It is 2017 and if you are a yogi or yogini, there is a high probability that you are online looking at yoga retreats to add to your calendar of events for this year. In addition, if you have been in the yoga community for a while, you know that taking a yoga retreat anywhere — even nearby where you live can be costly for your wallet. Not to mention, space availability goes quickly.

I know that self-care and self-love is number one for us and good to keep in the forefront in terms of health and well-being. However, it can be a little depressing when, just as you’re about to sign on the dotted line for your next yoga retreat, you realize airfare and transportation are not always included.

After researching online, I was shocked at how much the total bill would be if I add up the retreat cost – which usually ranges from $1500 to $4500 – with travel and food expenses. I have good news, though! There are options out there and other ways to take a retreat by yourself or with a friend. After visiting Tulum last fall and seeing some of the yoga retreats in person, I discovered ways you can go to this wonderful place and enjoy a week of yoga practice right near the beach, without breaking your pocket book.

Yoga Shala

This yoga spot is just on the other side of the road from the turquoise water and the white sands in Mexico. Nearby are many other hotels and a few restaurants.

I checked with Yoga Shala, and found out that you can buy a one-week pass for $50. You can check room and other rates on their website. But keep in mind that this popular yoga spot in Tulum gets fully booked pretty quickly. If you book in advance, you can reserve a single room for under $50 a night, or share a room with a friend for under $80.00.

Why stay here? Besides the excellent pricing, the tropical atmosphere surrounding the yoga studio, which is made with a thatched, bamboo roof, will make you feel like you are in paradise, and the beach is within walking distance to the studio. Location, location, location.

Air Travel

Check Volaris Airlines. If you live in Southern California or nearby Arizona, you can fly out of Tijuana, Mexico and book a red-eye to Cancun for a direct flight. Sleep on the plane and wake up in paradise. Go on their website and sign up for their emails. This is how I found out about their lower airfare prices to Cancun and their monthly specials. I have purchased a round trip ticket for under $300.

You can book Volaris out of the U.S.A., too. You simply need to check their route map on their website. For economical airplane travel, they are similar to US-based Southwest Airlines.

Transportation 

You can ride a bus from the ADO line from Cancun to Tulum for under $20 one way, depending on the time you arrive. We averaged about $15 a ticket one way.  This bus is like a charter bus, with air conditioning and comfortable seats. Travel time is about two hours with a couple of stops along the way.

Cab to Hotel

Taxi fares cost roughly under $15 when you hail one from the beach. Some accommodations in Tulum that are near bus stops typically offer you the option of renting a bike. I just took cabs when I traveled or walked, because a bike rental, if not included with place is about $12.00 a day. This amount still isn’t too much if you consider your own personal budget and what works for you. It does get humid, so consider that, too.

Total Price

If you booked a 4-night/5-day stay, you could do a trip with yourself alone or friend for under $900 to Tulum—including airfare, transportation, breakfast and yoga included. You could make it less, too if you decide to share expenses and living quarters.

Other Options

Tulum has many choices for yoga retreats, ranging from different pricing and experiences.  If Yoga Shala is sold-out for accommodations, you can still buy a yoga pass to practice yoga for the week and book at other nearby options on the map. There are hostels, bed and breakfast spots within two miles and biking distance with good reviews.

You could also stay on the beach in a cool camping Bed and Breakfast place at Turquesa Tulum Jungle Camping. This lovely spot is within walking distance to Yoga Shala. It’s under a 9-minute walk on a street in paradise that will inspire your soul right before you begin your yoga practice.

Tribal Yoga Tulum, offers budget yoga retreats, too. It is very close to the beach and the pictures look stunning inside the yoga space. They have a yoga retreat for $353 to under $850, based on days of stay.

Another wonderful option for those who prefer to stay on the beach is Play Esperanza which is about 3.5 km away from Yoga Shala. It’s located along one of the most beautiful streets in Tulum, with a view of the Mayan Ruins.

Two other hotel properties that I also saw were Shambala Petite to Maya Tulum. Thesare right on the beach, so expect these prices to be higher.

This year in 2017, I look forward to my return so I can try out these retreats, too.

I hope these tips helped you discover a few new retreats and ways to enjoy yoga. From a midlife yogini still working on her yoga groove, cheers to you and your new goals in 2017.

Keep dreaming.