A magical week of Ashtanga Yoga, community, stunning beaches and breathtaking jungle vistas. Journey with us into deep community and nature’s untamed beauty at Xinalani, hosted by Katy Scherer and Joseph Armstrong from September 19th to 26th, 2025.

We’re so excited that you’re considering this one-of-a-kind experience! Whether you’ve shared moments with us in Scotland, Italy or Guatemala, or this is your first retreat with us, you’re about to embark on something truly special. This year, we’re taking our retreat to a whole new level at Xinalani, an eco-sanctuary where the jungle meets the sea. It’s more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to reconnect, reset, and recharge in one of Mexico’s most inspiring, off-the-grid destinations. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into yoga, nature, and community.

What’s a typical day like?

At Xinalani, each day offers a balance of yoga, relaxation, and immersion in the serene beauty of Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Mornings start with the soft sounds of the ocean and jungle as Joseph and Katy lead you through a calming sadhana, beginning with breathing exercises and meditation. This is followed by our traditional Ashtanga Mysore practice, where both Katy and Joseph provide personalized guidance in the gorgeous open-air yoga shall.

Afternoons are dedicated to deepening your practice. With workshops tailored to the group’s needs, you’ll explore topics like asana refinement, yogic philosophy, breathwork techniques. Beyond the practice, Xinalani offers an oasis of natural beauty, inviting you to explore its pristine beach, take a dip in the sea, or relax in the comfort of your eco-friendly cabana tucked into the lush jungle landscape.

Welcome to the Jungle

Perched between the vibrant jungle and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Xinalani is a hidden sanctuary that invites you to leave the noise of daily life behind and reconnect with nature. Accessible only by boat, this eco-luxury retreat center is nestled on Mexico’s pristine coastline, surrounded by lush greenery, towering palms, and the sounds of wildlife. The magic of Xinalani lies in its natural simplicity—each moment feels like an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and embrace the beauty that surrounds you.

Whether you spend your free time wandering along the secluded beach, lounging in a hammock tucked into the jungle, or simply gazing out at the vast ocean from your open-air room, Xinalani offers the perfect setting for deep relaxation and self-reflection. The center was designed with sustainability in mind, blending seamlessly into its surroundings while offering all the comforts you need. The jungle, with its exotic flora and fauna, creates an enchanting backdrop for your yoga journey—where every step, every breath, feels in harmony with nature. From towering palm trees to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves, Xinalani is more than just a retreat center; it’s an experience of living amidst the wild and untamed beauty of the Mexican coastline. This is a place where you can truly unwind, re-ignite your passion for life, and let the healing energy of the jungle guide you back to yourself.

The Food

At Xinalani, every meal is an opportunity to nourish both body and soul. Eating here is not just a necessity—it’s a celebration. Their talented culinary team crafts vibrant, flavorful meals that honor both the richness of Mexican cuisine and the needs of a healthy, balanced yogic diet. Each dish is created with love and care, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that fuel your body with prana, the vital life energy. Expect a hearty breakfast served after the morning yoga practice, and a delicious dinner in the evening, with light snacks available throughout the day. Meals are served buffet-style, offering a variety of options to satisfy every palate, including vegan and gluten-free choices. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with nourishing, health-conscious twists—think chilaquiles for breakfast, or Veracruz-style fish and hearty vegetable stews for dinner.

Breakfast

Chopped fruit with yogurt and granola
Vegan pancakes
Roasted tomatoes stuffed with lentils and goat cheese
Refried beans and chilaquiles
Dinner Veracruz-style fish or eggplant with mushrooms
Broccoli and spinach soup
Quinoa with vegetables
Homemade guacamole

Throughout the retreat, our team ensures that everyone’s dietary needs are met with care, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have other preferences. At Xinalani, food is not just sustenance—it’s an integral part of the retreat experience, helping you feel grounded, energized, and deeply nourished.

