MAGICAL MEXICO
A 7-night memoir & yoga retreat in San Miguel de Allende, January 17–24, 2027
Write your story.
Expand your perspective.
Move your body.
Nourish your spirit.
A life-changing experience.
“It’s like Eat, Pray, Love condensed into one week!”
THE CITY
San Miguel de Allende has been named “the best small city in the world” by both Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure magazine. Situated in the heart of Mexico’s central highlands, this peaceful and charming UNESCO World Heritage city has long been known as a sanctuary for artists and writers, from Beat poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to beloved poet Mary Oliver and Canada’s own Margaret Atwood.
With a reputation as a magnet for older women and a haven for retirees, San Miguel is bathed in year-round, spring-like sunshine. It’s a cultural oasis that bursts with beauty—from cascading bougainvillea and brightly painted buildings to its ancient cobblestone streets.
THE EXPERIENCE
Over 8 days and 7 nights, you’ll immerse yourself in guided memoir writing, gentle yoga-based movement, and creative exploration—infused with a sense of adventure and discovery, and supported by a circle of women in a beautiful Mexican setting.
Anne Bokma
Your writing instructor for the week is Anne Bokma, an award-winning author and journalist. A memoir coach and retreat leader, she has helped hundreds of women write their stories. Her memoir, My Year of Living Spiritually: One Woman's Secular Quest for a More Soulful Life, ( Douglas & McIntyre) won two Hamilton Literary Awards. Anne founded Hamilton's popular 6-Minute Memoir storytelling event and writes The Other Side of Midlife, a biweekly newspaper column in The Hamilton Spectator exploring women’s experiences in midlife & beyond. She also publishes her newsletter, The Other Side of Midlife: Lessons in Late Blooming.
Dr. Meghan Davis
Your yoga instructor meditation guide for the week is Dr. Meghan Davis, who has spent more than 25 years as a family physician helping people thrive in body and mind. A certified yoga teacher, experienced meditator, and advocate for mindful movement, Meghan leads gentle-flow classes infused with warmth, wisdom, curiosity, insightful reflections and a deep understanding of physical and emotional well-being.
This is a week designed to expand your capacity for resilience, joy, connection and creative expression. You’ll be nourished in beautiful, soul-satisfying surroundings, with delicious meals in the company of a caring community of fellow participants.
“When a woman steps away to create, she’s not leaving her life behind—she’s deepening it.”
These retreats sell out quickly
Get in touch to book your Zoom call
THE HOTEL
Nestled in the heart of San Miguel de Allende's city centre, Casa de la Noche is a beautifully restored hacienda-style boutique hotel (and historic bordello!) that blends colonial charm, artistic inspiration and modern comfort, featuring handcrafted Mexican furnishings and textiles. Surrounded by fountains, courtyards, terraces, and rooftop views, the property is just steps from San Miguel's vibrant arts scene, popular restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Retreat participants will enjoy beautiful rooms, outstanding meals and exceptional hospitality in a setting designed to support wellness, connection and personal transformation.
Rooms range from a mix of standard rooms, spacious luxury rooms and high-end luxury suites, all with their own ensuite bath. Some rooms are private, some are shared. Rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
THE COMMUNITY
The retreat is designed to foster intimacy, deepen connection, and provide each participant with personal attention, as well as the time and space to create and share their work. Space is limited to 16 women.
Anne and Meghan are skilled and compassionate leaders who cultivate a safe, supportive, space for creative exploration and gentle movement.
“For total strangers at the beginning of the trip, there was a wonderful bonding and ease of connection between us by week’s end. It was life-changing.”
“The sense of community was life-affirming—far beyond what I imagined.”
“We wrote, read, laughed and cried. It was incredible how quickly we bonded as a group. I would love to do it all over again.
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7 Ways This Experience Is Different from Other Writing Retreats.
1. Finish, don’t just begin
Many writing retreats focus on inspiration. This one focuses on completion. Leave with a polished memoir piece, supported through every stage from first draft to finished story.
2. The healing power of being heard
Share your story in a confidential circle of women and experience the connection, insight and affirmation that comes from being truly seen.
