Adventure Paddle Board & Yoga Retreats for Joyful Days
MMY & Sunshine Surf Present Mexico 2.0: Culture and Adventure, January 16-23, 2026
Sayulita is one of our favorite destinations.
Called "Sayu" by the locals, it is a cultural hub of that area of Mexico; with amazing local restaurants, a soccer-field-sized local craft/vender market that is open daily (you can haggle with the local artisans and find some amazing deals), lots of beautiful art and clothing shops, and a swimmable beach. Everything is within walking distance in this vibrant, colorful town. The relaxed surf vibe is palpable, with some nightlife that includes the opportunity to experience live music and salsa dancing.
We have always felt very safe there and freely walk around town at night solo. Our first trip with Sunshine was to San Pancho, the smaller town just north of Sayulita, which we will also have the opportunity to enjoy after our hiking excursion.
Visiting Sayulita and this area of Mexico is very much a cultural experience. We wanted to tap into this a bit more for this second trip to Mexico.
What’s Included:
- 8 Days / 7 nights in our beautiful Sayulita Surf House
- 2 Meals Daily by our Private Chef
- 2 Surf Lessons at La Lancha and Stinkys (much more relaxed pace and size of waves compared to Costa Rica)
- 1 SUP excursion to the town of Lo De Marcos followed by post paddle lunch (not included) and time to explore this up-and-coming village.
- Daily Movement by Melanie
- Local Taco Food Tour in Sayulita
- Private Boat Excursion with La Orca Research Company to watch Humpback Whales
- Natural Dye Craft - Guided art activity where you dye a natural fiber tote bag with local plants.
- Sayulita to San Pancho Hike + sunset, followed by free dinner and live music
- Round Trip Airport Transportation in Mexico (group arrival and departure) and transportation to all above mentioned activities
- * Optional add-on of massages, additional surf session.
With these activities we will be able to immerse a bit more into this historic fishing village and the artistic culture of the Huichol Indians (Wixárika) who are direct descendants of the Aztecs. The Huichol people are known for their vibrant and intricate artwork, traditional ceremonies, and unique lifestyle. Surf culture was added to this vibrant community in the mid 60s, when surfers discovered that Sayulita had a lot of beaches with consistent waves, great surf conditions, and the perfect water temperature to surf all day.
As with all of our trips there is never any pressure to do all activities. This is your trip that we have curated for you, but you are welcome to do as much or as little as you like. The daily movement with Melanie will take into consideration activities we have done that day or will be doing as well as how guests are feeling in their bodies. Melanie uses hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, restorative and yin yoga as well as mindfulness meditation to create practices to suit any level of practitioner as well as providing verbal modifications and the use of props (all provided on site) to give guests a therapeutic yoga experience. Melanie & Sunshine Surf will always support your well being on these trips, guiding and empowering you but honoring what feels best for you personally while you are with us.
Getting there:
We will fly from our Tri-State area to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Once we land we will travel about 30 to 45 minutes north (depending on traffic) to our house in Sayulita.
We will be spending 8 days/ 7 nights at our homebase of El Oasis Sayulita with the whole place to ourselves.
The house has a mix of ocean and mountain views, a saltwater pool, communal areas, and is walking distance to town but tucked away. The house has several casitas - think private apartments in a very large home. Each casita has a mini kitchen, small living room area, and bathroom. In total the house has space for 10 to 12 guests, including 7 private rooms with a mix of queen and king beds. One casita has one shared room with 3 twin beds, a private king bed room, private queen bed room, and two bathrooms plus kitchen and living area. Two of the private rooms have a king bed with a separate sofa or twin trundle bed.
Sayulita MMY & Sunshine 2026 Guest Pricing:
Private bedroom with either king or queen bed in Casita Campana: $4,300.00
Shared Triple Room in Casita Campana: $3,700.00
Double Occupancy Private Room with private bathroom (sharing King bed or King + twin bed use): $3,600.00 (SOLD OUT)
*Prices include taxes and service fees. We do ask that your primary means of payment is via Cash, Check, Venmo or Zelle. *If a credit card is needed to be used we will have to add a 3.3% service fee per transaction.
$700.00 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit to hold your space in the room of your choice.
All spaces are first come, first serve and we will do our best to fit you with the right room.
Final Balance Due no later than December 15th, 2025
Checks can be made to Miss Melanie Yoga LLC
Mailing address:
Melanie Smith
292 Maple Ave Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Venmo payments can be made to @melanie-smith-20 (please use an emoji in the description)
What's NOT Included:
- International flights
- Transportation to and from the domestic airport. However, Melanie will help with finding transportation and recommendations for flights
- 3 dinners, 3 lunches, snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance - We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance for your trip. One option is www.worldnomads.com for travel insurance.
