THE HOT ROOM PHILLY & SYNERGY JOURNEY TO TULUM

MAY 3RD - 10TH, 2025

RETREAT OVERVIEW

Dates: May 3rd – 10th, 2025

Venue: Holistika Hotel, Tulum Quintana Roo, Mexico

Join Maria Spano, and the Synergy Yoga team for an immersive journey through the land of the Maya. Our mindfully curated week takes place in the lush jungle of Quintana Roo (Tulum, Mexico). Throughout the journey, we will work with Mayan medicine man, Avelino May-Xul, focusing on fostering well being and personal transformation; exploring the wisdom of Mayan philosophy and cosmology; and celebrating life through joyful communal experiences.

We welcome practitioners of all levels to take this special time for self care through daily yoga and fitness workshops; nourishing vegetarian cuisine; therapeutic massage; interactive knowledge sessions; and off site excursions. The excursions include a swim in the crystal clear waters of Cenote Santa Cruz. Cenotes held a special place in Mayan spiritual tradition, where they were regarded as portals to the underworld whose waters had purifying qualities. The mineral composition of the cenotes corroborates this philosophy as the cenotes are filled with magnesium, calcium, sulfate and other healing and detoxifying minerals that are absorbed through the skin.

Similarly, our float through the Sian Ka’an biosphere will further connect us with this sacred land. A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. In 1987, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it remains the one of the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

In addition to our exploration of the region’s beautiful natural locations, we’ll also visit the Maya archeological site of Tulum. The Pre-Columbian site is located on top of a 39-foot cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya and achieved its greatest prominence between the 13th and 15th centuries. Over the course of the retreat, guests will gain insight into the meaning the Maya placed on these sacred sites and the value that their philosophy carries for us in modern times. Our guide to help explore these topics is Mayan healer, Avelino May Xul. Avelino uses various modalities in his healing practice and has a deep understanding of the Mayans’ world view. Over the course of our week together, Avelino will help illuminate the significance of the sites we’ll visit while guiding guests through their own self-exploration. Guests will carry these lessons and experiences with them fostering personal growth during and after the retreat. Our goal is to to use the healing qualities of Tulum, the wisdom of the Maya and the synergy of the group to enrich the lives of all who participate.

Retreat Includes

International flights are not included

Available At Guest's Expense

ABOUT MARIA SPANO

Maria is an RYT-200 with an eternal curiosity for mind and body wellness. After reaching a crossroads in her own life, Maria first stepped into the hot room wracked with anxiety, debilitating depression and a growing list of symptoms stemming from unhealthy lifestyle habits and autoimmune thyroiditis. Within weeks, swelling in her joints subsided and her depression began to wane. In just a few months’ time, the incredible healing of the yoga was undeniable. Her path became clear: help others to find their strength, both on and off the mat. Maria’s classes aim to encourage students, instill discipline and uplift spirits. Her experience also includes teaching kids yoga and group fitness.

Maria has since continued her yoga education with trainings in Intermediate Hatha yoga, Synergy Flow Vinyasa and Synergy Thai Massage. Her teaching experience expands to kids yoga, HIIT and other group fitness classes. When not practicing or teaching, Maria can be found working as the managing editor of Delaware Today magazine or spending time with her husband, Martin, daughter, Reese, and dogs, Dolly and Sunny.

ABOUT TULUM

The pristine beach and crystal blue waters of Tulum lie on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea. Its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, natural beauty, cultural richness and historic importance make Tulum the perfect destination to host our retreat. It was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans. It’s surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world, making it an ideal location for snorkeling & fishing. The area is also made up of the largest connection of underground canals in the world. These beautiful caves, called cenotes, are filled with clear ocean water that is filtered by limestone. Mayan culture is renowned for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and cosmology.

ABOUT HOLISTIKA HOTEL

The stunning Holistika Hotel Tulum is located in the middle of the Quintana Roo jungle. The spacious rooms each have their own hammock. The grounds also include four majestic yoga shalas, large swimming pools, a variety of lounge spaces, a full-service spa and a vegetarian restaurant, Tierra, managed by beloved chef, Fernando. Juices and smoothies can be ordered throughout the day. At the spa, guests can receive a range of treatments including deep tissue massage, cranial sacral therapy, Mayan clay & hot stone massage, facials and more. Holistika is the ideal venue for participants to unwind, explore themselves through yoga and other healing arts.