A NEW YEAR'S TO REMEMBER
DEC. 27 - JAN 3, 2026
A WELLNESS RETREAT ON THE MEXICAN PACIFIC
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WITH IVORIE JENKINS & WILLIS JOHNSTON
Break the cycle of New Year's resolutions that are set in vain and discarded before the Winter snow begins to melt. Instead, join me and Willis for a transformative 7-day New Year's wellness retreat that will stay with you all year long.
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Picture yourself in beautiful Chacala, Mexico, just 90 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta. Here you will immerse yourself in daily meditation, phenomenal yoga sessions by the ocean, lovingly prepared farm-to-table meals and more self care in a week than you'll get all year.
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You will have plenty of time to simply be with yourself or connect with other really cool guests. Pool or spa time? Done. Sunsets from a hammock? Check. You can also pencil in some stellar activities like a whale watching tour that will leave you mesmerized and a New Year's Eve party with guests from all over the world. This retreat is the perfect opportunity to set a clear purpose for the year to come as well as identify and discard those unhealthy patterns that may try to hijack your best laid plans for 2026.
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Let's start the New Year together!
It would be an honor for you to join us.
MAR DE JADE
.Mar de Jade is a yoga, wellness and vacation retreat center located in a peaceful fishing village that lies nestled between the tropical jungle and the pristine sandy beaches of Chacala, Mexico. Playa Chacala, considered one of the jewels of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the lush coastline known as Riviera Nayarit. It is home to approximately 400 residents who live an unhurried lifestyle. The town and surrounding areas have much to offer from jungle hikes, surfing, boating and ancient petroglyphs, to the simple pleasure of playing on the soft sand and swimming in the year-round warm ocean waters. Mar de Jade has easy access to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, just 90 minutes south, yet feels world apart from the big tourist developments. Mar de Jade is not only a stellar, seamlessly operated retreat center, but they are a facility with heart and soul, giving back to their community via their non-profit MDJ Community Project
THE YOGA
Each yoga practice will be 90 minutes long and appropriate to all skill levels. They will include various styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Katonah, and Restorative so that each day will be a little different to adapt to your needs throughout the week. Classes will be held in one of Mar de Jade’s four yoga & retreat studios with hardwood floors, offering inspiring ocean views, fresh breeze and natural light. Each studio comes equipped with yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters yoga chairs and meditation cushions so no need to pay for that extra bag or lug your mat and props with you through security.
DAILY
SCHEDULE
​7:30 AM - Morning Meditation
8 AM - Morning Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga
(taught by Willis or Ivorie)
9:30 AM - Breakfast
YOU Time
1 PM - Lunch
YOU Time
5 PM - Evening Restorative Yoga
(taught by Willis or Ivorie)
6:30 PM - Dinner
YOU Time
*All scheduled practices and activities are encouraged but optional. Schedule is subject to slight changes…life is a happening thing.
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THE NOURISHMENT
Meals at Mar de Jade are a guest favorite! Delicious and well balanced meals are served 3x daily in our open-air dining room overlooking Chacala Bay. Every dish is made daily from scratch using fresh ingredients from their organic farm. The menu is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine and features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes as well as fresh fish, seafood and chicken. Red meat and pork are not served. Throughout the day, visit the snack bar and at any time enjoy coffee, tea, fruit, bread and their stellar homemade, organic peanut butter and mango marmalade. You can even purchase a jar to take home with you!
Their kitchen is happy to accomodate your dietary restrictions and food allergies, if given advanced notice. All of their raw foods are carefully disinfected and washed with purified water. Free purified water is available at stations throughout the grounds.
ADVENTURE & EXPLORATION
With so much YOU time, there will be opportunity to explore Chacala’s exuberant natural surroundings and immerse yourself in Mexico’s vibrant culture. Take advantage of the many opportunities for adventure, exploration, and learning available. All activities are booked through the hotel upon arrival. Here is a list of activities offered. For reference $500 pesos = $25 (roughly)
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Eco-Excursions:
• Las Cuevas Hike and Boat Trip: This guided 4-mile hike takes you over an extinct volcano covered with lush tropical jungle to the secluded beach of Las Cuevas, or the caves. At low tide you can explore the caves where it is said pirates hid their treasures. Ride a panga, or boat, back to Chacala to admire the coastline. The total tour is 3-4 hours, $500 pesos per person, minimum 6 people.
