Welcome Awespiring Yogi!
Welcome everyone! I am beyond excited to come together with you in mythical, magical Oaxaca, Mexico where we’ll spend five days blending good times with great spirits on a journey of taste to the heart of mezcal! My goal is to bring friends old and new together in a casual and organic way – more like a dreamy, long weekend than an organized tour. With farmer families and maestro mezcaleros as our guides, TRIP NAME will be all about connecting with a great group of cocktail culture aficionados as well as the pungent, smoky spirit itself that is such an integral part of Oaxacan culture. But Oaxaca is much more than just tobalá and tepextate. An oasis of vibrant culture, colorful architecture, rich history and spectacular culinary experiences, Oaxaca is a total sensory experience. So let’s get ready to shake things up! I’ll see you there!
Meet Your Host
Christian Suzuki-Orellana (or known as “Suzu”) is from the San Francisco Bay Area but grew up in Tokyo. Born into the restaurant industry-his grandparents owned and operated a small restaurant company that consisted of four restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a ranch that sourced all of the business' produce. Throughout his teenage years, Suzu traveled to Japan up to three times a year to learn about hospitality, food, and management under the tutelage of his grandparents. Whether behind the bar (most notably at 15 Romolo, Tradition, Benjamin Cooper, and Wildhawk) or at cocktail competitions, he strives to take the lessons learned from his grandparents and adapt them to his everyday work, as his creations are heavily inspired by memories, flavors, and dreams of Tokyo. Suzu's career highlights include becoming a National Finalist for Bacardi Legacy (2018), Bombay Sapphire's Most Imaginative Bartender (2020), and one of Punch's Bartenders in Residence (2021); being featured on Imbibe magazine's Imbibe 75 list (2022) and nominated for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation's Bartender of the Year (Top 10, 2022); and most recently, competing in Netflix's Drink Masters (2022).
Trip Highlights
Mezcal facility visit and experience
Vibrant Oaxaca Walking Tour
Mezcaloteca Experiencia - tasting session of various mezcals with Suzu
Venue
City Centro Oaxaca
The City Centro Oaxaca is the color of a cosmopolitan and just as cool. Located in one of the oldest and most exciting neighborhoods of Oaxaca, the abundance of colors along the cobblestone streets here, together with cute coffee shops, and oodles of restaurants make this the right spot in town. Enjoy views from the rooftop terrace or take a dip in the fab outdoor pool. Other features include a poolside bar, fitness center, and free bike rentals. We can raise a glass to that!
MAR DE JADE
Mar de Jade is a Yoga, Wellness & Vacation Retreat Center nestled between the tropical jungle and the
pristine sandy beach of Chacala, México. This is an intimate place offering groups and individuals a
relaxing, supportive, and inspiring environment in a peaceful fishing village.
Itinerary
DAY 1
- Oaxaca Walking Tour - walking tour led by your Tastemaker, to help you find your bearings within central Oaxaca
- Mezcaloteca Experiencia - tasting session of various mezcals
- Dinner of typical Oaxacan cuisine
DAY 2
- Breakfast at hotel
- Morning visit to the bustling food market and delicious chocolate con leche
- Visit to Mitla and lunch on your own in mezcal-mecca of Santiago de Matalan
- Mezcal facility visit and experience
- Rooftop drinks with sunset views
- Dinner to choose your own adventure among the amazing restaurants in Oaxaca
DAY 3
- Breakfast at hotel
- Walk through the impressive ethnobotanical gardens
- Hands-on cooking lesson that celebrates the unique flavors of the Oaxaca region
- Dinner to choose your own adventure among the amazing restaurants in Oaxaca
DAY 4
- Breakfast at hotel
- Optional tour to the stunning archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte Alban
- Mezcalaritas for everyone in a mezcal bar beloved by mixologists
- Celebratory farewell dinner at Origen
DAY 5
- Breakfast at hotel
- Farewells!
- 4 nights accommodation
- 4 Daily Breakfasts
- 1 Cooking class Lunch
- 2 Dinners - welcome and farewell dinners
- Oaxaca walking tour
- Mezcaloteca experience
- Market Tour
- Visit to Mitla
- Ethnobotanical gardens visit
- Evening round of drinks
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Additional Specialty beverages
- Additional nights accommodation
Cancellation Policy
| 25% Down Payment | Additional Payments | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spot Pending |
Refundable |
Refundable |
|
Spot Confirmed |
Not Refundable* |
Refundable |
|
60 Days Pre-Trip |
Not Refundable |
Not Refundable |
*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.
Why book this trip?
CURATED FOR PASSION
Trips built around and for you, led by passion and genuine care.
YOU ARE IN CARING HANDS
We are professional travel managers who are also passionate yogis, footballers, and surfers.
YOU ARE PROTECTED
All payments and trips are ABTA-protected, the gold standard in consumer protection.
LIFETIME DEPOSIT
Change of plans? No worries, we got you, for life. Just give us a new date when you are ready.
