The Experience
Imagine yourself “where the jungle meets the sea” in Chacala, Mexico, deepening your yoga practice in an airy studio with breath-giving views, living easy on the first ever That Bliss Life Yoga + Healing Arts Retreat!
Choose joy with Cass and Jess at Mar de Jade for a rejuvenating experience featuring yoga, meditation, sound, journaling, eco-excursions, beach life and authentic organic cuisine. All are welcome. Come as you are.
Experience Mar de Jade
Mar de Jade's Story
In 1982, Mar de Jade’s founder, Dr. Laura del Valle, and two of her siblings, packed their belongings into an old school bus and moved from bustling Mexico City to Chacala- a small and remote fishing village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. They settled into a simple and rustic life, building and living in mud adobe huts with thatched roofs, using kerosene lighting and hauling water from a nearby creek.
Dr. Laura began offering free medical care to local families and soon set up a non-profit clinic in the larger nearby farming town of Las Varas. Over the 25 years she operated the clinic, it provided free services to over 14,000 families. Dr. del Valle became an associate professor abroad at UCSF and created a volunteer program for medical professionals and students, who earned international rotation credits. The volunteers stayed at Mar de Jade in a community atmosphere- helping with chores, forming friendships and learning Spanish.
As a long time Zen practitioner, Laura began hosting small meditation retreats at Mar de Jade with her teacher, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, in 1990. A couple of years later a Sufi group came to lead a retreat, and they are still coming yearly! Mar de Jade grew slowly, organically, over many years; welcoming an increasing number of meditation and yoga retreats, vacationing families and volunteers. The spirit of service, spiritual awakening and cultivation of genuine friendships has been the driving force in the evolution of Mar de Jade.
A portion of proceeds from guests’ stays at Mar de Jade support its non-profit programs, operated by MDJ Community Projects, which currently include: El Jardín, a Montessori – Waldorf inspired K – 6 school in Chacala; La Aldea, a trade school for youth who have dropped out of secondary school because of economic hardship; and El Rancho, an Organic Farm that supplies many of the products for Mar de Jade’s delicious meals.
About Cass & Jess
One phone call that sparked all the things. Cass & Jess were connected through a mutual friend. After meeting each other via phone they instantly knew that their capricorn energies were meant to be intertwined. Jess moved from Missouri to Chicago to pursue her 200 hour yoga teacher training under Cass, (mind you they still hadn’t met in person). When they finally came face to face with each other it was evident that the two creatrix minds needed to pull their manifestations and put them into action.
Letting go of past and present attachments to let the life force energy flow in was a clear focus. Finding themselves sinking into some lows they grasped hands, reminded each other what they deserve, and pulled each other out of the barriers that stood before them.
Continuing to find similarities, these high vibration ladies started to take on yoga events, classes, workshops and festivals together. Adding all the fun things to the schedule made life enjoyable. Once they realized that this breathe easy lifestyle was a choice they felt the need to share it with others.
Together they sprinkle their magic wherever they groove and share wisdom, poetry and insight on their collaborative blog thatblisslife.com.
About Cass
Cassandra holds space for people to discover their purpose and tap into their power. She channels divine love and light as a yoga teacher, sound-healer, reiki practitioner and tarot reader to support individuals on their spiritual journeys. She is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Inner Sense Healing Arts Collective, a start-up non-profit that values accessibility and affordability.
As Choose Joy, Cass leads retreats and guides classes, workshops and events at mindful festivals and ethical studios. Choose Joy annually puts on Ladies Daytreat, a 1-day festival to awaken your inner goddess. Learn more about her work at cassandrajustine.com and peeps her collaborative blog for inspiration at thatblisslife.com.
About Jess
Jessica embraces her down to Earth roots that hold an inviting space where individuals feel safe to explore themselves and their practice with no judgements. She encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and breathe easy while you do so. Jess focuses on yoga as your lifestyle and helps you create connections between the time spent on your mat and off.
