The Alchemy of Fire & Water

Mar de Jade Wellness Resort and Yoga Center

CHACALA, NAYARIT, MEXICO | APRIL 5 - 12 2025

The union of Fire and Water.

When we join the two alchemical elements of Fire and Water, we join two opposites, creating oneness from duality.

This blending is one of the absolute principles of alchemy, for the true integration of Fire and Water is said to catalyze the heart of the Flower of Life, the symbol that represents our life force energy and the unification of mind, body, spirit, breath, and consciousness.

This April, join Danielle Clothier and myself, as we embark on an adventure of alchemical transformation designed to support each of us in moving further along our collective evolutionary path while consciously nurturing our own soul’s unique growth, purpose, and intention.

our location

Mar de Jade Wellness Resort and Yoga Center is located in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico. Chacala is a small, yet charming Mexican fishing village that still retains a traditional way of life. Surrounded by tropical jungle mountainsides, and kissed with golden sand beaches, Chacala Bay is one of the most pristine and picturesque bays in the Riviera Nayarit.

Chacala lies just 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, offering us easy access to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, while feeling worlds apart from the big tourist developments associated with this part of Mexico. For your ease and comfort, all shuttle transport to/from Mar de Jade and the Puerto Vallarta International Airport is included in your retreat package!

the resort

Nestled amidst banana trees, bougainvillea flowers, and palm trees, Mar de Jade offers us a world renowned wellness and yoga center with sanctuary-like seclusion, situated just steps from Chacala Beach.

Grab a late afternoon smoothie from the snack bar and settle into a reclining beach chair to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean… or slip into something a little more comfortable, like a hammock beneath the shade of a thatched-roof palapa, and relax as you are rocked and caressed by sweet ocean breezes.

Living Fire of the Spirit… Living Water of the Soul…

your retreat package includes:

Retreat Program & Tuition:

2x Daily Yoga Classes, Evening Circle Ceremonies & Yoga Nidra, Additional Excursion to Las Cuevas Beach Caves, Traditional Temazcal Sweat Lodge

7 NIghts Accommodation:

Choose from a variety of gorgeous rooms

3 Buffet Meals A Day:

Fresh from Mar de Jade’s organic farm

Shuttle To/From PVR:

To/From Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta

All Resort Facilities:

All pools, hot tubs, beach chairs, palapas and hammocks, yoga studios & props

Scroll down to learn more!!

YOGA 2X DAILY

FIRE SESSIONS

Each morning, we will greet the day with an invigorating, hour(+), All-Levels Hatha Flow yoga practice. These morning practices will be accessible yet energizing, and are designed to stimulate the TRANSFORMATIVE FIRE WITHIN. When we tend to our digestive fire in the morning, we set the tone for the rest of the day. Remember… YOU are the tender of your fire.

WATER SESSIONS

Each afternoon you will be treated to the deep nurturance that is inherent in Restorative and Yin yoga practices. Here, we take time to honor the feminine aspects of the WATER ELEMENT: reunification, creation, and enfolding. Through the integration of radical rest, release, and rejuvenation our afternoon practices are designed to REVITALIZE and REAWAKEN your creative life force energy. Remember… YOU are the dream, and YOU are the dreamer.

A Sample of Our Daily Rhythm

7 - 8:15 ‘Waking The Fire Within’ YOGA

8:30 - 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 - 1:30 FREE TIME and/or Scheduled Excursion*

1:30 - 2:30 Lunch

2:30 - 4:00 FREE TIME

4 - 5:30 ‘The Life-Giving Waters of Radical Rest’ RESTORATIVE & YIN YOGA*

6:30 - 7:30 Dinner

7:45 - 9:00 Beach Circle Ceremony and Community Check-Ins

Included Additional Excursions & Activities

Las Cuevas Hike

An hour and a half guided hike through the jungle over an extinct volcano to the "Las Cuevas" (The Caves) beach, where we will enjoy the ocean and return on a 15 min boat ride.

Temazcal and Ocean Plunge

As a part of our transformative week together, we are honored to participate in a tradition that has been kept alive since pre-Hispanic times as a means to purify the body and mind. This sacred guided ceremony takes us through four puertas, or doors, representing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual purification and healing.

