The Alchemy of Your Story: A Writing Retreat with Laura Esquivel
The Alchemy of Your Story: A Writing Retreat with Laura Esquivel
Mahai Retreat, LT 501, Sin Colonia, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Up to 26 in group
Mar 1 - 7, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Writing, Ritual and Connection
- Awaken Creativity
- Confront Fear & Emotional Addiction
- Begin a New Story
- Breathwork & Tea Baths
- Culinary Adventure
- Guided Snorkeling
- Private ocean-front venue
- Ocean-front swimming pool
- Delicious chef-prepared meals
- Beautiful workshop spaces overlooking the ocean
About this Retreat
Best known for her book 'Like Water for Chocolate', Laura Esquivel’s writing celebrates the intersection of emotion, food, and transformation. Her work invites readers to rediscover the sacredness of everyday life and the creative power within.
Laura Esquivel is one of the most renowned Mexican writers worldwide. Her work has transcended borders by combining literature, history, gastronomy, and cultural identity in stories that have been translated into more than 40 languages, leaving a profound mark on contemporary literature.
Alongside her literary career, Laura Esquivel has played an active role in Mexico’s cultural and political life. Between 2008 and 2011, she served as Director General of Culture in Coyoacán, promoting various artistic and community initiatives. In 2015, she was part of the first group of legislators elected by the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), pushing forward projects in support of culture and education. Later, between 2022 and 2024, she served as Mexico’s Ambassador to Brazil, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for both her literary and cinematographic work as well as her contribution to culture. In 2010, she was awarded the Pablo Neruda Order of Artistic and Cultural Merit by the Government of Chile for her outstanding contribution to Latin American culture. Among the most recent distinctions is an Honorary Doctorate awarded by the University of St Andrews. Likewise, in September 2024, the Government of Brazil conferred upon her the National Order of the Southern Cross (Blue Grade), in recognition of her influence in literature and her role in the international promotion of Latin American identity.
Her commitment to literature, history, and activism has made her one of the most influential voices in contemporary Mexican culture. Her work, beyond the page, has served as a tool for social transformation, inspiring generations of readers to explore their own roots.
YARELI ARIZMENDI is an award-winning actress, writer, and producer, as well as a social activist. She is best known for her performances as Rosaura in Like Water for Chocolate and as Lila Rodriguez in A Day Without a Mexican, a movie she co-wrote and co-produced. With more than a twenty-six-year solid professional career, she has appeared in multiple television programs and films.
In addition, starting with Like Water for Chocolate (1996), she has narrated a wide array of audiobooks, including her latest, Ursula Le Guin’s Always Coming Home, Maria Hinojosa’s Una Vez Fui Tu, Reyna Grande’s The Distance Between Us, The Empress, Codigo de la Vida, and American Dirt,
Her TED Talk: Making the Invisible Visible, is a declaration of both personal and professional intents.
Her novel, PASADO PERFECTO, will be released by Almuzara in 2026.
A member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts (OSCARS), she earned a B.A. in Political Science and an MFA in Theater from the University of California, San Diego
Details of this retreat
Transform your story. Transform your life.
Step into a week of creativity, reflection, and magic at Mahai Retreat, guided by celebrated author Laura Esquivel, whose timeless novel Like Water for Chocolate awakened hearts around the world, and Yareli Arizmendi, award-winning actress, writer, and translator.
Through writing, ritual, and connection with nature, The Alchemy of Your Story invites you to explore who you have been — and to reimagine who you are becoming.
------
A Transformational Journey of Story & Spirit
The Alchemy of Your Story is a seven-day writing retreat for people ready to awaken their creative voice and rewrite the narratives that shape their lives.
Blending guided writing exercises, movement, storytelling, and ritual in a paradise by the sea, this retreat invites you to uncover your authentic voice — and infuse your life with the magic of self-expression.
------
🔥 Sample Daily Flow
Day 1 – Arrival & Opening Ceremony
Welcome dinner, introduction with Laura & Yareli & opening ceremony.
