Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat with Sam Grillo + Rachel Mardoian

23361 El Pescadero, BCS, Mexico

SR
Sunset Retreats
  • Email address verified
5 reviews
Jun 19 - 23, 2024
Group size: 1 - 16
Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat with Sam Grillo + Rachel Mardoian
23361 El Pescadero, BCS, Mexico

Sunset Retreats
  • Email address verified
5 reviews

Jun 19 - 23, 2024
Group size: 1 - 16

About this trip

It's our greatest joy to get to share our love of yoga, community and the sea through this retreat to Baja! Topia Retreat Center offers a commitment to sustainability that we love, alongside beautiful facilities, nightly views of the sunset over the ocean and warm staff here to care for you alongside us! 


This is a space where you'll be welcomed with open arms as you are! The goal here is to leave feeling refreshed, joyful and reconnected to your Self, having had five days, and four nights, in paradise being cared for. There's such beauty in spending time on retreat, focusing alone on nourishment, joy, friendship and peace. Our hope is that the only thing you have to worry about is if you'd rather sleep in, do some yoga or float in the pool. We've got you covered. :)


We're thrilled you'd consider joining us for a retreat! Please reach out directly to us with any questions: joyofthesea.retreats@gmail.com


With love, 

Sam & Rachel


We feel strongly about price transparency! Please see below for all that's included in your retreat rate.


FAQ's About Topia, their house rules, as well as their commitment to sustainability:

https://www.topiaretreat.com/blogs/news/faq-s

Policies: refunds/missed payments/etc.

We get it, life happens! This is why we highly recommend travel insurance (check out TravelGuard)


Airport Transfer Policy

It's not cheap to get to El Pescadero if you aren't in the shared ride from/to SJD included in your retreat rate. If you cannot make the arrival between 2-4pm or the departure between 2-4pm, you'll need your own ride. We will do our best to help work with you on this, but it will be at your own cost. If you are extending your trip, we'd recommend renting a car for your transit. We can accommodate parking if you choose this route - just let us know when you book. We highly recommend travel insurance, as delays unfortunately can happen! If that is the case, travel insurance (check the policy you buy) should help with any additional incurred costs from that delay, so you can travel worry-free.


Cancellation/Refund Policy

As for our cancellation policy, below is what we can offer. We hope you will understand that it takes a huge amount of work and financial commitment on our part to make this an amazing trip for all. 

Your deposit payment is non-refundable.

If you cancel before or on February 15 you will be refunded all you've paid but your deposit.

If you need to cancel on or after March 15, we cannot offer any refunds.

If you end up with a last minute extenuating circumstance, and there is someone on our waitlist that is able to fill your spot, we will do our best to work with you and that person to make it happen. Thank you for understanding!


Missed Payment Policy

We appreciate your on time payments if you've opted to use a payment plan. 

We will send you a payment reminder a week before the payment due date! If you miss the deadline, we will send you a courtesy reminder within 24 hours of your missed payment. If we don't receive the payment after 48 hours, we may need to cancel your spot and open it up to another attendee (deposit is still non-refundable). 

Our deadlines are in line with dates that we personally owe payments to the retreat center, so we really do appreciate your understanding around this policy! We aim to be inclusive and understanding, so if you do have an extenuating circumstance, please reach out and let us know as soon as possible. We will work with you the best we can. 


Final Policy Notes!

- Anyone over the age of 13 is welcome.

- Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

- By booking this retreat you acknowledge that you have read and accept these terms.