Evening Yoga Nidra

In addition to evening ‘Circle Ceremonies’ and ‘Community Check-Ins’, we will be treated to Yoga Nidra by our favorite yoga nidra guide, Danielle Clothier.

all Meals, Organic and made daily from scratch

Our delicious and well balanced buffet-style meals are served 3x daily in an open-air dining room overlooking Chacala bay. Every dish is made using fresh ingredients from Mar de Jade’s Organic Farm. Each menu is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine as well as international flavors, and features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes as well as fresh fish, seafood and chicken*.

Throughout the day visit the snack bar at any time to enjoy coffee, tea, fruit, bread, and stellar homemade organic peanut butter and mango marmalade. Mar de Jade’s kitchen is happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and food allergies, if given advance notice. And rest assured, ALL raw foods are carefully disinfected and washed with purified water. Free purified drinking water is also available for free at filling stations throughout the grounds.

*Please note Mar de Jade does not serve red meat or pork.

Your choice of accommodations

Total Retreat Package Costs

These top of the line suites at Mar De Jade 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 sitting area with a futon that can be made into an additional bed. Choose from 1 King, or 2 Double Beds. Private bathrooms feature bathtubs with a separate shower, natural bath amenities, hot water, in-room safe, mosquito screens on windows, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. All require steps to climb as they are located on second, third, and fourth floors.

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. Choose from 1 King or 2 Double beds. Some rooms have a futon that can be made into an additional bed. Each room has a spacious en-suite bathroom with natural bath amenities, hot water, in-room safe, mosquito screens on windows, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. Located on the ground floor, they are easily accessed with either a few steps or a ramp, and are appropriate for anyone with mobility issues.

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. Choose from 1 King or 2 Double beds. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with natural bath amenities, hot water, in-room safe, mosquito screens on windows, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. Rooms are located on both ground level and third floors, either jungle or garden facing.

Have a little crew? Okay sharing with others? The Dorm Room is ideal for the budget conscious traveler that would like to share with 4 other people. The Dorm Rooms are simple yet spacious guest rooms that have garden views and a loft accessed by a spiral staircase. The bottom level has a king bed or two twin beds and a bathroom; the loft has two twin beds. Some rooms feature an additional futon bed on the bottom level. All rooms have hot water, in-room safe, mosquito screens on windows, ceiling fans, and air conditioning.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are coming with friends these rooms can be co-ed. If you aren't coming with friends, you may be sharing with others from our group and/or Mar de Jade may assign others staying at Mar De Jade to this room, in which case Mar de Jade requests that dorm room occupants be ‘Women Only’.

 Your retreat package includes

• 7-nights at Mar de Jade, in Chacala, Mexico, April 5th - 12th. (Private or shared accommodations)

• Ground transportation to/from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (90-min. drive each way)

• 3x/daily buffet meals: Saturday Dinner to Saturday Breakfast (Tea, coffee, fruit avail. all day)

• 15+ hours of guided yoga, meditation, and breathwork

• Guided hike to Las Cuevas and boat ride back

• Temazcal Traditional Sweat Lodge

• Opening Circle and Closing Ceremony

• Evening Yoga Nidra & Community Check-In’s

• Lots and LOTS of time to enjoy the epic beach, soak in the tropical nature, and relax by Mar de Jade’s private pools

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare To/From Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)

• Additional items from La Palapa Bar

• Gratuity for the amazing staff

• Additional excursions and/or SPA treatments

Payment, Cancellation, and Refund Policy:

Payment Information:

• You may reserve your spot and choice of accommodation through WeTravel.

• $500 non-refundable deposit holds your place; final payment due by January 15th, 2025

• Payment Plans are available.

• Register by September 21st, and use the code: ALCHEMY for $108 OFF

  
  

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:

  Due to the limited nature of this retreat, the cancellation policy is firm as outlined below. 

• If cancellation takes place prior to Sunday, December 1st, 2024, any payments made will be refunded minus your $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If cancellation takes place after Sunday, December 1st, 2024 and prior to Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 50% of the retreat payments paid up to date of cancellation will be forfeited plus the $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If cancellation takes place after Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 100% of the retreat price will be forfeited.

