La Catrina - A Sacred Día de los Muertos Healing Retreat for Widows of Suicide Loss
La Catrina is a sacred Día de los Muertos retreat created for widows navigating the complex path of suicide loss. Held in the heart of Sayulita, Mexico, this 5-day experience invites you into a space where grief is not rushed, hidden, or fixed—but honored. During a time when the veil between worlds feels thinner, we come together to remember, to feel, and to reconnect with the love that still exists beyond loss. Through shared stories, intentional rituals, and quiet moments by the ocean, you’ll be supported in both your sorrow and your strength—surrounded by women who understand this journey in a way few others can
Trust us. There is hope for a path forward after suicide.
This 5-day retreat is specially curated to address the mind/body/soul connections after the devastating loss from suicide.
Designed for 6-8 women only, we combine holistic healing modalities, with surf & art therapy, in a private location on the Nayarit coast.
YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
4 nights lodging in a luxury home on the coast of Mexico
Airport transfers to/from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport
Daily chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Group Sessions with other suicide loss survivors (before, after and during the event)
Daily Yoga + Guided Meditations at sunrise
Nervous system regulation and group hypnotherapy
Workshops and post-retreat integration meetings to adjust back to family and daily life
Surf Lessons with a local surf outfitter
Private boat ceremony to honor our lost loved ones.
Spiritual, indigenous “temazcal” (sweat lodge) experience guided by an appointed shaman
A 60-minute massage to feel refreshed and rejuvenated
A final night “soul sister” beach bonfire
Access to our private group of widows who have previously attended one of The Light Within retreats
Location: SAYULITA, MEXICO
Sayulita is a place where healing feels a little more possible the moment your feet touch the sand. Just about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, it’s easily accessible yet feels worlds away from the noise of everyday life. Tucked along Mexico’s Pacific coast, this vibrant surf town carries a rhythm that gently pulls you out of your thoughts and back into your body. Mornings begin with soft light over the ocean, afternoons drift between jungle paths and salty air, and evenings glow with connection, color, and warmth. There is something deeply supportive about Sayulita—the way nature surrounds you, the way time slows down, the way you’re invited to just be. It’s the kind of place that holds you quietly, making space for reflection, release, and, ultimately, renewal.
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE.
All of our retreats are designed for only 6-8 participants
We include free time in our daily agenda for downtime with other guests.
Enjoy beach bonfires, downtown shopping and intimate dinners where we form bonds for life.
After your retreat, we invite you to join our virtual tribe of soul sisters who have come before you at a Light Within retreat.
Let’s Go Surfing!
The ocean brings renewed hope as we “surf” our own waves of grief. Surfing is an integral part of all of our retreats, and our local beaches are widely known for its gentle waves that are perfect for beginners or more advanced surfers. We work with local surf instructors to feel the powerful moment of catching a wave!
Don’t feel like surfing? No worries - everyone is invited to paddle out with us or watch from the beach.
We are a team of caring individuals who have hands-on experience working with suicide loss survivors.
Our staff is comprised of the highest quality of professional practitioners, coaches, and therapists who are experienced in grief and the complicated loss to suicide. Every team member lives here locally and is excited to share their home, their knowledge, and their hearts with you. Click here to get to know our Staff.
Hi, I’m Andi.
I am the founder of The Light Within retreats and will be your host. I am here to pay forward all of the love and compassion this place has shown me when I was doing my own healing after I lost my husband to mental health in 2022.
I promise you an experience of a lifetime, a community that will hold you up, and some amazing time with Mother Ocean.
I am a business & life coach by day, a serious water girl, and a surviving widow myself after losing my amazing partner, Joel — who guides me through each and every event. Together, we are glad you found us here.
Bienvenidos!
Cost - $1,500
(Secure your spot with a $295 non-refundable deposit)
You have several options to secure your space at The Light Within.
OPTION 1 - Pay a $295 deposit with the final balance due 30 days before the retreat
OPTION 2 - Pay in 4 monthly installments.
OPTION 3 - Pay in full.
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Zelle, or Apple Pay.
We understand that finances may be difficult after losing a spouse and are happy to work a plan that fits within your budget. Contact us today at andi@thelightwithin.org.
Would you like to sponsor a guest’s attendance? Please contact us directly to gift this healing experience to someone in need.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
All deposits are non-refundable.
You may cancel anytime 90 days prior to the retreat for a 50% refund. No refunds offered after 90 days, but you may transfer your registration to a waitlisted participant.
We require a minimum of 4 guests to host a retreat. All monies will be refunded if we need to cancel for low attendance or for unforeseen circumstances.
Airfare and travel insurance is the responsibility of the guest.
Our retreats are eligible for pre-tax, out-of-pocket wellness expenses covered under company-sponsored Flexible Spending Accounts.
