Healing in Tulum, Mexico

A Spiritual Retreat on the Maya Riviera in the Yucatan Peninsula

Nov 12, 2008 Lori Henry

Healers, reiki, massage therapy, a shaman, yoga and tai chi hosted by Cabanas Copal Hotel in Tulum.

Travelling to a spiritual retreat in Tulum, Mexico is becoming a popular vacation idea. With some of the best beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya Riviera welcomes healers to Cabanas Copal Hotel.

Healing in Tulum, Mexico

Every October, the “Forum of Healers” takes place at Cabanas Copal Hotel in Tulum, Mexico. Healers join together to share their knowledge of reiki, massage therapy, yoga, tai chi and Chinese medicine, with guests from all over the world.

For five days, like-minded participants can experience the ancient Mayan traditions of healing through daily workshops and lectures. Wake up in the morning to tai chi or yoga on the beach, have a healthy breakfast in Cabanas Copal restaurant and then head to the first lecture.

Spiritual Retreat

Throughout the day, there are usually two to three workshops run by international healers. They range from reiki and massage therapy to Chinese medicine and tantra.

As with the whole vibe of travelling in Mexico, there is no rushing from meeting room to meeting room; lectures and workshops take place in a large palapa surrounded by jungle. Crabs cross the paths and scurry along their way, while birds twitter and twerp as they go about their business.

Shamans and Ceremonies

A definite treat is the shaman that leads the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the moonlight rituals on some evenings. Guests walk through the property, which also spans the neighbouring resorts Azulik and Zahra, thanking the spirits and offering incense and food.

One of the moonlight ceremonies is held on the evening of the full moon. This is an important day in the Mayan calendar for women, so a special ritual for all the females attending is performed at the open fire on the beach.

Cabanas Copal Hotel

Best of all, the “Forum of Healers” is a totally free event. Both locals and travellers alike can participate in any or all of the activities and can come and go as they like. The healers offer their services throughout the week if guests would like to book a session (at an extra fee) and the hotel’s Maya Spa allows visitors to have authentic Mayan spa treatments.

Rates at Cabanas Copal start at $30 USD a night for a very basic cabana with no washroom, and go up to $205 USD for a double casita in the low season (Sept. 1 to Nov. 14). For less rustic accommodations, go next door to Azulik (reservations number below).

Mayan Riviera Travel

What to bring:

October is rainy season, so bring an umbrella and light raincoat
Sandals or flip flops that dry quickly
Lots of sunscreen
A flashlight for the night time when there is only candle light (this is an eco-resort)
Travel clock, as there are no clocks in the beachfront cabanas
A long skirt and sleeved top for women, and khaki-type pants for men in order to participate in some of the traditional ceremonies

For help travelling to Mexico, contact the Mexico Tourism Board (1-800-446-3942) and the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office (+52 984 206 3150). Reservations at Cabanas Copal and Azulik can be made by calling 1-888-898-9922.

The copyright of the article Healing in Tulum, Mexico in Latin Am/Caribbean Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Healing in Tulum, Mexico in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Rustic Cabanas Copal Hotel in Tulum, Mexico	Forum of Healers Opening Ceremony in Tulum, Mexico	Forum of Healers Opening Ceremony in Tulum, Mexico
Reiki Treatment at Cabanas Copal in Tulum, Mexico	Azulik Hotel Cabana on the Beach in Tulum, Mexico