Mariposa: An Expressive Arts Therapy Retreat
Mariposa: An Expressive Arts Therapy Retreat
Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Up to 8 in group
February 8 - 15, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- 7 days we will spend 7 full days working with each chakra.
- Receive a Chakra Lab Workbook - packed with goodies - specialized information, journaling prompts, hand-drawn illustrations by Zoë
- A special surprise gift designed by Zoë will be awaiting your arrival
- FREE Personalized Chakra Reading by Marie, of Chakra Checkups
- Learn polyvagal theory so you can restore your nervous system
- Meet and express your inner family of selves
- Learn how to work with your chakras
- Learn creative and fun ways to do shadow work
- Practice expressive arts therapies - visual art, writing, drama, music, and dance
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Zoë holds an MA in Counseling Psychology, with a focus in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies and a BA in Studio Art and East Asian Studies from Oberlin College. Zoë is a certified Yoga Teacher trained at Yandara Yoga Institute and Reiki Practitioner trained with Allison Eaton. She is also a graduate of Tara Moh’r Playing Big Women’s Leadership program.
First Resume: Illustrating Artist Writer Dancer
Zoë also has 6 years of professional training & experience as an actor, improvisor and dancer in New York City, and was a performing member of the improv troupe Awkward Face with Pan Theater in Oakland, California. She was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for all NYC all woman rock band, Social Service, and started blogging in 2012, with ZOELAB 365, when she committed to a year of breathless, daily multimedia blogging as away to lift herself out of postpartum depression. She continues to blog, sharing her philosophy, the creative process, motherhood and off-the grid living. She is now in the process of reforming her art rock band Zoë & The Mischief with all women.
Since she was a child, Zoë has been dedicated to making art and to helping others make art. She has continuously woven between many art forms, including: photography, graphic design, drawing, film, theater, video, dance, poetry, essays, screenplays, journaling, comedy, songwriting, guitar and singing--and has no plans to specialize.
Todos Santos Community Building
Pre-pandemic Zoë was a community leader in the burgeoning art scene in Todos Santos. She hosted the Todos Santos Open Reading, a monthly event where writers of all types gathered to share their work, as well as host of the legendary Munchies Open Mic, creator of Mariposa Night, a multi-arts event an open community gathering. Zoë was also a founding member of La Baja 100, a community of local emerging and established artists in Todos Santos and a 3 time Co-Creator & Presenter at Women Awakening, an International Women's Summit in Todos Santos, Mexico
Details of this retreat
Join Expressive Arts Therapist & MultiDisciplinary Artist, Zoë Dearborn, for Mariposa: The Art of Becoming, a 7-day experience where creativity, psychology, and embodiment come together as a path of self-actualization.
This isn’t your typical “retreat.” Yes, you’ll have time to swim, rest, and soak in beauty… but Mariposa is designed as a transformational intensive — blending depth psychology, expressive arts therapy, meditation, movement, and shadow work.
Think of it as a laboratory of your becoming more deeply yourself — where structure meets flow, intelligence meets intuition, and you’re guided to awaken each of your seven chakras as doorways into wholeness.
Featuring the laboratories of movement, meditation, dance, yoga, and art therapy that Zoë has been developing in Todos Santos for the past 15 years:
- Dance lab
- Art journal lab
- Chakra flow yoga
- Mariposa night
- Zoë’s signature Embodied Imagination Process
During the Mariposa Retreat, you will:
- Learn polyvagal theory so you can restore your nervous system
- Meet and express your inner family of selves
- Learn how to work with your chakras
- Learn creative and fun ways to do shadow work
- Practice expressive arts therapies - visual art, writing, drama, music, and dance
- Move your body in new ways
- Enjoy healthy gourmet meals
- Create deep bonds and life-changing experiences
Retreat from your life with this special chance to go inward, discover, heal, and express all your selves in a therapeutic space in one of the most beautiful spots in the world - Hidden Leaf Baja in Todos Santos, Mexico.
