Refillery Collective Retreat

Playa Viva's accommodations are not sealed off from the outside world. While the walls provide privacy, they do not keep nature out. This means you may experience “natural guests” in your room. This includes:

• Bats, Scorpions, Snakes
• Frogs, Ants, Badgers, Coati
• And many other animals, insects, mammals, rodents, and pests.
  

During my stay at Playa Viva I saw tiny baby frogs in my bathroom at night. Another guest had an iguana in her room. 

If you are uncomfortable being in such an immersive natural hospitality experience, I recommend skipping this retreat. 

During the day and on breezy evenings, mosquitoes are rarely an issue—especially on the beach. However, since Playa Viva is near water, mosquitoes can show up during calm evenings.

To help keep them at bay, Playa Viva uses several eco-friendly prevention methods:

• In the Rooms: Mosquito netting on all beds, set up daily during turndown
• Around the Common Area: Citronella torches, candles, and fans
• Across the Property: Inert bacteria added to stagnant water to eliminate larvae

For extra comfort, wear long sleeves and pants at dusk, and bring repellent. A non-DEET option is also available in the boutique.

Playa Viva engineered the rooms and common areas to maximize natural air flow, minimize the heat effect from the sun and make the environment as pleasant as possible. They also outfitted each room with a table top fan for each guest for when extra air flow is desired.

NEW! Playa Viva's Infinity Casita has air conditioning. If you are interested in booking this room instead of staying in the deluxe suite building, let me know. I'll check to see if it is available and let you know the price.

None of Playa Viva's facilities are 100% handicap accessible. The King EcoCasita Room #10, has ramp access and flat floors except for entrance to the shower. 

If you are interested in booking this room instead of staying in the deluxe suite building, let me know. I'll check to see if it is available and let you know the price.

Yes, we can help you book private accommodations. You may want a private room for yourself or to share with attendees, business partners, or loved ones who want to tag along.

Please email me ([email protected]) and let me know how many people and if they are fellow refillery owners, your business partners, or loved ones joining you in paradise. 

I will let you know what rooms are available along with the prices for each.

Internet access is only available in the common area.

While Playa Viva recommends you disconnect to reconnect, they understand that sometimes you need to stay connected in order to stay relaxed. 

Absolutely! Playa Viva uses the same outlets as the U.S. and Canada, so you can easily charge your devices both in your room and in the common area.

Since the property runs on solar power, they kindly ask that you charge during daylight hours whenever possible to help conserve energy.

If you purchase a retreat ticket with a single bed, your room placement will be thoughtfully arranged based on availability. I’ll do my best to provide separate spaces by gender whenever possible.

For example, if two men and three women join the retreat, I’ll aim to place the men together in one room (like a studio) and the women in another (like the deluxe suite), or vice versa.

If you're uncomfortable with shared accommodations, I recommend choosing a booking with private treehouse for a more personal space.

If you'd like to share a space with specific attendees, feel free to let me know—I’ll do my best to accommodate your request!

Traveling with a group of refillery owner friends? A private accommodation could be the perfect fit. Most of the other treehouses sleep up to four, making them ideal for a group retreat.

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

If you arrive early, the Playa Viva staff will gladly store your luggage and deliver it to your room once it's ready. In the meantime, feel free to relax in the common areas or enjoy a stroll along the beach.

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Due to many groups arriving and departing at the same time, Playa Viva asks that you abide by the check out time in order to allow their housekeeping staff to have rooms ready for the next group.

If a room isn’t fully vacated by checkout time, Playa Viva charges the Refillery Collective a fee, which we’ll need to pass along to the guest. Thank you for your understanding - please see the fees below.

• $100/room for any room not vacated by 12:00PM
• $200/room for any room not vacated by 1:00PM
• An additional night’s charge for any room not vacated by 2:00PM

The morning yoga sessions at Playa Viva are gentle and grounding - designed to ease you into the day. They’re held in beautiful oceanside yoga shalas, where you can breathe in the ocean air and listen to the waves crashing gently on the shore.

I enjoy yoga, but I don’t practice regularly and definitely wouldn’t call myself flexible. I was a little nervous it might be too intense, but I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible and welcoming the class was.

If you’re more experienced, the holistic host offers thoughtful guidance to help you deepen your practice.

The holistic hosts are incredibly kind and attentive. One morning, I felt a bit lightheaded partway through. I moved into a seated pose and simply rested until I felt ready to rejoin. The host gently checked in with a nod, offering quiet support without interrupting the flow. It made me feel completely accepted and at ease—like I belonged there, just as I was.

Lounging:
As you walk onto the beach, you’ll find cozy lounge chairs under umbrellas and hammocks strung between palm trees. It’s the kind of place that invites you to settle in with a good book and let time slow down.

The Sand:
Just past the lounge chairs, you’ll walk over a stretch of small sand dunes on your way to the water. One important note—avoid sitting or lying directly on the dry sand for long periods. Sand fleas can be a nuisance, so it’s best to use a towel or stick to the wet sand where they aren’t a problem.

The Ocean:
Thanks to Playa Viva’s remote location, the ocean water here is exceptionally clean and teeming with marine life—turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and more. (One morning before yoga, we even spotted whales!)