• If you wish to cancel, you must do so by emailing gigifred10@gmail.com OR yogawithheathersmith.com

• Reminder: $500 deposit due with registration is non-refundable.

  
  

  ***Travel Insurance is highly recommended. You can protect your investment, by purchasing a cancellation/travel insurance policy. insuremytrip.com is a company that has many policies to choose from, including a “cancel for any reason” rider option. There are many other companies offering similar travel insurance plans.

FAQs

Getting To/From Mar de Jade Wellness Resort and Yoga Center, Chacala, Mexico…

The closest international airport to Mar de Jade is Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Airport code: PVR. All major US carriers (Alaska, American, United, Southwest, Frontier) as well as Mexican, Canadian and some European charter flights serve Puerto Vallarta. There are many daily non-stop and connecting flights from US, Canadian and Mexican major cities.

What Are The Ground Transportation Policies?

Transportation to/from Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco to Mar de Jade in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico via a professional transportation company, is included in your retreat package. Transfers included in the retreat costs include (1) one-way from PVR to Mar de Jade in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico and (1) one-way from Mar de Jade in Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico to the PVR. Please note: Check-in at Mar de Jade is on Saturday 4/05/2025 at 3pm. Check-out is on Saturday 4/12/2025 at 11am

Is There A Payment Plan?

Yes! When you register, you can either choose “pay full amount” or payment plan option. The payment plan is activated by paying the $500 Non-Refundable deposit. For your ease and convenience, payments will be automatically deducted from the payment method you set up when registering. If you would like to pay more than the scheduled amount at any time, you can manage your payments and payment method in your WeTravel account under PAYMENT SETTINGS.

Payment schedule is as follows;

• Monday, October 21st, 2024

• Thursday, November 21st, 2024

• Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

If you register after a payment date has occurred, the initial deposit includes previous payment amounts. At any time, you can pay your remaining balance in full.

What’s The Retreat Refund Policy?

The cancellation policy is firm. I strongly recommend that you purchase a cancellation/travel insurance policy to protect your investment: insuremytrip.com is a company that has a multitude of policies to choose from, including a “cancel for any reason” rider option (there are many other companies offering similar options). Typically, trip insurance must be purchased when you register for the retreat, not when you pay the final balance.

$500.00 per person serves as a deposit and is both non-refundable and non-transferable.

• If cancellation takes place prior to Sunday, December 1st, 2024, any payments made will be refunded minus your $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If cancellation takes place after Sunday, December 1st, 2024 and prior to Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 50% of the retreat payments paid up to date of cancellation will be forfeited plus the $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If cancellation takes place after Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 100% of the retreat price will be forfeited.

If you wish to cancel, you must do so by emailing gigifred10@gmail.com OR yogawithheathersmith.com

What Documents Do I Need To Enter Mexico?

Immigration regulations require that you have a valid passport for travel to Mexico. If you have a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European passport you will be granted a tourist visa once you arrive in Mexico and pass through customs. If your passport is from another country please check for any other visa requirements. Most tourist visas are issued for 30 or 90 days, however you can ask the immigration officer to make it for up to 180 days if you plan to stay longer in Mexico. Keep you tourist visa in a safe place, as you will need it upon exiting Mexico. If you lose your tourist visa you need to be at the airport 4 hours before your flight on your departure day and pay a $30 USD fine.

COVID 19 Policies and Procedures:

The COVID pandemic is a constantly evolving situation and protocols around guest/staff safety must be as well. Safety is a priority for all of us, and guests will be required to follow public health regulations from state and country departments at all times. Closer to the retreat those current guidelines will be sent to all participants and staff. In addition to following state and country guidelines, participants *may* be required to provide any or all of the following to Yoga with Heather Smith and/or Mar de Jade, depending on the current state of affairs:

• Proof of vaccination and booster status

• Negative covid test between 24-72 hours prior to arrival at Mar de Jade on April 5th, 2025

Failure to comply with any government COVID safety requirements, Mar de Jade protocols, or Yoga with Heather Smith COVID policies will result in your forfeit of the retreat experience, any costs paid to Yoga with Heather Smith, and any out-of-pocket expenses. COVID testing expenses will be at the cost of the retreat participant. Cancellations due to COVID still fall within the parameters of the general refund policy.