Testimonials
A retreat with Marie will change you for the best ! Not only in your practice and do things you’d never thought possible. Marie creates a space and a community to share, improve yourself and become a better person, with new friends for life. She will guide you with her professionalism and her craziness to accept and take care of who you really are.
Emilie - Bali, Corsica & Portugal retreats
Marie was my yoga teacher at a retreat for Mallorca. I love her classes as they are challenging and relaxing at the same time and bought the light and energy I needed! Hands down an amazing experience and felt so calm and restful after the retreat. I really hope to join a retreat with Marie in the future. Shauni - Mallorca
Shauni - Mallorca retreat
How important it is to dedicate a few days to yourself, and what better than having such an empathetic and professional yoga teacher to accompany you on those days! I thoroughly enjoyed my four days at Marie yoga retreat and was also lucky enough to share it with a great group of yogis! Looking forward to repeating it again!
Anna - Mallorca retreat
Mallorca was Simply the best yoga retreat I have been on; all attributed to the inspiring and superb hosting and instruction by Marie Grujicic. Marie is a one in a million practitioner, and your life will be enhanced and changed forever, if you have the good fortune to attend one of her retreats. I cannot wait to go again !
Sylvie - Mallorca retreat
I had the pleasure of attending two of Marie's yoga retreats in the last few years - one in Corsica and one in Mallorca - and I have to say, both were truly exceptional experiences. The balance of high-quality yoga instruction and fun, engaging activities during the day was perfect. I left feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and reconnected with my mind, body and spirit. I can't wait to join Marie again in the future and unplug from the daily grind. If you're looking for a yoga retreat that's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, I highly recommend Marie's retreats.
Lou - Corsica & Mallorca Retreat
FAQs
WHAT TIME DOES THE TRIP START AND END?
The trip will officially start at 15:00 on November 30th and end soon after breakfast on December 4th, 2023.
WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
You will fly into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
HOW DO I GET FROM AIRPORT TO THE VENUE?
Upon arrival at Oaxaca International Airport there will private taxi companies available. You can pay by card at the counter in advance of travel or using cash in the cab directly. The journey will take around 25-30 minutes.
DOES THE RETREAT CATER TO SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?
Yes, the restaurants at the Grand Fiesta Americana offer a variety of international culinary options, as well as traditional Oaxacan dishes.
At Restaurante La Distral and Agave Lounge, you will find beautifully presented, authentic national cuisine, as well as cocktails and fine tequila. Savor exceptional Mexican fare or choose between seafood, cuts of meat, salads and captivating desserts, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
CAN I COME TO THIS TRIP ALONE?
Yes! Traveling alone is a great way to meet new people, and many people will be coming solo. On this trip we’re all in it together and you’ll be part of the group from the moment you arrive.
WILL I GET ANY “FREE” TIME?
Absolutely! There is plenty of leisure time included for you to re-charge, nap, or do your own thing. We always schedule down time in our daily itinerary.
I WANT TO SHARE A ROOM BUT I AM TRAVELING ALONE, DO YOU ASSIGN ME SOMEONE TO SHARE THE ROOM WITH ?
If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we use our best judgment to find a good match. We endeavor to accommodate any specific requests you may have. Please contact us with any requests so that we can assign you to an unaccompanied guest that also wants to travel in a double occupancy room.
HOW DO YOU ASSIGN THE ROOMS?
Rooms are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note: all rooms are equal in terms of comfort and cleanliness.
WHAT IS THE COVID CANCELLATION POLICY?
In the unlikely event that WE have to cancel the trip for any reason then we will offer you the following options:
- A full refund of all monies paid, including your deposit
- Transfer of your booking, free of charge, to a future retreat of the same value
If you are unable to attend the trip for any reason, including because of a last-minute positive Covid-19 test, or restrictions in your region or country, you will need to make a claim with your travel insurance provider to claim any trip or retreat costs..
- Please ensure your travel Insurance provider covers you for the following:
- Cancellation fees
- Positive Covid-19 test preventing you from traveling
- Local and destination restrictions preventing you from traveling
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED?
We do not include travel insurance as everyone’s needs are different. However, having travel insurance in place for each person is a condition of your booking. Please ensure COVID-19 cover is included. If you haven’t purchased cover yet, you can do so here:
IS MY DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE IF I DECIDE TO CANCEL THE TRIP?
The Deposit is a non-refundable deposit, used to secure your spot on the trip. If you decide to cancel your trip, we cannot refund your deposit. Please ensure you purchase adequate travel insurance to cover any fees you may incur if you have to cancel your trip.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?
The payment of your trip will be set up as follows:
- $300 deposit upon booking
- 30% of ticket price due on August 02,2003
- 30% of ticket price due on September 01, 2023
- Remaining balance due on October 01,2023
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATING THIS TRIP?
This trip is being sold and operated by Seek Dharma Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales (company number 13127983 and members of ABTA, no. Y6752).
Seek Dharma is collaborating with LP Paylpr to build an incredible experience for their community.
WHO DO I REACH OUT TO IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
You can reach out to us directly via email at LP@seekdharma.com