Learn more about Jess at jessicalaurenyoga.com and peeps her collaborative blog for inspiration at thatblisslife.com.
What's Included
Three authentic meals a day (local & organic ingredients)
Two yoga & meditation practices a day
Quartz Crystal Bowl Sound Baths
Easy access to the beach
Access to their large swimming pool, wading pool & Jacuzzi
Airport Shuttles to & from Mar de Jade (90 min. Shuttle Ride)
Complimentary beverages & snacks
Mar de Jade Staff Tips (not including bar, spa and add-on services)
Daily interludes for free time
A Yogi Surprise Retreat Box
Organic Farm Tour & Volunteer Day
Visit their 17 acre organic farm & work on the farm
-
The total trip is about 2 hours
-
20 min. Shuttle Ride to the farm
Las Cuevas Hike & Boat Trip
Enjoy a guided 4-mile hike over an extinct volcano covered with lush tropical jungle to the secluded beach of Las Cuevas “the caves.” Cruise the coastline on a boat ride back.
-
The total trip is about 3-4 hours (roughly 9a-1p)
-
The hike takes about 90 minutes
-
Intensity: Medium Difficulty
-
If preferred, guests can opt out in exchange for a $35 spa voucher
Day Trip to La Peñita
Explore a Thursday morning local arts & crafts market. Find jewelry, Huichol art, souvenirs, food and household goods.
-
The total trip is about 3-4 hours
-
35 min. Shuttle to La Penita
All Tips for Built-in Excursions (Organic Farm Tour & Volunteer Day, Las Cuevas Hike & Boat Trip and Day Trip to La Peñita)
Not Included
Airfare, Bar & Add-ons
About Add Ons
This is YOUR adventure. Enjoy Spa and Excursion add-ons. All excursions must be paid in cash directly to service providers. Rates and availability of activities are subject to change at any time without further notice. Tips are not included in rates. Add-ons can be signed up for on-site.
Spa Services
Spa Services take place in private treatment rooms with gorgeous jungle views. Therapeutic massage services include a variety of styles: Swedish, deep tissue, Thai-yoga, reflexology, among others. The spa also offers beauty treatments including facials, body wraps, manicures and pedicures. *Available offerings and prices will be shared on-site. Massages range $90-$170.
Additional Excursions
Temazcal Ceremony | Ancient Aztec Sweat Lodge Experience
This Mexican tradition has been kept alive since pre-Hispanic times as a means to purify the body and mind. The ceremony takes you through four puertas “doors,” representing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. The Temazcal is on the grounds.
-
$40 per person, min. of 7 people
-
The ceremony is about 2 hours
-
In Sweat Lodge for about 1.5 hours
-
Intensity of Experience Due to Heat & Small Corridors: Medium - High
Horseback Riding
A guided horseback ride through the jungle to the beach of Las Cuevas with time to enjoy the beach and explore the surrounding area.
-
$60 per person, min. of 2 people
-
The total tour is 3-4 hours
Paddle-boarding (on the grounds)
-
$15 per hour for a rental
Kayaking (on the grounds)
-
$15 per hour for a rental
Tarot Readings with Cass
See what wisdom the cards have to share. Gain insight on any obstacles or celebrations you are going through presently in your life.
-
Tiered Pricing: $60-$100 for a 1-hour reading
Sound-healing with Cass
Did you know that the human body is 60% water? Sound creates a dynamic mandala-like pattern in every water molecule of your physical body. Sound-healing works directly with the water in your body to transform your energy field with intentional frequencies to bring you many benefits including, but not limited to: stress and anxiety relief, mental clarity, normalization of blood pressure, improved sleep, heightened clarity and an increase in creativity.
-
Tiered Pricing: $60-$100 for a 1-hour session
Private Yoga Sessions with Cass or Jess
Explore more. After a discussion of your needs; body, mind and spirit, be taken through a tailored blend of postures catered to meet your needs.
