Ajijic, Mexico
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 2025

Somatic Wellness  & Adventure Retreat™ ~ Day of The Dead ~ "Dia De Los Muertos"

Join James Knight, founder of Gentle Somatic Yoga®, for 9 days and 8 nights in Ajijic, Mexico ~ on the shores of Lake Chapala

As well as daily self-care practices, this specially designed cultural immersion and somatic yoga retreat experience is to celebrate the Mexican holiday "Día de los Muertos." Ajijic and neighboring villages come alive with vibrant marigold flower altars, and the joyful spirit of the community, providing a unique opportunity to witness and partake in the sacred rituals that honor the deceased. This celebration is filled with color, music, and meaningful traditions, creating an atmosphere that’s both reflective and uplifting.

This is a wonderful opportunity for stress relief, whole-body wellness, community building, and try new things… With options that include:

  • Daily somatic movement and somatic yoga classes ~ ideal for beginners and adaptable for most people
  • Pampering at a healing thermal hot springs and spa (on the shores of Lake Chapala) 
  • A field trip to a nearby town, and private property - that is considered sacred by locals, with vortexes (a special place on the earth where energy is concentrated, through ley lines, that project out of the earth's surface)
  • Explore the cobblestone streets of Ajijic and discover its charming shops, art gallery exhibitions, theater performances, cafés, and restaurants with authentic Mexican food & margaritas
  • Visit local markets for fresh produce, crafts, and regional specialties
  • Educational lectures, ceremonies, face painting, and dressing up in costume 
  • Explore nearby villages like Chapala and Jocotepec for more authentic Mexican experiences
  • Sunrise and sunset strolls on the Malecón (the lakeside boardwalk in Ajijic)
 
Special note: James Knight has been to this part of Mexico multiple times over the past year and is continually drawn back because of the inspiration from this vibrant and healthy (& safe!) community.
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Enjoy watching this beautiful short video highlighting the charming village of Ajijic and Lake Chapala
*Thank you, Susanne Sims, AKA: Zosia (one of James' dear friends who lives in Ajijic) for making this video :) 

Ajijic ~ Lake Chapala

ABOUT THE RETREAT LOCATION

About Ajijic, Mexico: 

Ajijic, Mexico, is a picturesque village nestled on the shores of Lake Chapala. Its welcoming, expatriate community and blend of Mexican tradition with modern comforts make it an enchanting destination. The town is famous for its mild climate, colorful local markets, and rich cultural experiences, from traditional festivals to contemporary art galleries. Whether you're strolling through its safe and quaint streets or relaxing in a cozy café, Ajijic offers a serene, yet lively atmosphere that attracts visitors seeking both relaxation and inspiration.
About Lake Chapala:

Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, is an ideal retreat destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes, the lake offers peaceful waters perfect for boating, kayaking, and bird watching. Its serene environment provides a sense of tranquility, ideal for those seeking mindfulness or simply a break from the hustle of everyday life. The gentle climate, combined with the healing beauty of the landscape, creates a rejuvenating setting for meditation, yoga, and reflection, making it a perfect haven for those on retreat.

EXPLORE 

Day of the Dead Celebration


Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones through celebrations of life, remembrance, and cultural rituals. Rooted in both indigenous traditions and Catholicism, it is believed that during this time, the spirits of the departed return to the world of the living to be reunited with family members with respect and honor. Altars, or ofrendas, are created to offer food, drinks, candles, marigolds, and personal items to guide the spirits back, while colorful skeletons and skulls represent the cycle of life and death in a joyful, rather than mournful, way.
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Día de los Muertos in Ajijic~

Attending a Día de los Muertos celebration in Ajijic, Mexico, is a deeply immersive experience in Mexican culture. The town’s enchanting atmosphere comes alive with vibrant altars, parades, traditional music, and the fragrant aroma of pan de muerto (a special bread made for the occasion). Ajijic's artistic community embraces this holiday with passion, and visitors are welcomed to participate in local customs, from decorating ofrendas to enjoying face painting in the form of festive skulls, and festive costumes. The celebration creates a profound sense of connection to both the past and present, allowing attendees to experience the warmth, joy, and beauty of Mexican traditions in a picturesque lakeside setting.
EAT & DRINK


Experiencing the vibrant cuisine of Ajijic is an unforgettable journey for the all the senses! The town’s mix of traditional Mexican and contemporary culinary offerings provides something for every palate, from classic street food to innovative dishes created by local chefs. The opportunity to dine in scenic restaurants overlooking Lake Chapala, or to visit the bustling markets to sample local treats, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the flavors of the region. The food culture in Ajijic is not just about eating - it’s about gathering, sharing stories, and celebrating life through the enjoyment of delicious, carefully prepared meals and generally safe for tourists.

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Celebrate Life!