- Tips for instructors and guides
FAQs:
- Can I attend Solo? Can I attend with my friend/partner/family member? Of course! Come solo or with a friend or two or four. Let us know if you want to share a room with a specific travel buddy.
- What if I'm not interested in surfing? No problem! We encourage you to give it a try but if it’s not your jam, Mexico is absolutely stunning and lively. We are so much more than a surf retreat.
- Are there any requirements? Yes. You must be 18+. You must be able to swim. And you must bring your positive attitude.
- Do I need to be good at yoga, paddling, or surfing? Absolutely not! This adventure retreat is about having fun. Your surfing, strength, balance, and appreciation for nature will improve, but that’s just some great benefits. Our retreats are for everyone.
- What should I pack? We'll provide an in-depth packing list when you book! Basics include activewear, a bathing suit, passport, a beach towel, water and sand-friendly shoes, and your sunscreen!
- What airport should I fly into? We recommend flying into Puerto Vallarta. The airport is called Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).
- Money? The official currency of Mexico is the Peso. There are a variety of ATMs in the PVR airport right before you exit. Cash is ideal for small purchases like souvenirs, snacks, and tips for staff. Do not forget to notify your bank that you will be traveling!
Questions?
Contact us at info@missmelanieyoga.com or via phone at (484) 819-0380
Meet us by the pool and relax in one of the hammocks
Lounge area
The perfect spot for lounging between adventures!
Our view from the community lounge area
Private Queen room in Casita Campana
Private King Room in Casita Campana
Relax with a snack in the kitchenette
Shared triple room in Casita Campana
Casita Campana common area
The view from Casita Campana
MMY & Sunshine Surf Present Costa Rica Tropical Adventure & Surf Retreat March 1st to the 8th, 2025.
This 7 night / 8 day bucket list trip will be one for the books as we paddle, hike, surf, and sail our way around one of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous locales.
Our Destination: Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.
Located on the Central Pacific Coast, this area combines the allure of rainforests, beaches, and astonishing wildlife sighting making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. It is an extraordinary place with spectacular views. Whether you want to relax on white sandy beaches or trek through the jungles looking for wildlife, Manuel Antonio is sure to please all types of travelers.
Our Accommodations
We will be residing in a gorgeous private house built on five levels with a total of 10 bedrooms. Our home boasts 8 private rooms and two triple bed rooms, each with its own private bath. The house comes with 3 pools, a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for yoga, a game room, lots of private and public deck space. Our food is provided by a private chef that will cook us two meals per day: daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner depending on our schedule that day. The location is perfect with amazing ocean views, while still being close to the center of town and the beach.
What’s Included:
- Three Surf Lessons.
- Guided Walking tour of the National Park - visit several beautiful viewpoints, see monkeys, parrots, possibly sloths, and end at a gorgeous beach! A true highlight for nature and animal lovers!
- Sunset catamaran trip with snorkeling and open bar
- Hidden beach hike - hike to a beautiful secret secluded beach & feel like a local!
- 3 Hour Guided SUP Excursion
- Hiking excursion to the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Daily movement by Mel
- Two chef prepared meals daily
- Transportation to and from San Jose CR Airport to lodgings with a stop at Playa Hermosa Beach on the way (included for group arrival only). Transportation to all above mentioned activities will be included.
Add on Activity: Canyoning and Ziplininng - this is high adrenaline activity where you rappel down waterfalls, zip line, and walk on hanging bridges. Participants must be harnessed in. Transportation and typical Costa Rican lunch is included. A memorable adventure! An additional $100 per person.
Getting there: You will fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport, Alajuela Costa Rica (SJO).
You will need a valid passport for this trip.
We have flight suggestions available depending on your departure schedule. MMY will not be able to guarantee that we can provide transportation to or from your domestic airport for this trip, but we will try our best!
What’s Not Included:
- Not much!!
- Flight to & from SJO.
- Transportation to & from your domestic airport. However, Melanie has some suggestions and will help you find the best flight for your schedule. See you below for more flight information.
- Some meals not mentioned.
- Gifts, souvenirs, or any additional activities not mentioned above.
- Trip insurance and Travel Health Insurance is NOT included.
- Here is a listing of 2024’s most recommended travel insurance policies. Here is why travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended.
- Any additional days or evenings in Costa Rica before or after.
