Navigating turbulent times like burnout, career changes, life transitions, or needing an annual "tune-up" for your mental health, seeking rejuvenation and mental clarity.
Ready to move beyond hostels and all-inclusive resorts, the party scene and unhealthy indulgences like over-eating/drinking, so that you return home truly relaxed, not feeling like you need another vacation.
Wanting solo travel without feeling alone; prioritizing safety, care, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded people before the retreat starts, ensuring a supportive and psychologically safe environment without mean, toxic individuals.
Prefer a retreat experience that's grounded in science, not overly mystical or commercialized, supporting mental health without heavy emphasis on yoga.
Finding “your kind of people” who also appreciates deep conversations over small talk; valuing discussions about hopes, dreams, vulnerabilities, and doubts over gossip and superficial chatter.
You step into a serene hideaway nestled in the lush jungles of Tulum and captivating shores of Akumal. Here, nature's symphony fills the air as the breeze whispers through vibrant flora and fauna.
Basking in the gentle sunlight dancing through the leaves, your shoulders relax and your heart opens. The morning's workshop sparked a new sense of empowerment and understanding, illuminating your path of self-discovery, sureness, and direction.
Embraced by the warm Mexican sun, you exhale contentedly, feeling safe, understood, and authentically connected to your fellow companions.
Inspired by this tapestry of beauty and wonder, you feel grateful for bringing yourself here.
Healing is a journey, and you’re not alone.
Elevate your self-awareness, gaining insights into your habits and thought patterns to make intentional, positive changes.
Transform your relationship with self-care/love, experience the transformative power self-compassion.
Practice healthy habits, making small, sustainable changes that ripple into significant improvements.
Develop practical tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, creating a foundation for lasting well-being.
Foster a growth mindset, expand your perspective on challenges, developing effective strategies to navigate life's complexities.
Forge authentic connections with like-hearted people, leaving with a supportive community who understands and uplifts each other.
Psychologist of a retreat participant, during a therapy session post-retreat:
Friend of retreat alumni, Alex:
Previously known as Paledora Eco Resort, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya jungle in Mexico, located just 15 minutes from Tulum and 10 from Akumal (known as the "Place of the Turtles" in the Mayan language), offers a tranquil sanctuary away from the crowds.
Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking natural beauty, this eco-friendly haven invites you to unwind, heal, and reconnect with both yourself and the natural world.
We carefully selected Dora for its commitment to biodiversity and land preservation, active involvement in the local community, and dedication to cultural knowledge exchange. Its thoughtfully designed jungle villages provide the ideal setting for purposeful group travel and conscious communities, where work and meaning align, and individuals strive for a balanced sense of self.
Indulge in the comfort of the spacious suites, each adorned with modern amenities. With air conditioning and private bathrooms in every bedroom, you'll find the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The diverse indoor and outdoor living spaces create an inviting atmosphere for heartfelt conversations, introspection, and moments of quiet solitude.
Cenote bike adventure
Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
AZULIK museum visit, lunch at Jungle Cuisine, private sound healing bath experience
Spider monkey sanctuary visit
Neurographic art therapeutic session
Temazcal (sauna sweat lodge) ceremony
Cacao ceremony
Secret cave sound healing
Massage spa therapy
Exclusive jungle trek to Mayan sanctuary: Bioregion Muuch Xiimbal
Make your own ceramic
and more! *at your own expense
Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that embodies the essence of holistic wellness at Dora Resort. The talented onsite chef and dedicated catering team are passionate about creating a menu that goes beyond mere sustenance, providing nourishment for both your body and soul, while catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten free options and common food allergies.
Drawing inspiration from the bountiful flavours of the Caribbean Sea and the lush jungle surroundings, the dishes celebrate the vibrant and diverse local ingredients.
Prepare to be amazed by the imaginative and health-conscious cuisine. Discover the delightful harmony of avocado bruschetta, the irresistible richness of sunflower seed cheese, and the bold and tangy flavours of chilaquiles in red salsa. Indulge in the mouthwatering shrimp or mushroom Muladhara tacos, and treat yourself to the luscious mango mousse with a hint of cacao.
The food not only delights the taste buds but also inspires a deeper connection with healthy and nutritious eating. Beyond the retreat experience, we encourage you to view it as a form of medicine that nurtures a healthy body, a clear mind, and a vibrant soul.
Experience the power of neuroscience. Engage in enlightening workshops and transformative activities that provide you with a deep understanding of your mind. Learn to reset your mental state, reduce stress, and nurture your well-being with evidence-based strategies.
Immerse yourself in physical and emotional rejuvenation. Embark on a journey of self-care through yoga sessions, captivating excursions, and moments of serenity as you swim in the oceans alongside sea turtles and float in crystal-clear cenotes. Feel the energy return to your body and soul.
Rediscover the joy of connection, with nature, yourself, and kindred spirits. Bond with like-hearted souls, share your stories and personal journeys, and find support and inspiration in one another. Foster deep friendships and a profound sense of belonging.