Day 2 – My Story & Change
Morning movement, two writing sessions, evening sound healing.
Day 3 – Redesigning & Beginning Again
Morning workshop, guided snorkeling trip, meditation at sunset, yoga nidra.
Day 4 – Fears & Identity
Silent walk, writing, cacao ceremony, storytelling around the fire.
Day 5 – Emotional Alchemy
Writing on guilt and willpower, film screening of Like Water for Chocolate + Q&A.
Day 6 – Forgiveness & Celebration
Final writing session, feast & literary salon.
Day 7 – Closing Circle & Departure
-------------
🌺 Culinary Experience
Meals will celebrate the sensual and emotional richness of traditional Mexican vegetarian cuisine — lovingly prepared with local ingredients and herbs chosen for their healing and emotional resonance.
Each evening concludes with dessert and a tea ritual inspired by Esquivel’s philosophy of nourishment as magic.
Brooklyn-based Mexican chef Damian Escalante will be preparing beautiful meals crafted in partnership with Laura Esquivel.
---------------
✨ If you’ve been carrying stories that no longer fit—this is your rewrite.
You’ve been strong for so long.
Telling the stories others needed to hear.
Fulfilling roles, repeating patterns, silencing parts of yourself just to keep the peace.
But something inside you is whispering—it’s time to begin again.
To write from truth, not survival.
To find the voice that has been waiting patiently beneath the noise.
This retreat is for you if you feel:
- A chapter of your life is closing and you’re not sure what comes next.
- You’re ready to express yourself but don’t know where to begin.
- You’ve been living someone else’s story and want to find your own voice.
- You’re craving inspiration, sisterhood, and beauty that awakens the senses.
- You long to transform pain into art, memory into meaning, and silence into song.
-----------
This retreat is your invitation to reclaim the pen of your life.
To step into a sacred space where writing becomes ritual, emotion becomes wisdom, and your story becomes a living prayer.
Here, surrounded by the sea, the stars, and the language of the heart—you will remember that you are both the author and the alchemist.
Step into a week of creativity, reflection, and magic at Mahai Retreat, guided by celebrated author Laura Esquivel, whose timeless novel Like Water for Chocolate awakened hearts around the world, and Yareli Arizmendi, award-winning actress, writer, and translator.
Through writing, ritual, and connection with nature, The Alchemy of Your Story invites you to explore who you have been — and to reimagine who you are becoming.
------
A Transformational Journey of Story & Spirit
The Alchemy of Your Story is a seven-day writing retreat for people ready to awaken their creative voice and rewrite the narratives that shape their lives.
Blending guided writing exercises, movement, storytelling, and ritual in a paradise by the sea, this retreat invites you to uncover your authentic voice — and infuse your life with the magic of self-expression.
------
🔥 Sample Daily Flow
Day 1 – Arrival & Opening Ceremony
Welcome dinner, introduction with Laura & Yareli & opening ceremony.
Day 2 – My Story & Change
Morning movement, two writing sessions, evening sound healing.
Day 3 – Redesigning & Beginning Again
Morning workshop, guided snorkeling trip, meditation at sunset, yoga nidra.
Day 4 – Fears & Identity
Silent walk, writing, cacao ceremony, storytelling around the fire.
Day 5 – Emotional Alchemy
Writing on guilt and willpower, film screening of Like Water for Chocolate + Q&A.
Day 6 – Forgiveness & Celebration
Final writing session, feast & literary salon.
Day 7 – Closing Circle & Departure
-------------
🌺 Culinary Experience
Meals will celebrate the sensual and emotional richness of traditional Mexican vegetarian cuisine — lovingly prepared with local ingredients and herbs chosen for their healing and emotional resonance.
Each evening concludes with dessert and a tea ritual inspired by Esquivel’s philosophy of nourishment as magic.
Brooklyn-based Mexican chef Damian Escalante will be preparing beautiful meals crafted in partnership with Laura Esquivel.