This isn’t your typical “retreat.” Yes, you’ll have time to swim, rest, and soak in beauty… but Mariposa is designed as a transformational intensive — blending depth psychology, expressive arts therapy, meditation, movement, and shadow work.
Think of it as a laboratory of your becoming more deeply yourself — where structure meets flow, intelligence meets intuition, and you’re guided to awaken each of your seven chakras as doorways into wholeness.
Featuring the laboratories of movement, meditation, dance, yoga, and art therapy that Zoë has been developing in Todos Santos for the past 15 years:
- Dance lab
- Art journal lab
- Chakra flow yoga
- Mariposa night
- Zoë’s signature Embodied Imagination Process
During the Mariposa Retreat, you will:
- Learn polyvagal theory so you can restore your nervous system
- Meet and express your inner family of selves
- Learn how to work with your chakras
- Learn creative and fun ways to do shadow work
- Practice expressive arts therapies - visual art, writing, drama, music, and dance
- Move your body in new ways
- Enjoy healthy gourmet meals
- Create deep bonds and life-changing experiences
Retreat from your life with this special chance to go inward, discover, heal, and express all your selves in a therapeutic space in one of the most beautiful spots in the world - Hidden Leaf Baja in Todos Santos, Mexico.
Schedule
Embark on a transformative journey through the seven chakras during the Mariposa Expressive Arts Therapy Retreat in Todos Santos, Mexico. Each day is dedicated to exploring and nurturing a specific chakra, allowing for a comprehensive and holistic approach to personal growth and self-discovery.
Day 1 - Root Chakra: Muladhara. Begin your journey at the foundational level, focusing on the Root Chakra. Zoë will guide you through her Signature Chakra Flow Yoga, combining it with chakra toning and a presentation on Polyvagal Theory and Practices. Engage in a Chakra Assessment to learn how to balance your energy centers. The day continues with an Art Journal Lab, a guided meditation, visual art exploration, journaling, group sharing, and a hands-on ceramics workshop.
Day 2 - Sacral Chakra: Svadhisthana Delve into the water element of emotion, desire, and sensuality as you explore the Sacral Chakra. Activities include Chakra Flow Yoga with toning, a presentation and assessment of the Sacral Chakra, inner child work, and Zoë's Embodied Imagination Therapeutic Process. The day concludes with a Dance Lab, integrating meditation, visualization, movement, Pilates, and improvised dance, followed by a serene Sunset Beach Ocean Ritual.
Day 3 - Solar Chakra: Manipura Ignite your inner fire with a focus on the Solar Chakra. Experience Kundalini Yoga with Pranayama, delve into drama therapy, embodiment, and empowerment. The day includes an exploration of will through an Art Journal Lab, a presentation and assessment of the Solar Plexus Chakra, and an Evening Fire Meditation & Ceremony to harness the power of action and will.
Day 4 - Heart Chakra: Anahata Shift to the airy realm of love, connection, and balance with the Heart Chakra. Engage in Heart-focused Chakra Flow Yoga, a presentation and assessment of the Heart Chakra, and an Art Journal Lab centered around heart and soul expression. Embrace the archetypes of Queen and Healer, experiencing Zoë’s Embodied Imagination Therapeutic Process individually, in pairs, and as a group. The day concludes with an outing to Todos Santos, featuring dancing at Jardín Alquimia.
Day 5 - Throat Chakra: Vishuddha Enter the domain of sound, voice, truth, and expression as you explore the Throat Chakra. Activities include Kundalini Yoga with Japa and Kirtan Singing, a presentation and assessment of the Throat Chakra, and an Art Journal Lab focused on finding your voice. Delve into the shadow with an exploration of the Inner Critic archetype, a shadow workshop, and a singing/songwriting workshop. The day concludes with a private fireside concert by Zoë.
Day 6 - Third Eye Chakra: Ajna Shift your focus to the light, seeing, symbols, and intuition with the Third Eye Chakra. Engage in Chakra Flow Yoga, meditation, and pranayama. Explore the Third Eye Chakra through a presentation and assessment, an Art Journal Lab, and an exploration of the visionary and higher self archetypes. Enjoy a gallery walk in Todos Santos, a sunset meditation, and an evening meditation lab.
