Playa Viva’s accommodations are designed to connect you with nature. While the walls provide privacy, they’re open-air, meaning they don’t fully seal off the space. This allows for natural airflow and stunning views, but it also means you may encounter “natural guests” like:

• Tiny frogs, ants, or coati
• Iguanas, bats, or even snakes

During my stay, I saw baby frogs in my bathroom at night, and another guest had an iguana visit her room. If you’re uncomfortable with this level of immersion in nature, this retreat might not be the best fit for you.

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

To 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 service.
• Around the Common Areas: Citronella torches, candles, and fans create a mosquito-free zone.
• Across the Property: Inert bacteria are added to stagnant water to eliminate larvae naturally.

For extra comfort, we recommend wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk and bringing your favorite repellent. If you forget, don’t worry—a non-DEET option is available in the boutique.

Playa Viva has designed the rooms and common areas to maximize natural airflow, minimize heat from the sun, and create a comfortable environment. Each room is also equipped with a tabletop fan for when extra airflow is needed.

NEW! Playa Viva’s Infinity Casita now features air-conditioning. If you’re interested in upgrading to this room instead of staying in the deluxe suite building, let me know—I’ll check availability and provide pricing details.

While Playa Viva’s facilities are not fully handicap accessible, the King EcoCasita (Room #10) offers ramp access and flat floors, with the exception of the shower entrance.

If you’re interested in upgrading to this room instead of staying in the deluxe suite building, let me know—I’d be happy to check availability and provide pricing details.

Yes, we can absolutely help you book private accommodations. Whether you’d like a private room for yourself or to share with fellow attendees, business partners, or loved ones who want to join you in paradise, we’ve got you covered.

Please email me at [email protected] with the details—how many people, and whether they’re fellow refillery owners, business partners, or loved ones—and I’ll send you the available options along with pricing.

Internet access is available in the common area only.

While Playa Viva encourages you to disconnect to reconnect, they understand that staying connected occasionally helps you truly relax. Whether it’s a quick check-in or sending a message home, you’ll have what you need—just not everywhere on the property, so you can still enjoy the retreat’s immersive, unplugged vibe.

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. It’s a small way to support their commitment to sustainability while still staying connected.

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 shared accommodations aren’t your preference, I recommend upgrading to a private treehouse for a more personal and secluded space. Let me know if you’d like to explore that option—I’d be happy to help!

If you’d like to share a space with specific attendees, just let me know—I’ll do my best to make it happen!

Traveling with a group of refillery owner friends? Consider upgrading to a private accommodation. Many of the treehouses sleep up to four, making them a perfect option for a group retreat that’s both cozy and connected. Let me know if you’d like to explore this!

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

If you arrive early, the Playa Viva staff will happily store your luggage and deliver it to your room once it’s ready. While you wait, you’re welcome to unwind in the common areas or take a peaceful stroll along the beach.

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Because many groups arrive and depart on the same day, Playa Viva kindly asks that all guests honor the check-out time to ensure their housekeeping team can prepare rooms for the next group.

If a room isn’t fully vacated by check-out time, Playa Viva charges the Refillery Collective a fee, which we’ll need to pass along to the guest. Thank you for your understanding! Here’s the breakdown of fees:

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

The morning yoga sessions at Playa Viva are gentle and grounding—perfect for easing into the day. Held in stunning oceanside yoga shalas, you’ll breathe in the salty ocean air and hear the waves gently crashing on the shore. It’s the kind of setting that feels like it was made for pure relaxation.

I’ll be honest—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 so 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. They’re incredibly kind and attentive. One morning, I felt a bit lightheaded partway through. I moved into a seated pose to rest, and the host quietly checked in with a nod—offering 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 step onto the beach, you’ll be greeted by cozy lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas and hammocks swaying between palm trees. It’s the kind of spot that practically begs you to grab a good book, sink in, and let time slow to a blissful crawl.

The Sand:
Just beyond the lounge chairs, you’ll cross small sand dunes on your way to the water. One quick tip—avoid sitting or lying directly on the dry sand for long periods. Sand fleas can be a bit of a nuisance, so it’s best to use a towel or stick to the wet sand where they’re not an issue.