---------------
✨ If you’ve been carrying stories that no longer fit—this is your rewrite.
You’ve been strong for so long.
Telling the stories others needed to hear.
Fulfilling roles, repeating patterns, silencing parts of yourself just to keep the peace.
But something inside you is whispering—it’s time to begin again.
To write from truth, not survival.
To find the voice that has been waiting patiently beneath the noise.
This retreat is for you if you feel:
- A chapter of your life is closing and you’re not sure what comes next.
- You’re ready to express yourself but don’t know where to begin.
- You’ve been living someone else’s story and want to find your own voice.
- You’re craving inspiration, sisterhood, and beauty that awakens the senses.
- You long to transform pain into art, memory into meaning, and silence into song.
-----------
This retreat is your invitation to reclaim the pen of your life.
To step into a sacred space where writing becomes ritual, emotion becomes wisdom, and your story becomes a living prayer.
Here, surrounded by the sea, the stars, and the language of the heart—you will remember that you are both the author and the alchemist.
Schedule
7:00 – 8:30 – Morning sunrise practice (breathwork, sun-gazing, meditation)
8:30 – 9:30 – Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 – Morning Writing Workshop
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
3:00 – 5:00 – Afternoon Workshop
5:30 – 6:30 Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 – Music, dance, sharing, rituals, meditation
8:30 – 9:30 – Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 – Morning Writing Workshop
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
3:00 – 5:00 – Afternoon Workshop
5:30 – 6:30 Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 – Music, dance, sharing, rituals, meditation
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Mahai Retreat, Mahai Retreat, LT 501, Sin Colonia, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Directions
Mahai is located in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The Tulum Airport (TQM) is the closest International airport to Mahai. We work with a shuttle company that travels from Tulum to Mahahual. We can help arrange transportation from Tulum with you after you have registered for the retreat.
You can also fly in to Cancun (CUN), a 5 to 6 hour drive to Mahai or the domestic airport in Chetumal (CTM), a 2 hour drive to Mahai. You will need to make your own travel arrangements from these airports.
You can also fly in to Cancun (CUN), a 5 to 6 hour drive to Mahai or the domestic airport in Chetumal (CTM), a 2 hour drive to Mahai. You will need to make your own travel arrangements from these airports.
Accommodation
All 10 of our circular suites are built with a sophisticated elegance and local style. Every suite has a view of the sea. Every suite has a private bathroom with local organic toiletries. Every suite has a space for working with table and chairs, a space for relaxing with a sofa, day bed, or seating area. Our two penthouse suites have private rooftop seating areas under a custom pergola. We also have a comfortable dorm with four individual beds that shares showers and bathrooms with the swimming pool and the camping grove.
Full Retreat with Bed in Quad (per person)
Full Retreat with Bed in Triple-Occupancy Suite (per person)
Full Retreat with bed in 2-Person Suite (per person)
Full Retreat with Private Suite (per person)
Full Retreat with Private Penthouse Suite (per person)
Full Retreat with Camping (per person)
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
Ocean-front swimming pool
Private Jetty
Circular Yoga Room overlooking the sea
Yoga deck around swimming pool
Private ocean-front jungle grove
Beach fire-pit
Luxury dining room
Private Jetty
Circular Yoga Room overlooking the sea
Yoga deck around swimming pool
Private ocean-front jungle grove
Beach fire-pit
Luxury dining room
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We focus on local ingredients and serve primarily vegetarian cuisine with a Mexican-fusion menu.
What's Included
- 6 nights of accommodations at Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
- Fresh, nourishing meals
- All workshops: writing, tea baths, breathwork, creative expression
- Cacao Ceremony
- Guided Snorkeling trip
- Support with travel coordination and local transport
- WiFi
What's Not Included
- Travel to Mahai Retreat (Mahahual, Mexico)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Food off-site on excursions.
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (REQUIRED)
- Souvenirs, laundry, etc.
- Any extra tips you’d like to give for our amazing staff.
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