Swimming:
The beach is free of rocks and generally safe, but the waves are consistent and can be strong. It’s not a calm, flat sea—you’ll feel the energy of the ocean. There are occasional rip tides, so it’s best to swim with a buddy and always use your best judgment based on your swimming abilities.

At the heart of the resort lies the open-air common area, you'll step into the pool to float, grab a seat on the bench, or enjoy the super shallow sundeck where you can enjoy the pool without fully stepping in.

Tucked just off the lounge are conveniently located bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms — perfect for if you arrive before your room is ready, a shower without coordinating with roommates, or a hassle-free freshen-up without the trek back to your treehouse.

Want to squeeze in a workout during your stay at Playa Viva (beyond morning yoga)?
Head to the Beachside Yoga Shalla—a cozy, covered platform tucked near the massage huts. You'll find a selection of resistance bands and free weights, perfect for creating your own strength session with an ocean breeze.

Craving some cardio? Lace up and hit the sand—a run along the beach offers the ideal mix of movement and scenery.

Scheduling:
You can schedule your massage anytime by visiting the boutique. Each holistic host has a sign-up sheet—just write your name next to any open time slot that works for you during your stay.

The Experience:
When it’s time for your massage, follow the path toward the Deluxe Suite building to the beachside palapas. Your masseuse will meet you there, ask about your preferences, and close the curtains for privacy while you settle in. Then, you’ll enjoy a 60-minute massage, surrounded by the scent of coconut oil and the sound of ocean waves—pure relaxation.

Afterward:
Once your massage is finished, your masseuse will give you a moment to rest and get dressed. They’ll meet you just outside with a refreshing glass of water and ask you to sign your individual guest folio, which records your service. You’ll also have the option to leave a tip, if you'd like.

Add-Ons:
Want to extend your massage by 15 or 30 minutes? Or treat yourself to a mani/pedi or facial? You absolutely can—just schedule in advance, and any additional services will be added to your folio to pay at checkout.

Just a 10-minute walk down the beach, you’ll find La Tortuga Viva - a small shed and a fenced-in sanctuary where baby turtle nests are carefully protected.

In addition to the magical early morning turtle releases, you also have the option to join a night time patrol.

Every night at 10:30 PM, volunteers walk the beach in search of newly laid nests. When they find one, they gently rescue the eggs and relocate them to the sanctuary to keep them safe. If you'd like to join a patrol during your stay, the cost is $30.

Let me know if you’re interested - I’d be happy to coordinate the outing with any other attendees who want to take part in this incredible experience.

Experience the vibrant ecosystem of Playa Viva.

Meet the amazing team, pick and taste fresh fruit straight from the tree, and maybe even meet a baby piglet or two.

We’ll gather by the pool lounge on Tuesday at 10:30 AM, where Amanda - the Permaculture Manager - or one of her knowledgeable team members will greet us. From there, we’ll walk to the hotel entrance, hop onto the back of a truck, and ride up the hillside to begin the tour.

As we explore the farm, you’ll learn how the team uses smart, sustainable design to enrich the soil, capture carbon, and grow the organic ingredients served at Playa Viva.

I took this tour myself when I first visited Playa Viva. I’m not a farmer, and I’ve never been especially into gardening—but I loved every minute of it. It was fascinating, inspiring, and honestly, I think it made me fall in love with the idea of growing food!

This two-hour excursion is included in your retreat experience. To stay comfortable and protected from the sun and mosquitoes, I recommend wearing a hat, long sleeves, pants, and insect repellent. Don’t forget your water bottle!

Playa Viva used to offer group excursions into the nearby town of Juluchuca (about a 5 minute drive), but over time, it just didn’t feel right. While the original intention was to support the local economy, bringing tourists into a very low-income community felt out of alignment with Playa Viva’s values.

Instead, Playa Viva focuses on investing directly in Juluchuca and its surrounding villages in more meaningful, respectful ways:

• They hire the majority of their staff from Juluchuca and nearby communities.
• They purchase local salt, eggs, milk, cheese, seasonal produce, coffee, and chocolate directly from farmers in the region.
• Each week, they engage with kids in four different communities—ranging from kindergarten to high school—offering English classes, recycling programs, and more.
• They’ve also launched a women’s cooperative to empower and support local female entrepreneurs.

Playa Viva serves fresh, healthy Mexican-inspired buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the open-air common area.

You’ll also have access to coffee, tea, infused water, and fresh juice throughout the day. Menus change daily based on what’s in season and what the chef can source locally—prioritizing organic ingredients, minimal oils, and nutrient-rich, flavorful dishes.

Here’s a example of what you can expect:

• Breakfast: Local fruit, yogurt, egg dishes, fresh-baked bread, and avocado
• Lunch: Salad bar, local fruit, tacos, or ceviche
• Dinner: Salad bar, local fruit, roasted chicken, rice and bean dishes

Absolutely! Playa Viva is happy to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and more.

After you purchase your retreat ticket, I’ll follow up to collect any dietary restrictions or preferences. Your responses will be added to a Playa Viva planning sheet so their kitchen team can prepare meals that meet your needs.