Previous Adventures & Retreats
Join Melanie and Kate May 7th - 11th for 5 days and 4 nights of yoga, paddling, and exploration in the beautiful Florida Keys
We are excited to invite you on our Adventure & Inspiration Getaway planned in Key West - a location that has inspired countless writers, musicians, and artists of all kinds: Ernest Hemmingway, Judy Blume, Robert Frost, Truman Capote, Winslow Homer, Tennessee Williams, and of course Jimmy Buffett to name a few! Add in a rich history of piracy, shipwrecks, tales of mermaids, and an ecological treasure trove and you can’t help but feel that spark of creativity and enthusiasm course through you.
This is exactly why we chose to hold our second retreat here. Our accommodations at Marrero's Guest Mansion are influenced by the historic beauty of the Victorian period brought back to life with a colorful modern twist, feeding our creativity. Our practice space at the Yoga Sanctuary is set amongst tranquil palms, allowing us to create the peace we need to make room for the awakening of our spirits. And our final touch of inspiration comes with spending time in nature, experiencing the twists and turns of mangroves, accompanied by dolphins and manatees, and topped off with the glorious sunset over the ocean to illuminate our souls.
This is the type of experience that we all crave - one that restores our coffers with dreams of the beauty this world holds.
What's Included:
- 5 days, 4 nights in a historic Victorian home turned artful boutique hotel
- 4 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 1 group dinner
- 1 SUP Yoga class with Melanie & Kate (kayak rental available for those who prefer)
- 1 Paddling Eco Tour (Paddle boards or kayaks available)
- 4 movement-based sessions with a creative focus with Melanie & Kate
- Sunset sail and dolphin watch
- Swag bag including one free paddle board class back at home with MMY Paddleboards
What's NOT Included:
- Domestic flights
- Transportation to and from the airport
- 3 dinners, 3 lunches, snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for instructors and guides
Questions? Contact us at info@missmelanieyoga.com or via phone at (484) 819-0380
Room 1: Shared Queen Room with Veranda
Room 2: Double or Single Occupancy King with Veranda
Room 3: Single Occupancy King (direct pool access) - Booked
Room 4: Single Queen & Single Double Bed with shared bathroom
Room 4: Single Queen & Single Double Bed with shared bathroom
Room 6: Double or Single Occupancy King with Balcony - Booked
Room 7: Single Occupancy King (no balcony)
Room 8: Double or Single Occupancy King (no balcony)
Room 9: Single King with Balcony
Room 10: Single Occupancy Queen with Balcony - Booked
Double Occupancy Queen with Balcony - Booked
Yoga Sanctuary
Our practice space for our Getaway at the Yoga Sanctuary
Paddling in the Keys
For all paddling times, you may choose from paddle boards or kayaks
Sold Out! Join Melanie as she travels to one of her favorite destinations: San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico! Sun, surf, and adventure are on the agenda as we search for endless summer.
What's Included:
- 7 days, 6 nights in beautiful accommodations
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared by a private chef
- 2 two-hour surf lessons with instructors, gear included
- 2 SUP excursions, gear included
- Private whale-watching excursion
- Salsa dancing class
- Daily Yoga/ stretching / meditation led by Melanie. Mats provided!
- A guided San Pancho-Sayulita hike
- Transportation to and from all activities
What's NOT Included:
- International flights
- Transportation to and from the airport
- 2 dinners, 2 lunches, snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for instructors and guides
Questions? Contact us at info@missmelanieyoga.com or via phone at (484) 819-0380
The magic of whale watching from San Pancho.
Perfect paddle boarding conditions in San Pancho.
The streets of Sayulita - a hub of shops and restaurants to explore.
Our yoga chalet.
Beautiful bio-pool and outdoor space perfect for relaxing between adventures.
Outdoor patio space for enjoying each other's company
Outdoor patio & bio-pool.
Kitchen and indoor dining space where our private chef will prepare our meals. Vegan and vegetarian options available!
Dining outside brings additional beauty to perfectly prepared meals.
An example of one of our king rooms with private bath.
A shared twin example with shared bathroom.
A sweet twin spot with shared bathroom.
A sweet and soft king room.
Who doesn't love a cozy balcony spot?
Spa-like bathrooms continue the relaxing feeling of our accommodations.
Additional massage services are available for an extra charge.
Liberation Retreat
Reset and feel anew with Breath, Yoga & Rituals
Join Kathleen Booker, The Queen of Serene, Breathing Technician & Melanie Smith, Empowered in Practice Yogini, SUP Instructor, in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Soaring to new heights by releasing the heaviness of habits, thinking & actions that weigh you down. We will shed the heavy excess baggage and add strong wings for flight to soar into Confidence, Courage, Inner Peace & Fearlessness. With our Breath, Yoga, Rituals & Water!