Meet Katy & Joseph

Our journey together began under the Miami sun, but it’s taken us to the heart of India, through the forests of Scotland, swimming the sea in Italy, climbing volcanos in Guatemala and now to the tranquil shores of Xinalani in Mexico. This marks our fourth retreat as a team, and we are proud of the magic we create together on retreat. What makes us unique is how we balance tradition with innovation—rooted in the powerful lineage of Ashtanga, but always open to exploring new frontiers of breathwork, philosophy, and personal transformation. And we like to have fun! Expect a fair bit of silliness and lots of laughs.

Katy Scherer

Katy is an inspiring blend of strength and creativity, known for her ability to blend the timeless wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga with the transformative power of modern breathwork. Based in Bonn, Germany, Katy has studied under Sharath Jois in Mysore and earned authorization to teach in 2022. Her teaching style encourages you to explore the edges of your practice, offering the support and space needed to go deeper. A co-founder of The Vinyasa People Yoga Studio and Yin Nation, Katy wears many hats—teacher, business owner, mother, and wife—all while helping students find balance in their own lives.

Joseph Armstrong

Joseph’s teaching is deeply rooted in the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga, with a gaze that’s always looking toward the future. His own journey with yoga began in 2008 as a means of healing and self-discovery, eventually leading him to India, where he studied intensively. After overcoming addiction, Joseph found solace and strength in the practice, completing a two-year apprenticeship under Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor at Miami Life Center and earning authorization after studying in Mysore. His teaching is heartfelt and grounded, inviting students to find gentleness and peace in the practice, just as he did in his own life. Together, Katy and Joseph create a retreat space that balances the depth of yoga tradition with the joy of human connection. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or you’re a seasoned practitioner, their guidance will support you in uncovering new layers of your practice, while also sharing the laughter, stories, and experiences that make retreats so special.

Why Go on Retreat?

This retreat is more than just an escape—it’s a commitment to yourself and your practice. Whether you’re starting your yoga journey, reconnecting with the Mysore style, or seeking to dive deeper into your practice surrounded by breathtaking nature, this is your opportunity to rediscover what yoga means to you. Stepping away from the demands of daily life allows you to truly immerse yourself in the present moment, where the rhythm of the waves and the energy of the jungle provide the perfect backdrop for transformation. In this serene, supportive environment, you’ll find space to breathe, move, and grow. It’s a chance to focus on your practice, whether you’re a complete beginner or exploring advanced series, with experienced teachers to guide you every step of the way. All levels are not only welcome but celebrated here. No matter where you are in your journey, this retreat will help you cultivate the spark of joy and contentment that comes from dedicated practice. Surrounded by a like-minded community and the beauty of Xinalani, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to yourself and your practice.

Somewhere Across the Sea

You will stand on golden sands, enjoying a retreat for Mind, Body, and Spirit. At Xinalani, this retreat is more than a break from routine—it’s a full-body reset, a mental detox, and a spiritual recharge. Led by two teachers who understand the power of yoga both on and off the mat, you’ll be guided through a practice that nurtures every layer of your being.

In this serene environment, free from the distractions of daily life, you’ll have the space to listen to your body, slow down, and reconnect with your breath. The deep stillness of the jungle and the rhythmic sounds of the ocean provide a perfect setting for you to tune into your own rhythm, making it easier to let go of stress and anxiety.

This week is designed to help you find balance in both your practice and your life. Whether you’re feeling physically drained, emotionally overextended, or simply disconnected from your true self, this retreat offers a path to realignment. Through daily Mysore practice, pranayama, and meditation, you’ll release physical tension and mental clutter, allowing life to flow more freely.

With guidance from Katy and Joseph, you’ll also have the chance to explore more subtle aspects of your practice—how breath connects to movement, how mindfulness shifts your awareness, and how community supports your growth. The retreat setting itself encourages you to nurture your body with wholesome meals, restful sleep, and time spent in nature, all essential elements of self-care.

By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with a sense of clarity, lightness, and deeper connection—to your practice, to nature, and to yourself.