Otehlia curates an incredible travel experience that you simply will never get at an all-inclusive. I can’t wait to do this tour again with every family member and close friend I can bring with me. Go and see!
Friendsgiving Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico
A wellness focused experience for women unlike any other
Nov 24-29 8 Spots starting at $3099
Culinary Vacation
Friendsgiving Wellness Retreat in Oaxaca
Nov 24-29 WOMEN ONLY (NOTE: this is over Thanksgiving). up to 8 spots! starting at $3099/pp double occupancy
A wellness-focused experience in the heart of Oaxaca. Do you need a place to give thanks alongside other women? This is the trip for you! Fast friends, fabulous food, and forever memories loading!
Do you want to explore more of Mexico? Come with me to Oaxaca! Space limited to a small group of no more than 8 women. I had such a profound healing experience in Oaxaca and would like to share it with you on this mini-retreat over Thanksgiving weekend.
Spend 6 days and 5 nights nourishing your mind, body and spirit on this beautiful retreat for women. With a healthy focus on food, culture and fun, we will also take time to honor ourselves and our journey as women with special experiences that nourish our spirit.
Oaxaca is a jewel in Mexico, rich in cultural and culinary traditions and is designated a world UNESCO heritage site. Oaxaca is extremely diverse, with over 15 indigenous groups throughout the state. Oaxaca is known for its incredible Day of the Dead celebrations, gorgeous coastlines, colorful markets and of course mezcal and mole.
It’s also a deeply spiritual place, rich in arts and culture, and breathtaking nature. We’ll experience a Temazcal, traditional steam hut, a traditional cleaning ceremony and cord-cutting ceremony, hikes in nature, creative arts, rooftop morning journaling, delicious food of course and time to relax.
Get ready for the wellness trip of a lifetime where you will experience more than just another yoga retreat, but an immersive cultural experience and more!
Marvel in the magnificence of Oaxacan healing and rich cultural heritage on this Women’s retreat, with me (Otehlia) as your host. We’ll spend 6 days and 5 nights based in Oaxaca City, experiencing and exploring the magic of Oaxaca with locals. What makes this trip extra special is that it is designed especially for and by women. We will be supporting women healers, artists, food purveyors and business owners as often as possible. And this trip is designed for 8 attendees only (ages 18+–I believe that intergenerational experiences are super important. You’d be surprised–on one trip to Mexico the 81 year old wanted to get group tattoos. A good level of health and fitness is important as we will be hiking one day (you can always sit it out).
This is your opportunity! Join me on this one-of-a-kind trip that incorporates fun, rest, and cultural experiences in a welcoming, fun, safe and inclusive environment. This trip is designed to bring people together to nurture and uplift our spirits while having fun and supporting diverse cultural and culinary traditions. Oaxaca City and the surrounding area is very safe for all travelers!
Highlights
Temazcal steam experience and massage (women owned)
Rooftop yoga and journaling
Local market and food tour
Sensory dinner experience by local women chef
Creative art project with local artisans
Traditional “limpia” or “corta lasso” cleanses
Rooftop yoga and journaling
Free time
Gallery
Itinerary and Lodging
Friendsgiving Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival at Oaxaca airport, we will head to the hotel and check in. Take some time to relax with your welcome drink before gathering for our first dinner just outside the city center of Oaxaca, sampling some of the most incredible local fare at a private home. We’ll learn about Zaptoec culinary traditions that are being preserved. This dinner will be very special as it is a sensory dinner created just for our group that allows us to slow down and be present, while having fun!
Day 2
Wake up and enjoy breakfast before heading to a traditional temazcal ceremony. The word temazcal originates from a Nahuatl word Temāzcalli, which translates to “house of heat.” This cleansing ceremony dates back to pre-historic times and is a wonderful way to relax, and clear your mind. You’ll go inside a steam hut like a sauna, where herbs and cooling water are used alternately. The temazcal we go to is women operated and you’ll be tended by a woman in the steam hut as well, who will make sure you are comfortable. You can leave at any time if you become uncomfortable. After this relaxing steam session, you’ll enjoy a massage before heading to the local market for a tour of the products and food for a late lunch. We’ll gather on the roof for happy hour and time to set intentions for the trip before exploring the city on foot and grabbing a bite of food or enjoy a local drink.