SUP Yoga Teacher Training
On Location SUP Yoga Certification Retreat
Stoked Yogi master trainer Melanie Smith has been practicing and teaching SUP Yoga since 2010, and is Miss Melanie Yoga's founder, the leading SUP Yoga provider in Western New Jersey and Pennsylvania. SUP Yoga is still new to the fitness world, so it’s a great time to get on board to expand your teaching offerings!
Trainings are customizable for individual and group certifications. All-inclusive trainings include accommodations in a beautiful private waterfront residence. A private chef will prepare amazing vegetarian, gluten-free meals and nourishing juice on-site.
With Stoked Yogi training, we attend to every detail to ensure that your certification experience is also a luxurious, transformative retreat.
THIS 4 DAY, 3 NIGHT – 25-HOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- SUP Skills: Forward stroke, turn techniques and maneuvering, board anatomy and handling, launching, and landing.
- Beginner SUP: Clear, concise method for instructing a beginner paddleboard lesson.
- Safety & Rescue: Lifesaving techniques including flip rescue, active & passive drowning victims. Weather and marine hazards, local knowledge.
- Anchor Systems: Individual and group
- Aqua Asana: Beginner sequence and how to creatively sequence on the water.
- Stoked Yogi SUP Yoga Manual (Level 1)
- Business of SUP Yoga: Starting your business, insurance, permitting, and defining your brand. Fleet sales & ambassador opportunities
- Equipment provided for the duration of training: Glide Yoga Board, paddle, anchor, and PFD.
- Swag Bag: Awesome gear from our sponsors, including water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and tank top – plus a few surprise goodies!
ALL-INCLUSIVE CERTIFICATION RETREAT ALSO INCLUDES
- Thursday through Sunday accommodations (twin bed, shared room) in a private waterfront residence with all the comforts of home
- Wi-fi, fire pit, hot tub, laundry facilities, and everything you could need on-site
- 3 nourishing vegetarian meals per day are prepared on-site by private chef
- Evening sessions include night paddle, visualization, goal setting ceremony, and bonfire party.
PRE-REQUISITES
To provide the best training experience possible, we require a 200-hour yoga certification (or in progress) and current CPR certification at the time of training. If you do not have a 200-hour certification but have equivalent experience and are actively teaching yoga, please get in touch with us for approval. Not sure? Please send us an email at info@missmelanieyoga.com.
WHY CHOOSE STOKED YOGI?
As the leading educator in stand-up paddleboard yoga, we are the best at what we do as the leading educator. Our goal is to build a global network of the most passionate, talented SUP yoga educators on the planet – and we’ve worked hard to create the strongest, most comprehensive curriculum available. Our training is approved by Yoga Alliance, WPA, PaddleFit, NASM, ACE, and SUPIA. Our panel of teachers across the United States has trained over five hundred SUP yoga professionals and taught tens of thousands of students in the past five years. Stoked Yogi’s teaching team brings together six of the most inspiring and enthusiastic SUP Yoga teachers and businesses in the country to create a program that integrates a wide range of local knowledge and experience.
Choosing Stoked Yogi Teacher Training will also give you access to the largest global ambassador program for SUP yoga and awesome future opportunities like assisting or even facilitating teacher trainings workshops, retreats, and festivals in partnership with Glide Paddle Yoga.
MEET THE TRAINER
Pennsylvania teacher training is led by Melanie Smith, owner of Miss Melanie Yoga, Stoked Yogi Master Trainer. Melanie completed her SUP Yoga certification in San Diego in 2012 and has been an innovator and leading SUP Yoga provider in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey areas for 10 years.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TUITION (INCLUDES ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS)
Early Bird Tuition (Paid in full 30 days prior): $2,395
Regular Tuition: $2,495
PRIVATE TRAININGS (WITHOUT ACCOMODATIONS AND MEALS)
Early Bird Tuition (Paid in full 30 days prior): $1,500
Regular Tuition: $1,600
TRAVELING TO TRAINING
Training is three consecutive days, starting Thursday at 4 PM and ending the Sunday at 5 PM. Please arrange your travel plans accordingly. Sunday night accommodations are available for an additional charge of $75. Contact us if you have questions about your flight or travel options.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to speak with someone regarding this certification program, please drop us a quick message here or email info@missmelanieyoga.com, and we will respond within one business day.
