Young Widows Retreat | La Catrina
A Grief Healing Retreat for Young Widows (Ages 25–50)
Día de los Muertos | Sayulita, Mexico | Oct 31-Nov 4, 2026
During Día de los Muertos, the veil softens.
Love feels closer. Grief is given space to breathe.
Our memories become something we can walk beside and honor—even when the world has told us to move on.
The Power of Sisterhood
There is something powerful that happens when women who carry the same kind of loss come together.
Words aren’t always needed.
Walls soften.
And for the first time in a long time… you don’t feel alone in it.
This is a grief retreat for young widows navigating the loss of a partner—whether through suicide, illness, accident, or sudden tragedy.
This is your invitation into a community who understands.
This is also your invitation into the possibility of finding your path forward… once again.
The La Catrina Processional
One of the most powerful moments of this retreat.
During Día de los Muertos, the town of Sayulita comes alive in remembrance—
with candlelight, music, and altars honoring those who have passed.
As part of this experience, we will take part in the evening processional together.
If you feel called, you are invited to dress in La Catrina style and have your face painted— a beautiful Mexican tradition that honors life, death, and the enduring connection we hold with those we love.
Together, we step into the night.
Through candlelit streets.
Past altars and music.
To the cemetery… and down to Playa de los Muertos.
It is not heavy in the way you expect.
It is sacred.
It is emotional.
It is deeply, unexpectedly healing.
We walk in honor of those we love…
and find ourselves in a moment where grief and love coexist in the same breath.
This 5-day retreat is specially curated to address the mind/body/soul connections after traumatic loss.
A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE…
Guided grief circles + emotional support + holistic therapies
Somatic movement, breathwork, sunrise meditation, and sound bath
Día de los Muertos rituals + altar creation + ash ceremony
La Catrina face painting with professional MUA + professional photographer
Ocean and nature-based healing in the Mexican jungle
Surfing + boat snorkel excurion + curated local experiences
Nourishing meals shared in community
YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
4 nights lodging at Casa Cinética - a boutique retreat center perched high above the ocean ridgeline
Airport transfers to/from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport
Daily chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Daily Yoga + Guided Meditations at sunrise
an informative classroom on nervous system regulation
Surf Lessons with a local surf outfitter
Private boat ceremony to honor our lost loved ones.
Processional in the town of Sayulita on the night of Día de los Muertos
A 60-minute massage to feel refreshed and rejuvenated
A final night “soul sister” beach bonfire
Location: SAYULITA, MEXICO
Sayulita is a small surf town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.
It’s colorful, a little gritty in the best way, and easy to settle into—
you’re either by the ocean or walking through town, and everything just flows from there.
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE.
designed for only 6-8 participants
Daily free time with other guests
Enjoy beach time, downtown shopping and intimate dinners
After your retreat, we invite you to our tribe of other 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 those who have experienced traumatic loss.
Our staff is comprised of the highest quality of professional practitioners, coaches, and therapists. Every team member lives here locally and is excited to share their home, their knowledge, and their hearts with you.
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 suicide in 2022.
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!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT - $2,195
(Secure your spot with a $495 non-refundable deposit)
PAYMENT OPTIONS
OPTION 1 - Pay a $495 deposit with the final balance due 30 days before the retreaT
OPTION 2 - Pay in full and save $195 (Total $2000)
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.