What’s included

  • Lodging
    Four nights, five days of lodging in a room that has beautiful ocean views! Shared or private lodging depending on what you book.
  • Airport Transfers*
    To + from retreat center/SJD. *your flight MUST land + depart between 2-4pm. if you cannot find a flight during that time, please reach out immediately so we can try to find a transport accommodation.
  • Nourishing Meals /Snacks
    Daily continental breakfast bar before practice (fruit, yogurt, granola) + coffee/tea, late morning brunch, afternoon snacks & dinner
  • 1-2 Yoga Classes Per Day
    You can take all of them, some, or none!
  • Breathwork Experience
    An early evening experience of movement, followed by a somatic healing breathwork practice, led by Sam Grillo. It's magic, trust us.
  • Todos Santos Excursion
    We'll head in vans to explore the beautiful nearby town of Todos Santos together! The staff has rec's for us, or you can just wander and see what you find! You don't have to attend this excursion :)
  • First Night Happy Hour
    We'll have a tab for some celebratory night one drinks open so we can all enjoy around a bonfire together & get acquainted.
  • Thurs Surf Lesson/Rental
    Surf's Up! We'll be surfing at Playa Los Cerritos! If you don't want to surf or you don't need a lesson, please reach out to us before booking so we can remove that part of the cost.
  • Boat Tour to La Paz
    We'll drive to La Paz, and then enjoy a boat ride to Balandra & San Rafaelito Beaches to snorkel, swim + eat lunch! The ride back is included too, of course.
  • Clean, Filtered Water
    There is NO single use plastic allowed onsite at Topia. Please bring a refillable water bottle to enjoy the safe, clean drinking water.
  • Yoga Mats/Props
    No need to bring yours, they've got us covered with mats, blocks, and blankets!
  • Topia Staff Gratuities
    We've got you covered on the gratuities for staff, so you don't have to worry about it!
  • 19% Federal Taxes
    Required

What’s not included

  • Spa Treatments
    You can purchase your spa treatments onsite, at your own discretion!
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Aside from the first night tab (on us!), any additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased with cash.
  • Additional Surfing
    If you want to go surfing on other days aside from the one where we go together, you are welcome to (the spot is a 15 min walk from our place). Rentals/more lessons would be an additional cost.
  • Travel Insurance
    We recommend travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Especially considering the restrictions around airport transfer, this is very wise to have so you can be stress free!
  • Airfare
    Your flights are not included on this trip. You need to fly into SJD (San José del Cabo Los Cabos Airport) where the shuttle will transport you to the retreat center, only about an hour ride.
  • Off-Window Airport Rides
    If you can't arrive/depart between 2-4pm, your transfer isn't included. Please contact us ASAP so we can share options with you. We recommend travel insurance in case of delays for coverage.

Available Packages

Standard Shared Room (female only)

Shared room with four other people. Everyone will have their own twin bed. Best for pals or if you want to room with friends you haven't met yet! 


Includes five single beds (if you are attending with your partner and would prefer a king, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate), kitchenette, en suite bathroom, private patio with panoramic ocean views.


If you're attending with friends - please reach out to us when you book to let us know @ joyofthesea.retreats@gmail.com. If you'd like to rent the entire room, also please let us know ASAP before the other spots are sold. There are two of this type of room, with five spots open in each.

$2,400
Deposit:$500
Standard Shared Room (female only)

Shared room with four other people. Everyone will have their own twin bed. Best for pals or if you want to room with friends you haven't met yet! 


Includes five single beds, kitchenette, en suite bathroom, private patio with panoramic ocean views.


If you're attending with friends - please reach out to us when you book to let us know @ joyofthesea.retreats@gmail.com. If you'd like to rent the entire room, also please let us know ASAP before the other spots are sold. There are two of this type of room, with five spots open in each.

$2,300
Deposit:$500
Premium Shared Room (female only)

Shared room in the ~penthouse suite~ with three other people. Everyone will have their own twin bed. There's a spacious patio, en suite bathroom, large kitchen, fire pit + insane ocean views. 


If you're attending with friends - please reach out to us when you book to let us know @ joyofthesea.retreats@gmail.com. If you'd like to rent the entire penthouse, also please let us know ASAP before the other spots are sold. There is only one penthouse.

$2,500
Deposit:$500
Private Room

One queen bed, en suite bathroom, sweeping ocean views, located on the same level as the pool + jacuzzi. 


If you are looking to book this room with a friend or as a couple - please reach out to us @ joyofthesea.retreats@gmail.com and we can make that happen!

$2,800
Deposit:$700


Your Organizer


SR
Sunset Retreats
5 reviews
Sam Grillo and Rachel Mardoian are both teachers at Yogabeach in San Francisco, CA and are best friends. Sam is a trained breathwork and meditation facilitator and a 200-hr certified vinyasa yoga instructor and Rachel is a 500-hr certified yoga instructor. Both lead classes fueled by playlists that are designed to match your movement and help you get deeper into your practice and body. They are passionate about building community and creating a space for people to meet themselves where they are with compassion, joy, empathy and love.

