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Return to Presence: A Deep Connection Retreat

January 29 - February 27, 2026

Quintana Roo, Mexico

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29 nights, 30 days

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37 person retreat

Highlights

  • Discover a more aware way of approaching life

  • Be guided by a master with over 25 years of experience and thousands of hours of practice

  • Become more resilient mentally, emotionally and physically

  • Daily meditation sessions

  • Conscious movement practices (Yoga, Breath work, Qigong, Centering exercises)

  • Group reflection and life-awareness talks for lasting insight

  • Transform unsupportive habits and integrate nourishing and supportive ones

  • Time for rest, journaling, and quiet connection with nature

  • Discover and integrate conscious living practices in your daily life

  • Enjoy Delicious Vegan and Gluten Free meals prepared with fresh ingredients and care

  • Intermittent fasting (19 hours from lunch until breakfast) for lightness and focus

  • Optional digital detox

Details

What if you gave yourself a real chance? A chance to breathe. A chance to unplug from the world and reconnect with your body, your purpose, your truth. A chance to be guided, supported, and held in a safe space designed for real change. In these 30 days, you’ll slow down enough to hear what you’ve been ignoring. You’ll meet the parts of you that feel lost, stuck, or unseen—and you’ll begin to truly listen. With fewer distractions, less noise, and no pressure to perform... you’ll start to remember what it means to feel alive. This Retreat Is for You If… - You feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re at a breaking point - You don’t know who you are anymore - or what you’re here for - You’re craving space to heal, reflect, and reset - You’re ready to face the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding - You know there’s more to life - but you don’t know how to access it This is a full immersion in conscious living. No distractions. Just presence, guidance, and truth. You’ll be part of a committed community of people like you. People who are done settling for a life that doesn’t nourish them. People ready to be real. This Is Your Wake-Up Call. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to say yes to something deeper. We’re not offering you an escape. We’re offering you a path back to yourself. Because the longer you wait, the more distant you become from the life you truly want. Don’t postpone your healing. Don’t delay your clarity. Your life doesn’t begin “someday.” It begins the moment you choose to be here for it.

Location

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Quintana Roo is a stunning state on Mexico’s eastern Yucatán Peninsula, renowned for its breathtaking Caribbean coastline and rich cultural history. Home to world-famous destinations such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo offers pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. The region is steeped in Mayan heritage, featuring impressive archaeological sites like Tulum's cliffside ruins and the expansive city of Cobá, where ancient pyramids rise from the jungle. Beyond its natural and historical attractions, Quintana Roo boasts a lively nightlife, luxury resorts, and a burgeoning eco-tourism scene, making it a versatile destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. With its blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, Quintana Roo stands out as a captivating destination in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Venue

The Essence | Conscious Tribal Living

5 11 Reviews

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A Space to Remember What Matters. Where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover the truth of who you are. Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico · Conscious community and retreat center · Vegan and gluten-free living · Daily meditation, movement, and inquiry in the heart of the jungle.

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Yoga Studio

Yoga Studio

Garden

Garden

Laundry

Laundry

Towels

Towels

Housekeeping

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Restaurant

Restaurant

Kitchen

Kitchen

Shower

Shower

Accommodation

Premium Eco-Luxe Mayan Arc | Kitchenette

1 Room Left

Private room for 2

$3,499.50 USD / person

Premium Eco-Luxe Mayan Arc | Kitchenette

1 Room Left

Private room for 1

$3,666 USD total

Private Eco-Luxe Mayan Dome

4 Rooms Left

Private room for 2

$2,499.50 USD / person

Private Eco-Luxe Mayan Dome

4 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$3,333 USD total

Double Shared Eco-Luxe Mayan Dome

2 Spots Left

2-person shared room

$2,555 USD / person

Private Glamping Tent

5 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$2,555 USD total

Double Shared Glamping Tent

2-person shared room

$1,888 USD / person

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The Essence Retreat Center in Tulum offers a quiet, nature-immersed setting where guests can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. Surrounded by the jungle of Quintana Roo, the space holds a natural stillness that supports rest, clarity, and simple living. Eco-Luxe domes, a welcoming community house, a shared kitchen, a spacious shala, and comfortable glamping bell tents create a grounded and peaceful environment for your stay. Walking paths weave through the trees and the sounds of the jungle provide a gentle backdrop for a retreat away from noise, stress, and routine.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch

Diets catered

Vegan · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Raw · Organic · Vegetarian · Diabetic Friendly

Our detox retreat offers a balanced blend of raw and cooked vegan cuisine, emphasizing unprocessed and unrefined ingredients. As part of our program, we practice intermittent fasting, which means taking a break from eating between lunch and breakfast (around 19 hours, from 2:30 pm to 9:30 am). This helps the body rest, reset, and naturally support its own detox process. 9:30 AM: Kickstart your day with a bowl of fresh smoothie made from delicious tropical fruits and nourishing overnight oats. 12:30 PM: Rejuvenate with a revitalizing detoxifying juice blend. 2:00 PM: Enjoy a nourishing plant-based meal paired with a crisp, refreshing salad. Throughout your stay, refreshing water and various teas are readily available, ensuring hydration around the clock.