Money FAQ’s

What type of payment does Mar de Jade accept?

During your stay at Mar de Jade, additional charges from the bar, spa, gift shop, laundry or phone service can be added to your room to be paid upon check out. Mar de Jade accepts US dollars, Mexican pesos, Visa or Mastercard. They do NOT accept personal or traveler’s checks or Amex.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes, please plan on bringing cash for the following services which CANNOT be paid with a credit card: Additional excursions (such as snorkeling, etc), gratuities and buying souvenirs in town or at the local market. We recommend bringing approximately $300-$400 USD per person, for a 7 night stay. Safes are provided in every room for your convenience.

When and where should I exchange money?

Additional excursions can be paid in US dollars and almost everyone accepts dollars in Mexico, so you do not need to exchange too much money, with the exception of shopping at the Market place or buying things in Chacala. We recommend changing at most $50 – $100 USD for a week’s stay, this can be done at the airport, with the rest of your cash brought in US dollars. Mar de Jade does not exchange currency (only official exchange places can do this).

Where is the closest ATM?

There are no banks or ATMs in Chacala, the closest is in Las Varas about 15min taxi ride inland. We highly suggest you bring extra cash with you or use the ATM at the airport when you arrive. There is also an ATM and bank in La Peñita (about 30 min.) where there is a Thursday market. Most ATMS will give you cash in Mexican Pesos.

Is gratuity included or additional?

Gratuity is not included. Please consider leaving a gratuity for the Mar de Jade staff to show your appreciation. We suggest budgeting approximately $10-$15 USD per person per night in cash, which can be put  in the general tip box upon check-out. The tip box gets distributed among all staff members (kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, etc). Tips are only accepted in cash (USD or Pesos). Gratuities for additional services are never included, these include: transportation from/to airport, excursion guides, massage and other spa treatments, etc.

FOOD FAQ’s

I Have A Special Diet. What Will I Eat?

All meals are included in your retreat package price, including buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meal service begins with Dinner on Saturday, April 5th and concludes with Breakfast on Saturday, April 12th. Meals are carefully prepared daily from scratch using fresh, local and organic produce and ingredients. Mar de Jade’s kitchen is happy to accommodate your dietary restrictions and food allergies, if given advance notice. When you register for the retreat, you can list your dietary needs.

Coffee, tea, fruit, bread, and stellar homemade organic peanut butter and mango marmalade beginning at 6:30am and available ALL day.

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast.

1:30 - 3:00 Lunch.

6:30 - 8:00 Dinner

Will I Have Problems Because Of The Food And Water?

All raw foods are carefully disinfected and washed with purified water. Free purified water is available at stations throughout the grounds.

Will I Be Able To Wash My Clothes? Do I Need To Bring A Beach/Pool Towel?

Laundry service is available. Beach and Pool towels are provided by Mar de Jade.  

Can I Use My Cellphone And Is Wifi Available?

As part of Mar de Jade’s philosophy, none of the guest rooms have telephones or TVs. There is a courtesy phone close to your room to the Front Desk if necessary, and a phone available at the Front Desk for guest use, the rate is 50 cents per minute for calls to the US and Canada and 25 cents per minute for calls within Mexico to landlines. You may charge calls to your room. If you have a phone card with a 01-800 number for dialing from Mexico you may use it at this phone.

Is there cellphone service?

There is full cellphone service provided by Telcel (the largest Mexican cellphone company). US companies that have roaming agreements with Telcel will usually get coverage, check with your provider for coverage and rates.

How can someone reach me in the event of an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, guests can be reached at the following number +52 (327) 219-4000.

Is there WiFi?

Free WiFi is available in the main dining room, guest lounge and bar area, there is no WiFi in the rooms. Please bring your own device as Mar de Jade does not provide computers. Mar de Jade’s Guest Services is happy to print boarding passes at the front desk for guests. Please note that because Mar de Jade is in a rural location, the internet connection can often be slow or without a signal. Danielle and I encourage all of you to unplug during your stay and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty!

For further inquiries, questions, insights, concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me directly at: yogawithheathersmith@gmail.com

We’ll see you in the Circle…

Heather & Danielle