Barbarenas, Calle Conejos, Brisas de Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, San Pedro Mixtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico
Flexible Dates
About this Retreat
Armando is a passionate chef dedicated to plant-based Mexican cuisine. With 14 years of kitchen experience—and the last 4 focused on vegan cooking—he has mastered the art of transforming traditional regional recipes into vibrant plant-based versions that honor flavor, culture, and sustainability.
For the past 5 years, he’s been the resident chef at Barbarenas, where his food not only nourishes the body but feeds the soul. His workshops are celebrations of flavor and community, filled with laughter, stories, and heart. Whether he's guiding you through a smoky Oaxacan mole or showing how to hand-press tortillas, you’ll leave inspired and full of love for the kitchen.
Details of this retreat
Immerse yourself in the flavors, aromas, and traditions of plant-based Mexican cuisine in this one-of-a-kind culinary retreat guided by Chef Armando. Designed for food lovers, wellness seekers, and curious souls, this experience invites you to reconnect with the land, your body, and your creativity through cooking, yoga, and nature. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned cook, you'll leave with recipes, skills, and unforgettable memories.
A Self-Care Retreat in an Eco-Conscious Oasis
Enjoy the perfect balance of creativity, rest, and holistic wellness at Barbarenas—your sanctuary for self-care tucked away in a hidden corner of Oaxaca. Stay in one of our nature-surrounded eco-cabañas and delight in fresh, local vegan breakfasts and lunches prepared with love and intention.
Culinary Retreat Program
During your stay at Barbarenas, you’ll dive into a journey of flavor, creativity, and connection. Your retreat includes:
3 Hands-On Vegan Mexican Cooking Classes
Daily Yoga Classes
Nutritious Vegan Breakfast and Lunch
Access to Peaceful Common Areas for Relaxation
A Unique Homemade Salsa Macha Every Day – A Signature by Chef Armando
Each cooking class includes the preparation of:
*Traditional Vegan Starter*Regional Plant-Based Main Dish*Creative, Experimental Dessert*Plus a Different Signature Salsa Macha Each Day by the Chef
Sample Menu – First 3 Days:
Day 1 – Oaxacan ClassicVegan Tlayudas + experimental dessert + signature salsa macha
Day 2 – Flavor & Texture FusionVegan Tamales with homemade Mole + experimental dessert + signature salsa macha
Day 3 – Festive FavoritesVegan Stuffed Chiles + experimental dessert + signature salsa macha
From Day 4 onward, each additional retreat day will include a new cooking class, with different dishes from the rich and colorful tapestry of traditional Mexican cuisine—transformed into vibrant vegan versions.(Extended recipe list coming soon.)
What’s Included in Your Stay?
Choose from retreat lengths of 3 to 8 nights:
3/4 nights & 4/5 days: 3/4 cooking classes
5/6 nights & 6/7 days: 5/6 cooking classes
7/8 nights & 8/9 days: 7/8 cooking classes
Plus:
Up to 3 Yoga Classes per Day in our ocean-view shala
Holistic Experiences Every Other Day: Temazcal, Icebath, Shamanic Drums, special workshops.
Private Room, Eco-Cabaña, or Shared Dorm Options
Pool, Communal Kitchen, and Serene Shared Spaces
Complimentary Fruits, Tea & Coffee All Day
Good to Know
We recommend bringing natural bug repellent and cash in Mexican pesos, as ATMs are limited in the area.Barbarenas is a tech-light sanctuary — a place to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and savor each moment.
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