Day 3
It’s Thanksgiving! Let’s give thanks for our community, our health and that we can travel. Yoga is an option this morning on the roof of our hotel overlooking the city and mountains. After a delicious breakfast we will head to the beautiful Sierra Norte mountains for a hike. This hike is moderately strenuous, with the most amazing views. We will be guided by a local female hiking guide and her friend who is a local herbalist and knows edible foods. We will enjoy a beautiful feast from a restaurant run by the indigenous local communities (outdoor picnic style weather permitting). This is a full and fun day in nature. We’ll have time to journal when we get back before relaxing into the evening. Intended to be a no device day.
Lodging
Experiences
Hike, Thanksgiving picnic and wild herbs and edibles – offline
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Today we explore art and community. After a leisurely morning, we’ll have a very special experience led by artists that use art for social change. We’ll visit their studio and take time to make something on your own to take home, inspired by your experiences. Learn about Oaxacan art traditions and how they have been adapted and inspired by modern times and ideas. Get crafty! Snacks and drink provided. We’ll gather in the evening for dinner.
Day 5
After breakfast we’ll enjoy our final full day in Oaxaca City! We will set up appointments for limpia or corta lasso throughout the day, and allow free time for shopping before you head home. These cleansing ceremonies are provided by a local healer. The limpia is included, or you can upgrade to a corta lasso. We’ll gather in the evening for a farewell dinner at a woman owned restaurant and final intention setting and journal reflection.
Day 6
Departure Day: After a delicious breakfast, and closing circle we’ll head to the airport and back home, refreshed, rejuvenated and with the beauty and memories of Oaxaca in our hearts forever.
MEals
Breakfast
COST: Starting at $3099/pp. All prices USD. See pricing details below.
Included:
- All transportation for included experiences, airport transfers
- 5 days breakfast
- 3 dinners
- 3 lunches
- All experiences and meals as outlined in itinerary
Not included:
- Airfare to Oaxaca City
- Drinks and food beyond what’s included in the itinerary
- Any additional alcoholic beverages not included in meals
- Required travel insurance (As a travel agent I can purchase this on your behalf or you can get your own)
- Your transportation around Oaxaca for personal activities
- Gratuities (suggested about $15-20/day)
- Cost of upgrade to corta lasso (about $50)
Detailed airport arrival information and instructions will be provided and I will be there to greet you!
Tour Leader
Tour Leader
Otehlia founded Otehlia Travels, LLC in 2021, and has been a leader in the travel and tourism industry for over 10 years. International group travel comes naturally to her! She led her first international tour to Mali, West Africa in the late 1990’s when she brought a group of dancers to study there. She made group travel her official job in 2011 when she led her first culinary tour to Mexico. She eventually added culinary tours to Cuba, and then finally in 2021, she launched Otehlia Travels, LLC, a dedicated travel brand.
Read MoreI have no hesitation in recommending this, or any other tour Otehlia curates, to anybody who wants a fun filled culinary tour with like minded people, expertly crafted and put together.
Pricing
2026 Pricing
Room Options (Hotel: Grana B&B)
1 King bed Junior Suite (2 available)
$3299/pp double occupancy (shared king bed)/ $3999 single occupancy
Double Queen 2 QUEEN/2 bathrooms (2 available)
$3495/pp double occupancy/ no single occupancy
Standard room 1 queen bed (1 available)
$3099/pp double occupancy (shared queen bed)/ $3799 single occupancy
Refunds and adjustments: There will be no refunds or adjustments for unused portion of the tour.