Reviews

This is my second time retreating with Sam and Rachel and it has solidified my perspective that they are THE best. If you're looking for a way to take care of yourself, go on vacation, build community, and have fun; book yourself on a Joy of the Sea retreat. This year they added some really cool personal touches (like journals with your name on them, and the most incredible sound bath on the summer solstice)! One of the best parts about this specific retreat is that Sam and Rachel take care of EVERYTHING for you. You literally just have to show up (you do have to book your own flights). They coordinate ground transportation, meals, tips, excursions, etc etc. They will even send you a packing list (which I thought was truly above and beyond)! You'll get the menu/meal plan ahead of time and they wont shame you when you send a note saying "I don't like____" I truly believe that the people that surround you are a reflection of who you are. Rachel and Sam attract the most incredible humans on their retreats. Both years, the people who have attended the retreats have been dynamic, smart, fun, spiritual, and RAD souls. That's who Rachel and Sam attract because they embody all of these same qualities. The yoga itself is fantastic. Generally two, long, juicy practices per day. And a couple of sessions that are co-taught by both Rachel and Sam (those are super fun). The music the girls choose is fun, fresh, and keeps you pushing yourself. And lastly, I must acknowledge that the friendship between Rachel and Sam contributes greatly to how wonderful this retreat is. Those two really adore one another and it shows. It bleeds out into every interaction and makes retreaters feel like they've been let into this very sweet and personal bubble where we look out for one another and can be our most authentic selves. I plan on attending many more retreats with Sam and Rachel and I hope to see you at one of them soon :)
By Vanessa L for Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat with Sam Grillo + Rachel Mardoian on Jul 18, 2024
Words can’t begin to express how grateful I am to have stumbled across Sam and Rachel’s first retreat at La Jolla in Sayulita. I happened to stumble across their retreat after discovering La Jolla through social media and they welcomed me in with open arms after I reached out looking to see if there was availability just a few weeks prior.. Rachel and Sam are amazing individuals who held space for so much expansion, growth, healing, and joy in those few days. If you are thinking about a retreat, do it, you won’t regret it with these two. ❤️
By Rebecca T for Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat on Oct 02, 2023
LB
Rachel and Sam were excellent retreat hosts! From accommodations and transportation to yoga and excursions, they thought of everything! Highly recommend one of their future trips.
By Lindsey B for Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat on Sep 26, 2023
What an absolutely magical retreat Sam and Rachel put together for us. They took care of every single detail for the guests; from airport transport, to packing lists, to tipping the hotel staff. They put so much thought and work into this retreat and the guests benefitted from their passion for building community and sparking joy through moving meditation. The yoga practices were fun, challenging, varied, and made me feel like magic. I especially appreciated the BANGIN' playlists. The playlists always elevate the practice and this retreat was no different. They really put a lot of thought into them and it showed. Breath-work was also a really memorable experience: emotional, raw, primal; and I felt so safe and cared for by the retreat leaders while in it. The resort we stayed at, La Jolla Sayulita, was beautiful. The staff took care of EVERYTHING for us. The pre-planned meals left me satiated & energized, never feeling bloated or sleepy. Every day was something new, organic, fresh, and delicious. The steak tacos were some of the best tacos I've ever had, anywhere in Mexico. La Jolla has a full cocktail and coffee bar and the restaurant has a wonderful view of the pool & water. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the best part of the whole retreat was the people I met there. They're all forever friends now and I couldn't be more grateful. If you're looking for wellness, community, joy and memories - come on this retreat.
By Vanessa L for Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat on Aug 15, 2023
ML
Truly one of the most wonderful experiences I've yet to have! From the lodging, to the food...accommodations, hospitality, planned excursions, yoga classes, workshops, and lovely company, I have only high praises for La Joya and Sam + Rachel and am already looking forward to next year's adventure :) Some highlights: - Hospitality: La Joya Sayulita itself is a magical oasis of a place and the welcoming staff make you feel right at home - Food: all of our meals were fresh, flavorful, and nourishing. Hats off to the chef and kitchen! - Excursions: Sam and Rachel organized a surf lesson and sunset cruise through La Joya and both experiences were top-notch. We were all itching to schedule a second surf lesson with Rene, because it was both so much fun and so helpful.
By Madi L for Joy of the Sea Yoga Retreat on Aug 05, 2023