Day 7 - Crown Chakra: Sahasrara Conclude your transformative journey with a focus on thought, knowledge, consciousness, and divinity at the Crown Chakra. Activities include Chakra Flow Yoga with meditation, a presentation and assessment of the Crown Chakra, and an overview of all seven chakras. Participate in an Art Journal Lab exploring divinity, transcendence, and immanence. Cap off your experience with a workshop by Marie of Chakra Check-ups, a personal written chakra report, a Q & A discussion, and a Dance Lab for all your selves. The day concludes with a Sunset Archetype Photoshoot, allowing you to capture the essence of your favorite archetype from the week, followed by a final celebration and dance party.
Day 1 - Root Chakra: Muladhara. Begin your journey at the foundational level, focusing on the Root Chakra. Zoë will guide you through her Signature Chakra Flow Yoga, combining it with chakra toning and a presentation on Polyvagal Theory and Practices. Engage in a Chakra Assessment to learn how to balance your energy centers. The day continues with an Art Journal Lab, a guided meditation, visual art exploration, journaling, group sharing, and a hands-on ceramics workshop.
Day 2 - Sacral Chakra: Svadhisthana Delve into the water element of emotion, desire, and sensuality as you explore the Sacral Chakra. Activities include Chakra Flow Yoga with toning, a presentation and assessment of the Sacral Chakra, inner child work, and Zoë's Embodied Imagination Therapeutic Process. The day concludes with a Dance Lab, integrating meditation, visualization, movement, Pilates, and improvised dance, followed by a serene Sunset Beach Ocean Ritual.
Day 3 - Solar Chakra: Manipura Ignite your inner fire with a focus on the Solar Chakra. Experience Kundalini Yoga with Pranayama, delve into drama therapy, embodiment, and empowerment. The day includes an exploration of will through an Art Journal Lab, a presentation and assessment of the Solar Plexus Chakra, and an Evening Fire Meditation & Ceremony to harness the power of action and will.
Day 4 - Heart Chakra: Anahata Shift to the airy realm of love, connection, and balance with the Heart Chakra. Engage in Heart-focused Chakra Flow Yoga, a presentation and assessment of the Heart Chakra, and an Art Journal Lab centered around heart and soul expression. Embrace the archetypes of Queen and Healer, experiencing Zoë’s Embodied Imagination Therapeutic Process individually, in pairs, and as a group. The day concludes with an outing to Todos Santos, featuring dancing at Jardín Alquimia.
Day 5 - Throat Chakra: Vishuddha Enter the domain of sound, voice, truth, and expression as you explore the Throat Chakra. Activities include Kundalini Yoga with Japa and Kirtan Singing, a presentation and assessment of the Throat Chakra, and an Art Journal Lab focused on finding your voice. Delve into the shadow with an exploration of the Inner Critic archetype, a shadow workshop, and a singing/songwriting workshop. The day concludes with a private fireside concert by Zoë.
Day 6 - Third Eye Chakra: Ajna Shift your focus to the light, seeing, symbols, and intuition with the Third Eye Chakra. Engage in Chakra Flow Yoga, meditation, and pranayama. Explore the Third Eye Chakra through a presentation and assessment, an Art Journal Lab, and an exploration of the visionary and higher self archetypes. Enjoy a gallery walk in Todos Santos, a sunset meditation, and an evening meditation lab.