• Snorkel at Isla Coral: Take a 25 minute boat ride to an uninhabited island with crystal clear waters to discover the sea life in our region. Snorkel gear is provided. The total tour is 3-4 hours, $650 pesos per person, minimum 6 people.
• Boating & fishing: Go out on the water and spend a relaxing day fishing! You’re likely to catch mahi-mahi and yellow-fin tuna. Fishing gear, snacks and cold beers are provided. The tour is a minimum of 2 hours, $1500 pesos per boat per hour, for 1-6 people.
• Horseback riding: A guided horseback ride through the jungle to the beach of Las Cuevas with time to enjoy the beach and explore the surrounding area. The total tour is 3-4 hours, $60 per person, minimum 2 people.
• Surfing at “La Caleta” break: Experienced surfers will enjoy the left-break at La Caleta, just a 7-minute boat ride away, and a well kept secret. Bring your own surfboard or rent one in town. Round trip boat transfer is $1500 pesos for 1-6 people +$250 pesos/every hour wait
• Whale Watching (December- March): Take an early morning boat ride to search for humpback whales that migrate annually from Alaska to Mexico for the breeding season and enjoy seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild. Total tour is up to 2 hours, $500 pesos per person, minimum 6 people.
• Boat Tour through a mangrove swamp full of exotic birds and wildlife: An hour and a half car ride north along the coast takes you to the outskirts of the old port of San Blas, where “La Tovara” mangrove awaits with many bird species, turtles, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The total tour is 6-8 hours, including 1-2 hours of the mangrove boat tour, time for swimming and eating and a tour of the historic San Blas port. Cost for round trip van transportation: $55 per person, minimum 4 people. The boat ride is not included and must be hired upon arrival at San Blas (around $10 per person).
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Cultural Activities:
• Altavista Hike: Visit the petroglyphs (rock carvings) of Altavista, thought to be around 2,000 years old. The site is still a very important spiritual and ritual place for the Huichol Indigenous communities of the region. The guided trip is a 35-minute car ride each way and then an hour walk through the jungle to the petroglyph site. The total tour is 3-4 hours, $35 USD per person, minimum 4 people.
• La Peñita (Traditional Mexican market): Visit this quaint Thursday morning market in a nearby town where you can find arts & crafts from various parts of Mexico, jewelry, Huichol art and souvenirs, and a thriving section for locals selling food and household goods. The total tour is 4 hours, $30 USD per person, minimum 4 people.
•Beach Towns: Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos - visit each with its distinct flavor. Spend the day exploring nearby beach towns along the Riviera Nayarit. For a beginners surfing destination, head to Sayulita, just 45 minutes away, with surf lessons and equipment rental, shops, restaurants and bars. The total time with round-trip transportation and time to explore is 6-8 hours, $55 USD per person, minimum 4 people.
• Private Spanish Classes (all levels): Learn or improve your Spanish language skills with private or group classes (when available) with our enthusiastic and experienced teacher, Janet. Suitable for beginning to advanced-intermediate level. Rates are $25 USD per hour for private classes and $20 USD per hour, per person for group lessons, minimum 2 people.
• Visit our Organic Farm and Community Projects: We’d love to take you on a tour to visit our 17 acre Organic Farm and our Montessori-Waldorf School in Chacala. There is a $10 USD transportation cost for the farm. Donations for either the Montessori School or Trade School are gratefully accepted.
ROOM OPTIONS
Mar de Jade’s Rooms are inspired by Mexican textiles, vibrant colors, and comfort. There are 4 different room categories to choose from. Every room has its own ensuite bathroom.​ You can indicate if you have a preferred roommate or of we can pair you with someone else looking for a roomie.
OCEAN
Can be shared up to 4 persons
The Ocean Rooms are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a private balcony with an Ocean view. Comfortable and well appointed, each room has a sitting area with a futon that can be made into an additional bed. Rooms are on high floors and require steps to climb.