About Your Facilitator:

James Knight has been an E-RYT, CHSE (Certified Hanna Somatic Educator by the The Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training), and Integrative Therapist for 30+ years. He is one of the early pioneers to bridge yoga with Somatics (1990's). His passion is to inspire and encourage others to live a fulfilling life of physical, emotional and spiritual freedom.

From his combined experience as a lifelong yogi, intuitive bodyworker, psychotherapist, and movement educator, James founded a method of integrating what he discovered to be the most progressive, life-enhancing techniques into an embodied practice of mindful movement. Gentle Somatic Yoga® (GSY) was born out of years of exploring means of connecting with the deepest aspects of himself.

 This Retreat INCLUDES (all activities below are optional ~ each guest tunes into what they need):

  • Daily somatic movement, Gentle Somatic Yoga® , and meditation classes (except for Sat. & Sun. Nov. 1 -2. No classes held)
  • Sound healing with crystal bowls 
  • Cacao ceremony & ecstatic dance
  • Guest lecture(s) for cultural education 
  • A robust daily suggested schedule. GSY is organizing a miriad of events for the entire retreat, and including the Day of the Dead Celebration Weekend Events (Oct. 31 - Nov. 2)
  • And other surprises along the way ("Trust me... this is an action packed, off the beaten path, customized retreat! ~ something I'm known for! " ~ James) 

This Retreat does not include:
  • Hotel or AirBnb accommodations (HERE is a list of suggestions) & meals 
  • Taxi or Uber from Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to Ajijic (Roundtrip)
  • Daily meals ~ the reason for this is that all participants are staying at potentially different hotels. But we will suggest for times and restaurants to meet at.
  • Face painting for the Day of Dead festivities ~ we have hired make-up artists in Ajijic for you to schedule with
  • Costumes (bring or buy your own in Mexico!)

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Sample DAILY SCHEDULE 

Proposed activities ~ Schedule might change depending on the needs of the group, and the "in the moment" discoveries:

Sunday, October 26th through Monday, November 3rd, 2025

  • Sunday: 5pm Happy Hour: appetizers and drinks at a designated restaurant. Followed by dinner, and later, an orientation for what to expect during the retreat 
  • Monday: Morning Somatic Movement Class followed; introductions and Cacao Ceremony; late lunch; stroll on the boardwalk (Malecon) next to the lake at sunset; group dinner somewhere fabulous
  • Tuesday: Morning Somatic Movement Class; the famous Ajijic Farmers Market (something of the likes you might not have seen before ~ organic food, live music, art, handmade clothing, gifts, and more....); Lunch; afternoon sound healing workshop; Group dinner on the lake
  • Wednesday: Morning Somatic Movement; Free day to do as you wish, however possible activities are: flower market and artesian fair; boat ride to nearby Scorpion Island (Isla de los Alacranes) ~ on Lake Chapala; a tour of the Chapala Society (there is a restaurant on site), along with cultural lecture; and more to be announced; Another fabu group dinner  
  • Thursday: Morning Somatic Movement Class; Spending the entire day at a local thermal hot spring and spa (there is a restaurant on site for lunch); Dinner on your own 
  • Friday: Morning Somatic Movement Class; Lunch; art galleries, shopping for costumes and/or gifts; "Official last organized group dinner" ~  somewhere festive; desert/drinks with group orientation/intention setting for the Day of the Dead festival; dancing into the evening?!  There also might be a live drumming circle on the Malecon after sunset.... ***lots of potential surprises like this throughout the week! 
  • Saturday: Day of Dead Festival ~ face painting, parades, and celebrations day and night! 
  • Sunday: Day of Dead Festival ~ face painting, parades, festivals, and celebrations day and night! 
  • Monday: Morning closing circle (may or may not include movement class TBD); check-out - or maybe you are staying on longer.


Retreat Price: $1,513

*Option to Save $200 below when paid in full or payment plan

PLEASE NOTE: This is a retreat does not include accommodations, meals, or travels expenses

$500 Deposit saves your reservation on this retreat

For your convenience, HERE is a list of suggested hotels and travel tips to book the details of your trip.

Email customercare@gentlesomaticyoga.com of you have any questions about our updated reservation process.

Watch this short video below that includes last year's Day of the Dead festival in Ajijic ~ 2024
Please enter your information below to secure your space in the retreat. 
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Our cancellation policy is as follows:  Deposits are due upon registering.  In-person event deposits are non-refundable. If the event you are registered for is more than 60 days out, partial refunds for the remaining payment may be considered, on a case-by-case basis.  There are no refunds if you cancel 30 or less before the retreat begins.
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Regular full price for this Retreat is:  $1,513
Special Offer: $1,313 ($813 or 2 payments of $407 after deposit)

Your retreat reservation includes all Gentle Somatic Yoga® classes, selected guided activities, and other group offerings (see schedule above). 

*Please note the hotel and food are NOT included in this fee.

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