3. Personal coaching for your story
Receive a private one-on-one memoir coaching session with Anne to uncover the heart of your story and strengthen your narrative.
4. Move to unlock creativity
Begin each day with gentle yoga and meditation, helping release tension, spark creativity and prepare both body and mind for writing.
5. A gathering with shared values
Participants share a desire for personal growth and authentic storytelling. A brief Zoom meeting with the retreat leader to answer any questions helps ensure the experience is a good fit for everyone.
6. Confidence every step of the way
Book with peace of mind through a travel industry-compliant representative that provides consumer protections, insurance options, and added security for your investment.
7. The best part of this retreat experience?
We’ll do all the work for you, including finding the best flights, arranging for group airport transport and planning a wonderful week of creativity, movement, meals and activities. All you need to do is pack your bag and show up.
THE FOOD
Your retreat experience is designed to be as nourishing for the senses as it is for the body—celebrating fresh, local flavours and the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, while also allowing space for spontaneous discovery.
Full breakfasts are included each day with a choice of two hot dishes as well as seasonal fruits, yogurt, etc. Lunch is typically soup, salad, sandwich and dessert while dinners are classical local fare: think enchiladas, salads, tortilla soup, Mexican stews.
THE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Your retreat offers a selection of opportunities to explore, unwind, and connect more deeply with the spirit of San Miguel.
A signature experience will be a group visit to the iconic La Gruta Spa, known for its natural thermal pools and cave-like hot springs. Transportation will be provided.
A variety of inspiring local experiences are within easy walking distance of the hotel or a short taxi ride away, including:
El Jardín, the vibrant main square framed by the iconic Parroquia—San Miguel’s social and cultural heartbeat
Parque Juárez, a tranquil garden setting ideal for reflection, journaling, or quiet conversation
The Biblioteca Pública, a beloved cultural landmark with a courtyard café and dynamic arts programming
Bellas Artes and the historic Fábrica La Aurora, both celebrated centres of art, galleries, and creative energy
The colourful Mercado de Artesanías, filled with handcrafted textiles, jew ellery, pottery, and folk art
Tarot reading with a trusted local practitioner for reflection and insight
Conversations with Canadian expats offering personal perspectives on life in San Miguel
In-room massages at the hotel can be arranged on request
Note: San Miguel de Allende has cobblestone streets and some uneven walking areas, so it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility challenges. That said, taxis are readily available and easy to use, and for anyone comfortable with a bit of walking and a few steps, the retreat venue offers ground-floor rooms with minimal need to navigate stairs within the property.
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps!
Your retreat experience includes:
7 nights of accommodation Casa de la Noche boutique hotel
Daily 2.5 memoir writing workshops with Anne
Daily one-hour yoga & meditation with Meghan
Airport transport to and from Léon/Guanajuato Airport (BJX)
Transport for 1/2 day trip to La Gruta Spa thermal baths
Daily full breakfasts
Daily lunches (except for day trip to La Gruta Spa, where lunch can be purchased)
5 dinners at Casa de la Noche, with two free evenings on your own to venture into the heart of San Miguel’s culinary culture. (We’ll provide a curated list of our favourite restaurants and assist with arrangements.)
45-minute one-on-one private writing coaching session with Anne
Closing ceremony of shared stories
Access to the hotel's inviting sitting rooms, terraces, garden, writing nooks, living area and kitchen.
Assistance from hotel staff for local excursions, taxis, etc.
Internet access.
Pre-retreat support for travel plans/booking flights
Zoom meeting with all participants prior to retreat to get to know one another and plan possible post-retreat stays
Group WhatsApp to connect with your fellow travellers and retreat leaders
Yoga mats and materials supplied
The retreat fee does not include:
Airfare, alcohol & optional excursion fees
Pricing
$4,650 (early bird rate – book by Sept. 10)
$4,850 (after Sept. 10)
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The best part of this retreat experience?
We’ve done all the work for you, including finding the best return flight from Toronto, arranging for transport and planning a wonderful week of meals and activities. All you need to do is pack your bag and show up.