Seek a Mental Health Focus: You've thought about taking a break or sabbatical to prioritize your mental health. You may have taken a leave from work in the past, and you're due for a "tune-up" for your well-being.
Aren’t the Typical Yoga Enthusiast: You've considered yoga retreats but are hesitant about the overdose of downward dogs. Our yoga is optional, allowing you the freedom to sleep in or take a rejuvenating swim in the cenote instead.
Have an Evidence-Based Curiosity: You're drawn to neuroscience and podcasts like Dr. Huberman's for a deeper understanding of the mind. You're curious about practical, evidence-based methods for self-discovery and personal growth.
Appreciate a Balance of Challenge and Solitude: You appreciate gentle nudges outside your comfort zone and value moments of quiet introspection equally.
Crave Authentic Connections: You desire a judgment-free space, appreciate authenticity, where it's okay not to be okay, allowing for rest, tears, and retreat without pressure to appear happy all the time.
Value Vulnerability and Depth: You appreciate genuine conversations, vulnerability, and deep connections beyond the superficiality of social media. You resonate with: “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”
Desire Meaningful & Mindful Travel: You want a curated winter escape, whether it's your first trip alone or an upgrade from hostels. You're looking to share a sustainable travel experience with like-hearted people.
Are mean or toxic to others; kindness and respect are prerequisites. No assholes allowed!
Aren't willing to invest effort in personal growth or face occasional discomfort.
Aren’t willing to explore solutions or tools for change.
Aren't willing to be open, vulnerable and sharing any part of their journey.
Aren't willing to hold a curious, non-judgmental space for others.
Hi, I'm Anna, the founder of Healing Journey Retreats. My own mental health recovery journey led me to start this business. 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 started to lift away.
The ocean, jungle, cenotes, fresh food and lovely people I met over the next weeks nourished my body, mind and soul. My tunnel of darkness was shortened by months if not years, had I not been here. Tulum gave me the space, time, and healing environment for my self discovery, mental clarity, resilience and courage to pursue my ‘Ikigai' — and this retreat was born. I wanted to redesign this deeply healing experience into a 7-night retreat, hoping it’d help others the way it did for me.
With my neuroscience background, I grasped how the brain works and why we experience hardships, which was helpful in my healing journey. It also took therapy, introspection, and finding other pillars—like yoga, art, journaling, taking rest, and winter travel—to support my mental well-being in a holistic way. Knowing that different tools work for different people, at this retreat, we’ll introduce you to various practices, so you can choose what resonates with you.
In the vast landscape of wellness retreats, I noticed an unmet need. (As a Product Manager, I’m always thinking ‘what is the customer’s pain point?’) In Tulum, most retreats are all about yoga, meditation, and intense spirituality with crystals and sparkles. During my darkest time of burnout, I looked up mental health retreats, and every search led me to yoga retreats. But I was so anxious and depressed that the idea of doing yoga every day felt like climbing Mount Everest. And, I didn’t want to have to smile all the time (yes, I have severe RBF) or have this pressure to appear ok every day. I craved a retreat where I could be authentic, allowing myself moments to rest, cry, or skip a class without everyone asking “Are you ok?” But I still wanted some gentle nudges to get out of bed and do things, just at my own pace.
Then, dozens of conversations with folks revealed a shared sentiment — people ended up on yoga retreats, not because they love yoga, but because they needed a mental health break. That got me thinking — what if there was a retreat that had it all, including yoga, but without making you feel overwhelmed? A place where you could learn about the brain and relax in a stunning, comfortable, nature-immersed spot. That’s why I decided to create this retreat — a mix of relaxation, self-exploration, and community, for those who, like me, need something that fits just right.
I loved the community and how the space was cultivated for deep connection and healing.
We all need community and Anna really created the space for us to connect right from the beginning. The excursions were incredible. Swimming with turtles and exploring cenotes were some of my favorites!!!
I highly recommend joining and hope to attend the next one for another beautiful adventure!
Thank you Anna!"
-- Madison
8 days 7 nights accommodations at the eco-luxurious jungle haven, Dora Resort
3 delicious meals per day made with love
Inspiring workshops and supportive mastermind discussions
Snorkelling with sea turtles in Akumal
Visiting AZULIK Uh May Sfer Ik, a world-renowned experiential museum
Lunch at Jungle Cuisine
Guided sound bath healing experience
Mindful eco-conscious cenote bike adventure with our local guides
Spider monkey sanctuary visit
Neurographic art therapeutic session
Sharing circles
Optional yoga + meditation
Unlimited dips in the onsite private cenote with waterfall
Self-care time to connect with nature, local gems and yourself
Land transfers to and from Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Optional aftercare community
Travel agent fee*
Flights
Travel and medical insurance
Spa treatments
Additional experiences, tours, excursions
Additional taxi rides, laundry, gratuities for house staff
Tulum, Mexico 
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