Part 6- Behind the Hype: My Honest Review of a Wellness Retreat in Mexico

This post is part of my series, “From Stillness to Cacao: My Mexican Wellness Journey,” where I try different wellness practices and share what I learn along the way.

In recent months, I’ve been inundated with ads and glowing testimonials about wellness retreats. These retreats seem to promise everything from nervous system resets to total mind-body transformation. As a clinical psychologist, I know that healing is a gradual process that requires time and often hard work. So, the promise of a few days’ retreat leading to deep change feels too good to be true. I decided to find out for myself what really happens behind the scenes. I booked a three-night stay at an all-inclusive wellness retreat in the stunning coastal town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I went in with an open mind, and came out with some unexpected insights.

Notes From the Field

Arriving at the retreat, tucked between dense jungle and the ocean’s edge, I felt an immediate sense of calm settle over me. After a week in a hectic city, surrounded by car horns and the scent of pollution, the return to nature felt like a much-needed exhale. Though I still held some skepticism about how much could truly shift in just a few days, I figured at the very least I’d leave feeling more grounded and connected to nature.

Reflecting on the retreat, three key elements had the most impact on my overall experience:

1. Mindful movement

Each day offered a variety of movement classes. After my positive yoga experience in Tulum, I chose to participate in yoga each morning before breakfast. What I loved most was the classes were set outside on platforms amongst the trees. Moving through slow, intentional poses as the sun filtered through the canopy created a strong sense of connection to both body and the environment. I also joined classes centered on rhythm and coordination, designed to creatively strengthen the mind-body relationship. As a clinician who encourages intuitive movement for wellness rather than body change, I was genuinely impressed by the facilitators’ language that was thoughtful, inclusive, and body-aware. After each session, I’d immerse myself in the hot and cold plunge pool, an invigorating ritual that left me feeling both grounded and recharged.

2. Nourishing, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

All meals and snacks at the retreat were plant-based, free of refined sugars and seed oils, and designed with the intention of reducing inflammation in the body. As someone who loves sweets, I anticipated struggling without my 3pm sweet treat. However, the retreat’s healthier versions of cookies and cakes left me genuinely satisfied without the sugar crash. A surprising highlight for me was the option to dine at a communal table for solo travelers. Sharing meals with strangers-turned-friends added a layer of connection that made everything taste even better.

3. Holistic Wellness Classes

The retreat offered a rotating schedule of holistic classes aimed to promote self-discovery and exploration of the mind, body, and soul. I joined guided mindfulness sessions, attended a talk on the concept of surrendering, and even spent an afternoon painting by the beach. These offerings weren’t just relaxing they created space to slow down, reflect, and be creative without expectation.

What the Data Says

Research on the effectiveness of wellness retreats for mental health remains limited. However, a recent study by Naidoo, Schembri, and Cohen (2023) explored the experiences of individuals from around the world who had attended a wellness retreat at least once in the past 12 months. The findings indicated that most participants reported feeling better and happier following their retreat. Still, the longevity of these benefits remains unclear, as the study did not examine long-term outcomes. It’s also important to note that the study did not examine those with clinical mental health disorders, making it difficult to determine whether similar benefits would apply to those with more significant psychological needs. Given the considerable diversity among retreat programs, it is also challenging to apply these findings universally to all wellness retreats.

Personal Reflections

Of all the wellness experiences I had in Mexico, the retreat left me feeling the most rejuvenated. I walked away with a deeper connection to my body, a clearer mind, and an overall sense of peace. I attribute this to the blend of gentle movement, immersion in nature, nourishing food, moments of reflection, mindfulness, and meaningful social connection. As I often remind my clients, mental wellness isn’t always about making drastic life changes, it’s about restoring balance. These practices can certainly be incorporated into everyday life, but there’s something powerful about stepping away from routine. Removing ourselves from familiar surroundings can offer a fresh perspective and create space for deeper reflection.

Do I believe this retreat could heal trauma or bring about lasting transformation? Probably not. Healing trauma is a gradual, delicate journey, one that shouldn’t be undertaken without preparation or professional guidance. However, true healing does require a foundation of stability and mindfulness. In that sense, I believe the retreat I attended could play an important role in building that essential groundwork.

Are you curious about how you can incorporate more wellness practices in your day to day life to support mental wellness? Let's explore it together. Reach out to book your free discovery call today https://www.isabellarosenthalpsychology.com.au/contact

Please note: This blog is intended for general information and reflection, and does not constitute psychological advice or treatment.