Schedule

Our daily schedule is very similar every day, as you will be naturally integrating into the way of living that we practice every day. Because life is life, be aware that the schedule below is subject to variation and change, guided skillfully by life mentor Chi Om. The basic structure always remains the same. Example Daily Schedule: 6:00 AM Stillness Meditation & Opening the Day 8:00 AM Awakened Body Movement (Yoga, Breath work, Centering exercises, etc) 9:30 AM Breakfast 10:00 AM Resting Time 11:30 AM Life Awareness and Meditation Session 12:30 PM Healing Juice 2:00 PM Nourishing Plant-Based Meal 2:45 PM Resting Time 6:00 PM Qi gong Session 7:30 PM Stillness meditation 8:30 PM Sharing Circle & Closing the Day The retreat includes guided meditations, lectures, and practical methods including: - Awakened body movements such as Qi gong, pranayama breath work, different styles of yoga and stretching, or centering exercises. - Stillness and movement meditations (standing, sitting, lying, slow walking) using breath awareness - Intermittent fasting with a 19 hours fasting period (2:30pm to 9:30am daily) - Simple Conscious Living practices to incorporate in everyday life - The self-inquiry method of Byron Katie “The Work” - Self-Awareness reflections in everyday life - Teachings about the nature of the mind - Awakening to the present moment - Setting daily intentions This program is not centered on physical exercise. Movement practices are integrated to keep the body awake, vital, and nourished in support of your inner process, but they are not the essence of this journey. If you are primarily seeking physical activity or have specific expectations regarding it, this retreat may not be the right fit for you. Private one-on-one sessions such as energy work, body work, and various massages are available during break times for an extra fee.

Testimonials

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Fantastic, highly recommended to anyone who wants to go deep and make real shifts! I was looking for a reterat as I wanted time to rest and get clarity. I liked the balance of rest and structure and no phone/computer. Slowing down - detox - insights - clarity. There was an excellent balance of structure and rest. The food was amazing. Chi responded brilliantly to individual needs and had huge wisdom and insight to guide deep discoveries and shifts.

Barbara H, USA

If you want to change or heal, and you're willing to put the work in - this is the retreat for you. I was looking for a way to manage my severe OCD. The retreat sounded challenging & transformational. And it didn't disappoint. It was very thought-provoking and gave me a fresh perspective on tackling life. I really relaxed, free from all distractions, learnt to go deep within myself. Taught me a fresh way to think about things. To stop being a victim & actively choose my life. Food is delicious. Mountain walks are beautiful. Take thick wooly jumpers, it's cold in the house at winter time. Utterly worth it.

Hannah, Germany

Life Changing Experience I was struggling with the passing of my mother and I was using my phone as a distraction to avoid feeling the pain. I chose this retreat because it mentioned self-discovery and digital detox. I loved this retreat because it gave me the chance to fully relax and reconnect to myself. This retreat provided me with the nourishment I needed for my mind and body. I am now aware of the beliefs that were causing me so much suffering and I was able to heal that part of myself that was resisting my mother's death. Chi was an amazing mentor. His guidance has allowed me to reclaim my inner wisdom. He reminded me that I am here to experience the unfolding of life and happiness is finding peace and contentment with what is as it is. I have found much peace and clarity because of this. I will be forever grateful to Chi and his community for helping me heal myself.

Stephanie, Netherlands

It Is What It Is This is not the typical retreat, and I mean it positively. If comfort is what you’re looking for, this is not it. This is a place for inner reflection, for embracing discomfort, for challenging yourself to overcome the usual patterns. If you’re open to something different, then most probably you’ll experience moments of bliss and self-realization that are only possible when the mind can be still. Relaxing in the discomfort, appreciating what is as it is, being aware, witnessing the change within oneself, and learning how to rest, without running away from uncomfortable feelings or seeking distractions to not face them. I’m grateful for the experience and it will be interesting to witness how these teachings will manifest in daily life. Thank you all for this intense journey.

Alex, Spain

This experience was deeply transformational. I would highly recommend anyone who is ready to challenge their belief systems to go and stay with Chia and Chi. These two wonderful people make the retreat an unforgettable journey toward true knowledge of self. It challenges the way you think about everything; from food, exercise and yourself as well as towards others. The journey is very practical too, with various small assignments that are discussed in a group setting or in private if you wish. Deep insight into habits and current ways of thinking are discovered. Thoughts that may no longer serve you, but you also simply cannot let go of, are discussed. The surroundings are beautiful and there is plenty of time in nature. This place is not just a retreat you visit, it’s a place like no one else where everything is done, from food to exercise, to create the best environment for your personal growth to see the world as it is. Chi is an experienced teacher with endless energy to go over subjects and Chia creates a warm environment to feel safe and serves delicious food.

Sofie, USA

The retreat was life-changing, well-structured, inspiring, and immersive from start to finish. With delicious food, caring staff, and a full daily program of teaching, meditation, exercise, and rest, it created the perfect environment for growth.

David Lynn, USA

This retreat is a profound opportunity to reconnect with yourself, question beliefs, and build healthy habits in a peaceful, natural setting. With Chi’s wisdom, Chia’s support, and a caring community, I gained clarity, mindfulness, and lasting tools for awakening, all supported by delicious food and a truly inspiring environment.

Saul Zarrate, USA

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Hosts

What's Included

29 Nights Accommodation (in a Private or Shared Eco-Luxe Mayan Dome, Luxury Arc or Tent)

Daily Movement Sessions (Yoga, Pranayama, Breath work, Centering Exercises)

Nourishing Plant-Based & Gluten Free Meals, Salads and Juices

Optional Digital Detox Retreat

Daily Stillness & Movement Meditation Sessions

Intermittent Fasting from 2:30 pm - 9:30 am (19 hours)

One FREE 50 Minute Energy Session with facilitator Chi Om

Pre and Post Retreat Support From our Team

Daily Qigong Sessions (Energy Work)

Fresh Drinking Water & Various Herbal Teas

Not Included

Airport transfers

Flights costs

Travel insurance

Visa fee

Additional massages & sessions (extra fee)

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • An open mind and heart to try something different

  • Openness to live in beautiful but simple off-grid space

Cancellation policy

Balance due on arrival and refundable up until day of arrival.