Day 7 - Crown Chakra: Sahasrara Conclude your transformative journey with a focus on thought, knowledge, consciousness, and divinity at the Crown Chakra. Activities include Chakra Flow Yoga with meditation, a presentation and assessment of the Crown Chakra, and an overview of all seven chakras. Participate in an Art Journal Lab exploring divinity, transcendence, and immanence. Cap off your experience with a workshop by Marie of Chakra Check-ups, a personal written chakra report, a Q & A discussion, and a Dance Lab for all your selves. The day concludes with a Sunset Archetype Photoshoot, allowing you to capture the essence of your favorite archetype from the week, followed by a final celebration and dance party.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Hidden Leaf Baja, Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Directions
On Google Maps and Apple Maps under Hidden Leaf Baja
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.5298271,-122.6965623/google+hidden+leaf+baja/@32.3848128,-174.3373126,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x86af01f7bc6447d7:0xe387123ba4ff7d9d!2m2!1d-110.2564954!2d23.4777871?entry=ttu
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.5298271,-122.6965623/google+hidden+leaf+baja/@32.3848128,-174.3373126,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x86af01f7bc6447d7:0xe387123ba4ff7d9d!2m2!1d-110.2564954!2d23.4777871?entry=ttu
Accommodation
Hidden Leaf Baja transcends being merely a destination; it's an expedition into realms of personal growth, wellbeing, and the harmonious embrace of community. At the heart of our ethos is collaboration with remarkable practitioners, meticulously curating an array of offerings tailored to your individual needs. Here, we celebrate the power of unity, embarking on a shared journey towards self-discovery, holistic rejuvenation, and the interwoven connections binding us all.
Share this Dome suite with another guest. Embrace the camaraderie of our Glamping Suites each featuring two individual beds, perfect for shared experiences. Nestled within a spacious 16 x 16 Dome, this sanctuary allows double occupancy. Enjoy the convenience of an en suite private bathroom and shower, ensuring your comfort while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Book this 2 bed suite for yourself only. Embrace the camaraderie of our Dome Suites each featuring two individual beds, perfect for shared experiences. Nestled within a spacious 16 x 16 Dome, this sanctuary allows double occupancy. Enjoy the convenience of an en suite private bathroom and shower, ensuring your comfort while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Experience tranquility in our two Dome Suites each featuring a luxurious queen bed. This 16 x 16 dome accommodates single or double occupancy, inviting you to revel in the intimacy of nature without compromising on comfort. Your private en suite bathroom and shower ensure convenience and privacy, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the splendor of your surroundings.
Adjacent to the Main House lies a second home, offering queen a bedroom, and a shared bathroom across from the queen bedroom (13 x 12). A fully equipped kitchen harmonizes with an open living and dining space, embraced by the warmth of a garden view fireplace. A private courtyard offers an intimate outdoor sanctuary, while the rooftop deck lures with lounge seating and a built-in fireplace, perfect for stargazing or whale watching.
Step into the Main House, where two queen bedrooms (13 x 13) adorned with en suite bathrooms provide comfort and solace. The heart of this dwelling is a spacious chef-style kitchen seamlessly blending into a welcoming living room. A generous 10-person dining space invites shared nourishment. Venture outside to the main level's outdoor living and dining realm, where a sunken gas fire pit gazes out over the expanse of the beach. Ascend to the rooftop, where a shaded lounge area and a family-style dining table for 10 stand ready. An outdoor kitchen, complete with a fridge, sink, and grill, beckons you to savor sunrises over mountains and sunsets over the ocean.
Adjacent to the Main House lies a second home, offering a king bedroom, with the king bedroom (17 x 13) accompanied by an en suite bathroom. A fully equipped kitchen harmonizes with an open living and dining space, embraced by the warmth of a garden view fireplace. A private courtyard offers an intimate outdoor sanctuary, while the rooftop deck lures with lounge seating and a built-in fireplace, perfect for stargazing or whale watching.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
sunken fire pit, outdoor eating areas, indoor eating spaces, outdoor activity spaces
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Depending on the retreat
What's Included
- Pre Retreat Introduction
- Accommodations
- Meals + Beverages
- Welcome Refreshments
- Itinerary Details
- Daily Yoga / Meditation
- Specialized Workshops
- Dance Outing
- Art Walk + Dinner
- Chakra Lab Workbook
- Chakra Reading
- Surprise Gift
- Post Retreat Integration
- Taxes + Fees
- Transportation
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Additional Activities
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