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If you are interested in this experience, we will set up a short Zoom meeting with you to answer any questions you have and let you know about the rooms that are available. After our call we will confirm your participation. Space is limited to 16 participants.
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 CDN is required upon confirmation of participation to reserve your spot.
The balance of your retreat fee is due by Nov. 1, 2026
(Payment plans can be arranged)
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Yes. Bookings for the retreat portion of this trip must be made through our travel agent of record, Julie Gillen of Passport to Passage. Booking through a reputable travel agency in compliance with Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) guidelines, ensures that your investment is protected. By booking through a TICO-registered agent, you have access to cancellation and travel insurance options, and your payments are safeguarded through the TICO Compensation Fund, giving you peace of mind in case of unexpected changes or issues.
You are also encouraged to also book your flight through our travel agent to ensure you receive expert advice and peace of mind since you will have immediate support for any unexpected issues, such as flight cancellations, last-minute changes, emergencies and any other travel complications. She can also assist you with trip interruption and travel health insurance. (Note: Travel health insurance is mandatory for this trip).
All payments can be made by e-transfer or credit card
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Yes—if you choose a shared room, we will absolutely help match you with a compatible roommate. We take this process seriously and thoughtfully consider factors like lifestyle preferences, sleep habits, and general travel style so that we can create the best possible pairing. Our goal is always to make sure you feel comfortable, at ease, and well-supported from the moment you arrive.
On past retreats, many women who shared rooms arrived as strangers and left as close friends.
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Your airport transport to and from the retreat is complimentary, regardless of when you arrive at the airport on Jan. 17 and when you depart on Jan. 24. A light dinner will be available when you arrive on Jan. 17 (after 5 p.m until 9 p.m.).
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Days will be full but there will also be time to relax.
7:30 a.m.: Yoga with Meghan Davis
9 a.m. Breakfast
10 a.m. Writing workshop with Anne Bokma
12:30 p.m. Lunch on site
2 p.m.-6 p.m. Optional excursions
7- 9 p.m. Dinner, conversation circles, games
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Anne is an experienced writing coach who works with all levels of writers, including those who have never written a word before. In fact, most of her retreat participants have no writing experience and end up being amazed with the stories they produce. With her positive and approachable nature, she has successfully coached hundreds of people in crafting both short memoir style pieces and will guide you through the process step-by-step, using a series of writing prompts, exercises and lessons on memoir that will see you create a 1,200-word true life story. At the end of the week, we will share our stories with one another in a special ceremony.
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Not at all. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience with yoga, Meghan will ensure her gentle yoga and meditation sessions are appropriate for everyone. The yoga room is equipped with yoga blankets, blocks, and mats.
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Expect sunny, dry days with comfortable temperatures around 20–22°C (68–72°F), while evenings and early mornings are cooler, typically 6–8°C (43–46°F).
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You never have to share anything unless you want to, and coaching always takes place in a supportive, confidential and judgment-free space.
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Yes, we will require that you provide proof of travel/health insurance after booking. We will also require you to you sign a liability waiver.
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Your initial $1,000 deposit is nonrefundable due to deposits that are made in advance for the retreat rental. If you have to cancel, the balance of your payment is refundable if we are able to fill your spot from the waitlist (and we usually can!)
We strongly recommend purchasing travel interruption insurance that covers unexpected illness or cancellation to protect your investment.
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You won’t actually be alone on this retreat. San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most visited and well-established cultural destinations with a strong tourism infrastructure, an active international community and is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming place for travellers.
Before the retreat even begins, you’ll be invited ito a pre-trip group Zoom call to meet other participants so you’ll be familiar with each other long before you arrive. You’ll also be part of a private WhatsApp group allowing you can stay in touch before, during and after the retreat.
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If you wish to extend your stay in San Miguel, the hotel can assist with arranging additional nights on the property or on one of its adjoining properties. There are
also many well-located, reasonably priced Airbnbs in and around the city centre, all within easy reach of the hotel and San Miguel’s main attractions. Participants will meet online several months before the retreat so you have plenty of time to get acquainted and coordinate pre- or post-retreat travel with others in the group.
