Experience a Blissful Winter Morning Yoga Retreat at Palapas Ventana

As the first rays of the winter sun peek over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow on the Sea of Cortez, I make my way to the large palapa at Palapas Ventana. The air is cool and crisp, typical of a winter morning in Baja, with a gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of the ocean. The sky is a soft gradient of pastel hues, and the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore provides a soothing backdrop to our morning practice.

Under the spacious, thatched roof of the palapa, we lay out our mats, facing the breathtaking view of the ocean. The instructor welcomes us with a gentle smile and begins the session with a few moments of mindful breathing, grounding us in the present moment. The sound of the waves syncs with our breath, creating a peaceful harmony.

We start with a series of gentle warm-up poses:

  • Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): We move fluidly between arching and rounding our spines, waking up our bodies and aligning our breath with movement.
  • Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): The flow helps us build heat and energy, as we move through poses like Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Forward Fold (Uttanasana), and Mountain Pose (Tadasana).

As the session progresses, we transition into deeper stretches and balancing poses:

  • Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): We hold this pose, feeling grounded and strong, our gazes fixed on the horizon.
  • Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Balancing on one leg, we sway slightly with the breeze, embodying the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

The session concludes with gentle floor poses:

  • Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): We lengthen our spines and reach for our toes, feeling a deep, relaxing stretch.
  • Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): We twist gently, releasing any remaining tension in our spines.

Finally, we end with a few minutes of Savasana (Corpse Pose), lying on our mats, eyes closed, fully absorbing the serenity of the morning. The session lasts about an hour, leaving us refreshed and energized.

After yoga, we head to the dining area, where a delicious breakfast awaits. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the salty sea air. We savor a nutritious spread that includes fresh fruit, homemade granola, yogurt, and warm, fluffy scrambled eggs with a side of locally-made tortillas. Some of us opt for a traditional Mexican dish like chilaquiles, topped with tangy salsa and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

As we eat, we gaze out at the endless expanse of the Sea of Cortez, its turquoise waters glistening under the morning sun. The waves dance playfully, and occasionally, we spot a dolphin or two leaping in the distance. The combination of nourishing food, stunning scenery, and the lingering calm from our yoga practice makes for a perfect start to the day.

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