-
Tiered Pricing: $60-$100 for a 1-hour private session
Whale Watching (December- March)
Take an early morning boat ride to search for humpback whales that migrate annually from Alaska to Mexico for the breeding season.
-
$30 per person, min. of 4 people
-
Total tour is up to 2 hours
Snorkel at Isla Coral
Take a 25 minute boat ride to an uninhabited island with crystal clear waters to discover the sea life in our region. Snorkel gear is provided.
-
$35 per person, min. of 4 ppl
-
The total trip is 3-4 hours
Yoga Studios
Mar de Jade has three beautiful yoga studios with hardwood floors and breath-giving views of the ocean. Each studio is fully equipped with plenty of props such as: yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, meditation cushions, benches and backless chairs.
Food
Delicious and well balanced, buffet-style meals are served three times daily in an open-air dining room overlooking Chacala bay. Every dish is made daily from scratch using fresh ingredients from their Organic Farm.
Meals are inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine and international flavor. Menu features vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, fish, seafood and chicken.
Guests will have access to a complimentary snack bar throughout the day and free purified water is available at stations throughout the grounds.
Daily Agenda Sample
This sample serves as a general idea on what to expect your days to look like. All meals will be served in an open- air dining room overlooking Chacala bay.
7:15-8:30am: Yoga & Meditation
8:30am - 10am: Breakfast
10am - 1:30pm: Interlude (Free Time)
1pm - 2:30pm: Lunch
2:30pm - 4:00pm: Interlude (Free Time)
4:00pm - 5:30pm: Yoga & Meditation
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Dinner
***Saturday's Evening's schedule is different due to it being a Travel Day. Our first class will be held at 8 - 9:15pm.
 Saturday Evening 12/8 |  Sunday Morning 12/9 |  Sunday Evening 12/9 |  Monday Morning 12/10 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Monday Excursion 12/10 |  Monday Evening 12/10 |  Tuesday Morning 12/11 |  Tuesday Excursion 12/11 |
 Tuesday Evening 12/11 |  Wednesday Morning 12/12 |  Wednesday Evening 12/12 |  Thursday Morning 12/13 |
 Thursday Excursion 12/13 |  |  Friday Morning 12/14 |  Friday Evening 12/14 |
Detailed Itinerary
Catch the vibe of our retreat by clicking through our detailed itinerary above. Find out what will be happening on what days and enjoy descriptions for all yoga & meditation classes.
The Rooms
All rooms have private bathrooms, natural bath amenities, hot water, in-room safe, mosquito screen windows/doors and ceiling fans. Ocean, Garden and Guest rooms have A/C & Dorms do not. Rooms are available on a “first reserve, first served basis,” based on receipt of deposit.
All rates listed are per person, depending on the occupancy. So "single" is for one person in the room, "double" is per person if there are two people sharing, etc.
We offer an "additional person" rate for rooms that can accommodate more than 2 people. This additional person rate does not apply to Guest Room Lofts.
For example; a Garden Room with three people is priced as follows: $1,900 + $1,900 + $1,200 = $5,000 / 3 = $1,666.67 per person. The total deposit needed = $1725. Split between 3 people the deposit needed per person = $575.
All payments are due in full by 11/1/2018
Ocean Rooms
Ocean Rooms are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a private balcony with an Ocean View. Comfortable and well appointed, each room has A/C, a Bathtub and/or Shower, a Safety Deposit Box, Hair Dryer and a sitting area with a futon that can be made into an additional bed. Rooms are located on high levels and require steps to climb.
Choices:
Ocean Room Singles can be made into Doubles.
Ocean Room Doubles may be able to accommodate 3-4 people.
We offer an "additional person" rate for Ocean Rooms that can accommodate more than 2 people. Email choosejoy.cass@gmail.com to inquire about this accommodation.
