For those who want to bring their own unique props, we can integrate them for a more varied experience.  

We'll also enjoy a casual continental breakfast each morning with the option of having plenty of refreshments and snacks at the villa when you need them or to take with you before our excursions.

Urban hiking through our local neighborhoods

Throughout your stay, we will explore the different neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta by foot from our base in the "Gringo Gulch" neighborhood.  This area showcases traditional architecture and still holds a feeling of a vintage Mexican getaway for Hollywood stars.

A walk to the beach via the Isla Cuale, an island and green space located in the center of the Cuale River just a couple of minutes from us, is a peaceful way to stroll to the beach, with perhaps a few quick stops to interact with vendors selling souvenirs and crafts.

We'll also enjoy the street art, sculptures along the Malecon, local art galleries and cultural centers, and have plenty of opportunities to admire the view from multiple scenic points.  Each day will take us through a different part of Puerto Vallarta and the opportunity to discover something new.

Dia de los Muertos Festivities all Week

Dia de Los Muertos is officially a two day affair (Nov 1 and Nov 2), but the festivities around Puerto Vallarta go on all week.  

Throughout town, in local businesses, inside houses, you'll see small alters (ofrendas) created with offerings to the deceased for when they come back to "reunite" with their living families on Nov 1st (Day of the Dead for the children) and November 2nd (Day of the Dead for the adults).  Some even celebrate for their beloved pets.  

The town will be alive with parades, costumes, local live music, food, fireworks, & an abundance of unique traditions that are only celebrated this time of year. We'll also see the large catrina "statues" that are displayed on the Malecon ("boardwalk") that symbolize the holiday.  Vibrant colors and marigolds will be everywhere.

Afternoons to Relax, Reflect, & Recharge

Afternoons will generally allow for free time to do more in-depth exploring on your own, relax in or by the pool at Casa del Arroyo, get a massage, have a private session with Ada, or grab a snack and rehydrate with a view.

We are equipped with high speed internet accessible from all rooms if you need to do a quick check-in with your loved ones back at home.  The villa is "open air," but each bedroom has its own air conditioning unit to ensure that you can rest in comfort.

If you prefer to spend some time at the beach, it's just a short walk where you can sit at a restaurant with beach chairs/umbrellas and people watch with a cool drink in your hand.

Evenings on the Malecon

After an optional late afternoon movement class, you'll have no shortage of options to find great places to eat.  Casa del Arroyo is walking distance to approximately 130 restaurants within a .3 mile radius.  Dinner is not included so that you can experiment on your own or follow Ada to some of her favorite dining establishments which range from taco stands to amazing vegetarian food.

All roads lead back to the Malecon for the evening where we can reunite for the local festivities.  

This may include congregating at the outdoor amphitheater at "Los Arcos" to watch local talent ranging from ventriloquists to folkloric dancing to mariachi bands. 

Fireworks occur nightly between 9:45-10:45.

A perfect location

Because of our proximity to the city center, the Malecon, and the beach, you will have more flexibility to pick and choose how much you feel like experiencing and exploring. 

If you feel like you need a little space, it's there for you. 

Soak it all in.

Retreat & Accommodation Options

The pricing below includes both the accommodations and the retreat activities for the entire 7 days (including all relevant taxes, posted in USD) except where otherwise noted.  See details at the bottom of page for exactly what is and is not included.

Single Occupancy - King Bed, en suite bathroom $2997 USD
Couple Occupancy (Book as a couple)- Shared King Bed with en suite bathroom $3997 USD ($1998.50 USD pp)

Triple Occupancy (must book together as a trio) - King bed, Queen Sofa Bed, and/or Queen inflatable air mattress with ensuite bathroom and private terrace $5697 USD (or 1899pp)

"Hostel/rustic" option at Casa Vista Luna 8 minutes away (twin or bunk bed with shared bathroom) $1497 USD pp

Retreat Experience Only/Local Option (accommodation not included...staying in a different location) $1350 USD pp 

The Details

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." -Marcus Tullius Cicero.