Room service is not available.

To help keep rooms free of insects and animals, food is not allowed in guest rooms. If you bring any food with you, please deliver it to Playa Viva’s kitchen staff—they’ll be happy to store it safely for you.

Playa Viva’s water comes from an on-site well. While this water is safe for bathing and washing, it is not filtered in room sinks or showers, so it’s not recommended for drinking.

For drinking water, Playa Viva uses purified bottled water. Each room includes a large jug of this filtered water placed near the bathroom sink for your convenience. Ice is purchased from reputable vendors who provide sanitary, food-safe products.

In the kitchen, all water used for washing and preparing food is filtered using a UV light purification system to ensure it’s safe and clean.

In the common area, you’ll have unlimited access to refreshing filtered water, fruit-infused water, fresh juice, hot coffee, and a delightful selection of herbal teas—available all day, every day.

Grab a mug for coffee or tea, a glass for water or juice, or fill up your reusable water bottle—there’s always something nourishing waiting for you.

Head over to the bar in the common area for fresh coconuts, delicious smoothies, craft cocktails, and more! A full menu with prices is available, so you can explore all your tasty options.

When you order, you’ll jot it down on your personal guest folio—easy and casual. Just settle up your tab at the end of the retreat during checkout. Sip, relax, repeat!

At Playa Viva, there are a few beautiful spots where we can host our retreat sessions. All of these spaces are oceanfront, each with its own unique vibe:

• Yoga Uno Shalla: A large, open-sided space overlooking the ocean—this is where morning yoga usually takes place.
• Tortuga Shalla: Located on the opposite end of the property from the Yoga Uno Shalla, this space features a curved palapa roof that dips low around the edges, resembling a turtle shell.
• Beachside Yoga Shalla: A smaller, covered platform near the massage huts, often used as an outdoor gym space.
• Common Area: The main gathering spot for meals and the only space with tables and chairs.   

Because Playa Viva is a shared space with other guests and groups, we’ll stay flexible with our session locations. Most likely, we’ll meet at the Tortuga Shalla, but we’ll confirm the final plan before arrival. You’ll get all the details about where to go for our welcome session once you arrive.

Mornings at Playa Viva are already beautifully full from 6:30am to 10am.

If baby turtles are ready for release, you'll want to be at the Turtle Sanctuary by 7am—an experience you won’t want to miss! After that, there's yoga from 8-9am, followed by a delicious breakfast from 9-10am. By the time 10am rolls around, you’ll be ready for a breather (trust me).

That’s why we keep the mornings open - for you to enjoy these special moments without feeling rushed.

You’ll want to book your flight into Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH), a small, easy-to-navigate airport a 45 minute drive from Playa Viva.

When I visited, I flew with United Airlines from Tampa to Houston, then connected to Ixtapa—it was a smooth trip.

Playa Viva provides complimentary ground transportation to and from the airport, so you’ll be in good hands the moment you arrive.

After you land and collect your luggage, head toward the airport’s single exit. Just outside the doors, you’ll spot someone holding a Playa Viva sign. Check in with them—they’ll let you know if they’re waiting for any other guests. Once everyone has arrived, your concierge will introduce you to your driver, who will take you directly to Playa Viva.

Yes, a valid passport is required for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico.

If you're traveling from another country, please be sure to check your local visa and entry requirements to ensure a smooth arrival.

Playa Viva is a cashless resort, but it’s still a good idea to bring a bit of cash with you. It’s customary to tip your driver when you arrive at Playa Viva and again when you return to the airport at the end of your stay.

If you’d like to tip, we recommend $5–$10 USD per ride. It’s completely optional, but a nice way to thank your driver for a safe and pleasant journey.

I understand that safety can be a concern when traveling to Mexico, especially for first-time visitors. Before my trip, I asked Playa Viva directly about safety—both during the transfer from the airport and while staying at the resort. They assured me they’ve never experienced any safety issues, and they’ve welcomed many families with young children who also reported feeling completely at ease during their stay.

Personally, I felt extremely safe throughout my trip—from flying into Mexico and arriving at the Ixtapa airport, to the ride with my taxi driver, and my time at Playa Viva. It was actually my first solo trip, and I had a wonderful, worry-free experience.

That said, I completely understand that international travel to Mexico might not feel right for everyone. If you decide not to attend because you're uncomfortable with the destination, I fully support your choice and respect you for prioritizing what feels best for you.

We won’t be offering a virtual option for this retreat—and here’s why. In the past, our events focused on structured educational presentations, which we made accessible to all through recordings and online sessions. These days, that kind of learning continues monthly inside The Collective.

But this retreat is something different. It’s designed to go deeper—to lay the groundwork for taking refill mainstream. Together, we’ll create a shared vision that still celebrates what makes each refillery unique.

It’s a powerful, in-person experience for bold, outside-the-box refillery owners who are ready to evolve, collaborate, and build something lasting—together.

I know this retreat won’t be the right fit for everyone right now, and I understand it may not be accessible to all. But my hope is that what we create this year will help move the whole industry forward—so that in the future, more refilleries can thrive, grow, and join us in person.