I just got back from an incredible yoga retreat in stunning Holbox, Mexico! I had the opportunity to attend as both a student and the retreat photographer. I feel so grateful, happy, and connected. Before I dive into our fabulous retreat experience, let me share a little bit about my yoga journey with you. (I'll try to keep it brief!) I've always been active...played sports, worked out, gone to the gym, walked, tried to get into running a few times...etc.  Over the years I've tried yoga several different times; at the gym, at yoga studios, outdoors, on-line.  I just never really got into it. I think we do what works for us during different periods of our lives and yoga wasn't a good fit for me at those times. For several years I had done boot camp and HIIT workouts along with walking and that worked well for me. After a while the high impact became too much, especially on my joints. I had taken an outdoor yoga in the park class with Samantha several years prior and had been following her on social media ever since. One day, I saw a promotion for a massage class on Instagram that focused on hips and hamstrings. I have very tight hips and decided to give it a try to see if it would help. I fell in love with the class! I love Sam's whole vibe...her teaching style, the flow of the classes, and the aesthetic.  I went from taking the massage class once a week, to a couple of times a week, then adding in strength yoga (which we do with weights) and I now attend Yoga Strong about 4-5 days a week. I'm in love and I think it's the perfect fit at this time in my life. 

SO! A year ago when Sam started talking about possibly hosting a yoga retreat in Mexico, I was quite interested! And then when she asked me if I would be interested in attending as the retreat photographer, I didn't even have to think about it!! Yoga, photography, and beach?!?! Combining two things I love in a setting that I love?! YES PLEASE! 

In March 2025, we took the long trek from Greenville, NC to Holbox, Mexico.  It was quite the journey. We had to take a flight, van shuttle, ferry, and ATV taxi to the resort. But as promised, once we arrived, we found out it was well worth it! The hotel, Villas Flamingos, is gorgeous and the island itself is just stunning. Our days were filled with yoga, walking, swimming, friendship, connection, food, drinks, nature, and wildlife surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

One of my favorite times of the day was coffee on the pool deck overlooking the ocean first thing in the morning. Then we would do a 2 hour yoga practice, where I got to participate while periodically tip toeing around taking some photos. Then we'd have a leisurely breakfast outside at the hotel restaurant on the patio. The food was excellent and I tried a variety of different local breakfast dishes. The coffee was outstanding and you just had to be there to know how good the bread and fruit was! :)  After breakfast we had free time to explore. I love that Sam encouraged us to connect and spend time with each other, but also to take some time to be alone. I was glad for the reminder to be mindful and felt that I was able to balance my social and me time. During free time I'd walk with friends, swim, walk alone, edit photos, go shopping, get a massage, get snacks/drinks, and do mini sessions. It was a perfect mix of relaxation, movement, work, and play.  In the evening we'd do another yoga session, then we'd eat dinner together. Spending time together at the nightly dinners was special to me. The food was great, but the company was better! I feel like I got to talk to everyone and have some great conversations. I'd try to sit near different people each night so that I had the chance to get to know everyone more. 

That was pretty much the plan for each day. One day we went on a boat excursion. We toured 3 different islands. They were preserved lands and one of them was a national park. It was fun to be immersed in the local culture and experience the amazing wildlife and untouched lands. The boat stopped at Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), Yalahau Lagoon, and Isla Pasión.  Bird Island was exactly what it sounds like - home to tons of birds! We saw pelicans, cranes, herons, and more. I discovered that pelicans actually nest in trees. At Yalahua we were able to swim in the beautiful lagoon. It was chilly, but an amazing experience. This was followed by margaritas at the park's bar. Then we headed to Passion Island which is an untouched island where weddings used to take place long ago. We walked in the shallow waters and enjoyed the views. We enjoyed talking to our tour guide, Diego. Everyone we met on this trip was so kind, friendly, and helpful.  

I left the retreat with connections, friendships, self assurance, and the most wonderful memories. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I am so thankful that I was invited and that my scheduled allowed for me to go. The sky really is the limit with your professional and personal goals and you just never know where life will take you! Sam is already planning our 2026 retreat in Costa Rica and I'm excited to say I'll be attending as the retreat photographer again! I can't wait to explore another gorgeous location, reconnect with friends from the Holbox retreat, spend time with Samantha outside of our studio, meet new people, and of course do yoga and take photos. If you're interested in attending, reach out to me and I'll give you the details!