What's Included: 

• 7 nights accommodations in the heart of Puerto Vallarta at Casa del Arroyo (or Casa Vista Luna for those on a budget)
• Welcome Dinner/Reception at Casa del Arroyo
• All you can drink non-alcoholic refreshments throughout your stay
• Daily Continental Breakfast
• 1-2 Daily movement classes/experiences 
• Daily snacks and/or light lunch (depending on daily activity)
• 2-4 Hours daily guided activity (cultural/artistic/self reflective/etc) and/or local walking experiences/excursions (except check-in/check-out day)
• Being able to access and ask questions to tap into Ada's movement/rehab and local expertise in a casual setting for the duration of the week
• Free time each day for relaxation at Casa del Arroyo or self exploration of Puerto Vallarta with opportunities for optional services or excursions
• IVA & lodging taxes

What's NOT Included (some of these may be arranged for an additional fee)

• Airfare or transportation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Transportation to/from Airport to Casa del Arroyo (can be arranged ahead of time.  Usually ranges from about $15-30 to/from the airport depending on the mode of transport.
• Transportation to/from any optional outings or tours or around town (note that most tour origins are within walking distance to catch tour transportation, water taxis, etc.)
• Dinner (except the initial welcome reception):  There are over 100 restaurants and places to eat within a .3 mile radius of Casa del Arroyo and there is something for everyone.  In addition, UBER Eats works great for delivery of food directly to our house if you're wanting to avoid the crowds.  We will be happy to assist in making recommendations and reservations depending on your dining preferences and also according to the local cultural activities going on during the week.  Note that for some popular restaurants nearby, we may need to place a deposit to the restaurant and make reservations well in advance to hold your spot because it is a holiday week.  
• Alcoholic beverages not included, but you are welcome to purchase your own and bring them back to the villa enjoy. Optional tequila tasting recommendations can be given.
• Optional services:  private sessions with Ada Wells, PT, in-house massage service, additional private tours/activities
• Tips for housekeeping, tour guides, etc.

Basic Itinerary (Subject to Change)*

Day/Night 1:  October 27th (Thursday late afternoon/evening) Arrival, dinner/appetizers at Casa del Arroyo, optional walk to the Malecon (boardwalk) in the evening

Day/Night 2:  October 28th (Friday) Continental Breakfast, Morning Workshop Activities (moving with intention, reflection), guided walk on the Isla Cuale to the beach (Playa de los Muertos) then explore the Romantic Zone.  Free afternoon. Optional late afternoon movement class.   Evening: Check out Our Lady de Guadalupe Cathedral & plaza, Malecon walk 

Day/Night 3:  October 29th (Saturday)  Continental Breakfast, Morning Movement Class then Urban hike to the Mirador via Gringo Gulch then down to Malecon to enjoy the modern art sculptures and activities on the Malecon during the day.   Free afternoon.  Optional late afternoon movement class.  Evening Malecon walk.

Day/Night 4:  October 30th (Sunday) Continental Breakfast, Morning Movement Class.  "Urban hike" to Cemetery in PV & explore street art along the way.    Late Afternoon/evening free.  

Day/Night 5:  October 31 (Monday--Halloween) Continental Breakfast, Morning Movement Class then light beach hike to Conchas Chinas beach or Los Muertos Beach.   Suggested lunch:  beach restaurants depending on location.  Free afternoon.  Optional afternoon private with Ada or massage therapist.  Optional Evening:  Watching kids in costumes on Malecon and fireworks

Day/Night 6:  November 1 (Tuesday -- Dia de Los Muertos - los ninos) Continental Breakfast, Morning Movement Class, walk through the Centro Art district galleries, then Free Afternoon (go to beach or lounge at the pool with optional appointments with Ada or massage therapist.  Evening:  Malecon activities, fireworks

Day/Night 7:  November 2 (Wednesday - Dia de Los Muertos).  Continental Breakfast, Morning Movement Class.  River walk to Arte Vallarta for their Dia de los Muertos Art & Altars Exhibition or Isla Cuale Activities.  Free Afternoon with optional appointments with Ada.  Evening:  Dia de los Muertos Parade

Day 8:  Thursday November 3:  Continental Breakfast, optional pre-travel movement class, wrap up, check out.

* Itinerary may change slightly based on weather, availability, and schedule of events taking place during the holidays, etc.