Living your Purpose: Align and Thrive!

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Oct. 29 - Nov. 3, 2024

 

If you are a physician who is ready to reconnect with your deepest intentions, values, and desires, join us on this continuing medical education retreat as we journey together to deeper well-being. You will walk away with clarified goals, a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, and a personalized action plan to thrive in every area of your life. This is CME for the soul!

I’m ready to thrive!

Oh, the possibilities! On this journey, you will…

  • Have uninterrupted time to reflect on all areas of your life, deeply listen to your authentic self, and walk away feeling more connected and self-aligned.  

  • Reconnect with and clarify your deepest desires, values, and intentions, and create a personal action plan that promotes deeper meaning and purpose. You will continue to reap the benefits long after the retreat has ended. 

  • Strengthen your sense of community with the support and encouragement of like-hearted people who share and understand your concerns. 

  • Learn skills to cultivate self-compassion and minimize burnout, so you can be a healing presence for yourself and others.

I’m ready for a renewed sense of purpose and meaning!

A Journey to Deeper Wellbeing

During our time together you will be guided through a holistic wellness assessment, giving you space to take stock of where you are physically, emotionally, socially, vocationally, spiritually, and financially. Through self-reflection, deep listening, time in nature, journaling, and small group experiences, you will clarify what’s most important to you in this season of life. You’ll have the opportunity to craft a personalized action plan, so you can integrate your goals into your weekly life. This is Continuing Medical Education for the soul! 

Day 1 Welcome, Overview

Welcome to Palmaia, your home for our time together, a place that will excite and support you on your wellness journey. Get to know your fellow travelers as we set the stage for our journey of reflection, rest, and play.

Day 2 Physical Health

Today is a time to focus on your Physical Health. You will explore your patterns of sleep, diet, exercise, and how you're attending to your healthcare needs. You will also consider the ways you can optimize your physical wellness. 

You may meet with the onsite dietitian or personal trainer, or experiment in a movement class, such as: Pranayama, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Ancestral Dance, Chi Kung or Full Body Workout. Don’t worry if the only phrase you understood in that sentence was Full Body Workout. With patient and gentle instructors, this is a safe space to try new activities. There will be hours of free time to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and wellness offerings. A glass-walled gym peers into the jungle, the secluded whirlpools overlook the ocean…

Day 3 Social Health

Today you will be reflecting on your Social Health, considering the state of your most important relationships, bringing more awareness to your relational circles of family, friends, colleagues, and community. You’ll consider the ways you enjoy socializing, celebrating special occasions and holidays, taking vacations, and spending time with friends. You’ll explore how cultivating strong and healthy relationships affects your overall health.

Relationships and emotional life go hand in hand. You’ll be dipping into your Emotional Health, reflecting on the emotional tone within your relationships and how your communication style affects others. You’ll have space to reflect on how you're handling and processing difficult emotions, voicing your authentic feelings and needs, and where areas of harmony and tension exist.

Day 4 Vocational & Financial Health

It’s time to take an honest look at your job satisfaction, areas that are going well and are enjoyable, and aspects that are burdensome and in need of adjustment. You will discover the strengths of Job Crafting and how to creatively apply it to your career. Work and finances are integrally joined, and you will have space to reflect on your financial fundamentals: income, expenditures, debts, goals, and money-based beliefs.

Day 5 Spiritual & Emotional Health

You will wade into some deep waters, as you consider how you can create deeper meaning in your life and live with a vibrant sense of purpose and joy. You will learn more about the role of self-compassion when facing challenges and setbacks and how the art of letting go begins with letting in. You will discover what medicine as a spiritual practice can look like, and how to reduce compassion fatigue.

Day 6

Putting it all together, integrating and implementing at-home, group, and coaching support.

This retreat will be occurring during the cultural celebration of Dia de los Muertos, Nov 1- Nov 2. This November festivity is a way to celebrate life and honor those who have passed away; it is a powerful reminder of how life and death exist in tandem. Palmaia has crafted a unique program that will immerse you in this cultural holiday, where spectacular decorations come together with exquisite flavors for a truly unforgettable celebration. A very fitting time, as we will be contemplating matters of life and legacy.

