Transform your story. Transform your life.
Step into a week of creativity, reflection, and magic at Mahai Retreat, guided by celebrated author Laura Esquivel, whose timeless novel Like Water for Chocolate awakened hearts around the world, and Yareli Arizmendi, award-winning actress, writer, and translator.
Through writing, ritual, and connection with nature, The Alchemy of Your Story invites you to explore who you have been — and to reimagine who you are becoming.
Laura Esquivel
Best known for her book 'Like Water for Chocolate', Laura Esquivel’s writing celebrates the intersection of emotion, food, and transformation. Her work invites readers to rediscover the sacredness of everyday life and the creative power within.
Yareli Arizmendi
Award winning actress, writer and producer, Yareli Arizmendi is best known for her tour de force performances as “Rosaura” in “Like Water for Chocolate” and “Lila Rodriguez” in “A Day Without a Mexican” which she co-wrote and co-produced. Her latest television project is a series called Gentefied directed by Marcus Lemus, executive produced by America Ferrara dealing with the issue of Gentrification.
A Transformational Journey
of Story & Spirit
The Alchemy of Your Story is a seven-day writing retreat for people ready to awaken their creative voice and rewrite the narratives that shape their lives.
Blending guided writing exercises, movement, storytelling, and ritual in a paradise by the sea, this retreat invites you to uncover your authentic voice — and infuse your life with the magic of self-expression.
Themes & Sessions
In honor of Laura Esquivel’s profound work, this retreat offers a nourishing environment for participants to embark on a journey of personal and literary growth. Through guided exercises and introspection, participants will forge a sanctuary for self-discovery, creativity, healing, and crafting a new personal narrative.
🌅 Sample Daily Flow
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Day 1 – Arrival & Opening Ceremony
Welcome dinner, introduction with Laura & Yareli & opening ceremony.
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Day 2 – My Story & Change
Morning movement, two writing sessions, evening sound healing.
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Day 3 – Redesigning & Beginning Again
Morning workshop, guided snorkeling trip, meditation at sunset, yoga nidra.
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Day 4 – Fears & Identity
Silent walk, writing, cacao ceremony, storytelling around the fire.
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Day 5 – Emotional Alchemy
Writing on guilt and willpower, film screening of Like Water for Chocolate + Q&A.
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Day 6 – Forgiveness & Celebration
Final writing session, feast & literary salon.
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Day 7 – Closing Circle & Departure
🌺 Culinary Experience
Meals will celebrate the sensual and emotional richness of traditional Mexican vegetarian cuisine — lovingly prepared with local ingredients and herbs chosen for their healing and emotional resonance.
Each evening concludes with dessert and a tea ritual inspired by Esquivel’s philosophy of nourishment as magic.
Brooklyn-based Mexican chef Damian Escalante will be preparing beautiful meals crafted in partnership with Laura Esquivel.
What’s Included
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6 nights of luxurious accommodations at Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
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Fresh, nourishing locally-sourced meals cooked by Mexican chef Damian
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All workshops: writing, movement, sound bath, breathwork, cacao ceremony, and more
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Guided Snorkeling trip
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Support with travel coordination and local transport
What’s Not Included
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Travel to Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
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Alcoholic drinks
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Massages or other treatments
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Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (REQUIRED!)
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Souvenirs, laundry, etc.
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Any extra tips you’d like to give for our amazing staff.
WANT TO TALK TO US?
Housing at Mahai
You deserve a true escape—a place where you can finally breathe, unwind, and be cared for. At Mahai, we’ve created a sanctuary where every detail is designed to melt stress and welcome you into deep comfort and renewal.
Your accommodations here are spacious, luxurious, and thoughtfully curated to support your journey back to ease and joy. From plush beds to serene ocean views, you’ll find a space that honors your need for rest and restoration.
Our Rooms:
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10 Suites
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2 Penthouse Suites
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King Bed, Day Bed, Rooftop seating with Pergola
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2 Mahai Suites
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King Bed, Day Bed, Garden, entry seating area
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2 Ocean Suites
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King Bed or 2 singles, Day Bed
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3 Ocean Double Suites
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2 matrimonial beds, Day bed
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1 Triple Suite
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3 singles, sofa, seating area
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Dorm
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4 to 5 person dormitory. Shares bathrooms with camping and pool area.
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- Camping Grove
- 4 camping spots to set up your tent
✨ If you’ve been carrying stories that no longer fit—this is your rewrite.
You’ve been strong for so long.
Telling the stories others needed to hear.
Fulfilling roles, repeating patterns, silencing parts of yourself just to keep the peace.
But something inside you is whispering—it’s time to begin again.
To write from truth, not survival.
To find the voice that has been waiting patiently beneath the noise.
This retreat is for you if you feel:
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A chapter of your life is closing and you’re not sure what comes next.
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You’re ready to express yourself but don’t know where to begin.
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You’ve been living someone else’s story and want to find your own voice.
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You’re craving inspiration, sisterhood, and beauty that awakens the senses.
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You long to transform pain into art, memory into meaning, and silence into song.
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This retreat is your invitation to reclaim the pen of your life.
To step into a sacred space where writing becomes ritual, emotion becomes wisdom, and your story becomes a living prayer.
Here, surrounded by the sea, the stars, and the language of the heart—you will remember that you are both the author and the alchemist.
Travel
Mahai is located in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
The Tulum Airport (TQO) is the closest International airport to Mahai. We work with a shuttle company that travels from Tulum to Mahahual. We can help arrange transportation from Tulum with you after you have registered for the retreat.
You can also fly in to Cancun (CUN), a 5 to 6 hour drive to Mahai or the domestic airport in Chetumal (CTM), a 2 hour drive to Mahai. You will need to make your own travel arrangements from these airports.
