Culinary and Culture Retreat Mexico + Gourmet Probiotics Fermentation

Location icon
IT Hotel Playa, 1a. Norte MZ 157 LT 4, Zazil-ha, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Users icon
Up to 8 in group
Date
February 4 - 8, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • A holistic package for you to learn professional cooking skills and experience the culture from a whole new perspective, from native ceremonies to exclusive tours in a nice hotel setting close to the ocean.

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Join world-class Chef Coty and nutrition Chef Juan for "Awaken Your Senses," a 5-day culinary and yoga retreat in Playa del Carmen. This journey is designed to nourish your body and soul, taking you far beyond the usual tourist spots and into the authentic heart of the Riviera Maya. You'll connect personally with Mexican culture, explore ancient sites, and discover hidden local gems, all while enjoying a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and hands-on cooking classes.

-Probiotic food 101-
But what if probiotic food you might ask? ...Well it is when food or drinks go a natural fermentation process in which the textures, flavors and even nutrition of your food gets an outstanding upgrade. You will learn:
*How to ferment vegetables
*Making kombucha from scratch
*Natural ways of preserving food and juices
*How to reduce sugars and turn them into vitamins
*How to make amazing dishes that make you feel good

Schedule

*7:00 AM - Sunrise yoga
*9:00 AM - The Perfect Smoothie lesson
*10:00 AM - Cooking School 3 course session
*7:00 PM - Dinner
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Life Synergy Retreat, IT Hotel Playa, 1a. Norte MZ 157 LT 4, Zazil-ha, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Directions

Finding us couldn't be easier and we would be happy to help with transportation to and from the airport in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The hotel is located in a central zone with easy access.

Accommodation

The hotel is conveniently located within a few steps from the beach to enjoy on your free time, with modestly luxurious rooms.

Accommodation
Double Queen Shared Room - Lessons, materials, meals, accommodation
Accommodation
Master bedroom - Lessons, materials, meals, accommodation

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
We are located minutes from the beautiful , breath-taking beaches and Caribbean sea. We are surrounded by a bounty of natural beauty to help you surrender into quiet and peace as well as being close to the buzzing walking street of 5th avenue with all types of restaurants, museums, attractions and nightlife.

Meals

Menu Types

"Functional Nutrition is nutrition-based care focused on building health by restoring proper physiological functioning of the body" Our food is indeed the one of the most wonderful and healing aspects of our retreat programs and service . Our menu is bursting with specially crafted meals rich in minerals and vitamins , anti-inflammatory and probiotic ingredients . We make, source and prepare all of our meals at the retreat. We cater for vegans , vegetarians and all other dietary requirements or preferences . Here is an example of a typical days meals , please see our website to see the full range of what we offer - Breakfast : Omega 3 infused vanilla kefir with fresh fruit and granola Lunch: Kale, sweet potato and wild rice superfood salad with capers and pistachios Dinner: Citrus salad with apples, mandarines, berries, pecan nuts, tahini and kombucha vinaigrette, optional feta cheese. Snacks: Gourmet Sauerkraut fermented with vanilla, chipotle, and cranberries; a four week process Dessert: Cacao and cinnamon protein balls with dates and pecans Drinks : Anti-inflammatory kombucha formula Healing Indian turmeric milk, with spices, coconut milk and rooibos tea on copper pitch

What's Included

  • All cooking courses
  • Yoga Lessons
  • Breathwork
  • Cacao Ceremony
  • Massage Therapy Session
  • Tours and transportation to activities and school,
  • All meals and luxury hotel accommodation.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare, transportation from airport.

Customer Reviews

4.82 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
June retreat, a blessing
This group is amazing! With all life stressors and challenges in taking time for this retreat, I was blessed to get connected with Juan. He and Tati and Michelle and Sadi made this spiritual journey for me an amazing experience. There is so much so say about everything in this 5 day experience. I may not have super enjoyed the hotel I was in, but this review has nothing to do with the hotel and everything to do with the wonderful work these folks do. They were warm, welcoming and supportive through all the days/ceremonies I went through with them. If you are considering going on a spiritual journey aided by these medicines, please know you are in good hands. You will be safe and loved and honored as you walk this path. I hope to see them all again someday, I know their supportive voices will be with me in the next chapter of my life.

5.0
Verified logo
Words aren't enough
I've had the opportunity to do this amazing retreat twice. Though the lessons from the medicine were unique each time (and sometimes not easy to process!), both times were the same in terms of quality (food, hotel, transportation), friendliness, warmth, and human connection. I never once felt unsafe or not being looked after, which was absolutely essential for me to be able to completely relax and let the medicine work its magic. I'm not surprised at all I'm not the only one who's decided to come back, and that many participants are sent by their loved ones. I wish I could convey the sense of mental peace and gratitude I've experienced after the temazcal ceremony, but words aren't enough. I honestly hope every single person on Earth gets to experience something like that at least once in their lives. I'm not planning to make a habit of this, but next time I feel the need of the medicine I know where I'll be headed. GRACIAS!

5.0
Verified logo
If I could give this 10 stars I would
I'm still glowing from the experience - this whole retreat was crafted with so much love and genuine care. I'm incredibly thankful for the facilitators, each one of them shared so much wisdom and their local culture with us. I made new friends, laughed harder than I have in a long time and left feeling so much lighter. Thank you to Juan, Sadi, Michelle, Tatiana and all the other people that were involved behind the scenes. I'd recommend this experience in a heartbeat to anyone who has been struggling and wants to see life in a new light of appreciation. The locations where beautiful with Sadis temazcal ceremony being my highlight of the retreat. The food was great too. Again thank you to everyone and until we meet again.

5.0
Verified logo
Unexpected most wonderful surprise!!!
I’m returning home today after an amazing visit with Juan, Xenia, Patrik, Sadi and our group. We now have a bond for life that is embedded in time. If someone tried to tell me what to expect coming here, I might have said “what, really?” All I can say is, have no expectations because it cannot be put into words. It can only be experienced to then understand. I can say though, wholeheartedly that this the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time

5.0
Verified logo
Amazing experience
Everything about the retreat was perfect. Everyone involved, from Juan and the ceremony leaders to the wait staff at the hotel, were incredibly friendly and supportive. The food was delicious. The ceremonies felt authentic and really put you in the right mindset for a meaningful experience. I highly recommend Juan and Life Synergy Retreat.

Similar retreats