GUEST
Can be shared up to 2 persons
Guest Rooms are decorated in bright and cheerful Mexican textiles and colors, providing a cozy and well appointed option for those seeking simplicity yet comfort. Rooms are located on both ground level and third floors, either jungle or garden facing.
GARDEN
Can be shared up to 4 persons
Garden Rooms are either crafted in a Mexican style, with natural rock walls and hand painted mosaics; or with an airy Mediterranean feel with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light and fresh breeze. Located on the ground floor, they are easily accessed with either a few steps or a ramp, and are appropriate for anyone with mobility issues.
DORM
Women only or Men only dorm option
Fast friends are made here! The Loft is a simple yet spacious and economical option for up to 4 roommates in a dorm configuration. The bottom level has a king bed or two twins and a bathroom; the loft is accessed by a spiral staircase and has two twin beds. Some rooms feature an additional futon bed on the bottom level. Rooms are either facing the gardens or jungle. The loft is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues.
ROOM PRICES
$1,000 DEPOSIT TO HOLD ANY ROOM
The $1,000 deposit secures your room and your rate.
Final balance due December 1, 2025.
Payments plans accepted.
Send me a note and we will work it out!
Payments can be sent via
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Venmo @Ivorie-Jenkins
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Zelle 773.870.6231​
**Due to the financial responsibility of Ivorie and Willis for booking and holding the retreat property, all payments are non-refundable once paid. It is recommended that you have a travel insurance policy in the rare event that cancellation on the traveler’s end is unavoidable.
Allianz andTravel Guard have good options.
What's Included
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6 Nights/ 7 Day Accommodations
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2 Yoga Classes per day
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Daily Morning Meditation
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Yoga Mats & Props
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3 Delicious Farm to Table meals per day
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Coffee, Tea & Fruit all day
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New Year's Eve Celebration
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Use of all Resort Facilities
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Round Trip Airport Transfer
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(to make the shuttle, your flight should arrive into PV no later than 2;30/3PM on Dec. 27th. If you arrive after this time, a portion of the transportation cost will be at your expense)
What's Not Included
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Airfare to Puerto Vallarta
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Added Excursions
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Spa Treatments
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Bar Drinks
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Resort Staff Gratuities
WHO IS MY FRIEND WILLIS?
Willis and I adore each other and started this New Year's yoga collab for the purely selfish reason of being able ensure we get in a good kiki every year!
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Since a very young age, I have loved movement. The freedom, the joy, and the peace that it brings is unparalleled. I started dancing around age 10 and never looked back. After pursuing a BFA in dance performance from SMU, I danced professionally in New York City and Las Vegas with the Metropolitan Opera, The Chase Brock Experience, and Cirque du Soleil (this is where I met Ivorie!)
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I found yoga in 2009 through navigating the physical and mental challenges of a professional dance career…this was the game changer. Yoga seemed to shift me and reorganize me. It soothed and strengthened my body and my mind, while giving my spirit a lift. Since my initial adventure into the artful practice of yoga, my relationship with the discipline has only grown stronger.
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After the passing of my beloved mother, I decided to shift a few things in my life. So, in 2014, I left my dance career and big city life in the United States and moved to my soul-home of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I dove heart first into my 200-hour teacher training with my incomparable teacher Anna Laurita. I began teaching yoga shortly after and have since expanded my trainings, studying 300-hours with the dynamic and knowledgable Noah Mazé and over 500 hours with Katonah yoga teachers Nevine Michaan and Abbie Galvin. I lead yoga classes, workshops, and retreats in Mexico and BEYOND. As well, I own a yoga studio, Flying Heart Yoga in the heart of Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta.
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I believe the practice of yoga offers up an incredible chance for us humans to get into our bodies, mediate our circumstances, and expand into our full potential. Yoga has the power to create great change—not only on a personal level, but also on an interpersonal level.
In my classes, expect to feel very welcome. I hold a space of non-judgement, where you are invited to explore all aspects of your self through breath work, meditation, and mindful, intelligent movement.
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I hope to retreat with you.
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May your heart take wing and fly in peace,
Willis​
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