The Ocean:
Playa Viva’s remote location means the ocean here is pristine and alive with marine life. Think turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and more. (One morning before yoga, we even spotted whales—it was magical!)

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

At the heart of the resort, you’ll find the open-air common area where the pool is perfectly positioned for relaxation and connection. Whether you want to float, grab a seat on the built-in bench, or lounge on the super shallow sundeck, you can enjoy the pool at your own pace—even without fully stepping in.

Just off the lounge, you’ll find bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms conveniently located nearby. They’re perfect for freshening up if you arrive before your room is ready, need a quick shower without coordinating with roommates, or just want a hassle-free refresh without trekking back to your treehouse.

Want to squeeze in a workout during your stay (beyond morning yoga)? Head to the Beachside Yoga Shala—a cozy, covered platform near the massage huts. It’s stocked with resistance bands and free weights, giving you everything you need for a strength session with an ocean breeze.

If cardio is more your vibe, lace up and hit the sand. A run along the beach is the perfect way to combine movement with stunning scenery.

Scheduling:
You can schedule your massage anytime by visiting the boutique. Each holistic host has a sign-up sheet—just add your name 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 serene 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 soothing sound of ocean waves. It’s pure, uninterrupted relaxation.

Afterward:
Once your massage is complete, 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. If you’d like, you’ll also have the option to leave a tip.

Add-Ons:
Want to extend the bliss? You can add 15 or 30 minutes to your massage or treat yourself to a mani/pedi or facial. Just schedule these 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 come across La Tortuga Viva—a small shed and fenced-in sanctuary where baby turtle nests are lovingly protected.

One of the most magical experiences is the early morning turtle releases, where you can watch the tiny hatchlings make their way to the ocean for the very first time. It’s pure magic.

If you’re up for a late-night adventure, you can also join a nighttime patrol. Every evening at 10:30 PM, volunteers walk the beach in search of newly laid nests. When they find one, they carefully 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 other attendees who want to take part in this unforgettable experience.

Experience the vibrant ecosystem of Playa Viva in a way that’s both fascinating and inspiring.

You’ll meet the incredible team behind the farm, pick and taste fresh fruit straight from the tree, and maybe even meet a baby piglet or two—it’s such a fun and hands-on way to connect with the land.

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 head 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. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the resort’s commitment to sustainability comes to life.

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

This two-hour excursion is included in your retreat experience, so all you need to do is show up ready to explore. To stay comfortable and protected from the sun and mosquitoes, I recommend wearing a hat, long sleeves, pants, and insect repellent. And don’t forget your water bottle—you’ll want to stay hydrated!

Playa Viva used to offer group excursions into the nearby town of Juluchuca (just a 5-minute drive away), but over time, they realized it didn’t feel fully aligned with their values. While the original intention was to support the local economy, bringing tourists into a very low-income community started to feel more disruptive than helpful.

Instead, Playa Viva has chosen to focus on investing in Juluchuca and its surrounding villages in ways that are more meaningful and respectful:

• Hiring Locally: The majority of Playa Viva’s staff come from Juluchuca and nearby communities, creating sustainable job opportunities.
• Sourcing Locally: They purchase salt, eggs, milk, cheese, seasonal produce, coffee, and chocolate directly from regional farmers, ensuring the local economy benefits directly.
• Community Engagement: Each week, Playa Viva engages with kids in four different communities—offering English classes, recycling programs, and other impactful initiatives.
• Empowering Women: They’ve launched a women’s cooperative to support and empower local female entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses and create lasting change.

While you won’t find traditional tourist excursions into town, you’ll know that your stay at Playa Viva is directly contributing to the well-being of the local community in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

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

Throughout the day, you’ll also have access to coffee, tea, infused water, and fresh juice—perfect for staying refreshed and energized. The menus change daily, based on what’s in season and what the chef can source locally. They prioritize organic ingredients, minimal oils, and nutrient-rich, flavorful dishes that truly highlight the best of the region.

Here’s an 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.

