Connect Within Retreat
Where do I even begin? We were invited by the incredible Lisa Levine of Maha Rose to experience a transformative wellness retreat at her stunning new center, El Triangulo, in Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico. The retreat’s purpose was to connect within, and I can confidently say we achieved that—and so much more. A heartfelt thank you to Maybelline’s Brave Together Initiative for making this magical experience possible.
Day One felt like a dream. After an hour’s drive from the airport, we arrived at El Triangulo, a place that exceeded all expectations with its warm, inviting tones, hammocks draped throughout the property, and lush nature surrounding us. We were greeted by Lisa’s team and her adorable retreat dogs, Capitan and Chispa. Settling into our rooms, which offered breathtaking views of the beach, mountains, and the charming town of Mazunte, we truly felt at home. After a tour of the property, Lisa led us into town for our first family dinner at a local eatery. As night fell, we explored a bit more before making our way to the beach. The stars shone brightly above us as a few adventurous souls joined Lisa for an exhilarating run into the waves—laughter flowed as freely as the water, creating a memory we’ll cherish forever.
Day Two was a blissful beach day before the retreat officially kicked off. That evening, with everyone finally gathered, we enjoyed a delicious family dinner prepared by our talented chef, Sofia. (Sofia crafted beautifully thought-out vegan meals each day, perfectly tailored to support our mind, body, and spirit.) After dinner, we gathered in a circle where Lisa surprised us with thoughtful gifts. Together, we meditated, setting our intentions and affirmations for the retreat. This was the moment we began to truly bond and sink into the retreat experience.
Day Three was dedicated to healing. Without diving into specifics, it was a profound day of sharing and releasing. We connected on a deep level, and only those present will fully understand the weight of that experience. After our heartfelt discussions, we piled into the back of Lisa’s truck and headed to the beach to witness a breathtaking sunset as a family. In that moment, it felt as if all the internal burdens we carried were being washed away. It was a moment of pure freedom, and I think we all felt it.
Day Four was all about fun and adventure! We started with a creative tie-dye session with Lisa, a joyful way to express ourselves. After a brief rest, we embarked on an exhilarating hike to Punta Cometa, where we rock-climbed down to a secret natural jacuzzi. There, we were “baptized” by the healing waters, followed by a walk to the beach to catch another stunning sunset.
Day Five brought the thrill of a boat ride into the ocean, where we encountered magnificent sea creatures, including dolphins, whales, and mating sea turtles. Some of us even took a daring leap off the boat for a refreshing swim! After returning to the beach for snacks and relaxation, we had free time to explore before gathering for laughter activities led by Lisa. This playful moment felt like a return to childhood, filled with laughter, dancing, and a sense of pure joy.
While this is just a snapshot of our incredible time together, I hope it conveys the magic we experienced. We can’t wait to return and will always treasure our memories with Maha Rose in Mazunte.