All-Inclusive Shared Double Room: $2000 | Deposit: $725
Garden Rooms
Garden Rooms are either crafted in a Mexican style, with natural rock walls and hand painted mosaics; or with an airy Mediterranean feel with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light and fresh breeze. Enjoy a Garden View, A/C, a Bathtub or Shower, a Safe Deposit Box and a Hair Dryer. Rooms are located on ground level, easily accessible with either a few steps or a ramp and are appropriate for anyone with mobility issues.
Choices:
Garden Room Singles may be able to accommodate 3-4 people.
Garden Room Doubles may be able to accommodate 3-4 people.
We offer an "additional person" rate for Ocean Rooms that can accommodate more than 2 people. Email choosejoy.cass@gmail.com to inquire about this accommodation.
All-Inclusive Shared Double Room: $1900 | Deposit: $675
Guest Rooms
Guest Rooms are decorated in bright and cheerful Mexican textiles and colors, providing a cozy and well appointed option for those seeking simplicity and comfort. Enjoy a Garden or Jungle View, 1 King or 2 Double beds, A/C, Shower, a Safe Deposit Box and a Hair Dryer. Rooms are located on both ground level and third floors.
Choices:
Guest Room Singles can be a double (shared bed) for couples | Beds: 1 double bed/king
Guest Room Doubles can house 2 people | Beds: 2 Full beds
***If you are a couple email choosejoy.cass@gmail.com to notify us so you can receive a shared bed.
All-Inclusive Shared Double Room: $1700 | Deposit: $575
Guest Room Lofts
Guest Room Lofts are ideal for the budget conscious traveler that would like to share with 3 or 4 other people. They have garden views and a loft accessed by a spiral staircase. Enjoy a Garden View, Private Bathrooms, Mosquito Screen Windows/Doors and Ceiling Fans, Shower/s, a Safe Deposit Box and a Hair Dryer.
Mar de Jade reserves the right to assign roommates from different retreats to one Guest Room Loft and to re-assign participants to a guest room single or double if it doesn’t fill.
Guest Room Lofts will be single-sexed (i.e. women only or men only, unless a group of 4 request a co-ed dorm room.)
Beds: Twin Beds
Airport & Shuttles
Mar de Jade is easy access to and from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, just 90 minutes south, yet feels worlds apart from the big tourist developments. Mar de Jade is an hour behind PVR time zone. Mar de Jade is MT (i.e. if it is 2pm in PVR it would be 1pm at Mar de Jade).
When you exit Baggage claim and Customs, keep walking until you are outside the main building towards the parking lot, there the driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the name Choose Joy and/or Mar de Jade.
Arrival Dec. 8th Shuttle: Please choose flights that arrive in PVR by 2pm. Our Pick-up Shuttle is set for 3pm. We will leave the airport by 3:30pm.
Departure Dec. 15th Shuttle: Please do your best to choose flights that depart from PVR between 1 and 4pm. There will be 2 Shuttles from Mar de Jade to PVR Airport. First Shuttle at 9am for flights taking off around 2:30pm and a Second Shuttle at 12pm for flights taking off around 5:30pm.
If your flights are outside of the above arrival and departure times please email Cass at choosejoy.cass@gmail.com to assure that you can be accommodated by our shuttles.
Shuttle Times will be decided and communicated to guests early October at the latest.
Please Bring...
We suggest that you bring $200 - $300 to use for add-ons, excursions, etc.
Currency Preference: USD cash or Pesos is best. Visa Cards and Master Cards can be used to take care of room charges at Mar de Jade. The closest ATM is a half hour away.
Sacred Item
As an ice-breaker, we will share an item that has special meaning to you with the group at our first class together. Examples: a stone, crystal, necklace, coin, pendant, ring, etc.
Questions
Please read the above thoroughly. If you have any questions about the retreat feel free to email Retreat Leader Cassandra at choosejoy.cass@gmail.com or call her at 312.857.4016.
We are excited to talk to you! :)
