Well Being Retreat
at Rancho Encantado
The focus of this Well Being Retreat being held at Rancho Encantado, on the
shores of beautiful Laguna Bacalar in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is to share an
experience with those people who are looking for more than just a tropical vacation.
With most resorts being located in what we can refer to as “tourist
destinations,” the opportunity to be in a part of Mexico which is only just beginning
to develop allows us to feel first hand, the terrain, the people and the splendid
archeological sites in this area. The Laguna is still untouched and pristine, and as the
second largest body of fresh water in Mexico, is to be considered a treasure.
Since this particular piece of land is so level, the speculation is that the ancient
Mayans launched their rafts from here to go out into the Caribbean to follow the then
existing trade routes. Its original name, Xwalankin, has been translated as
“the place where the sun is born”, since the sun rises over the Laguna. The
colors of this remarkable body of water are the same as the Caribbean, but with a
different quality than the ocean, a more nurturing one. This provides an atmosphere of
peace and tranquility that has become harder and harder to find in a rapidly accelerating
world.
The retreat has been designed to take advantage of the natural setting by allowing mostly
free afternoons in which to rest, relax, swim, read, meditate, or visit with other people
in the retreat. Mornings include walks along the “Costera,” next to the Laguna,
with the exception of the days where trips are scheduled. The trip to the Museum of
Mayan Culture will include a walk along the “Bahia,” the Bay of Chetumal. |
One of the other
trips will be to the archeological site of Dzibanche and will include a guided tour
and then lunch with Dona Juanita who has been having Rancho guests in her home for many
years. It is a fine opportunity to meet and be with a local family. There is also a
Caribbean beach outing planned (weather permitting), which will include swimming,
snorkeling and walks on the beach. Lunch is included on all excursions and the remaining
days at the Rancho include lunch as well.
During the week’s stay every one will receive a luxury spa massage and daily exercise
sessions will be held in the late afternoons. Each evening, after dinner, a discussion
will be held by those interested in participating. They will focus on issues of mind, body
and spirit as well as the role of change and of service in our lives. The last night will
be a final “presentation.” It will provide a forum for those who would like to
discuss what they have received from the retreat. This can be in the form of written words
such as poetry, stories or essays to other expressions such as painting, or simply a
commentary.
This is called a retreat, not a workshop, and as such everyone is free to do whatever they
like during the week, participating as much or as little as they desire in scheduled
activities such as walking, exercise or the discussions.
Between walking, exercise, massage and healthy, freshly prepared food, the physical should
be well taken care of! The mind should be stimulated by the excursions and the spirit
soothed by the waters of Laguna Bacalar. This program should be an inspiration for a more
balanced approach to life, as well as a highly enjoyable tropical vacation! |