Experiences:


Swim in the Cenote, enjoy a spa treatment in the jungle, relax with evening music and beats at Eolo Beach Club. Participate in a wellness activity at the rituals deck or Japanese-inspired dojo, work out in the glass-walled gym in the jungle, and so much more…

Meditative Concert

Atlantis Gym

Swimming in warm Caribbean Sea

Cenote at the Atlantis Spa

Atlantis Spa

Cacao Ceremony at rituals deck

Experience the beauty of Riviera Maya, Mexico

Reasons NOT to miss this retreat

  • Gain a holistic perspective of your wellness, and learn to practice healthy self-care, so you can thrive in every area of your life. 

  • Take steps to optimize your energy so you can fully engage in your life.

  • Improve your sleep and learn how it affects your weight management, emotional regulation, muscle growth, and memory.

  • Hone your healthy eating habits, and make small adjustments for big effects. 

  • Develop or tweak your sustainable and enjoyable exercise routine.

  • Explore larger perspectives and creative ways to approach your challenges.

  • Increase your awareness of how you handle challenging emotions and develop skillful ways to process them in yourself and others. 

  • Cultivate practices that strengthen and maintain the health of your most important relationships. 

A world of wellbeing awaits

This wellness journey is for you if:

  • You’re ready for self-reflection and an exploration of what’s most important to you.

  • You’re open-minded and up for an adventure.

  • You’re willing to compassionately engage with like-minded people.

  • You’re ready to share in the journeys of others as well as your own.

  • You’re able to hold sensitive information and personal conversations in confidence.

This is NOT for you if you are:

  • Not wanting to reflect on your life and explore new horizons.

  • Not open to new experiences and willing to leave your comfort zone.

  • Not ready to share any of your journey with others.

  • Not open to holding curious, non-judgmental space for others.

The Venue:

Palmaïa - The House of AïA 

Set among the Riviera Maya, Palmaïa is a unique haven of tranquility. In addition to its stunning location, bohemian chic décor, and majestic ocean views, what sets Palmaia apart is the heartfelt service and warmth of all the staff. Each of the wellness guides brings a level of skill and care that can be felt. The ethos of whole person care permeates every area of Palmaia.

It is the many out-of-the-ordinary experiences that will capture your imagination. The Temazcal ceremony, an ancient wellness ritual (i.e., hot lava rocks, similar to a sweat lodge), is an inward journey of releasing burdens. The gorgeous cenote (limestone sinkhole), filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by rich foliage, is the perfect place to unwind after your spa treatment. The rituals deck, cocooned by shade trees, is a tranquil atmosphere for yoga, art class, or a cacao ceremony.


You’ll find plenty of well designed places to relax and grab a bite to eat. The rhythmic beats of Eolo Beach club are enhanced by the creative menu of mocktails and cocktails, and the bonfire on the beach is a great place to swap stories from the day.

Your oceanfront suite has a nice lounging area and balcony to take in the beautiful ocean view. An added bonus is the complimentary room service, snacks, and fully stocked mini fridge. You’ll find everything at The House of AïA is designed to support holistic wellness and made to feel like ‘mi casa es su casa.’ I am excited to share this amazing place with you.

The Cuisine:

Palmai’s commitment to holistic wellness shines brightly through its fresh and creative approach to food. You will savor lovingly prepared dishes as you gaze out at the Caribbean Sea. Choose from five stylish onsite restaurants offering locally sourced plant-based menus, along with offering exquisite, non-vegan options (such as fish, chicken, meat, and eggs).


Locally sourced food merges with the Executive Chef’s inspired guidance to unveil daily menus that are as delicious as they are fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Do you gravitate toward creative and healthy cuisine? Then you will be excited to try the soy-marinated, watermelon poke bowl, smoked-carrot toast, Palmaïa burger with sweet potato fries, and (plant-based) cheese and mushroom quesadillas. You can enjoy lunch pool or beach side, so your feet never have to leave the sand.