It’s all about simple, nourishing meals that leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. Plus, the open-air setting makes every meal feel like a special moment to connect with nature and the people around you.

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

Once you’ve purchased your retreat ticket, I’ll follow up to collect any dietary restrictions or preferences you have. Your responses will be added to Playa Viva’s planning sheet, ensuring their kitchen team is fully prepared to create meals that meet your needs—without compromising on flavor or quality.

Room service is not available at Playa Viva.

To help keep guest rooms free of insects and animals, food is not allowed in the rooms. If you do bring any food with you, Playa Viva’s kitchen staff will happily store it safely for you—just let them know, and they’ll take care of it.

This policy is part of Playa Viva’s commitment to maintaining a clean, eco-friendly environment while ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible.

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

For drinking water, Playa Viva provides purified bottled water. Each room is stocked with a large jug of this filtered water near the bathroom sink for your convenience. Ice is also purchased from reputable vendors who ensure it’s sanitary and food-safe.

In the kitchen, all water used for washing and preparing food is filtered through a UV light purification system, so you can feel confident that everything served is clean, safe, and delicious.

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—all available all day, every day.

Whether you’re grabbing a mug for coffee or tea, a glass for water or juice, or filling up your reusable water bottle, there’s always something nourishing and hydrating waiting for you. It’s all about keeping you refreshed and energized throughout your stay.

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 the tasty options that catch your eye.

When you order, you’ll simply jot it down on your personal guest folio—super easy and casual. At the end of the retreat, you’ll settle up your tab during checkout. It’s all about sipping, relaxing, and enjoying the moment without a second thought.

At Playa Viva, we have access to several stunning oceanfront spaces for our retreat sessions, each with its own unique vibe:

• Yoga Uno Shalla: A large, open-sided space overlooking the ocean—perfect for soaking in the sea breeze. This is also where morning yoga typically takes place.
• Tortuga Shalla: Located on the opposite end of the property from Yoga Uno, this space features a curved palapa roof that dips low around the edges, resembling a turtle shell. It’s intimate and grounding.
• Beachside Yoga Shalla: A smaller, covered platform near the massage huts, often used as an outdoor gym space. It’s cozy and tucked away.
• Common Area: The main gathering spot for meals, equipped with tables and chairs, making it ideal for more structured sessions.

Since 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. Once you arrive, you’ll receive all the details about where to go for our welcome session and beyond.

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

If baby turtles are ready for release, you’ll want to head to the Turtle Sanctuary by 7am—this magical experience is truly unforgettable. After that, there’s yoga from 8-9am, where you can ground yourself in the serene oceanfront shala, followed by a delicious farm-to-table breakfast from 9-10am.

By the time 10am rolls around, you’ll likely be ready for a little breather (trust me). That’s why we intentionally keep the mornings open—for you to savor these special moments without feeling rushed or over-scheduled.

You’ll want to book your flight into Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH)—a small, easy-to-navigate airport just 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 such a smooth and seamless trip, and the airport itself is super straightforward, which makes arriving stress-free.

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

After you land and collect your luggage, head toward the airport’s single exit. Just outside the doors, you’ll see 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.

It’s seamless, stress-free, and the perfect way to start your retreat experience.

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

If you’re traveling from another country, make sure to check your local visa and entry requirements ahead of time to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.

Playa Viva is a cashless resort, but it’s still a good idea to bring a little 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. While tipping is completely optional, it’s a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for a safe and pleasant journey.

I completely understand that safety can be a concern when traveling to Mexico, especially if it’s your first time. Before my trip, I reached out to Playa Viva directly to ask about safety—both during the airport transfer and while staying at the resort. They assured me they’ve never experienced any safety issues, and they’ve hosted countless families with young children who also reported feeling completely at ease during their stay.

Personally, I felt incredibly safe throughout my trip. From flying into Mexico and arriving at the Ixtapa airport, to the ride with my driver, and my time at Playa Viva—it was seamless. In fact, it was my first solo trip, and I had a truly 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. That kind of learning continues monthly inside The Collective.

But this retreat is intentionally 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.

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

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