A beach retreat off-the-beaten path in El Salvador.
February 18 - 24, 2024
We're heading to a little-known slice of paradise in Central America— Playa El Tunco, El Salvador.
Together, Bree Dillon, owner of Motive, and Ashleigh McIntyre, beloved Motive yoga and breathwork teacher, have created a week-long retreat for adventuresome yogis seeking a mid-winter recharge. Seize this unique opportunity to dive deep into your practice and explore a new world of beach, jungle, and surf.
Our home for this week is a boutique beachfront, surf hotel called Balancé Yoga & Surf Retreat. Balancé was developed by a passionate husband and wife couple who are steeped in both worlds of yoga and surfing. It's a stunning facility with lots of sweet amenities— a beautiful yoga studio, plunge pool, walkable to town, surf lessons and board rentals galore. We'll dine al fresco with deliciously prepared fresh, local cuisine including vegetarian and vegan options.
El Salvador is a warm and friendly Spanish speaking country with a beautiful Pacific coastline. February temps in are in the 80’s and the time change is only 1 hour! It's a world away without the effort which means no wasted time on things like jet lag.
YOGA
Each day, we'll offer AM and PM practices ranging from 90-120 minutes designed to remind us how alive we are! They will each include functional movement, intentional breathing, and exploratory meditation. Additionally, we'll offer 2 separate 2-hour yoga workshops to more deeply investigate body & breath through the lense of prana — our vital energy and life force. Practice movement. Practice breath. Practice awareness. Practice presence. Feel prana rising!
SURF
Whether you surf or you enjoy soaking in the wave energy from the water's edge, El Salvador boasts world class waves with the most consistent breaks in the country directly out the door. The retreat center is equipped with surf instructors available for lessons if you want them. Lessons and board rentals can all be booked directly with Balancé once you arrive.
LOCATION
Our home for the week is located in the amazing surf town, Playa El Tunco. As you’ll find, El Tunco has a style all its own — great people, fresh seafood, and epic sunsets. Together, with other world travelers, you'll enjoy them while sitting on the seawall gazing over the iconic rock of Playa El Tunco and watching the surfers take their magic carpet rides. The best sunsets of the year are from the months of October through March.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At Balancé you will retreat in style. This 11-room boutique hotel does not skimp on the amenities… All rooms have: hot water showers, a private bathroom, a private terrace, mini fridge, tea kettle, premium linens and towels, keyless entry locks, screened windows and doors to keep the fresh air in and the bugs out, high speed fiber optic internet, 5 gallon purified, water dispenser, air conditioning, closet/organizer, and a safe.
Each room is unique with layouts to accommodate triple, double or single occupancy. At the time of purchase please select your occupancy preference and we’ll match you to the room best suited to your selection.
PRICING
Registration closes December 18.
Triple Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Includes
2 nourishing meals per day (breakfast & dinner)
a daily pressed juice or smoothie
a daily fresh coconut water
all the yoga (twice daily classes + 2 workshops)
6 nights at boutique hotel Balancé Retreat
transportation: to and from the airport
Excludes
airfare
lunch
adult beverages
Optional Add-Ons*
surf lessons
surf board rentals
massage onsite
hiking and other day excursions
*book directly with Balancé upon arrival
Rough Itinerary
February 18
4pm arrive + settle
6pm opening dinner
February 19-23
AM Practice
9:30 Breakfast
11-4 Free Time
+ Lunch on your own
1pm Workshop (T, Th)
6pm Dinner
PM Practice
February 24
11am check out
Your Teachers for the Week...
Bree Dillon
Bree is the founder of Motive Yoga Co. She came to yoga as a competitive athlete in 2001, but fell into a long term relationship with it because of its power to make her feel whole. She deeply believes in the value that immersive retreat experiences offer and has led yoga-based trips in Norway, Mexico, Hawaii, and El Salvador to name a few. Bree takes a heart-centered and anatomy-smart approach to teaching. Her expertise is recognizing and responding to her students’ differences. Yoga with Bree makes sense in your body based on how it is designed and challenges your physical and mental limitations so you can experience the freedom you desire.
Ashleigh McIntyre
The first time Ashleigh stepped onto her mat in 2011 she instantly felt a sense of coming home to her body. Ashleigh started teaching in 2012 and truly believes in the healing possibilities through the practices of yoga. In Ashleigh’s classes, you can expect to flow through an intentional playlist. She emphasizes the importance of moving the body with the rhythm of your breath and encourages fluid movement. She asks that you honor your body in your practice, and that you stay present in order to savor the moment that you have carved out for yourself on your mat. Ashleigh is also a certified breathwork instructor.