$700 to add third person to a room
$500 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot
**Minimum of 4 guests to run the tour
Otehlia Travels Vacation Booking Form
Policies and Procedures/Covid Policies and Guidelines
Tour Policies and Procedures incl. Covid updates
Covid Protocol and Safety Measures:
We will adhere to local mask mandates and safety protocol.
If you test positive and must quarantine, you will be fully responsible for any fees associated with your stay including but not limited to health care costs and lodging. By joining the tour each participant voluntarily agrees to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense of any kind that they may experience or incur in connection with their Madison Eats Food Tours trip and its activities.
Cancellation and Refund: If Otehlia Travels cancels the tour, all fees paid MINUS your $500 deposit (service fee) will be refunded. We strongly encourage trip insurance in case of unforeseen events that result in the cancellation of your trip. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations prior to 60 days before the trip are 50% refundable. (minus the $500 initial deposit). Cancellations made on or after 60 days prior to the trip are non refundable and non transferrable.
Travel Insurance: Otehlia Travels requires travel insurance for all travelers with at least basic coverage for trip cancellation, delay or interruption. Two companies that offer insurance that I recommend are AIG or Allianz. You can get a quote from AIG and also Allianz offers it. You definitely need to read the fine print regarding Covid-related coverage. You would purchase your own coverage. There are various levels, but at a baseline, you want trip cancellation or delay, and medical emergency – Once you reach out to a provider, you can see the basic coverage and additions. For travel to Cuba, Cuba requires medical insurance and that is usually included in your ticket purchase (flight). We travel to Cuba under “support for the Cuban people”.
Final Payment: Final payment is due no later than 90 days before the tour start date. 5% processing fee applies for credit card transactions.
A) Minimum Group Size:
Otehlia Travels’ trips are priced based on a minimum group size that varies by trip, making our trips financially viable to operate. Otehlia Travels reserves the right to cancel any trip if the trip does not attract the minimum number of clients required to make the trip financially viable. Otehlia Travels will not, however, cancel a trip due to minimum group size any later than 21 days prior to the commencement of the trip. In the event of cancellation, Otehlia Travels shall not, in any case, be responsible for nonrefundable expenses incurred by the client, including, but not limited to airline cancellation fees or insurance purchases.
Alternatively, clients may choose to pay a small group surcharge that would be assessed to each guest in groups that fall below the minimum group size, which avoids us having to cancel the trip.
B) Force Majeure:
Otehlia Travels reserves the right to cancel a trip at any stage prior to the scheduled departure due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events which make it unviable for Otehlia Travels to operate our planned schedule. In such a case, Otehlia Travels will, at its own discretion, refund a portion of the trip price (less incurred costs and the non-refundable deposit), reschedule the tour, or offer an alternative tour. Should the client choose to purchase “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) insurance coverage, and the tour becomes unviable for Otehlia Travels to operate or reschedule, Otehlia Travels will cover the client’s CFAR deductible up to 25% of the price of the tour.
BOOKING AMENDMENTS
If you wish to change your booking in any way, you must contact us as soon as possible and we will accommodate your request to the best of our ability. Surcharges may apply.
SUBSTITUTION OF A CLIENT
If any member of the party is prevented from traveling because of the death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person (acceptable to Otehlia Travels) provided that written notice is given at least 30 days prior to departure. An administration fee of up to $150 may be imposed by the company to cover non-refundable costs. Airlines may impose 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket.
Photography release: The tour participants permits Otehlia Travels, LLC to photographs, films, images, text, testimonials of participants for its own commercial use without compensation to participants.
Any dispute related to these terms and conditions or the program itself, directly or indirectly shall be settled solely in the courts of Madison, WI. In such litigation, Wisconsin law will apply.
*Does not include round trip airfare to Oaxaca City, airport taxes, personal expenses, housekeeping and instructor/guide tips, Medical fees, travel insurance. Includes meals, alcoholic beverages and excursions as specified in itinerary as well as all tips to staff and guides for included excursions.
By registering, you agree to our Policies & Procedures including our Waiver & Liability Release policy.