The House of AïA will inspire you to incorporate healthy and nutritious food into your life. The intake of high-quality, delicious nutrients will allow you to experience food as medicine, food for a healthy body, mind, and soul! 

Sounds Delicious!

The following services are included in the cost of the retreat : 

  • 6 days 5 nights accommodations at Palmaia

  • Architects of Life Program (daily mind, body, and soul activities, led by top-qualified practitioners)

  • Rituals of Sound (Electronic music program with special guest appearances)

  • Á la Carte Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at six dining locations

  • Quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • 24-hour Room Service!

  • Private Beach and pools

  • Bike Sharing Service

  • Fiber-Optic Wi-Fi

  • Nomadic Guides & Concierge Services (personal butler service)

  • Gym

  • Stand-Up Paddle Boards and Kayaks 

  • Pre-arranged Transfers from and to the ***CANCUN International Airport*** airport

  • Oasis Adventures group wellness teachings

  • Group Coaching Sessions

  • CME credit

Services NOT included

  • Flights and airfare 

  • Atlantis Spa Services

  • Services at Beauty Lab

  • Tours and Excursions

  • 1 on 1 consultation and sessions with the resort's professional guides and coaches (such as dietitians, personal trainers, counselors). 

Investment:

6 days/ 5 nights at Palmaia Wellness Resort

Ocean View Suite

$4,997  Per Person, for Double occupancy 

Note: For single occupancy, there is a supplement fee of $1,050

Swim Up Suite

$5,555 Per Person, for Double occupancy

Note: for single occupancy, there is a supplement fee of $1,595

A world of wellbeing awaits

TRIP LEADER

James Juarez, MD., DipPH

James brings 25 years of experience taking reflective wellness retreats and 15 years of working as an emergency medicine physician in Southern Oregon. For the past 8 years he’s been teaching continuing medical education around the world and is trained as a Mindfulness in Medicine facilitator. He enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, reading, exercise, and soulful conversations.

Your Questions Answered

  • Medical Health Care Professionals including MD, DO, PhD, NP, DNP, PA, medical students, residents, AND their significant other/ spouses

  • YES! The reflective process is designed for everyone to be able to benefit, regardless of background. *Everyone attending will be participating in the group learning and activities.

  • YES! Everyone attending will be participating in group learning and activities.

  • Not yet. Currently retreats are designed for people 21 years and older. We anticipate hosting child friendly retreats in the future.

  • This event will be accredited for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Total CME will range between 12-14 CME Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • Yes, we will work with the resort to try and accommodate common dietary restrictions. Please let us know about your dietary needs.

  • Yes, roundtrip transportation from *Cancun International airport is included in the price of your trip.

  • On the purchase checkout form, select the box, “2 Queen beds, double occupancy”

    If the room ends up not being filled with a second person, you will be notified and the single occupancy supplement of $1,050 will apply.

  • All rooms are in the Adult only section, Ocean View suites.

    Double Occupancy: 1 King bed

    Double Occupancy: 2 Queen beds

    Single Occupancy 1 Queen bed

  • If you’d like to extend your stay at Palmaia before or after the retreat, please let us know. We can facilitate that for you.

  • YES, to enter Mexico, a valid passport is required. Make sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your travel date. If it does, it’s recommended you renew it before traveling, or you may be restricted from traveling.

  • We highly recommend you buy travel insurance for reimbursements on any travel interruptions, as well as emergency medical expenses, as per the insurance policy. Please note that clients will be directly responsible for any claims to be made directly with the insurance company. Here are some suggestions to help you get started with your research:

    Sites that help you compare insurance companies and policies: Insure my trip & Squaremouth

    Popular travel insurance options: HTH, Travel Guard Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex

  • We’ll send you a suggested packing list after registration and closer to the trip departure date.

  • Please reach out on the contact page with any further questions.